Although Snap is not my first Border Collie, she is the first dog I've trained on my own. She's also the first dog I've run in USBCHA trials. She holds the 'first titles' for many things. She is my first Novice dog. My first Pro-Novice dog. My first Ranch dog and she is my first Nursery dog. All in about one year's time!

I'm not sure it is really correct to say I've trained any dog on my own because most of what I know about dog training I've learned from others. Many folks, some I've never actually met, and some long dead, have helped me understand how or why or why not. So, although I've never had another trainer actually instruct Snap, I have had the good luck of spending time working with some wonderful, insightful, and spirited dog trainers over the years. Some are pretty famous and some completely unknown. All have helped me formulate my very own 'How-to' manual on stockdog training.

Snap taking a ride in the Gator with her Dad and Mom.

It is good to say that maybe Snap has done the best job showing me how to shape a good working dog. Her DNA runs deep with the skills of many great dogs that have come before her and because she is so willing to get things right, and so honest when things go wrong, she has been a great teacher. A great teacher, an awesome partner, and a very good friend.