Shirley
Thompson, CPDT
My journey into the world of dog training started November 1992, as I watched the Dog Training Club of Chester County do an agility demo at the Philadelphia Dog Show. I had never seen dogs perform in any venue, so for me, watching the handlers and dogs work together through the agility obstacles was mesmerizing. That demo not only set me on my quest of a working relationship with my own dog but also started my relationship with the Dog Training Club of Chester County
In the years since that demo I started working for a veterinarian practice and discovered how much I enjoyed counseling clients with their new puppies as well as training issue’s with clients older dogs. I also continue my journey to enhance and strengthen my goals of having that unique personal bond with my own dogs .I find the joy and challenge of training my dogs in obedience, rally obedience, agility and tracking and experiencing those moments when my dogs and I are in perfect sync inspires me to reach out to new owners so they can experience and find that same bond with their dogs.
I find attending seminars and workshops of leading trainers not only enhances my training methods with my own dogs but also enhances my instructor skills. Some of the seminars I have been privileged to attend include Leslie Nelson, Sue Sternberg, Jean Donaldson, Patricia McConnell, Suzanne Clothier and a 3 day clicker Expo with Karen Pryor.. In 2002 I had the fortunate experience of attending and passing the exam for the 5 day DOGS course presented by the animal behavior department of Purdue University. In March of 2008 I passed the certification exam by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers to receive my CPDT (Certified Pet Dog Trainer) credentials.
I share my life with my Husband, Bill and our two Labrador Retrievers, Velvet and Mason. My journey that I started in 1992 with my lab, Tucker continues on with Velvet and Mason. My most precious moment since starting my journey, participating with my sweet Tucker in an agility demo with the Dog Training Club of Chester County at the Philadelphia Dog Show - A circle complete.
