An Interview
With Linda Colflesh
Linda,
where do you live and are you married?
I live
in Boiling Springs, which is in south central Pennsylvania.
I have been married since 1976 to Brad Wood, who is a family
physician. He shares my love for dogs and dog training.
How
did you first get interested in dogs?
I fell
in love with dogs and dog training while I was in college at
the University of Michigan. I had never had a dog as a child
and was amazed at the joy my first dog, an Irish Setter, brought
into my life. I did all the wrong things getting her - going
to a backyard breeder, never seeing the dam or sire, and picking
my puppy because I felt sorry for her since she was hiding under
a table. She attended college classes with me. Someone pointed
out how well behaved she was, and I decided I wanted to show
her. I signed up for an advanced obedience class, even though
I had never been in a class before. I was thrilled to receive
the Most Improved ribbon. I still have that ribbon. It wasn’t
until later that I realized that probably meant I was pretty
bad when I started! I won 1st place at my first show, and I
was hooked.
How
did you learn to become a dog obedience instructor?
I started
by reading every book on dogs and wolves I could get my hands
on. After I got my first obedience title, I was invited to apprentice
by the club I belonged to. After I apprenticed, I began instructing.
Much of what I learned after that was from attending seminars,
not only on dog training, but on other dog related subjects.
I love being able to help dogs and owners develop communication,
understanding, trust, and the best friendship possible. I have
been teaching dog obedience since 1975. I have my own training
school at my home called Making Friends. I have taught puppy
classes, basic pet manners classes, private lessons for competition
obedience, and do consultations on behavior problems. I am endorsed
by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. I
also give seminars on dog training, behavior problems and instructing
classes.
What
dogs have you owned?
I’ve
owned four dogs: my first Irish Setter, a Borzoi, a Greyhound,
and my present Irish Setter. My husband has had three Belgian
Tervuren. We have always preferred to own only two dogs, although
for a short time when one of our dogs was old, we have owned
three. We like doing lots of different dog sports with the same
dog. Our goal is to have our dogs earn both their breed championships
and performance titles. We believe good conformation enhances
performance and health.
 |
Linda
and Kyra |
Do you
show your dogs?
Yes, I
show my dogs, but the reason I show my dogs is not just to accumulate
wins or titles, but because dog sports, such as obedience and
agility, offer a framework within which my dog and I can enjoy
spending time together. The titles give us goals which encourage
better communication and a deeper relationship. I also like
spending time with my human friends who have the same love of
dogs. I’ve shown in obedience, breed, agility, tracking
and lure coursing. My current Irish Setter, Kyra, is a breed
Champion, has her CD (an obedience title) and her AX and MXJ
(advanced agility titles). My husband has trained a Ch. UDT
and a Ch. MACH CDX Belgian Tervuren.
 |
What
other experiences with dogs have you had?
My varied experiences with dogs have all contributed to my knowledge.
I have evaluated litters of puppies for both behavior and conformation
since 1982. I am also a Tester of adult dog temperament with
the American Temperament Test Society. My interest in wolves
culminated in socializing and training a wolf to assist in a
wolf education project prior to the re-introduction of wolves
into a national park. I visit nursing homes with my dogs and
participate in programs for children and local community events.
What
are your hobbies?
My favorite
hobby is training and showing my horse in dressage. Dressage
is very much like obedience. The competition requirements provide
a framework to develop communication and trust with one’s
horse. My horse is an Oldenburg mare named Breeze. She’s
an important member of our family. Brad enjoys photography,
and we both enjoy hiking with our dogs. Anyone who goes to shows
with me knows that I like to cook, especially baking cookies
and passing them around at trials.
Why
“Making Friends”?
When I
started training dogs, the techniques and philosophies used
made dogs and owners seem like enemies fighting each other.
My dog was my friend, and I wanted to treat her like one, so
I found a better way of training. For me, dog training should
be about making friends with your dogs. I really enjoy watching
dogs make friends with each other when they meet at dog training
classes. Finally, the friendships I have made through dog training
have shaped my life. My life is so rich with human and canine
friends made through dog training.
 |
Linda
heeling with Kyra |
