Training Director

My involvement in dogs began when I was just 3 years old. My parents bred CKC registered Standard Smooth Dachshunds in the mid 1940's (I know, this dates me!). When I was 10, I had a Shetland Pony, and then graduated to the larger version acquiring a Paint (Pinto) *Skipper* and was involved in showing both my pony & horse in the 50's and 60's. In 1967 I was introduced to the Doberman Breed & the rest is history. They have owned me for over 35 years.

Most of my Dobermans have been shown in the Conformation ring and completed their Championships, but my passion lies in the performance ring. Flyball, Agility, and Obedience have been a large part of my life with my Dobes. I have had many High in Classes and High In Trials with my 'dobie girls' and became involved with instructing approximately 20 years ago. I have attended many workshops ~ Pat Hastings, Judie Howard, Turid Rugaas, Sheryl Smith, Karen Pryor and Terri Arnold camps/workshops/seminars just to mention a few.

I have been dubbed 'anal retentive' when it comes to instructing the competitive classes as I pay attention to 'details' and like perfection in the performance ring.

Over the years I have been involved in many capacities with The Doberman Pinscher Club of Canada, Thunder Bay Kennel & Training Club, Lakehead Club, North Western Ontario Working Dog Association, Twin Ports Training Club (Duluth) and the Twin Cities Doberman Pinscher Club. Having held many positions with most of these clubs has enlightened my horizons and knowledge in many, many ways.

Some of my other hobbies include gardening and cooking. I have a passion for both & often have been affiliated with a few magazines for submitting my favourite recipes. In the past I was a columnist for Canine Review for 18 years and presently am the Area Rep. columnist for our Doberman Pinscher Club of Canada newsletter.

I am so proud to have been chosen as training director for Canine Development Club, as well as being associated with such a great staff who are so well versed in tracking, herding, agility, conformation, performance and basically a well rounded group with such passion, love & dedication for their canine 'partners'.

Mgr. Canine Development Club

Growing up in a family of 7 kids, there wasn't much desire to have a dog/cat, as we all fed off each other, although there was the occasional feline and canine, it wasn't then that I became addicted.

About 1992/3 I thought it might be nice to have a retriever of some sort, and after doing some extensive research, I found that the Chesapeake Retriever was the dog that would best suit my needs, as I was at the time an ardent fisherman, hunter and belonged to the Pistol Club in Thunder Bay.

My brother and I drove Stateside to pick up a Chesapeake. His name would be "Chess" (a time in my life when I had spare time to play games!) Chess was oversized and a sweet loveable Retriever, who's only mission in life was to eat the bird, rather than retrieve it! An exception to the temperament, Chess loved everyone, every dog and everything. He loved life and proved to be easily trained in the performance ring getting his Canadian and American C.D., very quickly, but then ended his career in performance because of hip / crucial problems.

Chess lived to be over 14 and enjoyed life with Carla and the Dobermans, Beans and Row Z. He was very tolerant of them riding the waves in the water, on his back, and there was very little anyone could do to make my Chessey boy angry...Beans tried to steal his bone once and that set the record straight!

I have always had an interest in performance and a dream to have a training club was always looming back in my head. Together, teaming up with Chris and Lynn, buying some mats, finding the ideal place came about in 2007 when after a few weeks of hard work, we opened for business in July, with 35 students. Since then most of our semesters now house upwards of 100 students and we have expanded to including 'Agility' in our program.

I manage the accounts, retail section and am the guy they call "DAVID" whenever they need a hand, moving, setting up, or taking part in going over dogs for stand for exams. I enjoy so much meeting all the new folks and their dogs and am amazed at the progress they make in 6 weeks.

I am a member of the Canadian Kennel Club, Thunder Bay Kennel Club am Treasurer for Lakehead Kennel Club, often Show Super as well and a member of N.O.W.D.A (Northern Ontario Working Dog Association) and currently sit on the executive as Trial Chair/Trial Secretary.

Presently, I co own a loving Doberman, Nola, who keeps a close check on me when I have anything to eat.

Trainer

When I was 12, my family got our first dog, an American Cocker Spaniel named "Taylor". I tagged along with my sisters to Puppy Kindergarten classes, and it wasn't long before I was the one doing the training and teaching her every trick I could possibly imagine. We went to training class after training class - I was hooked! The next year, by chance, we acquired a Golden Retriever who was in need of a home. "Barclay" stole my heart and I have been owned by Goldens ever since.

I started competing in Junior Handling and then went on to learn and compete in several different canine activities from there. I currently compete in conformation, obedience, rally and my biggest passion of all - tracking! I have also dabbled a bit in field training and agility.

I am currently owned by two young Golden boys, "Henley" and "Gisbon", both of whom I am training in multiple venues.

I am a member of the Canadian Kennel Club, Golden Retriever Club of Canada, Lakehead Kennel Club and Thunder Bay Kennel and Training Club.

Trainer

John Hautala has been involved with the Thunder Bay Cocker Spaniel Club since 1990 and currently holds the position of President. Early on he realized he had an interest in obedience and was the catalyst for the Club hosting Obedience Trials.

As a Service Advisor at Lakehead Motors, John works with people all day, so he easily transfers his skills into being a Rally instructor.

John has a genuine interest in helping people learn new things and takes great pleasure when they achieve their goal.

Rally Obedience offers three levels; Novice, Advance and Excellent. John likes to challenge students with very interesting course designs for his classes, sometimes intermingling the various levels, so students can get a feel for "what's next".

Dogs entering Rally classes must have an understanding of the three life issues. Stay with me, Stay where I put you and Come when called.

Mary Lou Hautala was introduced to the dog community in 1990 and has been involved with the Thunder Bay Cocker Spaniel Club since that time. She has held the position of Secretary/Treasurer for many years and thoroughly enjoys being on the "other" side of the ring. Her career as a handler, was short lived when she realized she preferred to use her organizing and planning talents and continues to undertake the many tasks associated with putting on Trials, both Rally and Obedience.

In her other life (the one that pays the bills), Mary Lou works as a Manager for YES Employment Services. She has been with the organization for 20 years, and continues to love the challenges associated with the position.

When asked if interested in instructing Rally classes, Mary Lou knew it would be a good fit, not because she excels in Rally, but because she excels as a coach with a desire to help people understand and adapt to challenges when faced with new concepts.

Rally Obedience is a fun way to work with your dog as a team as you learn to manoeuvre around a series of signs from Start to Finish. Dogs entering Rally classes must know and understand the basic commands (three life issues, stay where I put you, stay with me and come when called).

Rally Obedience offers three levels, Novice, Advance and Excellent. As you move through, the level of difficulty increases and include jumps.

One of the things Mary Lou likes the most about Rally is that you are expected to have FUN, encouraging your canine companion all the way through.

You should try it.it's a good time!