An interview with Samantha Geertsema
Meet Samantha, the driving force behind Bongo Dog Training & Education in Terwolde. With a passion for dogs deeply rooted in her childhood, Samantha shares her journey from hobbyist to professional dog trainer. Her love for dogs has led to a special focus on dog sports such as agility training. Samantha has a deep appreciation for the Shar Pei, recognizing their unique qualities and potential. Despite their less common presence in agility sports, she sees them as capable and enthusiastic participants. Her approach emphasizes understanding each dog’s individual needs and strengths, ensuring that Shar Pei have the opportunity to thrive in agility training. In this interview, we delve into her personal experiences and discover how she prepares Shar Pei, with their unique personalities, for the challenges of agility.
1. Can you take us back to the moment you decided to turn your passion for dogs into your life’s work? How did you feel at that moment, and how has this decision changed your life?
It all began in 2015 when I started training as a canine instructor. By 2017, after completing my training, I launched the dog school. Initially, I balanced this with my work in home care. However, as the dog school grew rapidly, I often had to tell prospective students that there was no space available due to my home care commitments. One day, while working in home care, I thought, “What am I doing?” I decided to quit and make the dog school my sole focus because it’s what I truly love doing. This decision has transformed my life. Where I used to watch the clock or dread getting up, I now find myself wishing for more time to do one more exercise or explain something to my students. Morning reluctance? That’s a thing of the past!
2. How did Bongo, your very first dog, inspire you to start a dog school?
Interestingly, Bongo wasn’t the dog who inspired me to start the dog school. Bongo was my first dog, a Great Dane, whom I met during an internship at an animal shelter. He came with a troubled past, but our connection was immediate. Bongo taught me about the unconditional love dogs offer. Naming the dog school after him is a tribute to his impact. My real training and behavioral insights came from my second dog, a Border Collie named Yensen. Later, another Border Collie, Senna, joined us. They are the reason the dog school exists and thrives.
3. Can you explain what agility involves, and what makes it so special?
Agility involves guiding your dog through an obstacle course that includes jumps, tunnels, A-frames, seesaws, dog walks (narrow high bridges), tire jumps, broad jumps, and slaloms (poles). The goal is for the dog to navigate all the obstacles as directed by the owner (handler). You run alongside your dog, and with advanced training, you can guide from a distance. In competitions, there are various classes and events. Personally, I’m not competition-focused with agility. If you train with me and can’t run but enjoy agility, you can participate at a walking pace. Agility is special because, when taught without pressure and in a playful, understandable way, almost every dog finds it enjoyable.
4. Shar Pei are not often seen as obvious candidates for agility. Why should owners consider this sport for them?
Training with your dog is always enjoyable, whether it’s agility or another sport. Just because certain breeds are less common in agility doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy it. Some breeds, like very large or heavy dogs, may not be physically suited for agility, but hoopers might be a better fit for them. A healthy Shar Pei can jump well and easily complete an agility course.
5. What specific training techniques do you use when training Shar Pei for agility?
Training a Shar Pei in agility is similar to training any other dog. It’s about teamwork, understanding what motivates your dog to stay focused on you (such as food or toys), and learning how to guide your dog. Once the dog and handler are in sync, we introduce targets. A target is an object the dog learns to touch for a reward. This helps guide more independent dogs through the course and motivates slower dogs to move faster, knowing a reward awaits. Dogs find this game very engaging!
6. Shar Pei often have lower energy levels compared to breeds like Border Collies, and they are generally slower. How do you manage this during training?
It’s crucial for owners to understand their dog’s abilities and not compare them to other dogs in the group or online videos. Each breed and individual dog has its own skills. For example, a typical Border Collie is highly energetic and focused, while a Shar-Pei might slow down or lose focus after a few rounds. No two dogs are the same, even within the same breed. If your dog gets distracted or slows down, adjust the training. Shorten the rounds, offer longer breaks, or introduce new exercises. Always observe your dog; just because a dog is slower or more distracted doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy working with you. And it doesn’t need to be fast unless you’re competing.
7. How do you ensure that Shar Pei stay healthy and safe during training sessions?
It’s important for dogs to master the contact zones on equipment like the A-frame, dog walk, and seesaw. These have different-colored areas that dogs must touch with their paws to prevent injuries from jumping off midway. Also, warming up your dog before training helps prepare their muscles and prevents starting a long course at full speed.
8. What prior training or courses do you recommend for Shar-Peis before starting agility?
I don’t believe prior training is necessary before starting agility, unlike many clubs that require certain certifications. Those clubs often focus more on competition. While basic skills can be helpful, I often use agility to engage dogs that aren’t attentive or responsive. It’s fascinating to see how quickly these dogs learn to listen through playful training. It’s incredibly rewarding!
9. How do you motivate a dog to actively and enthusiastically participate in training?
Most dogs are motivated by tasty treats and their owner’s cheerful voice. Dogs that enjoy toys can also be motivated this way. It’s wise to vary rewards; don’t use the same treat every week. Training fields have many intriguing scents, so sometimes a treat may not be as enticing as a smell. Bring a variety of rewards; what a dog loves at home might not be as appealing at the training field. In agility, dogs learn that rewards come quickly during the course, and you gradually delay the reward until the end of the course.
10. What are the main benefits of agility training for Shar Pei, both physically and mentally?
Physically, agility improves muscle strength and fitness. Mentally, it provides an outlet as the dog has to think about how to use its body and what the owner is asking. This mental challenge can lead to mental fatigue, which is just as exhausting as physical fatigue.
11. How does agility training strengthen the bond between a Shar Pei and its owner?
Agility, like any dog sport or course, can greatly enhance the bond between you and your dog. You engage with your dog in a different way compared to daily walks. Many owners continue with courses because they find the shared activity so enjoyable.
12. If you could design a dream course specifically for Shar Pei, what would it look like?
I’d design a course with various paths leading to one final goal—a target filled with tasty treats and fun toys. The Shar Pei gets to choose which path it wants to take. Great fun for an independent character dog like the Shar Pei. At the end, they could choose what to eat or play with. The paths would include agility equipment like tunnels and jumps, with maybe some muddy puddles. Some Shar-Peis might avoid the mud, while others might revel in splashing through it.
Thank you, Samantha, for sharing your inspiring story and insights. We look forward to seeing more Shar-Pei owners enjoying agility training.
