Our Trainers & Class Instructors

These are the dedicated, talented people who teach our classes, train dogs in our Doggy Daycare-training and Boarding-Training programs, work with dog owners in private lessons, in-home lessons and behavior consultations to eliminate your dog's undesirable behavior. Click on the trainer's name for a listing of their current classes, where you'll find links to sign up for a particular class. To set up an appointment with one of our trainers for a private session, behavior consultation, coaching session or lesson, contact us.

Stacey Allard

What do you do in your “real” life? I’m a Vet Tech at the Holistic Veterinary Center in Concord.

How long have you been training dogs? I got my first Golden Retriever 17 years ago, and that started my training career (although I had been hanging around and watching classes for a long time before that!).

How did you start teaching dog training? After having been a student in classes, I started assisting, and then was invited to participate in Gail’s Instructor Training Course in 1995.

Competitive accomplishments. I put several Obedience titles on my first dog, and since then I’ve enjoyed training and competing with all my dogs (of which I currently have 3 Goldens) in Obedience, Conformation and Agility.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs? When we are not training or competing, I enjoy spending time with them walking in the woods and watching them swim and retrieve – just being dogs.

What do you love about training? When I'm training with my dogs I enjoy watching them figure out what I'm asking of them – watching them think.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? When I'm teaching I enjoy watching my students achieve success. I love teaching people to teach their own dogs to do the behaviors that they are asking of them.

And your own dogs? My dogs are Tanner age 12½, Kylee 11, and Bouncer is 10½. I'm a member of the Yankee Golden Retriever Club where I have been the Agility Chairman for the past 8 years, and I'm a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America for the past 15 years.

Tracy Bergeron

What do you do in your “real” life? I'm a Histotechnologist at Children’s Hospital Boston

How long have you been training dogs? 14 years

How long have you been teaching, and what courses (influences) have you taken to learn to teach? 7 years - Back in the mid to late 1980’s I taught horseback riding lessons and pony club (dressage, and jumping), so I already knew I enjoyed teaching before I even started training dogs in agility. The first time I ever saw an agility trial I knew I would want to compete and teach the sport. In 2003, I took Gail Fisher’s Instructor Training program.

Who are some of the influences on your training (or What courses have you taken)? Christine McQuillen, Gary White, Anne Andrle, Susan Garrette, and Jen Pinder

Competitive accomplishments (or What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs)? My Whippet, Scout, was the 5^th pure bred Whippet to ever achieve the following titles in USDAA agility

MAD – Master Agility Dog

JCH - Jumper Champion

What do you love about training? I especially love seeing the bond and communication develop between dog and handler creating teamwork that is so rewarding and so helpful for success in the sport of agility.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? The same reason I like training, to see the development of the bond between dog and handler that is so essential to agility and to fully enjoying your life with your dog.

Wendy Bergeron

What do you do in your “real” life? I’m the Director of Training at All Dogs Gym. I train dogs, especially those who come in for Boarding-Training, work with owners and their dogs to solve behavior problems, give private lessons and teach some classes.

How long have you been training dogs? I started as a young teenager, 25 years ago.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? I took Gail Fisher’s Instructor Training Course in 1991, and I’ve been teaching since 1992. I’ve taken a number of seminars over the years. The two most profound influences on my training, from whom I’ve learned the most have been Gail Fisher and Turid Rugaas.

Do you have any competitive accomplishments? I’ve shown my dogs in conformation, obedience and agility, as well as showing dogs belonging to others in the breed ring. I have finished two of my own dogs Canadian championships, have two obedience titles, and numerous agility titles on four dogs. But mostly, I love hiking, hiking, hiking and cuddling with my own dogs.

What do you love about training? I find it fascinating to watch a dog think and figure things out. I love that I have a relationship with dogs that enables us to communicate to each other...and even more...to be able to understand what a dog is saying, not assume, not fit her into a little box of behaviors, but to really understand her because I listen and watch and learn.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? To get someone else to the point where they understand their own dog and learn how to read their dog's body language and respond in a positive way. I find it so rewarding to see the communication and bond between family members and their dog increase.

And your own pets? I live with a gaggle of Goldens and one hound. I, with Mb, breed and raise Golden Retrievers. I also have two horses, one (who will be four this summer) that I am clicker training and will be under saddle for the first time this spring (with me as his trainer). He’s a Premarin foal I rescued when he was five months old. We also adopted an older horse to keep each other company. Our website is www.eastshoregoldenretrievers.moonfruit.com.

Nicole Boulanger

What do you do in your “real” life? Prior to becoming a full-time mom 2 years ago, I worked full-time at All Dogs Gym as a Trainer and Daycare Supervisor. I still work as a part-time trainer, doing behavioral consultations and private in-home training for All Dogs Gym.

How long have you been training dogs? I started training dogs as a junior handler almost twenty years ago through my local 4H Program, although I 'found' clicker back in 2000. I had a young Siberian Husky and an adolescent German Shepherd and was frustrated by the lack of progress I was making with traditional methods, so I attended a Level 1 workshop at All Dogs Gym, the very one that I myself give to new students today. One session and I knew this was something very special. I began assisting with classes back in 2001 and began teaching group classes in 2003.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? I am a graduate of Gail Fisher’s Instructors Course, attended the APDT Training Conference multiple times as a member, and have attended seminars taught by many brilliant trainers, including Turid Rugaas and Kathy Sdao. Some of the most important pieces of my education, however, came from my five years working in Doggy Daycare, first as an Attendant and then as a Supervisor. The opportunity to work with a large group of dogs on a daily basis, and the knowledgeable staff gave me so many opportunities that I would have otherwise never gained.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs?My dogs and I enjoy training of any sort! We love doing scent exercises, dabbling in agility, practicing obedience, or just teaching tricks for fun. I am passionate about German Shepherd Dogs and have occasionally shown my own dogs or handled others in the conformation ring. Our family loves the summer months and exploring the outdoors in New England. The dogs are our constant companions as we hike, camp, swim, or frequent the ice cream stands.

What do you love about training? I love that our training embraces the fact that learning is not a 'one size fits all' process. It's amazing to me to watch a class of ten different dogs who may learn the same behavior ten different ways. To see the individual dogs and their owners problem solve in their own way is an incredible experience.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? Nothing means more to me than hearing that I've helped to improve the relationship that my students share with their dogs. It's even more of a bonus to me if students have used the principles that were learned in class to help communicate differently with family, coworkers, etc. Positive reinforcement knows no boundaries when it comes to relationships.

Leisl Bryant

What do you do in your “real” life? I’m a forensic psychologist in private practice.

How long have you been training dogs? I’ve been training my own dogs since I was a kid, but my more formal training experiences started in 1990 when I joined a puppy raiser’s program at a Seeing Eye Dog School and raised/trained a puppy who eventually became a Seeing-Eye Dog.

What got you started? Volunteering as a puppy raiser for the Seeing-Eye Dog School was my start. Although at times dog training took more of a secondary focus as I pursued my “real life” career, it was always present in the background and came front and center again in 2001 when I adopted two rescue dogs. Both dogs were high-energy herding breeds who needed to use their minds, and each came with their own baggage that we needed to work through. An incredible journey of relationship building, obedience training, and agility work began then, and continues today. As my “real life” career has become more established, I’ve been able to gradually turn more of my attention back to my other great passion, working with dogs and the people who love them.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? After assisting in classes for a couple years and taking Gail Fisher’s Instructor Training Course I began teaching. I’ve been strongly influenced by many inspiring human trainers (notable among them are Suzanne Clothier, Turid Rugaas, Pamela Dennison, Patricia McConnell, and Karen Pryor), as well as by the great dogs I’ve worked with - and one in particular who always challenges me to listen deeper, question my assumptions, and think outside the box.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs? Nearly everything. Mostly, I love living my life with dogs. From quiet moments sitting on the couch or in the yard together, to long hikes in the woods, to agility and obedience training, to walking the neighborhood, to making up silly games and tending to the ‘mundane’ tasks of daily life, I love sharing my life with dogs. I also find great joy in working with rescue dogs and I volunteer each year as an agility instructor at Glen Highland Farm’s Camp Border Collie for Kids.

What do you love about training? Connecting with the dogs – discovering who each individual dog is and learning to communicate with him or her. To me, training is another form of play. I love creating an environment/relationship in which the dog is happy and eager to learn, and then watching the joyful gleam in their eyes when they start to catch on. I also love witnessing the incredible effects of positive training methods and watching as dogs learn to trust, think, and become more their true selves.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I love being able to help foster a positive, meaningful relationship between person and dog. One of my greatest joys is helping each partner to better understand the other, helping them to correct miscommunications and open doors for greater connectedness. I love giving others the tools to achieve their own goals with their dogs and seeing the joy on both their faces (human and canine) when they start to really connect and communicate - when their bond becomes a true relationship.

And your own pets? Throughout my life I’ve been blessed with many great canine companions, each with their own uniquely wonderful spirit. I have learned new things with each of my dogs and am grateful for the enriching relationships I have had and will continue to have with them. I also share my life with mischievous felines and, in the past, have enjoyed the company of parakeets and a Conure parrot. (The rescue dogs I work with always have a place in my heart too.)

Mark Carbonneau

What do you do in your “real” life? I'm the Sales Manager at Seacoast Business Machines. We are a Sharp Authorized Digital Copier Dealership. Sales in the real world is not all that different from selling yourself in the show ring! Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.

How long have you been training dogs? I started in dogs as a teenager, showing German Shepherd Dogs for a local breeder where I grew up in Massachusetts. My early show career is one of the reasons I love teaching Junior Handlers. That’s how I started myself, over 35 years ago!

What got you started teaching? I started out teaching an accredited course called "Pure Bred Dogs" while I was a student at the University of Massachusetts majoring in Animal Sciences. After graduation I started teaching some handling classes when I moved to New Hampshire, and I’ve been loving it ever since.

Competitive accomplishments? I’ve shown a wide variety of dogs and breeds, including my own dogs and handling for others. I have handled many dogs to their championships including Borzoi, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Schipperke, and of course my own breed, German Shepherd Dogs. My most treasured accomplishment was finishing the championship of my own Breeder/Owner/Handled German Shepherd, Am. & Can. Ch. Carmar's Piece of the Rock. Anyone who knows the show ring, knows how competitive the breed ring can be, and showing my own home-bred boy to his Championship in that highly competitive arena was the best!

What you enjoy doing with your dogs? We are big dog walkers. We love taking the dogs out to run and play on my small trail system on my property in Candia.

What do you love about training for the show ring? I love the bond that any training or any activity you do with your dog creates between the handler and the dog. Add to that the thrill of accomplishing something with your own dog, and the intense bond that is created—nothing could be better!

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? The success stories and the pride my students show at the end of each class when we have our "Brags" time. Hearing how they won their class or won the points at a recent show does it all for me!

And your own dogs? My GSD Josie will be 15 in January '09, her son Ziggy is 10, and her daughter Ali is 6. Ali just had a wonderful litter this summer and one of her pups visits the All Dog's Gym regularly! Another is in a show home and I can't wait to get started with her!

Laura Dolan

What do you do in your “real” life? In my life before kids, I was an electrical engineer which influences how I approach training and decision making on course. Now my full time job is Mom to two human kids, Caroline 12 and Jason 10. Although my dogs Dash BC, 5 and Race Sheltie (baby) seem like my kids too.

How long have you been training dogs? I started training dogs back in 1988. My sister had a sheltie named Willie who eventually became my dog. We did a basic pet class with him. I can remember popping him with a leash. As I look back, I feel sad I ever did that to him. In the mid ‘90’s Willie and I did formal obedience using other methods, but in 1996 I attended the Karen Pryor and Gary Wilkes seminar at All Dogs Gym, which was where I was introduced to clicker training and I never looked back. I'm sure Willie was so happy when I started training using shaping and treats! I started agility in 1995 with him when he was 7 years old.

How long have you been teaching/coaching others to train their dogs? In 1996, I helped ARFF Agility Club in Massachusetts with their beginner level classes, and I’ve been teaching ever since.

Who are some of the influences on your training (or what courses have you taken)? I am a White Mountain Agility School Certified Instructor. Julie Daniels has been a very strong influence in my agility foundation. I've trained with many instructors including Ken Fairchild, Lo Baker, Linda Mecklenburg, Elicia Calhoun, Jen Pinder, Rachel Sanders to name a few.

What are your competitive accomplishments? I've put many titles on my dogs including USDAA's ADCH (agility dog championship) and silver level championships also, MACHs (Master Agility Champion) in AKC. What I really find exciting in the sport of agility is competing on the National level. My Sheltie Remi has been successful on the national level with placements at the USDAA nationals in 2003, 2004 and 2006. She was also on the AKC's World Team in 2005 where we competed in Valladoid, Spain.

What do you love about training (and/or agility)? I love clicker training my dogs and watching them problem solve. It's amazing to me to see them learn and have fun doing it. As far as agility, in training my goal is to find the potential in each dog I work with and bring that out so they love playing the game. That may be a challenging task because each dog is such an individual with their strengths and weaknesses but when that happens and it all comes together it's worth all the hard work!

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I believe all my students truly love their dogs but agility builds such a strong working relationship with each dog it's a joy to see dogs and handlers having fun, achieving success at a trial or in class and each being very proud of their accomplishments.

And your own dogs (or family)? I always remind my husband Jay that he is the one who introduced me to agility in 1994. We were at an obedience competition when he wandered around and saw agility in the same venue. Once I saw it, I never went back to obedience. I've been able to continue to play agility with my dogs even after our kids were born. Caroline in 1997 and Jason in 1994. It's my sanity check. My dogs are Willie, Sheltie gone but not forgotten; Remi, Sheltie retired; Dash, Border Collie presently competing in the upper levels; and Race, Sheltie puppy.

Gail Fisher

What do you do in your “real” life? I guess the name “Gail Fisher’s All Dogs Gym” pretty much says it. In addition to my dog business, I volunteer for several non-profit organizations. I’m Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)--the largest professional organization of dog trainers in the world--and I’m on the Board of the Manchester Rotary Club.

How long have you been training dogs? I got my first “own” dog over 40 years ago and trained her on my own from a book. A few years later, I got my first pure-bred dog, a Vizsla who got me started in training for the breed and obedience rings.

What got you started? My Vizsla—she was so bright and beautiful, and despite the fact that she had a rank novice at the other end of the leash (me!), she did me proud! I discovered I not only loved training, but I had an aptitude, too. Because of her, I realized “what I want to be when I grow up” – a dog trainer! I’ve been incredibly fortunate in finding the most wonderful, generous mentors that helped guide my career.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? The late Olive Point was instrumental in teaching me about teaching people. Olive convinced me to offer the very first University course for dog trainers, the two-year certificate program I developed and taught at the University of New Hampshire entitled “Teaching Dog Obedience.” The study, research and preparation I had to do for this course was the best possible education imaginable. Most recently, since crossing over to clicker training, my influences have been Gary Wilkes, Corally Burmaster, Carolyn Clark, Karen Pryor and Turid Rugaas. But honestly, my biggest influences are the wonderful trainers that I work with - motivating and inspiring me, always eager to learn more and get better together.

Competitive accomplishments? I used to enjoy competing with my dogs, and have finished nine Breed Champions—six as breeder-owner-handler. I’ve also put multiple obedience titles on my dogs, and even an agility title. In recent years, my writing and seminars have kept me busy.

What do you love about training? My favorite moment is the adrenaline rush I feel when the dog “gets it.” And I love sharing that with owners who suddenly see their dogs in an entirely different light—not just loving their dogs (which we all do), but also developing a profound respect and admiration of them.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I’ve always been mission driven—even before I knew what it was to have a personal mission—and that is to enrich and enhance the relationship between owners and their dogs. This is All Dogs Gym mission, but it’s mine as well. It is what drives me.

And your own dogs? I've had a variety of breeds (and mixes) including English Mastiffs (which I bred for 20 years), a Springer Spaniel, a Basset Hound and Vizslas. Currently, we have a Bearded Collie, Cannon; and we’ve just adopted a mix (a foxy-looking dog that may be part Shiba Inu?) named Kochi. We also have two cats, one that was feral—and still pretty-much is.

Donna Jones

What do you do in your “real” life? I am the Doggie Daycare Manager at All Dogs Gym, plus doing some daycare training and teaching classes.

How long have you been training dogs? I’ve been training my own dogs since 1995, and teaching others to train since 2000.

What got you started? I adopted a nine-month-old Brittany with loads of behavior issues. In order to save his life, I enrolled in one of Gail Fisher's Level 1 classes. Working with both Gail and Wendy Bergeron, my dog became a well-mannered and treasured part of our family for 14 years. Working with my beloved "bad" dog got me started on the path to a wonderful career that brings me joy every day.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? After taking classes, then assisting in them, I was invited to take Gail’s Instructor Training Course in 1999. That class changed the course of my life. Since then, I’ve taken numerous seminars to enhance my education and knowledge. Two major influences are Gail Fisher and Turid Rugaas. A significant and priceless part of my education has come from working in Doggy Daycare for the past 9 years. It started as a plan to just observe a few sessions of Daycare to learn more about natural dog behavior, enhancing my education as an Instructor at All Dogs Gym. Within two days I was hooked, and asked to be hired as a Daycare Attendant, moving up to Supervisor, and then to Daycare Manager. The education I've received in this environment - and am able to share with our employees and my students - is priceless.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs? I enjoy doing both agility and obedience training and practice with my dogs. I have titled my whippets through the International Longhaired Whippet Club. Hamish is a Champion, working on becoming a Grand Champion, and Lexie is just a few points short of becoming a Grand Champion. My puppies are working on their championships, too. Most of all I enjoy them – just as dogs and members of our family.

What do you love about training? I love to see the loving look of a dog who is truly happy - there is a special little spark to the way they look.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I love to see the look on the owners faces when they realize that special relationship with their dog - meaning everything clicks and they are no longer discouraged, they eagerly pursue other activities with their dog, the dog has become more than a pet, he (she is now a true best friend).

And your own dogs? My husband and I have 9 dogs. Four Greyhounds - Marnie Marie, 4; Eagle, 6; Moscow & Jelly are both 7 years old. Five Whippets - Hamish, 7; Lexie & Teddy are 6; and our puppies Ansel and Augie were born in January, 2008.

Michelle Kenney

What do you do in your “real” life? I have been working as an 8^th grade Middle School Teacher in Manchester for 30 years. Working with adolescents for that many years has afforded me the skills that easily transition into dog training. In school and in training I believe that it is the relationship building and having fun that makes us successful.

How long have you been training dogs? Cody and I have been training at ADG since he was 5 months old (2003). First through Obedience Levels 1 & 2 with MaryBeth and then through Agility 1, 2, Intermediate, Advanced, and Competitive levels with Jean and Focus Sessions with Chris McQuillen.

How did you start teaching dog training? Teaching is my “real” profession – but in addition, I will be taking the All Dogs Academy Instructor Training Course this summer to enhance my “dog” instructing skills.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs? We really enjoy competing and being at events together (the whole family). We have competed in Agility venues such as CPE where Cody has his CL1,CL2, and CL3 Titles, USDAA as a Performance Dog, and AKC. We have gone through and achieved Cody’s Canine Good Citizen certificate and have been working in Rally Obedience for two and a half years and begun to compete as well.

What do you love about training? The time we spend training and just being together bonding. Learning that my boys really think with clicker training and the ease with which they learn new things. Friendships that have developed, both human and canine through our many venues of our activities.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? In Agility, the Team (us with our dogs) it is this relationship that is most important. We are spending time together, thinking and working together, and playing together. With the relationship and training we are developing a solid foundation and motivation. All of this benefits both the dog and handler whether we are together for fun and exercise or if we choose to compete in the future.

And your own dogs? My husband Bruce and I have two Shelties, Cody a Sable and Brady a tri-sheltie who was added to the our family on February 16th. 2008. Now at almost three months old Brady has joined the All Dogs family through Puppy Pre-School, Level 1 Obedience, and starting Agility at the puppy level. Brady adores and has been accepted by his older brother Cody. The future will bring Agility Trials, Rally and perhaps Herding. We hope we have many years together developing our relationships and skills.

Christine McQuillen

What do you do in your “real” life? In addition to my teaching and coaching, I have a full-time job in management for a payment processing company.

How long have you been training in agility? I’ve been training, teaching, and competing in dog agility for 16 years.

What got you started in dogs or dog training? I started training with dogs when I was just a kid—and I’ve been loving it ever since!

What courses have you taken? The courses, clinics and seminars I’ve attended are far too numerous to mention. I attend ongoing training sessions in agility and animal behavior at least several times a year. I love learning and sharing what I learn.

Who are some of the influences on your training? Susan Garrett, Greg Derrett, and Susan Salo have been extremely influential in my agility career.

Competitive accomplishments? I have been quite successful with my dogs, and have competed with and titled 4 different dogs in the upper levels of multiple agility organizations. I’ve just started competing in agility with my 5^th agility dog.

What do you love about agility? Many years ago I had a dog that began displaying both people and dog aggression at a young age. I worked with numerous top behaviorists in an effort to resolve his issues. There was only minimal improvement. I then started training this dog in agility, and he became a different dog. His behavioral issues improved dramatically. He went on to compete in the upper levels of multiple agility organizations. I love the sport of agility because I saw the profound impact it had on this dog’s life and behavior.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I love to help people build and develop the special relationship with their dog that comes from training in a positive and progressive manner.

And what do you have for dogs? I currently have 4 Border Collies….Seamus, Maeve, Sive, and Dempsey.

LynnMarie Millette

What do you do in your “real” life? I’m the Class Coordinator for All Dogs Gym, and one of the Daycare trainers. I’m President of Luckdragon's Angels Pet Therapy Group, a non-profit organization my husband and I founded. For fun, I love going to the beach in the fall and spring with my dog, gardening, camping with my husband and dog, sewing, and doing pet therapy visits with my dog Becke (to the VA hospital, young adult program at the Moore Center and Goffstown library READ program).

How long have you been training dogs? I started training in 1995 when we got Falcore, my first Labrador Retriever.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? In 1999 I was invited to take Gail’s Instructor Training course, and became an Instructor after that. I’ve taken on-going classes and seminars with other trainers, as well as seminars on Freestyle Dance, Agility, and Obedience training. Gail is a big influence on my training as well as other trainers. Also Turid Rugaas has been a big influence, helping me understand the behaviors I see in class and at home.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs? All of my dogs have been Therapy Dogs. I really love watching my current dog, Becke, help getting patients to do their physical therapy, helping children learn to read and to love books, and helping young people develop a love of dogs.

What do you love about training? Watching the relationship change and grow as the dog becomes truly part of the family—that is so rewarding for me. I especially love it when a family member that was afraid of their dog, now isn't—since this was once me! I used to be very afraid of dogs. I love seeing old training myths die and helping people see the benefits of clicker training vs. the other styles that are out there. Watching the dogs become "thinking dogs."

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I love the look on the faces of the students and their family the last week of class when their dog performs skills that the owner didn't believe their dog would ever learn! I love to see the owners understand their dog's behavior and stop blaming the dog. I love helping people get over their fear of dogs (both theirs and the others in class). I enjoy the laughter in class and seeing some of the students developing friendships with each other, planning "Play Dates" for their dogs. Training dogs is about having fun as well as learning obedience skills.

And your own dogs? Becke is a 8 year old yellow Lab who is a Certified Delta therapy dog, and a Intermountain Therapy Dog R.E.A.D.ing dog. My Luckdragon's Angels website is www.luckdragonsangels.org.

Judy Pollard

What do you do in your “real” life? I’ve been a Veterinary Technician at Daniel Webster Animal Hospital for 26 years where I help in all aspects-- client education, surgery, taking x-rays, lab work, exams, etc., as well as managing the inventory for the hospital.

How long have you been training dogs? I started training when I was a kid. My parents raised Great Danes. My dad was a trainer and taught classes, and I started training and showing my own Basenjis and then Golden Retrievers as a Junior Handler and any other dogs that people would let me show! I won’t say how many years ago that was.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences?I’ve been training dogs with Gail for years, and was invited to take her Instructor Training Course in 1991 . I’ve attended many different seminars and courses over the years including Karen Pryor and Gary Wilkes, Ruth Hobday, Susan Garrett, Turid Rugaas and others.

Competitive accomplishments (or What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs)? I enjoy competing in virtually everything. In Obedience, I’ve achieved a CD with a Golden Retriever and a CDX with my first Field Spaniel, including High in Trial awards in the US and Canada along the way. In Conformation, I’ve finished champions in 3 different breeds, Greyhound, Clumber Spaniel and my Field Spaniels and have finished championships from the Bred-By-Exhibitor class. In Agility, I’ve finished several AKC titles, including AX/AXJ and two Canine Performance Events Championships (C-ATCH) titles. I have also dabbled in Rally Obedience.

What do you love about training? I love the bond you get by communicating with your dog. It’s really great to see the moment(s) when the dogs really “get it.”

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I love helping owners communicate with their dogs, and experience that moment when the dog gets it. I love making a difference between someone having what they feel is a “bad” dog and realizing they can work through the problems they have, then they really are enjoying living with that dog. I enjoy introducing dogs and handlers to the sport of agility--I have had many different breeds and sizes of dogs that have been in beginner classes and then become hooked on the sport as much as I am.

And your own dogs? I currently live with five Field Spaniels ranging in age from 2.5 yrs to 12 yrs and occasionally breed a litter. I am a member of the Field Spaniel Society of America, currently serving on the Board of Directors and the head of the Agility Committee.

Shari Sarris

What do you do in your “real” life? I work full-time at All Dogs Gym as the Marketing Director and private trainer. I recently got married, and my husband and I now live in Manchester.

How long have you been training dogs? I started my professional training career at All Dogs Gym in 1996. In 1999, I moved to California where I operated my own dog training business until I returned to New Hampshire in 2004.

What got you started training dogs? I hadn't intended to become a dog trainer. I have always loved animals and knew I would like to work with them. I had investigated becoming a Veterinarian, even a Zookeeper. I saw an ad for a position at All Dogs Gym's Doggie Daycare. You had to write an essay about your own dogs for the position. I did, and I was hired within the week. The manager at the time and Gail herself took me under their wings and helped me to begin training dogs. No pun intended, it clicked for me. I had found my niche.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? I completed Gail's Instructor training course in 1997. I am now an instructor for All Dogs Academy. I have seen many wonderful trainers and speaker over the years. Among my favorite have been Turid Rugaas, Kathy Sdao and Gail Fisher.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs? In the warmer months, my husband and I enjoy hiking and taking the dogs to the beach. In the colder months, the dogs love to play in the snow in our yard. We like to watch them and to play with them. Our dogs are our "kids" and we spoil them as much as we can. There are many belly rubs and kisses in our home.

What do you love about training? I love the dogs, of course. Dogs are wonderful and can teach so much about love and forgiveness if we listen. I love working with the dog's owners as well. It is very rewarding to teach an owner how to see the potential of their dog- the full and rewarding relationship that is possible.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I love what I do, and I love sharing it with others who also love dogs. I also love it when we have a student who wants to become a trainer, and who is meant to train—they are a natural. It is fun to help them discover this in themselves.

And your own dogs? I have 2 dogs- Mazzie 3 year old, female Lab mix and Logan 12 year old, male, GSD/Malamute/Australian Shepherd mix. I trained and fostered dogs for four years with the spcaLA.

Liz Shattuck

What do you do in your “real” life? I am an accountant for a mid size Manufacturing company in Southern New Hampshire.

How long have you been training dogs or how long have you been training in agility? I started training dogs when I was six years old. I’ve been training, showing, competing in obedience and confirmation for years.

What got you started in dogs or dog training? My mother and her friends who were my mentors growing up. I tagged along with them helping hold the leash, helping out in the rings with showing dogs. I became interested in agility when I attended a weekend agility seminar and I’ve been hooked ever since.

What courses have you taken? With a degree in Organizational Management and Accounting I have held several jobs over the years managing people. This has aided me greatly in helping people to train their dogs. I have also attended many seminars on different forms of Dog training, (far too many to list) and have completed the All Dogs Academy Instructor Training School.

Who are some of the influences on your training? As training has progressed over the years, I have tried many forms of training. I am most impressed with positive, motivation-based training methods that create a happy working dog that thinks.

Competitive accomplishments? I’ve put several obedience titles, breed championships and several levels of agility titles to my shelties. I am also an agility judge for two agility venues.

What do you love about training? I love seeing a dog’s capabilities, his or her willingness to work and having a much easier dog to live with because they have a job to do!

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I love to see the student/dog relationship evolve and progress over the course of the training sessions. As the team moves through each week a bond grows between dog and owner. It’s fun to watch the students get to know one another and support and encourage each other. I love when a dog that might not have caught on as quickly as some other dogs in class finally gets it, and everyone spontaneously applauds them.

MaryBeth Tessier

What do you do in your “real” life? I’m an Elementary School teacher – 5^th Grade at Webster School in Manchester.

How long have you been training dogs? I’ve been training for 15 years, and teaching others how to train for 11 years.

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? I’m a graduate of Gail Fisher's instructor course (1997), and have attended an abundance of seminars from various presenters.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs? I enjoy taking the dogs swimming, hiking and snowshoeing. Anything outside with them. Letting them just be dogs and enjoy nature.

What do you love about training? Watching the dogs think and seeing their owners enjoy their success

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? Teaching people to develop positive relationships with their dogs and understand their individual needs.

And your own dogs? My dogs: various ages and shades of golden retrievers and one token beagle. Our website is www.eastshoregoldenretrievers.moonfruit.com.

Carolyn VanderHorst

What do you do in your “real” life? I work at the Manchester VA Medical Center as the Hematology Supervisor in the Laboratory.

How long have you been training dogs? My entire life, I have had a passionate interest in dogs, especially their behavior and the reasons behind it. I am a devoted dog lover and dog owner. I’ve been training my own dogs since 1983.

What got you started? I had a young sheltie that was a kennel dog until he was 11 months old, used only in the Breed ring. He wasn't socialized well. To help him build a relationship with me, I got involved with training to build his confidence. He was a nervous dog and didn't warm up to people very quickly, and after training he "came out of his shell". He was much more sociable. We even completed Obedience Trials, where he got CD and he won 3rd place!

How did you start teaching dog training and who are some of your influences? I started clicker training in 1997 at Gail Fisher’s All Dogs Gym. I found the instructors all very professional and knowledgeable regarding dog behavior. Because of this, I had a strong desire to be part of this profession. I started assisting in classes with an instructor in 2005. Through All Dogs Academy program, Aug 2006 I became certified to be an instructor and February 2007 I received my certification for the Dog Training School. As of March 2007 I have been an instructor at All Dogs Gym. I am delighted to be part of this organization and its mission.

Who are some of the influences on your training? Clicker training has been the best experience for both myself and my dogs. Thanks to Gail Fisher's All Dogs Gym it has opened up my eyes and mind on how to train dogs and build a strong connection with them.

What do you enjoy doing with your own dogs? My husband and I are seasonal campers. We love to go camping. We bought a 38 ft trailer so we could accommodate all the dogs!

What do you love about training? I really enjoy "communicating" with the dog through training. I love seeing the "Ah-ha, I get it" look on the dog's face when they have figured out what behavior I am asking of them. I find clicker training to have endless possibilities in the amount of behaviors to train your dog. It's so much fun to see the dogs eagerly wanting to train and learning something new.

What do you love about helping others train their dogs? I volunteer at a local animal shelter and have seen so many homeless, unwanted dogs at the shelter because people may misunderstand the behavior of the dog and don’t want to train it or don’t know how. I want to help change that and be a part of educating dog owners and share with them my skills on how to teach their dog and develop a strong relationship.

And your own pets? I have 5 dogs. Three of my dogs were rescued from the shelter where I volunteer: Stormie- Shepherd mix 11 yrs old; Tucker- Sheltie 8 years old; Kaylee- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 5years old; Hooper- English Black Labrador 2 years old; Bosco- Redbone Coonhound (I think) 2 years old. 6 cats (all adopted from the shelter) and 5 birds. I have been a volunteer at the Manchester Animal Shelter since 2000, and was Volunteer of the Year in 2007.

Scott Williams

Scott is an award-winning competitive dog obedience trainer who has traveled the United States and France excelling in competitions that put a trainer’s skill to the ultimate test: teaching a dog to complete complex exercises and obey detailed commands with near-perfect precision and speed. As a further testament to his dog training and handling abilities, Scott's dogs have been recruited for television shows including the E! Channel's Scream Play and an upcoming documentary on the breeding of the English Mastiff.

In addition to sharpening his skills with obedience challenges, Scott is certified in pet first aid and CPR. He is also a firm believer in continuing education and professional affiliation: He constantly expands his knowledge by attending a range of dog training seminars, and is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI).

Scott lives in Massachusetts with his wife Cathi, their three children, an English Mastiff, a Pomeranian, and two Belgian Malinois.

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