On this very rainy Monday, after nearly 5 months of working at Bacon’s Acres, Kristin asked Timothy to share another batch of lessons learned. What excellent tips for future handlers -- thank you, Timothy!

Lessons learned from working as a handler:

1. Check weight even if you don’t know what correct feels like, you will never learn if

you aren’t consistently checking. (Long term this is more important than getting

the serving right every meal)

2. On hot days(summer) fresh water is more important than completing a task list,

always be checking water after yard activity and in-between tasks.

3. If you need to move a dog or do anything else you know will excite the yard, do it

before you water, because you will have to water after.

4. Stay fed and hydrated (and rested if possible). Your mood and patience may

suffer if you aren’t feeling 100%

5. Take time to love the dogs, especially the older ones.

6. Don’t ever assume you are done with a task, you will repeat tasks constantly that

aren’t in the daily routine.

7. The biggest threat to dogs is themselves/each other, be very mindful/watchful of

dogs, especially when not restrained and maintain safety and condition of all

hardware in the yard / pens.

8. Keep track of and report early how much food/ snacks / supplemental nutrition

you have so that you don’t get close to running out.

9. If something seems unusual or feels off it probably is (Even if you don’t know

what it is) and you should say something about it.

10. Keep track of weather conditions, chores can be limited by the current conditions.

Also be aware of storms, wind conditions, heat and cold for any safety and health

impacts on the dogs.

Written by Timothy Sandoval