I have loved dogs my entire life . I have had purebred and rescue dogs. I started at DTCCU after getting a rescue Rottweiler mix puppy that we entered in Puppy Elementary 10 years ago. I was so in awe of how well trained the dogs were. I took classes for the next 8 years in obedience, rally and agility and earned titles in CGC, Rally and Trick Dogs as well as 3 legs in Obedience. I have also taken many classes just for fun. I currently have the 9 year old Rottweiler mix, a 2 year old German Shepard mix and a 7 month old sweetheart mix. All of these dogs are rescues. The best part of being at DTCCU has been the unbelievable bond with our dogs and the many great friendships made. I have assisted and taught classes at DTCCU for the past 10 years including Rally, Home Companion, currently instructing Puppy Elementary and assisting Performance Basics. I was also Membership Chair for 5 years and Board Secretary for a year, also volunteering as Hospitality Chair for our Obedience and Rally trials.
My biggest influences are Denise Fenzi and Susan Garrett which helped develop my positive reinforcement style of teaching and focusing on educating new dog owners, sharing life saving skills, car safety skills and the joy of seeing and experiencing what a dog / handler team can become. This includes the different opportunities for dog sports such as Foundation Skills, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Scent work, tracking and Trick / Freestyle.
I look forward to continue serving the Dog Training Club of Champaign Urbana in whatever capacity that is available to me.