By Janet Velenovsky
Writing the first entry for Premier’s new blog is a bit daunting. So many topics, so much material to consider… I looked for inspiration from friends and other sages. We live in an age of innovation, expansion, and exploration. The only constant in life is change, and the only way to deal with change is to adapt. To adapt, you must learn. Ahhh, there’s a topic!
“Learning how to learn is life’s most important skill.” ~ Tony Buzan
Whether we are contemplating our pet’s role in life or our own, the ability to learn is essential to being successful. Those of us involved with animals – whether we are trainers, veterinary professionals, pet shop owners, groomers, pet sitters, owners, or any combination of these – have to stay current on the latest studies and trends in companion animal topics.
We have learned how important it is to expose puppies and kittens early to people, places and things they will encounter in their lives. It makes it possible for them to accept new things later in life – they learn how to learn. As people interested in pets, we need to be sure we continue to accept new things, too.
“Your ability to learn depends partly on your ability to relinquish what you've held.” ~ Milton Hall
Our understanding of these furry friends we live with keeps changing as science asks new questions and unlocks mysteries of DNA and genetic makeup and how that affects learning and behavior. If we aren’t able to re-evaluate information and replace old ideas with new information, we cannot grow. At one time, it was believed the world was flat and the earth was the center of the universe -- and Pluto used to be classified as a planet.
“Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old, and you may become a teacher of others.” ~ Confucius
At Premier, we have always looked to leaders in the fields of training, behavior, and veterinary science to help us improve old products and create new ones. Premier started with an idea for a better, safer collar for greyhounds, now we offer toys and training tools that make life better for millions of pets. And we’re not finished yet!
“The biggest reason people don’t succeed is because they don’t expose themselves to existing information.” ~ Jim Rohn
So, we'd be honored if you'd allow us to help. This blog will consist of ideas, opinions, observations, musings, and discoveries from an amazing group of animal lovers. Please bookmark it or subscribe so we can explore together. We're also very active on our Facebook page. If you are like most of us -- animal behavior, health, and wellness are our favorite topics!
“Learning is not compulsory but neither is survival.” ~ W. Edwards Deming
A wise and wonderful canine companion in my life was named for a concept Mr. Deming espoused – Kaizen. Deming used Japanese symbols to create a concept of pursuing continuous improvement. It resonated with me right away, as perpetual learning and development has always been a part of my quest in life. As far as I’m concerned, if I stop learning, I must be dead! Oh, by the way...
“Learning is not a spectator sport.” ~ D. Blocher
Dig in, reflect, discuss with those you respect. Kaizen!
