The search for just the right instructor

This is a loaded statement, eh?  Maybe you find an instructor that does well for you, then you kind of outgrow that instructor.  Or maybe, your instructor is good with your dogs, with good training input, but not with you or visa versa.  I'm just thinking out loud here.  No name calling....just pondering.

I have been blessed to move to the PNW where clinics abound.  I have been to many clinics since my move to Sequim.  I have taken a little of this and a little of that from each clinic.  It may be like that for me with instruction.  I'm able to take a little of this and a little of that.

The search for just the right instructor may not happen.  I may need to gain some new insight from one and move on to another.  I'm just kind of testing the waters here in the PNW.  But, I can tell you this, I have had superb handlers that give lessons at my fingertips (well, at least in a 3 hour range).  And, that, to me, is a real bonus.

I have learned more here in the last year than I did in multiple years where I used to live.  Plus, I have more trials here than I used to have in SoCal.  I'm not too worried about having only a small piece of acreage to work the dogs, because I feel consistency and learning how to get what you need from each dog outweighs having huge fields.

I'm what I call kind of a sloppy handler.  I'm competitive, but not to the point I could be, or would like to be.  I like to train and handle my own dogs.  Every dog is so different.  It really takes a pro to analyze them in a short matter of time.  And, wow, have I met a few pros that were right on!  Amazing.  But, at the same time, they need to address the "handler," me.

I need encouragement.  I need goals.  I can take constructive criticism, but don't squash my dreams.  Help me achieve the best I can be with the dogs that I have.  Both my dogs have flaws just as I have flaws as their handler.  Help us, teach us, to achieve the best we can together as a team.  That is all I ask :0)