No Limitations Seminar Raises Over $2,700 For IACP
By Jay Stull, Former Board Member of IACP

Through the generosity and commitment of Fred Hassen and Robin MacFarlane a singularly successful weekend seminar raised over $2,700 for the IACP.

When I first approached Robin about donating her time and expertise to provide a No Limitations Seminar for the benefit of the IACP, Robin immediately agreed. Her always-positive attitude and dedication to the Association were readily apparent in her next response, “I’ll call Fred and see if he can come as well.” The call to Fred resulted in an unreserved yes, and that he would do so at his own expense to further contribute support to the IACP.

Even though the weather started as a bit rainy and cold, the grounds and facilities at my training center were ideal. With a view of the entire training area, those needing a brief respite from the training could watch from the deck, or warm up inside the clubhouse. It was a testimony to the effectiveness of the training that it was rare to see anyone not actively participating.

The Seminar began Friday evening with a free preview and demonstration. Formal instruction started on Saturday, and for the first hour the pulling and barking dogs kept many of the students well occupied trying to control them. The change by Sunday morning was dramatic, as every dog was quiet and laying peacefully while the lecture portion of the class took place. Dogs ranged from Daschunds to a Wolfhound in size, and temperaments varied nearly as widely. The constant barking on Saturday was replaced with quiet, and tight leashes restraining pulling dogs were nowhere to be seen. Training covered gaining attention, sit, down, kennel, recall, sending away, loose leash walking, place-boards, jumps, and many of the student’s individual training issues. While some of the larger dogs tried to go under the jump, after easily clearing the bar one little Beagle decided to show off by leaping onto the 4 inch post and perching like a bird … lighter moments and a relaxed, no-pressure approach kept all the training enjoyable.

There were so many positive changes and improvements in performance for every dog that individual stories would take all the space available: shy dogs that would not leave their owners side on Saturday actually sought the attention of strangers. A large Labrador that had pulled its owner down and injured her just a few days prior was following, turning, and stopping on a completely slack line. Students were able to exchange dogs and get immediate cooperation with their new charge. The confidence and proficiency which the handlers gained in the proper use of the e-collar, was more than enough to allow them to continue successful training after the seminar.

As a final note, one of the benefits of the Seminar was the opportunity to meet new people, and seeing old friends. Talk about training and dogs occupied the evenings, and at the breakfast table as well. The attendees, and the IACP as an organization, owe a real debt of gratitude to Fred and Robin. From all of us, a big Thank you to them both.