Brody - A Trainer's Helper

Not too long ago I posted a brief tribute to a dog we lost last fall. During recent days I've been thinking it would be nice to post the life story of dogs while they still are with us. Brody is one of my current dogs - one many clients have met over the years. While Brody is well trained, he had humble beginning.

I was looking for another dog when I found Brody during a visit to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, shortly before Christmas 2005. He had been in the shelter for several months, and at first glance looked a bit funny. He was rather hyper, had long legs and a small head, and an ear that was bent and creased. I actually spent several hours looking at other dogs that day, but finally decided to take Brody out for a walk seeing such an eager personality bouncing around the inside of his chain link pen. Once outside it was clear that Brody was a dog that very much wanted to please, and he made his way to our home that day.

After the ritual 1st bath, Brody was running around the house when my wife came home from work. They both stood there in the hallway looking at each other with a priceless "who's this" look? That first night when Brody lay down on his bed, he gave out a v-e-r-y long groan. My wife and I looked at each other, surprised that such a loud noise could come from a 60 lb dog. This was Brody's relaxation sigh - pure enjoyment having found a soft place to sleep for the first time in many months.

Brody was not trained when he arrived, and his boundless energy on the leash took a great deal of persistence early on. But over time Brody trained up very well, as you can see on my video page. Brody has blossomed into not only a faithful companion, but also a great co-worker. He travels during cooler weather as I go out to see clients each week, helping on several visits with various dogs and owners.

The one thing that I always remember with Brody is how many times I passed his cage before taking him out for a walk, thinking he wasn't what I was looking for. But at his core he wanted to please, and that was enough to overcome all preconceived notions and potential obstacles. When people ask me how to pick out a dog, I always think about Brody. Pick a dog based on personality - not looks, not breed. If you do, you won't regret it.