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I've been consistently training basic obedience classes for IRDTC since I became a member in 1983. As a "teacher by trade" (I am a PreK-12 Health, Physical Education, Driver Education Resource Teacher for Brevard Public Schools), I really enjoy teaching the basics to the new and not so new pet owners. It's important to me that they understand what they have and how best to train their charges to be a welcome member of their family. Since my Mom is a dog show judge and former professional handler, groomer, boarding kennel owner, obedience and conformation trainer and vet tech, I kinda grew up in the business. I became extremely interested in the whys and wherefores of dog behavior, training, legislation, health and breeding issues. Over the years I have attended numerous workshops, seminars and conferences on these topics. I have also conducted lots of personal interviews & visits of training sites, kennels and schools, plus read LOTs of books on everything "dog". As a child, I was fortunate to be a member of a group called the K-9 Collie-ettes who performed at several hospitals, state fairs, schools & nursing homes with our "square dancing Collies". Along with that experience and others, I have had the pleasure of being on TV, radio and in newspapers giving interviews and demonstrations over the years. I am one of the few dog obedience instructors in the area endorsed by NADOI (National Association for Dog Obedience Instructors - http://www.nadoi.org/ ) and I am a charter member of APDT (Association for Pet Dog Trainers - http://www.apdt.com/ ). I have been a past Vice President & board member for Indian River Dog Training Club, past president of the Greater Orange Park Dog Club, past president of the Sunshine Belgian Tervuren Club. In addition to the aforementioned clubs, I also hold membership in the Tracking Club of Central Florida, Central Florida Herding Club, Palm Bay Agility Club, Space Coast Therapy Dogs Inc., Solar Belgian Shepard Club, American Belgian Tervuren Club, and the Collie Club of America. I also have been a trainer for Hearing and Service Dogs. I have been very fortunate to have loved and trained several dogs in all kinds of venues such as conformation, obedience, tracking, agility, and herding with dabs of Shutzhund, ring sport, lure coursing, flyball, rally, earthdog trials, and hunting thrown in for experience. My dogs have earned several levels of titles in conformation, obedience, tracking, agility, and herding as well as certification in temperament and the AKC's Canine Good Citizen, as you can see in my signature line. My dogs also go to schools to instruct children how to be safe around dogs and be a responsible dog owner with AKC approved videos and curriculum. In the past, my dogs were all Therapy dogs and have visited many nursing homes in the area as well as taken part in varied community functions (My current dogs are just getting to the age to be certified). Utilizing my Mom's expertise and assistance, I conduct Headstart Puppy Classes (321-254-1362 for information) on an ongoing basis throughout the year, because based on research it is ESSENTIAL that puppies (ages 10 weeks to 18 weeks) get a good foundational start on social skills and basic manners. This is the stage when puppies are sponges to all matters of social skills, guidelines, rules of the owners household and basic training. But training is NOT over after puppy class - you wouldn't stop your schooling with kindergarten! Part two would definitely be Basic/Beginning classes offered by IRDTC. Dogs are never too old to learn, but it does take more time and patience on the owners part to convince them to do it "your" way. I hope that people will come and observe my classes (puppy &/or basic), ask questions and bring their charges for a fun and bonding time with their soon to be (if not already) best friend. Valerie "Terry" Harville TnTervuren Home of : |
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