1. *DIp. Ed., B.Sc., MSc., PhD. (Zoology)
   

2. *Involved in dog obedience training and competition since the mid 1960’s.
   

EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON:

1. *Positive reinforcement resulting in a dog that “wants to” rather than “has to” carry out exercises.
   

2. *Teaching how to motivate the dog.
   

3. *Play training, having fun, developing speed and accuracy.
   

4. *Understanding “how dogs learn” as it relates to all exercises and all levels of training from the puppy through to adult Novice, Open, and Utility exercises.
   

5. *A basic understanding of classical conditioning and operant conditioning  so they may be directly applied to the learning process - the payoff from this is enormous with dogs quickly understanding when they are right.
   

6. *Training for and getting both speed and accuracy.
   

7. *Teaching how to anticipate, identify and solve potential problems..
   

8. *Teaching how to prepare for the ring and handle stress and “ring nerves”.