New to your Forum but old with experience :-)

[Sharonatoo]

Hi all --

I probably should have introduced myself yesterday. My puppy pack currently includes 12yr old Daphne (Mini Schnauzer), 4yr old Nigel ( Mini Schnauzer 12pds) and my newest Mini Schnauzer, Arlo 13 weeks and 5lbs 12 oz of terrier energy. We are also home to a large Maine Coon mix, Lucas (who is definitely part of the dog pack) and Carlos a one time feral cat that after 3 years is just about ready to come inside.

I am not a trainer by trade, but I have never been without dogs (not always schnauzers) and cats. I studied animal science in college and have always been interested in animal behavior. I have taught (many years ago) classes on classical and operant conditioning. I have never stopped reading about dogs and their behavior and I feel that I have been some help to my friends and their pets over the years. I have learned a lot through reading, but I have come to know, as I am guessing the moderators here have already come to know, that some people just have a more innate understanding of animals, in this case dogs.

I am excited to have found your forum. I will try to post pictures of my pack. -- Sharon

[kian]

Welcome to the pack aka DP! Some people are given that innate ability, that's where my interest started as well as many others here. Then we build upon that with knowledge and experience. I always say to stay teachable, as I have come to know there is still much to learn and the learning is ongoing. Even with all my experience I have learned much from the others here.

It's nice to have someone around with Schnauzer experience. We have several "breed" experienced members which makes it really nice.

I'm Kian, the owner of two Aussies, Allie and Ice

[4CrazyCanines]

Sharon, welcome to DP! Can't wait to see pictures of your fur-babies ... Schnauzers are just too cute!

[4 the Dogs]

Hi Sharon, Welcome to the DP!
I'm Kris, in Nebraska with Abbey, Charlie and Izzy, aka "the CIA." I volunteer at the local shelter doing adoption counseling and training.

[RubyJeansMom]

Hi Sharon, Daphne, Nigel, Arlo...and the kitties, Lucas and Carlos

Welcome from RJM, Ruby, Kessler and Gizzie in Michigan

[Sharonatoo]

We all thank you very much. I know he is a cat, but Lucas walks with me and my dogs and feels part of the pack. He will not be left out. When Lucas was a kitten at the shelter, he was kept in a big cage with a puppy that was too young to be adopted. The story goes that the puppy wouldn't stop crying so they gave him a kitten (I think Lucas was about 5mos.) He has known only dogs his whole life.

[Deerie me]

Hello Sharon, welcome to the DP. I'm Tracy and I'm in North Devon, England with my lunatic deerhounds Loki and Idun and three cats Ember, Ziggy and Rug.

I love that one of your dogs is called Nigel. That is such a great name for a dog.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Hi Sharon! What a wonderful Introductory post. We're glad to have you with us. Lucas sounds like a character and I'm sure is involved in many antics. I'll be looking forward to hearing more about your menagerie and sharing experiences, wisdom and laughter.

Welcome from Cavaliers, Oliver & Henry, and their Mum, (Deborah) in London, Ontario.

[Sharonatoo]

Thank you again for your warm welcome. I need to add that Nigel has a longer name. He is more formally known as
"Nigel Barker -- noted fashion photographer" Sometimes, we get a little carried away

[Phyrie]

Sometimes, we get a little carried away

Heh. Not something we are unfamiliar with!
Welcome to the DP from Phyrie and Kiba the Cavalier in BC, Canada.