Corrected, see highlights
My various electronic devices have been beeping steadily and are packed with messages expressing concern about the Academy’s future, and mine. I appreciate your support. I will attempt to personally thank everyone who has contacted me.
I will teach in the October Academy, but will move on shortly after that. You've already learned of Jean's and Janis's plans to continue developing new programs as announced in Thursday's Press release. I'm as eager to see what's next as you.
While the SFSPCA is focusing on efforts to improve the health of animals with the new veterinary hospital, I will invest my time exploring different ways to increase the use of humane- and evidence-based training.
I am forever grateful for the opportunities given me by the SFSPCA, and the Academy for Dog Trainers, Jean Donaldson, and Janis Bradley for the opportunity to join them in enriching the lives of 500 students and countless dogs. With a staff of five including Abby Draper, Gladys Chan, the SFSPCA Academy has been a mind-boggling success.
Teaching at the academy proved our students were the future of dog training. While weekdays were tightly 
scheduled, Saturdays were not. You shared experiences from around the world, and discussed plans for the future. You thought outside of the box. The lessons of the week gelled. Saturday sessions launched new ideas and improvements, and also helped me improve my own teaching. It was my favorite aspect of my job.
Some have complained that I made you think. That you can no longer look at a commercial or go into a store without reciting the “four questions.” That you apply evidence- based thinking every time you buy toilet tissue.
That’s the best thank you can give me! If I didn’t make you think, I failed.
So, what’s next for me?
My goal is encourage evidence-based thinking everywhere, but most importantly when working with animals.
I will spend a couple of months finishing my book and plan to incorporate it into trainer education.
I may do some behavior consulting.
I am considering going back to school to get some letters to put after my name.
I may visit grads in Europe, Japan, or Hong Kong.
I will revive my stagnant CivilPooch website.
I will meet with interns about various research projects to discuss ways to continue the work.
I will teach Preston and Dax something besides their “drool on knee for food” trick.
A short list? Maybe, but it’s way too much for one person.
As I explore, I will remain in contact and pass ideas and opportunities along. I am available by email to answer questions about training.
I sincerely believe Academy graduates are the future of dog training. I will do my part to make that happen.
I wish to continue the work I began when Jean and Janis invited me work at the Academy.
Thank you.
John Buginas
10/2/2009
P.S. Feel free to forward this if anyone asks who isn't on facebook. I'm also posting it on civilpooch.com.
