Pam Tynes

Instructor

Pam has been training since 1989. She has put 2 CDs, 1-UCD, 2-UAGIs, 1-UAGII, 1-UACH, 1-ThDA & 3-CGC’s on 3 Dalmatians. For SMDTC she has taught STAR Puppy Soc, Agile Puppy, Versatile Puppy, Home Manners, Public Manners, Novice, and Agility. She has been a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) for about 14 years. Her attendance at several seminars, most recently APDT in 2005, 2006, 2010, 2014 & 2018 helps her to keep current on recent training methods. Pam is a member of Pet Therapy of the Ozarks (PTO) and she and her dalmatian, Meela, make pet therapy visits to several locations. Pam is currently serving on the board of PTO. Pam has served on the board of SMDTC several times, serving as President 2004-2006, and Training Director (2012-2014). She served as enrollment secretary for five years. She also served on the training committee, building committee, Public Relations Committee and various club trial committees since joining the club in 1989. She currently has 2 Dalmatians and 2 Gordon Setters.

Cathy Hawkins

Instructor

Cathy Hawkins, CPDT has been training dogs since 1971. Cathy created the first obedience classes held at SMDTC. Competing in AKC obedience and tracking, she has put titles on dogs from the sporting, herding, working, hound and terrier groups. She is the founder and director of Camp Jigsaw, a camp devoted exclusively to AKC tracking. Cathy is an approved AKC TD/TDX judge. She is a member of Pet Therapy of the Ozarks, where she created a PALS (Pets As Listeners) program for the Springfield/Greene County Libraries, the Ozarks Kennel Club and is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Cathy was the first person in the state of Missouri to be certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. Cathy is approved to teach all obedience, Scent Work and tracking classes at SMDTC.

Susan Gilbert

Instructor

I am the current Training Director for SMDTC. I first started teaching for the Club in 1988 and continue to do so. A chow Chow brought me into the world of dog obedience. Since then I have titled three German Shepherds and three Golden Retrievers. I am actively showing my young Golden, Joker.

Bill Lindsey

Instructor

Lorri Sheets

Instructor

Collleen Shannon

Instructor

Melissa Stefanowicz

Instructor

Susan Jenson

Instructor

The first dog I showed was when I was 7 and was our collie trained by my dad, who was a member of the Club in the 70s. I have trained dogs in obedience, agility, and scent work. I currently am working with RB, my golden retriever in obedience, and Brownie, an Aussiedoodle, in Rally. I am honored to be the Club Vice-President (2022-present). I love to teach, and especially love to teach humans how to work with their dogs.

Brian Peterson

Scent Work Instructor

I began my journey into scent work with my Aussie mix, Charlie, at SMDTC in 2019. We are currently training and trialing at some of the most exciting and challenging levels of AKC Scent Work. With this experience, I hope to help you develop this deep and rewarding relationship with your dog.

Cheryl Dorsey

Instructor

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a dog trainer. My family would tell me that I needed to be a vet instead, “You can't make money training dogs.” but I knew what I wanted to do! Right out of high school in 1982, I went to National K-9 School for Dog Trainers. Back then, I believe there were only 2 dog trainers' schools, it was a brand new concept, training people to be professional dog trainers. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. No matter where I've lived, I have always been a member of a dog club. When my husband and I moved to SW MO in 2010, I immediately checked out SMDTC and promptly joined. I have titled many dogs in different sports. My Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pyro, has earned 65 titles from conformation, rally, obedience, herding, nosework/scent work and probably several that I've forgotten. Pyro had to be retired because of health reasons or I'm sure he'd still be going. I'm currently training my Russell Terrier, Kaos, in scent work, nosework and Fast CAT. I have 2 Belgian Malinois that I'm training to track and last but not least, I have another Pembroke that is just starting in scent work.

JoAnn Peterson

Instructor

Sharon Casada

Instructor

Irene Bessette

Instructor

Irene was always passionate about animals even though she was not allowed to have any and didn’t have her first dog until she was 22. That was a German Shepherd mix that was rescued twice. First from the shelter and then from the people who abused her. Irene started rescuing dogs from the vet she worked for and then managed an ASPCA for a few years before starting her own business. Those 2 jobs taught her a great deal about dog behavior. Irene came to SMDTC in 2012 with her first Australian Shepherd, Dakota, who was 6 when she was invited to join the Ring Ready class. That was the start of Irene showing dogs and like a lot of us got addicted because by the time Dakota died at 10 in 2016, she had 22 titles in Agility, Nosework, got her Rally Excellent title, UKC open obedience and 2 legs towards her AKC utility title. Her current girl, another Aussie has taught her the most about dog training and behavior since she is a very aroused, high drive dog. She has gone to may seminars by some of the most prominent dog trainers and has watched countless videos trying to learn as much as possible and has assisted in many classes at SMDTC. Gracie-Joy is also very diverse and at 2 years old has 15 titles in Nosework, tricks, rally and obedience and will be awesome in agility if she manages to stay in the ring. Irene loves teaching Home Manners and helping people solve problems so that their dog is a happier, more well adjusted member of their family. She also is an AKC CGC Evaluator.

Phyliss Krebs

Instructor