Cheryl is the founder and owner of E-Training for Dogs, Inc. She oversees all curriculum and faculty. She teaches the NAVHDA courses at ETD. Dr. Aguiar is a Senior NAVHDA Judge. The NAVHDA offices she has held as a chapter member are: Test Secretary, Training Director, Webmaster and Newsletter Editor. She organized the workers for the 2004 NAVHDA Invitational, and has worked at every job during testing including: bird planter, lunches, host judges, pick up or drop off judges, gunner, field marshal, bird steward, etc. She has also helped at the Invitational testing as a Field Marshall. [Read more...]

Johnny is a Animal Behaviour Consultant, a canine behaviourist and a trainer who has been training and working with dogs since 1970. Johnny is a member of the ABS, APDT, FABA and the ABMA. Johnny is a member of APDT. His academic background is in Physiology and Ethology. He is currently doing canine behavioural research using Applied Behavioural Analysis in dealing with behavioural issues with canines. He is a frequent lecturer at behavioural conferences. He is the chair for FABA Applied Animal Behavior SIG 2011 and has had dogs that he has worked with featured on Animal Planet, Discovery and National Geographic. He has a book on animal behaviour scheduled for release in 2012. For more information on Johnny please go to www.ethologyflorida.com

Born in Germany, Ella followed her childhood desire to “help animals” by becoming a veterinarian. Now living and working on the Central Coast of California, Ella has specialized in holistic modalities for over 20 years, among them veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic, cranio-sacral work, homeopathy, TTOUCH and energy medicine techniques adapted from Donna Eden, including work on the animals aura and chakras. Dr. Bittel’s personal experience with her dog, Momo, who died a natural death, revealed to her just how little training her profession receives in the natural process of death. This experience led her on a quest for information resulting in an 18 hour seminar that trains professionals and non-professionals about animal hospice and the death process. You can find out more about Ella and Spirits in Transition at www.spiritsintransition.org

Lori is a UKC Weight Pull Judge located in Texas. She competes with her dogs weight pull and in many other sport venues. She has done extensive research on “The Raw Food Diet” for many years now. For years, her dogs had problems with allergies, runny eyes, hair loss, energy loss, etc. It seemed no matter what the veterinarians tried, nothing cleared it up or it was just a temporary fix. She began a quest to find something better for her dogs but found so much information that she could not tell the right from the wrong. She has done the research to glean the correct information and is here to share it with you and to help you make a healthier food choice for your dog. Courses

Jan has been associated with dog training since 1971 and has instructed for Emerald Dog Obed. Club (EDOC) since 1972. Her college studies are in behavior modification, psychology and animal science. Jan graduated from Oregon State Univ. in 1976. She is currently teaching puppy socialization and basic care classes for 3 local veterinarians and also a public Canine Good Citizen Prep Class. Jan also teaches a weekly Show Conformation class for EDOC. Jan has done training with the Delta Society for therapy dogs and is currently a Canine Good Citizen evaluator for the AKC. Her first German Shorthaired Pointer was given to her 48 years ago. Jan and her husband still train and compete in many dog activities including, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Show Conformation, AKC hunt tests, CGC and Animal Assisted Therapy work. Jan spent 20 years in the corporate world as a Hazardous Materials Regulatory Shipping Specialist before leaving it to work with dogs and their owners full time. Jan has just published Pause for Paws For more information on Jan, her book or to access her online dog supply store go to Oregon Urban Dog. Courses taught by Jan: Vet Clinic Puppy Manners and Socialization

Rhonda currently rehabilitates dogs in a private setting, teach basic dog obedience, work with dogs and their owners to solve and prevent problem behaviors, and to build the proper relationship with our canine friends.
My interest and passion is helping heal from emotional, mental and physical trauma. My background in understanding dogs’ innate true nature comes from C.W. Meisterfeld’s philosophy, more than 15 years experience with dogs coming from puppy mills, abusive situations and neglect, and my personal life experience with domestic violence. These elements have provided my unique perspective with which to help our dogs heal on all levels. [Read more...]

Shana has been working with dogs professionally since 1999. After a long career as a Meeting and Event Planner, she focused on teaching dogs, which evolved quickly to become a Holistic Dog Trainer with a specialty in Toy/Small breeds. She takes a holistic approach to teaching and care of dogs, believing in the balance of mind, body, environment to build and enhance the human/canine relationship. She is also very interested in natural diets and remedies for pets, knowing there is a strong link between behavior and nutrition. She instructs weekly Puppy Socials, and Lifeskills Lessons, private consultations and conducts workshops and seminars to the public and canine education instructor training programs to trainers, enthusiasts and those who are interested in becoming dog trainers. In addition, she is a Certified Groomer, Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor for PetTec, AKC – CGC Evaluator, and founder of Miami Toy Dog Training Club. She recently launched Little Paws Travel ‘n Adventures which is a specialty travel company for people traveling with Little Dogs! Courses include:  Basic Dog Care, Toy Dog House and Crate Training, and Training Toy Puppies

Renea’s formal background is in early childhood education, more specifically kindergarten readiness (what is today’s 4 year old kindergarten). She is certified as a Reiki Master/Teacher and a student of the Companion Animal Sciences Institute’s Animal Behavior Science and Technology diploma program. Renea owns, trains and competes with her 10 Australian Shepherds under the kennel name Defiance Australian Shepherds and has earned titles in stock work, agility, Rally obedience, Therapy Dog, and Championships in multipe registries.
Renea began serving Central WI dog owner’s in 1995, when I joined a local all-breed dog club, and began volunteering as a training assistant and instructor, and later became the training director.  Noting available classes were designed around the use of aversive methods and formal obedience competition exercises, she decided to offer dog owners the opportunity to learn about positive training methods and in 1997 opened her own training facility based on the philosophy of positive training methods and the “whole dog approach”.  ( fka Happy Tails To You).

Renea is an member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, Doggone Safe and is a licensed presenter for Doggone Smart at Work, Be a Tree, and Dogs & Storks.

Renea’s philosophy is simple…positive training methods based on real science and not ego are the best way to not only help your dog understand what is expected, but it creates a life long bond!  Owner education of
dog training keeps dogs forever in the home!

Courses taught by Renea: The Distracted Dog

Author of : The Rally Course Book, a Guide to AKC Rally Courses, Revised 2010, Published thru Alpine Publications, Inc.   www.alpinepub.com Janice lives near Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, Steve,  87yr old mother, and 5 dogs on a 2 ½ acre lot with lots of room for all the dogs. Mrs. Dearth has exhibited in Obedience in AKC and ASCA for the past 20+ years. She has put 2 Utility titles on her Aussies, 2 Open titles, and 6 Novice titles, 2 of which are on one of her Smooth Fox Terriers, and a West Highland White Terrier. Janice has been involved with Rally since it began as a non regular class in AKC in 2001.  She has judged over 4000 teams in all classes from 2001 to present. She has judged many shows, and in many states, including Hawaii, over the past 5 years since Rally became an AKC titling event. UKC Rally became titling in January of 2010. ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America) became all breed Rally titling in June of this year. [Read more...]

Joe Dwyer realized he had a passion for motivational speaking after delivering a ten-minute speech in his sophomore year of high school.  He discovered his gift of compassion and energy as well as an ability to connect with his audience.  He presents “The Dog’s View” series with great enthusiasm. Now with over 25 years of business and personal experience he now also inspires people to find their “treasures” through personal/business coaching.  He served as an executive for Bell Atlantic and the Archdiocese of Newark. Joe is trained in martial arts and possesses a 3^rd degree black belt in Karate and is a member of the National Speakers Association and Coach U (a world class coach training organization). [Read more...]

In 1998, a chance encounter with a pet parent facing the death of her pet was a defining moment for Coleen. It was the beginning of her vision of how to best meet the needs of pet parents in their desire to mourn, memorialize and pay tribute to their beloved pets when they die. In 2004, the experience of the death of her dog, Mico, guided her in starting Pet Angel Memorial Center, Inc.®, the nation’s first stand-alone pet’s-only funeral home. Soon, publications such as Kates-Boylston’s Pet Loss Insider deemed her the “most well known pet funeral director” and a true “pet loss pioneer.” In 2009, Coleen founded Two Hearts Pet Loss Center, to guide people who wish to provide meaningful pet death care services in their communities, as well to be an educational resource in the pet grief discipline. [Read more...]

Myra has trained dogs professionally for 30 years, and has been involved in obedience, protection, agility, herding, search-and-rescue, drug detection, therapy and service dog training. Her personal experience with disability led her deeply into the training of service dogs, and in 1987 she graduated from Dr. Bonnie Bergin’s Assistant Dog Institute Instructor Course. Myra prefers to teach handlers to train their own service dogs. She believes that when handlers understand the methods and principles of the training, they can better adapt exercises to meet their specific needs. As a result, handlers and dogs develop better working relationships. Myra has worked with persons with a variety of disabilities that include cerebral palsy, closed-head injuries, visual impairment, hearing impairment, learning disorders, spina-bifida, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, arthritis, diabetes and mobility problems. Myra’s commitment is to empower individuals to gain increased control and independence in their lives. Myra currently conducts classes in St. Paul, Minnesota for owner-trainers of service dogs and for “reactive” dogs. Myra teaches the Service Dog courses.

Dr. Ava Frick’s topics are as varied as the talents she possesses. She educates and entertains pet owners, horse trainers, veterinarians, and just about anyone interested in helping themselves or their animals. Ava can improve your understanding of nutrition, herbs, pain management, animal chiropractic and rehabilitation. Balancing the autonomic nervous system by utilizing all of these modalities is her passion in practice and she blends this interesting perspective into many of her presentations. [Read more...]

Dee’s philosophy in the training and behavioural work she does with the public and shelter community is about how to achieve two goals: Getting behaviour we want and getting rid of behaviour we don’t want, humanely and while having fun! She teaches positive reinforcement, and places a very strong emphasis on managing a dog’s environment for safety. For 30+ years Dee has taught training classes and advised individuals on how to create positive partnership with their dogs. In the mid-1990′s she began sharing positive reinforcement training with the deeply committed people working in the shelter world with the goal to create a shelter and training program that teaches humans to evaluate dogs humanely and fairly and to set up a training plan to help teach the dogs self-control skills. She is now back in private practice, which includes travelling to many wonderful places helping shelters, rescues, or just folks who want to learn practical, humane techniques to change dogs and ourselves into friends and partners for life. Courses to be offered in 2012 include Dee’s Levels Program for Dog Trainers.

Also Guest Lecturer -
Recorded OnDemand Lecture: Developing Self-Control in Dogs with Behavioral Issues

Beth is the co-owner and Instructor for Canine Companion by Certified Trainers in Indiana. Beth has worked as a Veterinary Assistant for over 10 years. Her work, as well as a problem dog of her own, inspired an interest in behavior. She is a graduate of the Purdue University DOGS! course, a member of the Society of Veterinarian Behavior Technicians and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with the Council for Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Beth earned her degree in Environmental Studies but found that working with domestic animals was her calling. She continues to work as a veterinary assistant where she is in a unique position to observe and counsel on a wide range of animal behaviors. Beth co-teaches the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) Exam: Prep Course with Susan Sharpe.

Martine is a Genetic Counselor Board Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 1996, taking the same general Genetics exam as MDs and PhDs in the field. Since 1999 she has increasingly shifted her focus to Canine Genetics, Health and Well-being. In that time she has been the DNA Collections Coordinator for the US for Waltham/Mars Veterinary, joined the AKC-CHF President’s Council, given multiple oral and written presentations on Canine Genetics to groups and breed clubs, and facilitated multiple DNA collections to promote Canine Genetic research and gene discovery. The first key to addressing Canine Genetic disease is recognizing genetic disease. [Read more...]

Racine is certified in Canine massage, graduating from Treetops. She then went on to complete studies in Canine Rehabilitation at the Animal Rehabilitation Institute in the USA., receiving instruction in Anatomy & Physiology, Bio-mechanics, Program Design and Rehabilitation Techniques and Canine Sports Medicine. She seizes every opportunity to attend workshops and seminars believing the key to being able to help so many different dogs successfully has been her continuing education which puts as many ‘tools in the box as possible’ since there is rarely one right answer!
[Read more...]

Nikki is a professional Dog Behavior Consultant/Trainer, has been working with people and their pets for more than 11 years. Educated as a traditional dog trainer, Nikki used dominating methods to demand appropriate behavior from dogs without understanding what motivated them. At a training seminar by Bob Bailey, Nikki was introduced to operant conditioning, where animals are taught to think for themselves and are rewarded for doing the right thing. Nikki began applying this unique style of training and had incredible results. [Read more...]

Lorie has been training dogs since the late 1980’s with a background in obedience. She began her field training for NAHRA and AKC Hunt Tests and was introduced to field trials in the early 1990’s. Lorie spent two months training with Rex Carr learning his program but over the years has developed her own teaching program based on motivational methods.
Lorie earned an Amateur Field Championship on her dog Speaker, at the young age of 4 years as well as a Canadian Amateur Field Championship. Speaker was the top Amateur Field Golden in the country in 1998, 1999, and 2000 and the only golden to qualify for the 2000 National Amateur. Speaker as well as two of Lorie’s other dogs qualified for the 2001 Canadian National and Canadian National Amateur. Lorie has several Amateur and Open placements including winning a 98 dog Open with her dog Chaos as well as putting Master Hunter titles on her dogs. Lorie also hunts her dogs for upland game and waterfowl.
Lorie is a versatile trainer in that she has earned several MACH titles on her dogs as well as qualified them for the Agility Nationals 3 years running and has recently reentered the world of competition obedience working on her UDX title. [Read more...]

Kathy owns and operates Dancing Hearts, a holistic training and well-being center in Manhattan, Illinois. Kathy’s methods for teaching dogs and handlers, are based upon clear communication, understanding and respect, and are effective and positively reinforcing to dog and handler alike! Kathy has successfully competed in all venues of herding events including USBCHA, AKC, ASCA and AHBA with her border collies for more than 10 years. Currently trialing in National Level fields trials sanctioned by The United States Border Collie Handlers Association, she has qualified for and competed in the National Finals, limited to the top dogs in the country. Facilitating clinics and lessons both at her farm in Illinois, and around the Midwest, she has experience with all herding breeds, and her students have won many titles and ribbons competing in all venues. Kathy is a certified Tellington Ttouch™ instructor. Courses taught by Kathy: Herding Dogs: Building the Foundation and Herding Dogs: Basic Skill Building.

Janice has worked with dogs professionally in various capacities for 35 years and has been researching the origin of the dog for fifteen years. In addition to her Masters degree in biology, Jan is professionally certified in applied animal behavior by the Certification Counsel of the Animal Behavior Society, and in dog training by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Her life-long interest in the behavior of primitive dogs and wild canids has been fulfilled in her studies of New Guinea singing dogs (Canis hallstromi), ongoing now for thirteen years. She has published scientific journal papers on the NGSD and the origin of the dog, and presented her work at several scientific conferences, including those of the I.U.C.N. Canid Specialist Group, the Animal Behavior Society, and the Western Division of the A.A.A.S. In addition, she has consulted on, and been featured in, several documentaries, including National Geographic’s The Search For The First Dog, Discover Channel’s The Ultimate Guide: Dogs, and Dogs that Changed the World for PBS.

Sheilagh has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in educational psychology from York University with 20 years teaching experience and over 30 years experience in the animal industry. A successful junior career on the hunter / jumper circuit in Ontario and throughout the USA followed by upper level Eventing training in England, qualification as a British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor, and the management of equine facilities in breeding, racing, training and showing ensures a well rounded and knowledgeable approach not only to rehabilitation but the specific needs and demands of a wide variety of disciplines. The canine dudes are former members of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and they have participated in a number of canine activities including tracking, agility, freestyle and trick training. Sheilagh has obtained ITEC qualifications through training at The Complementary Therapies School in Gerrards Cross, England. Sheilagh is past President of CAMBA (Canadian Animal Massage and Bodyworkers Association). For more informaiton on Sheilagh go to www.treetopsweb.com Sheilagh’s courses include: Pet First Aid and CPR, Herbal Remedies and Aromatherapy, Canine Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Canine Massage, Advanced Canine Massage, Equine Anatomy and Physiology, and Equine Massage.

Sean combines a strong intuition and curiosity with a science background. She earned a Bachelor’s at UC Berkeley, and a Master’s at CSUSF in biology, with both a physiological and behavioral emphasis. Next, she attended UC Davis graduate school in the Animal Physiology Department, where she earned a NIH Training Grant and the PhD candidacy. A life-long learner she continues to expand her own education and included linguistics and American Sign Language. She actively keeps up with the new research on animal behavior, cognition, and neuroplasticity, especially focusing on intelligence and language development. Previously, she researched exercise physiology, cognition and attention in humans, and learning in non-human primates in a Primate Center Lab (UCD). As Director of Research and Education at her AnimalSign Center, she researches and teaches methods of enhancing the ability of animals to communicate. She works primarily with dogs, horses, and cats, though birds and other animals have been approached. She with her team are involved in the new project of studying and raising signing dogs from birth. Their language and cognitive development will be tracked and reported on in various media. Courses taught by Sean include Canine Behavioral Biology, Canine Communication, and Canine Intelligence.

Susan is co-owner and head instructor for Canine Companion by Certified Trainers. She has over 20 years of experience in dog training. Her background includes obedience, article search, tracking, obstacle course, drug detection, personal protection, and family pet manners. Susan offers group classes, private instruction, and behavior modification from minor issues, such as unwanted barking, through more severe behaviors including separation anxiety and aggression. She also instructs therapy dog courses and trains service dogs for individuals. Susan is an instructor for the American Red Cross (#12642), including being an instructor for emergency pet first aid. She is a graduate of the Purdue University DOGS! course, a certified Tellington Touch CA-1 practitioner and is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Susan is an evaluator for Therapy Dog Inc. as well as a Canine Good Citizen evaluator for the AKC (#8968). She is also the developer of the famous anxiety wrap. Susan’s courses include: Learning Theory, CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER (CPDT) EXAM: PREP COURSE, Basic Dog Training, Housetraining Your Puppy, Puppy Training, Canine Good Citizen, Personal Assistance Dog, Therapy Dog Training, How to END Problem Behaviors, and several short basic dog behavior webinars.

Sarah has been working with dogs her entire life. She grew up in a “bird dog” home. Sarah ran her first (North American Shoot To Retrieve Association (NSTRA) field trial at the age of eight and has not stopped since. She plans on fulfilling her requirements to become a NSTRA judge in 2006. In addition to field work, Sarah has experience in Agility, Obedience, and Confirmation. She and her dog “Checkers” are registered with Therapy Dog, Inc. as a working Therapy Dog team along with the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC). Currently, Sarah is an Associate Trainer for Canine Companions by Certifed Trainers where she is a head instructor for group classes, accepts private behavior modifciation cases in addition to boarding and training. She has been training with Canine Companions for seven years and loves working with all breeds of dogs, but her heart truly belongs to the pointing dog. Sarah co-teaches and assists Susan Sharpe in her courses.

In 2006 Monique helped develop the Canine Cognition and Behavior Lab at the University of Florida, where she conducted research under Clive D. L. Wynne and obtained her master’s and doctorate in Psychology. Dr. Udell’s research has primarily focused on the development & flexibility of social behavior in canines and human-animal interactions. One goal has been to better understand lifetime factors that facilitate social bonds between humans and other species. She is particularyl dedicated to teaching and education at all levels. As a Graduate Instructor at the University of Florida, she had the opportunity to teach courses in Comparative Psychology, Learning and Behavior, and General Psychology. [Read more...]

Bonnie has worked as a Park Ranger for the National Park Service for 30 years, working at Yellowstone NP since 1986. She has been working SAR dogs for 22 years, and is currently training her fourth GSD. Her dogs partner with her at work for drug detection and SAR, and she is an active member of Gallatin County and Western Montana Search Dogs. She lives in West Yellowstone, MT, and has responded to over 15 backcountry avalanche incidents. She has attended and taught a number of field based avalanche response courses for local MT SAR dog teams, and enjoys exchanging knowledge and experience with other teams. Bonnie co-teaches the Search and Rescue webinars with Janet Wilts.

For the last 20 years, Janet Wilts has been employed by Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, as a Law Enforcement Ranger and Climbing Ranger. She is now the Law Enforcement Specialist. As a climbing ranger she was responsible for responding to the technical Rescue’s, accidents and searches in Grand Teton National Park. Janet has worked in Search and Rescue for over 30 years; is a member of High Country Search Dogs; and has been training search dogs for 20 years. As a member of High Country K-9 and Wyoming K-9 Search & Rescue she helped to develop the testing criteria and standards. Janet has tested and certified more then 100 dogs, including HC K-9 members, Tri-state testing groups, other dog groups and Ski Patrol. As an instructor for High Country Search Dogs she has conducted seminars in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, California, South Dakota, Texas, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and instructed the following topics: trailing, advanced cadaver/HRD, beginning SAR dog training, beginning cadaver, avalanche, water, rappelling with K-9′s, K-9 drives, scent theory, wilderness search, search strategy and advanced wilderness search. Janet’s courses include: Search and Rescue Dog Training-Avalanche Dog Training and Search and Rescue Dog Training – Detection Dog Training.

Sue Anne has a 40 year background of instructing humans and working with animals. Directing youth and adults with all facets of Arabian horses, she passes on her knowledge through private clinics and judging a limited number of open horse shows.
Her passion since 1998, has been Jack Russell Terriers and involvement with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America. Sue Anne is a regular contributor to the club news magazine, and serves as vice chair on the National trial committee. She competes across the country at sanctioned events, and hosts a trial annually in Gunnison Colorado. www.WestElkTerriers.com is her kennel of working, competitive, recreational and loved canines.
Her experience has led to the development of a system of breeding, imprinting, and rearing puppies, as well as educating owners to create the best lifelong experience and partnership for dog and owner. Teaching this method of whelping and caring for puppies has led to her easy to learn, and successful program that can be duplicated whether you are having a single litter or are an advanced breeder wishing to expand your experience of rearing puppies, and improve marketing skills to produce an ultimate product of healthy, well adjusted canines of all breeds. Courses include: Puppy Imprinting and Bonding and Introduction to Breeding and Whelping.