CDOTC Executive Team

I started training dogs in 1974 at CDOTC; my first dogs were Samoyeds. I started as an assistant in 1976 in the Novice classes and have pretty much been instructing ever since. Over the years, I have been to numerous seminars to keep up with new skills for helping out students have a well balanced dog.

I have had dogs all my life and I love training them! My first obedience dogs were Springer Spaniels. In 1996, I got my first Golden Retriever from my sister- "Riker" OTCH CAN CH Doniekas Number One O Westwood TD WCI AGN CGN. He was my first Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) and he also introduced me to Retriever training, tracking, and many other dog sports. My second Golden, "Griffen" OTCH HR UH Goldngun Done on a Dare SH WCX CGN SDDA-MACH was an awesome training partner as well as introduced me to the world of scent detection when he was only 9 weeks old! I presently have two lovely Goldens in training- "Remi" and "Rowan" both from Goldngun Kennels. Remi is at the Utility level and Rowan is just starting her obedience career.

I joined CDOTC in 1986 to train my 6 month old Golden Retriever, Mac. I was asked to be on the Executive and was Secretary for 11 years, I became Treasurer in 1995- I still use the original ledger as the historian in me likes to look back at the old entries. I used to be a helper for an Open class but gave that up long ago. Myla is my 6th Golden as you can see from the picture, she is both curious and helpful!

I have been working with CDOTC for maybe 15 years or more now. I stared out just wanting to ensure that my dog was polite and then moved into competition obedience. I love our club. People are friendly, fun, and supportive. Our instructors are amazing; classes are always filled with laughs and learning. Club members are proud and excited for you when you do well and are the first to cheer you up when your dog decides to humble you in the ring. Obedience is the backbone of so many dog sports. We compete in Rally-O and Hunt and Retriever tests as well, and our solid obedience skills really allow us to progress quickly. If you never want to compete, all your obedience work will ensure that your dog has the biggest and best life they can. Well behaved dogs go more places and have more fun!

I have been a member of the Cowichan Dog Obedience Training Club since around 1977 when I had an Airedale that needed a job to do. Positions I have held include: President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Trainer. Currently, I am a Director, membership person, and the contact for beginner and puppy class registration. After the Airedale, I got my first Golden Retriever, Tory, who was the best boy ever who got me firmly hooked on the breed. I also have had Cairn Terriers and currently have two Tibetan Spaniels and four Goldens. I have a permanently registered kennel name, Kitsana. The dogs I have owned or bred have earned many titles in conformation, tracking, obedience, and basic field titles, Canadian and American champions in conformation, a Best in Show (female) and a number of certifies therapy dogs. One of my interests is maintaining good health in our dogs and I have organized or helped with heart and eye clinics since 1994. I'm most grateful for my vets and staff for allowing us to take over their facilities for these clinics and for their help and encouragement. I have been so fortunate in meeting so many great people in the dog world who are now good friends and often my travel companions. I am also a life member of CKC, the Golden Retriever Club of BC, the Tyee Kennel Club and, of course, CDOTC.

Right now, I own two German Shepherds, Kona and Kiya. I have had 9 dogs since we first moved to Mill Bay 50 years ago- one Dalmation, a Doberman/Hound cross, two female GSD's and 5 male GSD's. I have been participating in Obedience classes Ince 1980 and went in my first trial in 1984. I earned my first CD with Rocky, the Doberman/Hound cross. I continued taking classes and really enjoyed the clubbed the classes had really good instructors. Rally Obedience was introduced in 2000 and Heather and I set up the courses and started teaching in the Shawnigan/Cobble Hill Farmer's Institute until we moved to the Stu Armour Hall. Since then, I trialled 2 GSD's in 2006 (Bo and Odin) and 2019 with Kota, 2017 with Kiya, and 2022 with Kona. Bo and Kota both earned CDX's, Kiya earned her MOTCH, Kona has his CDX and is working toward his OTCH.

Heather has been training dogs for nearly 25 years and has also been a dedicated equestrian.She currently trains and trials with her two dogs, Ollie a Golden Retriever, and Gambit, a Yellow Labrador Retriever. Ollie has finished his Masters in Rally-O and Gambit has finished his masters Excellent and is currently working on his Rally Championship.Both dogs compete in Hunt work with Ollie working on Junior and Gambit on Senior.Gambit is currently working in Utility in Obedience and in Excellent in Scent Detection while Ollie is just starting out in obedience.