Running a "Hard" Dog
13 Feb 2025
FB thwarted me from sharing Alice Cinotto’s reply to a post on the challenges of training/running a “hard” dog. Where I define “hard” as the kind of dog where people feel “compelled” to tell you how: out of control, crazy, feral, wild, your dog is after seeing you run a course. I’ve copied her post as an image below.
I’ve loved watching Alice run her dogs, from back in the days when folks would ask “who’s that girl running that fast in a full skirt?”, right up to sharing the top step on the podium with her at a “big show”.
She embraces “going for it” both in the course handling sense and in facing the challenges of training her dogs. It is thrilling watching them attack courses with that attitude, and then to see it pay off at the end.
I’ve only run one “hard” dog: Milo. He was fast, athletic, and handsome. He might not have been the brightest 🤷 But, his is the face I see every time I unlock my phone. ❤️
I do have regrets that back then I wasn’t the trainer/handler he needed me to be. But, he didn’t care! He would tear up the course, grab an off course (or two), and take down some bars; all with a tongue lolling smile at the end.
But, you know what? WHEN it f#$%ing clicked there was no better feeling in the world! You were handling this rocket at the edge of going out of control every second of the course and it was a rush when you skidded to a halt at the end. God I miss that boy…
So, if you have a “hard” dog find trainers and friends who can help you embrace your inner Milo/Mystery/Gus. Ignore the haters and celebrate those successes! Those of us who’ve been there will be cheering at the top of our lungs as you come out of the ring! #belikegus
If you enjoyed this article won't you please: 
Thanks!