Dog training is my passion. It's something that I love to do and talk about. My goal is to train people and their dogs, so that their dogs can be an integral part of their family (vs. out in the back yard on a chain). I will view you and your dog and pick the right method that is best for your dog. You have to really think about what that dog needs in order to be successful. <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />Dog training is a family affair, a lifestyle in my home. My daughter is a beginner trainer herself, and often assists the Puppy class. My son is also involved in our club. My husband just loves the dogs. We have 2 Australian Shepherds, a rescued toy Poodle and a Silken Windhound. Over the years I have trained my dogs for obedience, beggining agility, straight racing, herding, Delta therapy, and Canine Good Citizens.
I have been a dog trainer for 19 years and continue to build on my knowledge through reading and attending seminars given by experts in the forefront of the dog behavior research. I seek out new techniques and evaluation methods to help my students in puppy, beginner 1 and 2, and advanced novice classes. I look forward to helping you train your dog.
I, like many of you, came to Carolina Dog Training Club trying to find a way to get my dog to come to me when I called him. I had a miniature poodle at the time and ended up showing him in obedience, getting his CD and CDX titles and working on his UD title. I joined the Club during this time and have served the Club as a board member, Treasurer, Trial Secretary, Trial Chairman and most recently President. <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />I enjoy working with all breeds of dogs and am certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. I always tell my students to train as if they plan to show their dogs in obedience. You never know when the �bug� will hit you. I taught the Beginner 1 class for many years and have recently been concentrating on the Beginner II (CGC) classes. I am currently Mom to a beagle named Annie.
My first experience with the CDTC was with a Pomeranian in Beginner 1 Class in 1974. The methods worked so well I continued training other dogs I had over the years. I am an animal lover-BIG TIME. I've owned and trained horses and dogs since I was 17yrs old. Currently I have 2 Quarter horses, Dixie and Bandit and my beautiful German Shepherd Heidi. Heidi is 2 yrs old. I started her in the puppy class here at CDTC and she has her Canine Good Citizen title. She wants many more so I will help her out. I started back with CDTC a little more than 2 years ago assisting in the beginner and puppy classes. I had just lost my 14yr old Boxer Cuddles to cancer and being around all the new dogs and owners helped me with the grieving process. Then a couple of great friends brought me Heidi, with a big red bow around her neck. I don't usually cry when someone gives me a present but this was special. Then I really had a reason to join CDTC. I became very involved with the club helping out with classes and shows and now teach the puppy class from time to time. It's a great program with great people and great dogs. See you in class!
I started out 14 years ago, just like most of our students, in Beginner 1 class and was soon hooked on obedience training and teaching. As CDTC Training Director for a number of years, I developed our Puppy class based on the principles of Dr's. Patricia McConnell and Ian Dunbar. My breed is Golden Retrievers, and together we have explored various sports, including obedience, agility, rally and tracking. If I could just get everyone with a new dog to participate in Puppy class, Beginner 1 or Manners class (new class coming in 2009 for dogs over 5 months of age), many of the problems and issues of adult dogs could be prevented. Owners could learn to deal with issues later through being a calm, assertive leader. I am most rewarded by teaching young handlers and encouraging new students to become active in our club, and enjoy the friendship of those with common goals - we all learn from each other!
When I started classes in 2005 with the Carolina Dog Training Club, I had no idea I would soon become a member. Not only that, I also developed an interest in training dogs and a strong desire to participate in obedience competition. Since joining the club, I have assisted with the Beginner I classes on a regular basis and hope to one day be an instructor. While I have a tendency to fall in love with almost any dog, I would have to say that I have a special interest in hounds and terriers. I am the proud owner of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (also known as PBGV), Petey, who received his AKC Canine Good Citizenship title through classes with the Carolina Dog Training Club. Petey and I continue to train with the club for obedience competition and hope to be entering the ring soon!
Growing up with Boston Terriers, I have also owned many breeds, including a Miniature Pinscher, a Chihuahua, a Bichon, and many Scotties. I started obedience training in 1974 at the Carolina Dog Training Club. I have earned obedience titles with my Bichon and 6 Scotties, and a TD title on one of my Scotties. I have also competed in Conformation, and won Championships with my Bichon and 5 of my Scotties. Since my first Scottie, that breed has been the one for me. I have been a member of the CDTC since the 70's, and a member of the Scottish Terrier Club of America for over 25 years. My goal in training is to have dogs I can live with. Scotties have a unique relationship with their owners, and if they have the proper training, can be an absolute delight. They have their own ideas of how a household should be run, and quite often, they are right.
I have been training dogs since 1989 when I purchased my second Scottie, Katie, and started classes at the Carolina Dog Training Club. My friend and mentor, Betty Henderson, also had a Scottie in obedience and took me to my first obedience match, in a dusty baseball field. From then on, obedience wasn't just a hobby - I was hooked and it became my lifestyle. Katie earned her CDX and CGC titles and was the highest scoring Scottie in "Front and Finish" for several years. My second obedience Scottie, Watson, earned his CGC and UD titles, and was also listed in "Front and Finish". Both dogs earned numerous awards at trials, and from the Scottish Terrier Club of America. My current obedience dog, Jennie, is a Sealyham Terrier. Sealys are known as the "clowns" of the terrier group, and she is indeed a clown in the obedience ring. She has earned her CDX, UD, RN, RA, RE, and RAE titles. We are currently working toward a title in Versitility. She has gone to All Stars competition, and at the 1st Sealyham Terrier Specialty earned "High in Trial". I love training terriers as they are a challenge and unpredictable - you have to always be prepared for the unexpected! I love teaching as i believe the true purpose of dog training is to have a companion and member of the family that everyone enjoys. Obedience enables owners to experience a relationship with their dog that brings richness and joy to their lives. I am a member of the American Sealyham Club and of the Scottish Terrier Club of America.
I have been training dogs off and on for about 10 years. I have been working in a vet's office since 2000. I participated in my first show in 2008 and really enjoy the Rally classes. My passion is working with Pit Bulls, and teaching people about all of the wonderful characteristics of the breed. I really enjoy watching the changes in the students, their dogs, and their relationships with each other, throughout each training session. Its exciting for me to see people develop a new understanding of and bond with their dogs. I especially enjoy watching the transition of a rescued dog and their adaptation to their new family through the communication of training.