Star of the Discovery+ reality show, “THE MIGHTY UNDERDOGS”
For most of my adult life I’ve been a teacher. With a Master’s degree in Education, I’ve worked sharing knowledge and helping others build competency.
I began training dogs in 1962 as an 11-year old! In the world of dog sports/activities, I’ve trained more than 38 competition obedience dogs of my own to their American Kennel Club Companion Dog titles, 8 to their Companion Dog Excellent Titles and 4 to their Utility Dog titles as well as more than 70 other AKC Championship, Rally, Tracking and Obedience titles. Purebred dogs haven’t been my only focus though. Through the years I’ve also worked as the Director of Training at several animal shelters helping rescue dogs adjust to their new adoptive homes. Interestingly, I also served as the on-set Dog Trainer for the Animal Planet show, PIT BOSS.
I deployed more than 30 times with the Los Angeles Police Department as a certified K-9 Search and Rescue trailing team with my Clumber Spaniel Josey. I was also deployed numerous times in Human Remains Detection with my Doberman Pinscher Hobie. We worked with local law enforcement and emergency agencies in California and Arizona to help find the lost and missing.
In addition to working with private clients, I also train Service Dogs for individuals with physical and/or psychological challenges including Diabetic Alert Dogs, Seizure Alert Dogs, Mobility Assistance Dogs and dogs for Military Veterans with PTSD/Traumatic Brain Injuries. Over the years I’ve helped hundreds of dog owners to communicate more effectively with their pets, correct unwanted/destructive dog behaviors and deepen their human/dog relationship.
I am perhaps proudest to be one of the most successful coaches of Junior Showmanship competitors in the history of the American Kennel Club. Dozens of my students are annually ranked among the top junior handlers in the United States. My kids regularly qualify for the AKC National Final Junior Showmanship Finals and the Westminster Kennel Club Junior Showmanship Finals. In fact, for the past several years, more students from my program have qualified for these two national events than any other single program in the history of these competitions. In 2025, I proudly have 19 juniors qualified for the AKC Nationals and 9 qualified for Westminster 2026. My television series, THE MIGHTY UNDERDOGS, on the Discovery+ channel featured my work with young handlers and their dogs, introducing the sport of Junior Showmanship to a national audience.
Dogs have been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up around a variety of breeds, I developed a genuine appreciation for the unique qualities, personalities, and needs of each dog. My passion for the dog world grew significantly in 2019 when I welcomed my very own dog, which led me to become actively involved in conformation and junior handling.
From 2019 through 2025, I competed as a Junior Handler with the CKC Manitoba Junior Kennel Club, where I had the opportunity to show multiple breeds and gain valuable experience in the conformation ring. Showing a variety of breeds taught me the importance of understanding each individual dog, adapting my handling approach, and developing a strong connection and trust with the dogs I worked with. Through these experiences, I gained a deeper understanding of canine structure, temperament, presentation, and the dedication involved in preparing and caring for dogs.
I am currently the proud owner of three English Cocker Spaniels and have developed a particular passion for the breed. I also breed English Cocker Spaniels, with a strong interest in responsible breeding, proper development, and raising well-rounded dogs. Although English Cockers hold a special place in my heart, my love for dogs extends to all breeds, and I genuinely enjoy working with dogs of different personalities, backgrounds, and temperaments.
In 2025, I had the opportunity to begin working for Jody Davidson. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience and has allowed me to continue expanding my knowledge and hands-on experience within the dog community. I am grateful to be part of PHD Obedience and look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the care and well-being of every dog.
Located in Grunthal, Manitoba and serving the southeast Manitoba area including Winnipeg, Steinbach, St. Malo, St Pierre Jolys, Niverville, Blumenort, Kleefeld, Mitchell and La Broquerie. All rights reserved © PHD Obedience Inc. | [DS]
