Need input re: big decision

[tulip]

It sounds like you could always go back to the personal training, but the dog training opportunity is here and now.

It would be great to have a personal trainer who specializes in exercising with your dog. Now there's a market niche.

(From what I've seen at dog shows, alot of handlers could use some personal training...)

[sundial]

Well.....I might be biased but I'd vote for a career in dog training.

I used to be a certified aerobic instructor and while it was fun, I couldn't continue the pace and eventually dropped the fitness instruction. Gyms do seem to be geared for the younger market although the Baby Boomers do make up a larger market.

You obviously have a lot of working knowledge of showing and training dogs. I would think you would enjoy the challenge of helping dog owners establish a good relationship and enjoy the full benefits of responsible ownership.

[LBTC]

It would be great to have a personal trainer who specializes in exercising with your dog. Now there's a market niche.

I *love* this!

Sending lots of butterflies to help you through these next few weeks. Even when change is good, it's stressful, so hopefully the butterflies will help.....

H&B
~T~

[snapdragen]

It would be great to have a personal trainer who specializes in exercising with your dog. Now there's a market niche.

I was thinking this too! Kind of a Mommy and Me fitness training, only it's Doggie and Me.

**OK, let's bench press these Schnauzers....**

[Dogmama]

How about drafting a greyhound? 'Cept, he wouldn't point out the potholes

[carpaltunnel]

Personal trainers work because of cookies.

I need to hang that on the vending machine at work!!

[ilima]

I have old baggage that says, "You stick with what you started."

Man we've got a lot of weird hang-ups & bad habits in this country. Clean your plate. Don't quit what you started.

Ugh. In grad school I saw so many people just get their PhD because, well, they started it and aught to finish it. Nevermind that they were miserable and didn't intend to use their degree anyway. They'd stick it out for years to get 'er done. Utter fear about what to do next is what motivated them to stick with it, I think.

Quitting grad school seemed to actually be the more difficult, brave and smart decision. Only a select few who recognized grad school wasn't their thing had the cajones to walk away and say What's next?

You already know what's next.

[Dogmama]

My parents drilled that into me, whilst my step-father spent big $$ on fleeting hobbies like scuba diving, archery, etc.

Then somebody told me that I had the right to change my mind. Of course, I understood that from the neck up - but the neck down said different.

So, it's been very hard for me to admit that personal training might not be what I want, having spent money and many many hours of study. Maybe I should have looked harder at the profession. I have learned so much, though, about exercise, muscle function, anatomy, etc. - all things that hold my interest. I'll get my cert because I'm very close and who knows - maybe someday I'll use it. But not now.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I guess I have a different mentality when it comes to quitting. I started a second degree in Sports Management because I didn't want to do the engineering thing anymore. One year before graduation, I decided I wanted to just hang it up and sit on the couch. I decided not to quit. I just think finishing it enhanced my engineering career because as I tell people ...if you want to compete and learn about negotiation, sports is the number one area to learn it. And I was right. I learned alot framed in 'sports' that I apply to work every day.

I'm taking my CPR/AED class tonight and in a few weeks I will finally get the nerve up to take my personal trainer cert. which was one of the main reasons I got the degree. It has been a life long 'want' of mine for a long time...it wanes sometimes but I always wanted to complete it. I trained people out west, specificially people that are morbidly obese or just sedentary with no desire to exercise. I am probably going to bite the bullet out here in the east and work for a big box gym just to 'work' as I find it hard not knowing people here. But who knows.

I just see each thing you do as an opportunity. It's not the end all. It's a journey or more like a set of monkey bars where you just keep monkey barring along.

Why can't you do both? AND why can you incorporate BOTH? ie personal training people while training their dogs (aka agility!!!) Now that would be a cool idea I hope I'm not repeating anyone else! haha...

That and pet sitting gets my vote. If I could find a good pet sitter here in Mass I could keep em busy with the unemployed border collie/kelpie that is just ...well..bored...

[coyote]

I was approached by THE premier dog trainer in town, (possibly the Southwest,) and asked if I would like to apprentice with her. She has a thriving business and several dog trainers, but wants somebody with "integrity". I've trained & shown in obedience for 30 years & I love it. I'm really good with dogs & I can get along with anybody. I've worked with her with my own dog for over a year so I know she's the real deal.

Dogmama, I know who the trainer is. She is top notch. I trained my dog with one of her trainers and she worked with my partner and her dog as well. Don't pass this up. Sometimes doors open for a reason. So, in all fairness, perhaps its even possible to both for a while.

Good-Luck on your choice,
-Mary

[Dogmama]

A huge THANK YOU to everybody! I am starting apprenticing today with the trainer and I'm so excited. I will get my pt cert also & as soon as I get settled in training, I'll look into personal training. I am certified as a spin instructor, and I really want to do that too.

This is the best board on the net!