BREAKING COMMUNICATION BARRIERS AND BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
I started training dogs at age 12 in Pennsylvania and purchased my first German Shepherd at 14. At age 15 I joined a local Schutzhund Club and started competition training. Realizing how much I enjoyed training dogs of all shapes and sizes, I would go to the local animal shelter and train the dogs that were labeled “unadoptable”. A local grooming shop became another place for me to earn a living while gaining valuable experience around different breeds of dogs.
At 18 years old I started breeding German Shepherds under the kennel name Windy Ridge Shepherds.
In 2003 I became the president and training director of Central PA Schutzhund Club. While there I was able help coach club members in achieving 40 titles over the course of four years. Many of these members were first time handlers.
I have titled 21+ dogs for a combined total of 29 titles in Schutzhund Sport, achieving high in trial four times. Three of these dogs were trained and titled to the IPG III.
I have had the opportunity to show at many Regional and National level conformation events and trained dogs for the performance test at the Sieger Show. The dogs I handled received multiple performance awards for strong protection.
I moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia in 2013. I started to include more companion dog training with group classes, private lessons and specialized doggy “boot camps." I started to realize a lot of people were living with dogs who had aggression and insecurity issues and were unable to find trainers with the ability and experience to help them. Through my experience training different breeds, and different handlers over the years, I have been able to help pet owners learn how to effectively communicate with and train their own dogs.
I moved to Texas in 2017 and managed the training program for a Dog Resort for 6 months and then started doing elite coaching for clients that wanted their dogs to live in a family environment and receive world class training and competition.
In December of 2023 I moved to Cleburne, TX. We have a small facility on 3 acres at my house.
I am passionate about helping people and dogs. I love coaching and teaching. I am constantly studying new ways to help my students forge stronger relationships with their dogs to help them succeed at whatever their goals might be.
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS
The Start.......
2003
Dogs from left to right
Anschie vom Olympus CDX, HOT
Ando vom Windy Ridge IPG3, BHOT, 2X High in Trial,
Asta CGC, TD,
Quendi Vom Olympus IPG3, HOT
Hilary vom Zeder Kamme IPG1, High in Trial
V-I-kon vom Olympus IPG3, Kkl1
Preparing Rhino for IGP 1.
2016
This dog created many memories for our training group in Virginia. He was the ladies favorite!
Boarding Student and Rescue
2017
JJ the Pug came to Windy Ridge K9 for board and train to help him overcome severe behavioral problems and befriended Remi the rescue Mastiff.
Service Dog
2018
I trained Kia'i to be a service dog and had the privilege to fly with him to his new home in Hawaii. We spent time on the North Shore and then flew to his off the grid home on the Big Island.
North American Vice Siegerin
2018
VA-Ivy vom Globalhaus IGP 2, KkL came to Windy Ridge K9 in May. She achieved her IGP 1, IGP 2, V-1 Show Rating, and Breed Survey. In October Ivy became the 2018 North American Vice Siegerin.
High In Tracking
2021
Quora vom Mittelwest came in October 2020. She achieved her BH 7 weeks later. We trained hard and in 12 weeks Quora achieved High IGP 1 and High in Tracking with 99 points.