The Greater Columbia Obedience Club is comprised of
volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts toward making life
with a dog a rewarding experience! Those who teach are accomplished
in communicating training tips to their students and each instructor
has successfully competed in AKC events and titled dogs of their
own.
Dog training offers many different approaches to
accomplish the desired result. Our teachers use a positive and
reward based system that builds confidence for both handler and
dog. Unwanted behavior needs to be addressed and corrected in the
most constructive manner possible.
Each instructor is committed to making the learning
environment at GCOC a positive one that will make the journey
through life more enjoyable for both dog and owner. Below are brief
profiles of GCOC’s current staff of instructors.
Phyllis
Phyllis looks better than this, but the picture is missing!
She has been training dogs for a number of years and her
Shelties are titled in obedience and rally. Phyllis began
the rally program for GCOC and remains the backbone of it.
She is particularly drawn to shy or ‘soft’ dogs. She teaches
all levels of rally for GCOC |
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Cathy
Cathy has trained dogs for 9 years – she loves most breeds
but has a special fondness for gun dogs and mutts. Her Flat
Coated Retreiver is titled in obedience. For GCOC Cathy
teaches puppy, basic and advanced level classes. |
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Kathy
Kathy began obedience training in 91 with her Poodle. She
has earned titles in obedience, agility and rally and became
an instructor in 95. For GCOC Kathy teaches agility, puppy,
basic and open level classes. |
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Katie
Katie has trained dogs for 22 years. Her champion Siberians
are titled in agility, conformation, obedience, rally and
therapy. She believes a reward-based approach to learning
benefits both handler and dog – and a sense of humor goes a
loooooooong way! For GCOC Katie teaches basic,
intermediate, rally and novice level classes. |
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Karen
Karen has trained dogs for 20 years and was bitten by the
competition bug about 10 years ago! She loves passing along
the knowledge she has gained from others. She shares her
life with two Australian Cattle Dogs and a Whippet. For
GCOC Karen teaches basic, rally and competition classes. |
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Patti
Patti has long been involved with dogs and shares her life
with a Portuguese Water Dog and an English Cocker Spaniel,
both of whom earned obedience titles. She is considered the
“Mary Poppins” of puppy training since all the dogs and
handlers love her! Patti teaches puppy and basic classes
for GCOC. |
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Sara
Sara’s photo didn’t make it but she has been training dogs
since 91 when she joined GCOC. Her Miniature Schnauzers and
Miniature Poodles have achieved CGC certificates and love
doing pet therapy work. She uses praise and reward to teach
and her dogs DO love food! Sara assists with puppy, basic
and rally classes. |
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Mac
Mac has trained dogs for 17 years and is an AKC judge for
both obedience and rally. His Golden Retreivers are titled
in obedience, field and rally and he’s experimenting with
conformation as well. Reward-based training is Mac’s
starting point. For GCOC he teaches basic and competition
level classes. |
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Shelley
Shelley’s German Shepherd Dogs have achieved titles in
agility, obedience and rally. She has been an integral part
of the teaching staff for GCOC since the 90s and believes
that every aspect of life with a dog is a training
opportunity! Shelley teaches performance puppy and
competition level classes for GCOC. |
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Pat
Pat has long loved, trained and titled dogs of all sizes and
types. She currently has a Standard Poodle, a Maltese and a
Doberman Pinscher. For GCOC Pat teaches puppy, basic and
intermediate classes. |
