Hello from Jamaica

[ChandiCane]

Greetings from HOT HOT HOT Jamaica.

I never thought I'd ever join an online community of small-breed enthusiastics, but today I shall be adopting my first ever small dog--a miniature poodle.  She's an adorable girl of 7 years, apricot colored (I hope I have the color description correct).  Her name's Chandi (pronounced Candy).

Just a little about me.  I train dogs as a hobby, using operant conditioning techniques.  It's my current passion.  I own, love, train, and handle one Rottweiler, and two white German Shepherds, and am delighted to welcome Chandi to my pack.  I don't show in conformation, though, only obedience.

I'm a bit new to the world of dogs, only been owning and training since 2006, but getting my first dog was the best thing I ever did.  He was a 8-year old rescued rottweiler who was slated to be euthanized because of his age and lack of aggression.  I'm a sucker for the seniors, can you tell?

Well, because I know next to nothing about poodles and small dogs in general, I will call upon your collective wisdom for advice, and in return I hope that I'll be able to share expertise with ya'll, too.

In real life I'm a lecturer in musicology and piano at the local conservatory (what??? there's actually a life outside of dogs?  )

[Michael]

Welcome! Chandi is a nice name....unique too! Love it! And all the more wonderful to have someone from Jamaica join up....that's super.

Do feel free to ask any questions you have along the way and we'll do our best to help out in return. Your experience and knowledge with clicker training will be interesting too...I'm sure many of us would love to learn more about your insight in that area.

Poodles sort of get in your blood...you'll see! They go straight for the heart...in their own way. And you'll be suprised how smart they are...you may have a lot of amazing experience ahead of you....all to cherish and share together...making memories in the process. Do you have any pics of your new mini that you can share?

Anyway, welcome, and we look forward to hearing more from you and your experiences as you get used to having a poodle along in your every day. Is there a story on how you came to adopt Chandi?

[zefi]

Hi and welcome to you and Chandi. It IS a great name!

Its great to have someone from another part of the world! Make sure you put your pin on the map. I'd love to see that whole world covered in pins! LOL

Michael is right. Poodles do get under your skin. I started with one toy poodle many years ago and I know I can never be without a poodle in my life.

Also, the seniors are special. I never used to think that. I used to dread my dogs getting old and think that puppyhood was the best time. I now feel very different and love them more as they grow up and get older.

[Fluffy]

Hi and welcome - isn't it exciting to have people from all over the world.  Any chance of pics of your guys????

[Lushbaby]

Hi & Wow,
Never expected to see anyone from Jamaica here. My parents had an apartment in Ocho Rios,(sp?) for about 25 years. They spent half the year there. I am the only one who never visited. Sold when my father died a couple of years ago. My son is also a classical pianist & recently qualified for the nationals comp,didn't win though. Wouldn't imagine that there are many mini poodles in your part of the world. Thats whats great about forums,they span the world in seconds.