My experience in obedience spans 20 years. I trained and showed Dobermans for most of those years. All, despite v-e-r-y limited showing, were Nationally Ranked. I then turned to Australian Cattle Dogs. Both, while being shown, were the #1 Cattle Dogs in the nation. It was while showing Derby (Silverhills Demolition Derby) that a dear friend, Louise Meredith, introduced me to Border Collies. And so Kyle, Trumagik Step Aside, came into my life.

Kyle went from his 1st Novice leg to OTCH in 6 months. At four years of age he had earned the equivalent of 3-1/2 OTCHes and a UDX7 -- all achieved within 2 years from that first Novice leg. He was ranked #7 All Breeds and #1 Border Collie at the NOI, 2006. Kyle can be seen performing most of the information demos on my website.

I've had multiple HITs, HCs, and 200 scores with my dogs. Kyle and I were interviewed for Dog Sport Magazine. I've written for various dog quarterlies and enjoy giving seminars.

My philosophy in dog training sounds simple: be fair and honest. Being fair and honest is, however, not nearly as simple as it sounds. When working with dogs and teaching any given skill or part of any skill, my ultimate goal is to have the dog truly understand what is being asked. It is my contention that this understanding allows for greater confidence and flexibility in the dog. A dog that understands and who has confidence is a dog that will enjoy showing and will enjoy performing his entire life.

It is my desire through teaching, writing for Front & Finish, and providing an Obedience Toolbox on my website that I can help others to better understand and appreciate obedience, and so come to enjoy it as I do.

Becoming a decent trainer has given me the gift of patience. Working with my dogs has shown me the beauty of unselfish love, of individuality, and of true devotion. It goes both ways ...