I began training dogs when my first dog, a mixed breed, was reactive and aggressive. I took as many classes as I could and learned many valuable lessons along the way. 

Perhaps because of my background in classroom teaching, I love to “do the research.” I continue to take classes from top trainers in the area, attend conferences and seminars, read the current research and attend webinars. The combination of more than 25 years of classroom experience and an 18-month Training to Train Apprenticeship program gives me a unique approach to dog training. Positive reinforcement works equally well on dogs and kids!

My subsequent dogs have become my “demo dogs” that help me teach group dog classes. I have participated in AKC events and my current Golden Retriever, Maia, has earned AKC titles.

I am certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen, Trick Dog and STAR Puppy evaluator, as well as an AKC Temperament Test evaluator. I am also a member in good standing of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

I have been involved with dogs and dog sports for more than 30 years. I have competed and/or titled in: Flyball, Agility, Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Conformation, FastCAT, Dock Diving, and Dog Surfing.  
My goal is to have fun while also building a close working bond. I believe that most people enjoy being around a well-trained and well-behaved dog. Our dogs are members of our family, and I believe they should be treated with kindness and respect. We like to include our dogs in our adventures and have them partake in several outdoor activities like: hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, Parkour, nature walks, camping, road trips, and mountain biking. 
My focus is on understanding dog behavior and why they do the things they do. Although my first love is dog sports, I’m also an Evaluator for CGC and ATT titles, a Judge for Fetch Dog, a Trainer for Service Dogs, and have worked with the San Diego Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue Team. 
By the end of our time together, my hope is that you and your dog not only had fun, but have built a stronger and deeper working relationship. You are a team, working together towards a common goal. I will be proud to have been a part of your journey towards a well-behaved and confident dog.

I’ve been immersed in the world of Rally for the past eight years, delving into signs, courses, trials, rules, and the nuanced aspects of the sport. Along this journey, I’ve discovered missing elements in how Rally is commonly taught, prompting me to dig deeper into training, animal behavior, human behavior, and sports psychology — all to develop a more holistic approach to teaching Rally found exclusively at SDDSC.

Passionate about sharing my knowledge, I’m also the author and creator behind the MyRallyCoach app, in hopes of enhancing the Rally journey for others.

I’ve embraced science-based, positive reinforcement (R+) training methodologies, utilizing motivational "play-training" techniques involving treats, toys, and anything that sparks fun and excitement and brings success to you and your pup. My primary goal is to build confident teams, steering clear of anything that diminishes the fun, such as correction-based training that hinders enjoyment, demotivates, and breaks confidence in many dogs.

My journey in dog training and sports dates back to 1997, primarily with Basset Hounds. I’ve participated in a wide range of dog sports, including Conformation, Rally, Obedience, Tracking, Scent Work, and Field Trials. I’m most proud of my accomplishments with my dog Vinnie, the second Basset Hound in history to achieve the Rally Master Title and one of only a few to attain the Versatility Master title certificate from the Basset Hound Club of America.

While I do not hold official training certifications, I’m committed to continuous learning, regularly attending classes, seminars, and exploring various sources to stay abreast of the latest techniques, insights, and developments in dog training and sports. I’m thrilled to share the fun and excitement of Rally with you and your dog!

I have been immersed in the world of dogs since the age of 5, sparking a lifelong passion for all things dog. My professional journey started as a veterinary technician, where I gained valuable insights into the health and well-being of our canine companions. My academic pursuits led me to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, further expanding my expertise in the field.

Since 1995, I have been an integral part of dog clubs and training in San Diego, where my love for various dog sports blossomed. I am active in disciplines such as Rally, Dock Diving, Agility, Flyball, Tracking, Scent Work, NASDA, and FastCAT, demonstrating versatility and commitment. I currently live with two Lagotti Romagnoli, Lira & Rumble. Notably, Lira, has achieved top-tier accolades, earning titles like Rally Master and Tracking Champion while diligently pursuing her AKC Scent Work Master and Detective titles. Rumble is my first conformation dog, earning his Grand Champion title. He is following closely behind Lira in many of the dog sports. 

As a trainer, I teach Scent Work, Rally, Tricks, and a range of specialized classes. My teaching philosophy revolves around the belief in continuous education. To stay abreast of the latest training methodologies, I actively enroll in classes and closely follow renowned trainers in the field, ensuring my techniques remain current and effective and change as new knowledge of dog behavior is understood.

My experience extends beyond training as I also am a CGC Evaluator, ATT, and Fetch Judge. I am also currently striving towards becoming a judge for AKC Scent Work, further demonstrating my dedication to the canine community.

My commitment to dogs and their owners is demonstrated by my experience, ongoing education, and passion for fostering strong human-canine relationships through positive and effective training methodologies.

My name is Shelley and I have been involved with dog training since my teenage years when I got my first dog, a Sheltie. In those days obedience was all there was for fun training. 

Decades later, there are now so many dog sports, it is hard to keep track. Over this time I have trained my dogs in many of those sports with lots of titles and also trained other people’s dogs in obedience, rally, flyball, agility, and field. In all cases, it is my belief that you need to train the dog you have. That is to say, dogs, like people, have their likes and dislikes. An owner might be passionate about particular dog events and may wish their dog to be equally enthusiastic. It is fine to try and awaken your dog to the love of a sport. But it is also important to find out what your dog loves and try to find your joy for doing that. 

For all dog sports, a basic knowledge of obedience skills is a must. Not only to make further training easier but to socialize and teach your dog the good manners they need to succeed at sports as well as life in general. Whether you are starting with a puppy or an older rescue, the end result is the same. A happy well socialized dog that is enjoying life with their favorite human partner. Education for dogs, like humans, should be lifelong for a happy long life.

Known as the dog trainer with lots of energy, I am always learning about positive training solutions for dogs of all breeds, ages, and circumstances. Group classes are a pleasant experience that help owners become a fun-loving team, which often includes busy families, children, and other pets. My goal is for owners to enjoy the journey of training, with the reward of a healthy, confident companion that is ready for easy walks, travel, and competition. As an AKC Canine Good Citizen trainer and evaluator, I am referred to by peers and students from puppy, beginning, and CGC obedience classes. My classes cover: loose leash, heeling, sit, stay, recall, stand, finishes, and eye contact. They begin with fun pack walks and movement to encourage neutral dog interactions and obedience. In addition, I have trained a service dog and volunteered at dog trials and community events, such as conformation practice, 4H judging, and high school demonstrations. Thanks to our supportive club members, I’ve earned many titles with my two dogs including Rally Obedience, ATT, CGCA, CGCU, Farm Dog, Trick, Fly Ball, and Dock Diving. They also enjoy the new sport Fetch, bikejoring, camping, kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding.

I have owned dogs since infancy.  11 years ago, I was introduced to a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Delta, and began my journey of positive training and the love of play with my dogs.  

With Delta, I was introduced to the Canine Good Citizen program and I continued with my dogs to ensure they were good canine citizens and well-behaved.  In 2020 at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I discovered Rally Obedience.  I have successfully competed with both of my dogs until their retirement.  I am  proud to say that I was able to successfully earn perfect scores of 100 with both dogs!

In addition to Rally, I also participates in Scent Work, FastCAT, Barn Hunt and North American Dog Sports.  Other than competitive sports, I enjoy just having fun with my dogs.  I love hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding with them, and my philosophy is that at the end of the day, if it isn’t fun, it isn’t worth it.

With over 20 years of experience in handling and training dogs, I am dedicated to helping handlers develop essential skills for their pets to excel both as companions and in competitive events. My training approach is based on the principles of Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA). 

I hold the following certifications and training qualifications:

Certification:

• CGC Evaluator: Private, Club/Specialty events

• Training:

• Obedience Basic-Advanced (White Fang obedience, Obedience Club of San Diego County, Private)

• AKC Obedience: CD, CDX

• AKC Rally: Novice-Advanced

• CGC/CGCA/CGCU Preparation

Judge:

• ATT Temperament Test 

• 4H Obedience

• 4H Jr. Showmanship (Conformation)

• Specialty Show Sweepstakes and match (Conformation/Obedience)

Accomplishments:

• AKC Performance: CD, CDX, RN-RE, NA, NAJ, CGC, CGCA, CGCU, JC, SC

• AKC Conformation: Ch, Gch., Specialty Winners and have had Borzoi ranked in AKC top 10

• FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale)/Mex Conformation Championships

Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with dogs in Rally, Obedience, Flyball, Dock Diving, Paddleboarding, Surfing, and Search and Rescue. I have formally taught classes in Novice Rally Signs, Novice Rally Courses, and have supported all levels of Rally Drop-In.  My goal is to help enhance the fun and bonding one can have when training their dog. In my classes, I try to pass on the wonderful skills I have learned from the terrific instructors who have taught me.

I have been training my family dogs since I was a teen in 1969.  We had gotten a beautiful German Shorthair, Gretchen, who was a very destructive puppy. My mom wanted her gone.  We boarded her out for a month and the kennel owner became my mentor and suggested taking classes. I started with conformation and basic obedience. It was a frustrating time.  Gretchen was resistant, and I almost gave up until I figured I would just teach her tricks. (She was supposed to become my dad’s hunting dog.  Oops.)  The light came on!  She and I had learned how to learn!  

Fast forward through the many German Wirehairs that we bred and showed, Sierra, the  ridgeless  Rhodesian Ridgeback that had been thrown in the dumpster as a pup, Hannah, the stubborn Boxer who adored my grandkids, and now my whip-smart poodles, Grace and Hope.  The first thing they learn is tricks.  That is a huge key to creating a bond and a pathway to learning.  Once they learn how to learn fun and simple things, the path can go any direction!

Having fun with my dogs as part of my family is my focus.  Anything beyond that is icing on the cake.  If I can help others develop their bond with their dogs, I am happy to do that. 

Since 2018, I have taken group classes and private lessons with my dog, Shadow. We started with basic obedience and tricks, enjoying a pet-dog lifestyle. After earning my Masters in Education in 2020, I continued studying dog training to support my family with their COVID puppy. This experience inspired me to pursue dog training alongside my teaching career.

Shadow and I completed CGC classes, where I discovered that mixed-breed dogs could participate in dog sports. In late 2021, I adopted Lumi, a reactive dog, which led me to enroll in a 2-year online dog trainer certification program. I co-taught 75 hours of various classes and shadowed private lessons. I also partnered with a rescue to foster and rehabilitate shut-down dogs.

My training philosophy is to train the dog in front of you. I am passionate about teaching people to communicate with their dogs while having fun. Recently, I became a CGC evaluator and aim to keep learning the latest methods. I enjoy participating in Agility, Tracking, Rally, Obedience, Barn Hunt, Trailing and Locating, CABT, and Fast Cat. Outside of training, my family and I love road trips, camping, hiking, and paddle boarding.

I adopted Kimber in 2019 and after completing our CGCA, CGCU, and TKA, I peeked into the dog sports world to see what we could do together next! My goal was (and still is) to find motivating ways to continue to train and maintain my relationship with Kimber. And that’s how I stumbled onto Rally!

June of 2022 I took my first Rally class and was hooked! Fast forward to now, Kimber and I are competing at the Rally Master level and considering working towards the Rally Championship. I love sharing my love for Rally— whether teams are working towards trialing or just working together for the fun of it. Obedience training doesn’t have to be boring, Rally tests the limits of your skills, your dog’s skills, and your team bond. And everything is more fun with an amazing group of people!

Are you ready?

I grew up with family dogs, but got my first personal dog as a college senior thinking, “How hard could it be?” When I ended up with a handling-sensitive, sound-averse, adolescent puppy, I found myself thrown into a crash course in canine behavior and learning, behavior modification, cooperative care, and advocating for a “challenging” dog. During graduate school, I worked in the dog ward of my city shelter and grew as a handler and advocate. I have continued this effort through today as a volunteer and foster for San Diego rescues and shelters, working to give adoptable dogs the skills necessary to successfully navigate our human world. I use positive reinforcement training with the goal of giving my learner agency and choice in every training session. I believe that if you are a dog guardian, you are a dog trainer (whether you want to be or not, our dogs are always learning from us!) so I hope to arm you with skills to teach your dog to work towards your personal goals, whether you want to take a loose-leash walk around a park and grab a beer on a dog-friendly patio or dive deeper into dog sports.I currently live with 14-year-old Murphy who is the boss of the whole house, as old dogs should be, 3-year-old Ancho, who is my current training and sport partner, and two cats who frankly like the dogs more than me. When I’m not at my day job I enjoy reading, hiking and backpacking, and being “soccer mom” for my dogs’ busy social calendars.