Tuesday, December 18, 2012

So what do YOU do?

Not long after the "He's my puppy" discussion, conversations tend to either stop because the person is overloaded or confused or thinking this is all too wierd. Some people continue, though, and then comes "How do you interact with him?" or "What's your role in this relationship?". I'm his Trainer. "oh" <processing>
"So what do you do?"
Ah, this is where it gets interesting again. 

There are two words floating around, and some people use them interchangeably. They are not the only two words to describe the interaction of another with a pup, but they are fairly common. Those words are "Handler" and "Trainer", and depending on how you look at them, they help you define the role you take when you interact with a pup. Please know, I am speaking from my own experience and my viewpoint - others can, and do, disagree with the definitions I'm about to discuss. That is their view based on their experience, and we will agree that we have different definitions for those words in this context.

First: Handler
This is a person who facilitates the puppy experience. Pups can play on their own, if they choose, but many like the interaction with someone else. Someone who will throw the ball, give treats, scratch between the ears and that happy spot right above the tail. A handler can interact from a distance, much like a Dungeon Monitor in a play space, and keep an eye on things to ensure general safety, or a handler can interact up close with either a group of pups or a single pup.
When I help run a mosh pit, I function as a handler. I keep an eye out for safety in the environment, watch for kneepads and mitts, check water stations, keep the toys in the play area, check in on any pup that's not participating, keep my eye on the energy level of the pups that are moshing, interact with observers to educate them if time permits, and generally stay very busy without getting into the middle of things. I also will throw the ball, squeak the toys, give scritches, and look for pups who can do simple tricks for gummy bears. While these are not MY pups, I love their energy and the fun we can have together.

Second: Trainer
This is a person who has a specific relationship with one or more pups. This is the relationship I have with MY pup. Yes, we worked out the basic "sit, stay, down, roll over, speak" commands, and it goes far beyond that.
We know each other. We are on a wavelength. Sometimes, it seems we share a brain. When we are interacting, he works to follow my directions and I work to bring out the best in him. We share a relationship that makes us both better. It is intimate, and it is ours.  He wears collars and tags I bought for him. It is like no other relationship, and that is a magical thing.
Training doesn't just happen in pup space, it is an ongoing life experience.
He is younger, so I share my life experience. He's also perfectly able to teach me new things as well, and I welcome those times. We are a team, in silliness and utter seriousness.

For context, I can talk about a Daddy/boy relationship, because my boy and I are in our 9th year together. It's like that, but different. I know many boys, and I enjoy their company and energy and the time I spend with them. But they are not MY boy, and our relationship is special.

I cannot speak about the Master/slave dynamic, because I do not fully understand that energy. I will go out on a limb and say .. It's like that, but different.

Anybody that wants to interact can be a Handler for the puppy community. It makes things go easier and lets you share the fun. And if, by chance, you and a pup actually hit it off on a deeper level, you might find out what makes the Trainer relationship so special.