Sandy Gonzales

Animals have always fascinated me since I was old enough to know what they were. I grew up around the family dogs and cats and have been involved training dogs since I was a teen. Over the past 50+ years, I have trained all of my dogs and, when I was finally able to get my first horse and the many afterward, have been involved in training them as well. I have learned that there are lots of methods of getting animals, even large ones, to do what I want them to do. I have also learned that there are no shortcuts or magic gimmicks to make it happen faster than forging a relationship with that animal. The relationship is the most important part of training. It is the partnership that brings joy into the mix. Without the fun, there is no point. I am in this for the fun and that marvelous moment when the light clicks on and the animal has learned how to learn and that it brings reward, whether physical or mental. I keep looking for the light!