Nora Boisselle
I’ve had the privilege of being loved by a multitude of mixed breeds dogs. In 2008, I got a Finnish Lapphund puppy, Teemu and began my adventures in dog showing, dog training and dog performance.
I learned to show in conformation, taking my 2 dogs to their championship (not the easiest thing for a rare breed). We have shown in Obedience and Rally with Teemu and Neika earning their Rally Excellence titles. We had tons of fun in Barn Hunt with Teemu being the first Finnish Lapphund to earn a RATCH (Barn Hunt Championship). Along the way, there have been Star Puppy, CGC, CGCA, CGCU, Farm Dog, Trick Dog and Scent Work titles.
In every step of this journey, TMDTC has provided the training and support to make my dogs and me the best we could be. TMDTC provides me the opportunity to share my love of Rally by allowing me to teach Rally Novice classes. I love watching the dogs and their owners create bonds with each other. My goal for the classes is everyone should be having fun, be successful and if they learn something - bonus. And remember - it’s always handler error.
Nancy Burbank
I have been a member of TMDTC since the early 1980’s, when our building was located on Dickerson Rd. I began teaching dog classes within a few years of joining the club. I love working with dogs. I also was a 4-H leader with a dog group while my daughter was young. We worked on conformation, obedience, rally and agility training in the 4-H group. I have shown my Akitas in the conformation and obedience rings. I have experience working with pointing breeds as I have setters and my husband is an AKC Hunt Test and Field Trial judge.
I have lived in Reno since 1978. I am a retired teacher with WCSD, having taught for 35 years at the high school and middle school level, German and history. I love to travel. I also have horses and a wonderful cat!
Ladonna Doud
In 1970 I attended a dog show put on by the Reno Kennel Club. At that show I was attracted to the Obedience performances. When I obtained my Miniature Schnauzer I began a life journey of loving, training and showing dogs.
That mini schnauzer was Mozart (Mo) who became my first utility dog. Since that time, many years ago, I have been fortunate to have several dogs in my life, 2 Miniature Schnauzers, 1 English springer, 2 Giant Schnauzers and 6 Standard Schnauzers. All of these dogs have earned many AKC and ASCA titles in obedience work. We have also earned titles in Conformation, Rally, Herding, Scentwork, Barnhunt and Agility as well as the Canine Good Citizens titles. I have also been invited to, and participated in the AKC National Obedience Invitational.
Over the years I have attended many seminars presented by the foremost obedience instructors. You never stop learning and I have picked up many tips from these seminars. I enjoy working with dogs and their owners, and hope to encourage people to obtain their goals. Training and working with your dog builds a strong bond of friendship, and this is man’s best friend.
Robin Rossow Dohne
My name is Robin Rossow Dohne. For the last 30 years, I have had the honor of sharing my life with Golden Retrievers. I trained them to be “good dogs.” It wasn’t until I joined the Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club in 2016 and stewarded at the club’s Obedience/Rally Trial that I got hooked on Obedience. I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator and instruct Obedience classes. I am working with my two Golden Retrievers in Obedience, Rally, Scent Work, and FIT DOG. We have earned many titles. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many different dog breeds with many different needs. When the AKC introduced the FIT DOG Program, I jumped on it! I spent more than 30 years of my life as an endurance athlete and athletic trainer. I am an AKC-Certified FIT DOG Trainer and Evaluator. It is so joyful for me to see the dogs and their handlers improve their fitness, (strength, coordination, flexibility, endurance), as well as their relationship with one another. I hope to see you in one of my classes. Now get out there and walk your dog!
Vikki Foley-Boyd
Vikki Boyd began training dogs professionally in 2010. Vikki has competed in AKC Obedience earning a CD title with the first dog she formally trained. Vikki is certified through CCPDT a leading independent organization that promotes humane, science-based dog training methods. Vikki is force-free trainer committed to LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methodology.
Vikki's interest in dog training later shifted to more creative dog sports, such as canine freestyle (dog dancing), which involves choreographed routines set to music, combining obedience and tricks. Vikki is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) with Do More With Your Dog (DMWYD) the largest trick training organization globally. In 2024, Vikki and her English Springer Spaniel, Jozie, were recognized as one of the 25 finalists for outstanding performance in the AKC National Trick Dog competition where routines are judged on difficulty, presentation, and the bond between handler and dog. They also took first place in their breed category at this event, which celebrates artistic dog sports such as tricks and freestyle.
Vikki is a Certified Dog Bite Prevention Educator, having completed a comprehensive program through Doggone Safe and the Pet Professional Guild, whose motto is “Teach a Child, Save a Dog.” Dog bites are a growing national concern, especially for children, who are at the highest risk for both frequency and severity of injuries. Since approximately 33–51% of dog bites on children were bitten by the family dog, it is crucial for children to learn canine body language to help ensure safe interactions. Educators like Vikki gives talks in schools and to the public, helping children understand how to approach and interact dogs safely.
Ruth Hagen
I taught special education & reading for 31 years spread over 4 states, where quite often I individualized lessons for my "special" students in nontraditional ways. At Reed HS a nontraditional approach included a furry "lab assistant" named Rosie, my first therapy dog. She often reached those teens when I couldn’t & made those last two years the best of my career.
After retirement in 2004, I volunteered at large facilities, but I continued to be most moved by the needs of individuals, choosing to have a relationship with them & calling them by name. My first experience was with John, a Hospice patient, followed by a summer class with a traumatic brain injured teen. Rosie, Gus & Dixie joined other teams with UNR Take5, Paws2Read, Crisis Response & Paws4Passengers. Gus singing with a veteran at the VA, 3yr olds with Rosie & hearing “Puppy! Puppy!”, from an autistic child at the shelter are stories I often share. In addition to teaching Pet Therapy at tmdtc, I evaluate cgc & pet therapy and help new teams find opportunities to do pet therapy visits, after 22 years, it remains my passion. Watching the dachshund in FCAT is a close 2nd!
Each year I travel with Windi, Schatzi & my fly fisherman, Ron, to the Florida Keys, where I enjoy a winter without snow. Still a beginner after 24 yrs, I enjoy quilting, trying water sports & partying to the oldies at our park’s dances. Although 75, I hope to continue all for a good long time.
Terri Hanks
I have been a lifelong animal enthusiast and Northern Nevada resident since the age of 12. Throughout this time living in both country and urban settings the one thing that has always remained the same is my love and passion for animals, especially canines. Along with growing up in 4-H and always having horses I have had the opportunity and pleasure to experience multiple varieties of dogs, both rescue and purebred, in my own household and those of family and friends. I have found my true passion and calling in life in training dogs on an AKC competitive level. I have been especially enjoying working with my Cane Corsos with my husband Tracy. Together we have all been successful in both Rally and Therapy work. The joy I experience bringing the comfort, joy, and healing powers of my therapy dogs to people in need is an indescribable experience. CGC Evaluator, ATT Evaluator, Rally Instructor, AKC Farm Dog and Fetch Dog Judge.
Ken Hansen
Dogs are amazing, capable of mirroring our emotions, ambitions and goals. The connection between people and our dogs can result in great training possibilities. As an obedience instructor, my goal is to assist in growing and furthering this special relationship through “connected training.”
In addition to numerous obedience competition titles, I have trained and competed in herding, confirmation and agility. As a breeder of Belgian Malinois, I understand the importance of good leadership, communication, and trust with my dogs.
I incorporate these training concepts into my instruction:
🐾 Lead with Confidence – Dogs don’t just follow words; they follow energy. Your presence needs to be steady, predictable and assured.
🐾 Communicate Clearly – Dogs rely on body language, tone and energy more than verbal commands.
🐾 Trust & Safety First – A dog that feels safe is a dog that learns. When we are calm and regulated, our dogs naturally relax and engage.
🐾 Be the Leader – Leadership is not about force; it’s about providing structure, consistency and security. Dogs thrive when they know what to expect.
Sheri Harrell
Hi, I’m Sheri Harrell. I have had many dogs in my life. Training them is something I love to do. I started training at a dog club in Salinas, California. My background is in obedience showing and training. When we moved here about twelve years ago, I enrolled in classes at TMDTC and immediately felt like I was home. I have a Border/Queensland mix (Abby) who is my stay at home dog, a Miniature American Shepherd (Brook), and a Border Collie (Indie). I do rally, agility, therapy work, and Brook and Indie are my demo dogs for classes. We have earned many titles in Rally, Obedience and Agility. I love working with dogs and their owners. I especially enjoy seeing the “light bulb” go on when both the handler and dog get what I am trying to teach them. I look forward to many years of instructing at TMTDC. Now go pet your dog.
Carol Chase Healy
I have been a member of TMDTC since 1984 and have taught over 100 classes for the club. I am a retired Science / Special Education teacher and have been a member of TMDTC since 1984. I have exceled in canine sports and have taught and competed in almost all of them. I spent a lot of time in the conformation ring with Dalmatians and Parson Russell Terriers and have multiple National Specialty winners in both breeds. Scent Work is my absolute favorite because all breeds of all ages can have a great time with their owners playing this amazing game. I am an AKC judge in Scent Work, CGC, ATT, and Fetch Dog.
Deborah Hoshizaki
I began working with dogs as a volunteer to raise and train service dogs for disabled veterans and became an instructor with TMDTC in 2024 in basic obedience. My current “pup” did all his training at TMDTC from Puppy Stars to obtaining his Canine Good Citizenship title. Bert completed his therapy dog certification with Alliance Therapy Dog (https://www.therapydogs.com) in 2022. In addition to being an instructor I continue to take advantage of TMDTC classes in Agility and Nose Work.
Karen LaPierre
Hi, I’m Karen Lapierre. I have been involved with Airedale Terriers since 1981. My husband Jeff and I showed and bred Airedales for 30 years, producing many champions. Along the way I also attended Obedience classes and then Rally Classes loving the connection or bond that grows with your dog. We moved to Reno in 2017 and discovered TMDTC. I signed up for a beginning class with my Airedale at the time, Keeper as an activity, not expecting much more. Keeper and I discovered that she really liked Obedience and thought it was fun. She actually enjoyed Heeling! We then earned a CD, Rally Novice, Rally Advanced as well as CGC, CGCA, CGCU. I started assisting as an Instructor of Obedience and Rally in February 2022 and have been at it ever since. I have to say that working with the students in my Rally Classes and watching them go on to enter a Rally Trial and earn qualifying scores is so rewarding. I love being a part of TMDTC.
Marie Celeste Luce
I have had many breeds of dogs in my life, both mixed-breed and purebred. I have learned that no two dogs are the same. Each dog has a passion and ability for something different. Sometimes this can be because of the breed(s); for example – retrievers love to retrieve, herding dogs love to herd, etc. This is not always the case. It’s up to us to figure out what that dog loves to do. Fortunately, there are so many dog activities to choose from! One common factor in all these activities is a strong connection between a dog and a handler. I currently have two Belgian Tervurens. We compete and have earned titles (and some Championships) in Herding, Rally, Obedience, Scentwork, Agility and Conformation. We participated in the Belgian Tervuren Herding Nationals and won High in Trial and Reserve High in Trial. Rally and obedience skills are the foundations for any of these activities. These skills help establish connections between dog and handler. This type of communication can be attention, movements, voice commands, or many other signals. Our dogs need to understand what we are asking them to do.
Jill Meagher
I have owned dogs my whole life. I had not been involved with obedience until I got a black Lab named Morris. We took obedience and rally classes at TMDTC for several years and he and I both loved it! Morris has approximately 13 titles and working with him inspired me to become an instructor. I now teach STAR Puppy class and the Beginning Obedience class. I am also certified to judge Farm Dog, CGC, CGCA and CGCU. We have two other black Labs besides Morris, Smithy who is a retired conformation dog and is doing Rally now and our newest addition Dylan who I will be taking to STAR Puppy soon. I enjoy my time training and taking classes at TMDTC when not at conformation shows!
Madalyn Mondrus
As a child, I had a Sheltie & several mixed breed dogs as pets. During my later years, I had a boyfriend who owned a yellow Labrador Retriever. Meeting his dog made me fall in love with the breed. I purchased my first show Labrador in 2004. I attempted to show him in conformation & discovered that I had so much trouble controlling his behavior ringside that what I really needed was obedience training. Friends that I met ringside sent me to the Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club (TMDTC) to get the help I needed to cope with my obedience issues. This led to a whole new world of dog love & partnership for me. With the help of TMDTC, I have since participated and earned titles in obedience, rally, conformation, retriever hunt tests, canine good citizen events, ATT events, & fit dog events with my beloved Labrador Retrievers. Thank you, TMDTC.
Ronda Olk
I have been involved with Labrador Retrievers in some fashion for over 30 years, breeding training and showing in conformation. Over the years I have mostly been involved with conformation, but a few years ago, Morris, our black Lab, came into our lives, we compete with him in Rally and now Smithy, our retired conformation dog, is doing rally with me as well. We recently got a new conformation puppy, Dylan, also a black Lab that I am looking forward to training and showing in conformation! So we have our hands full with three black Labs! I am active with TMDTC, teaching conformation classes and as the Raffle and Conformation chairperson.
Francine Roche
Coming soon!
Kelly Roche
You get out of your dog what you put in.
Training dogs should bring dog and owner closer together. Positive training methods build confidence, both as individuals and as a team. The dog's well being is of the utmost importance and all training sessions should be fun.
Trick training has given me a special connection with my dogs: Jetta, who is a diabetic and doesn't like to compete loves to learn tricks. Baily, who can no longer compete in agility, loves the challenge the tricks provide. Then there is Justus, he came to us as an older dog and has fun trying new things because he can.
Shari Sanger
What do you get when you combine almost 40 years of teaching elementary school and a genuine passion for dogs of all breeds? Shari Sanger, an instructor and training director, for many different classes at various levels. I have been a life-long dog enthusiast enjoying the true companionship of ten different dogs of varying breeds and sizes. Currently, I own two very old Sealyham terriers and last trained to high levels in various venues Bentley, an exuberant and loving rottweiler. Joining TMDTC in 2001 with my second rottie, I trained in great classes with wonderful, knowledgeable, and dog-savvy instructors. I began instructor training as an assistant with an amazingly adept teacher who mentored me for 2 and 1/2 years. Being tested and certified as an AKC approved CGC evaluator, I have been teaching for the last 19 years with this club. As one of the two training directors, I enjoy seeing how our classes improve the lives of dogs and their families.
I want our classes to be fun, but filled with practical knowledge on how to train your companion to be a joy to everyone they meet and, most importantly, make you feel you are going home with the best dog!!
Erna Slingland
I have had the pleasure to live, train, and partner with many doggie personalities. My family raised, trained, and showed German Shepherds and German Shorthaired Pointers. As a teen, I bought my first conformation show dog, Red, a Pekingese. He was followed by a champion, two girls, and my Special boy, Tonic. Tonic and I quickly earned a CDX, and began training for Utility. Unfortunately, College, Family, and Career halted the formal dog events, but several pound puppies kept me in the training/learning loop during this time (competition venues for mutts, aka All American Dogs did not exist).
The 2006 arrival of my Labrador Christmas gift, Piper, resurrected my canine competitive hobby, and I began preparing for the show ring once again. I enjoy the obedience ring and continue to compete in that venue, but I have found a true passion (the likely result of a personality matching 'fun factor' for events such as Rally, Agility, Splash Dogs, and the like. I also believe in service to others: both of my dogs are registered Therapy Dogs. We participate in Paws2Read at the Sparks Library and are members of Washoe County's Crisis Response Team.
My Philosophy: I am a proponent of positive shaping/training. My all-time favorite quote is from the following song in Disney's Mary Poppins:
A Spoonful of Sugar in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun. And snap, the job is a game! Training animals does require work---results are directly related to effort. If we make the work fun (a game), a unique relationship will emerge between dogs and their owners. Find the fun! Make training a game, and the rewards will follow!
Cindy Smullen
Started out as a kid with German Shorthaired Pointers. I have a background in both field and obedience training. I love all dogs, but the shorthair has kept my interest as I have finished many different titles in obedience, show, field, rally, and agility.
I have been a member of TMDTC for many years joining in 1985 when the club had small room, cement floor and one lone light bulb hanging from the ceiling.
The club has come a long way, and I think I have too. Each year I learn more from our students and the different breeds that come through our doors. Truckee Meadows Dog Training is really a community gift that keeps on giving, each year we get better offering more and different classes.
Having said that, obedience is the backbone of many training areas, and it is so important to start a new dog and handler off on the right foot. It has been a pleasure to be teaching those basic skills and getting people started. There is no greater joy than to see that owner and dog relationship grow and blossom.
La Donna Sprinkle
My name is La Donna Sprinkle. I teach Star Puppy Kindergarten and Beginner Obedience class for our club. I am also a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. My experience with dogs and other critters began as a child. My family talks about how I used to rescue dogs and bring them home even if they didn't need it. All my dogs were rescued my whole life until my husband wanted a Rottweiler. I insisted this type of dog had to be trained. So I took him to class and loved it, and I became a member of the club. That was 1990.
I started helping in class and eventually started teaching my own classes. I wasn't really interested in showing. I was more interested in just having a good companion, but then I decided to get into obedience. I bought Bailey, trained him, and now we have some titles. Bailey has his first leg in Open. We are working towards an Open title now. My Rottweiler Bennie has his Novice Title and is working toward his Graduate Novice Title. He also has two legs on his Rally Excellent Title. Both dogs have all their CGC Titles.
I enjoy working with all the dogs in my classes. I get to play with the puppies and see all the different breeds. But best of all is to see a frightened little dog come in the door and a few weeks later a confident, happy tail wagging dog go out.
Phil Sunseri
I have been a dog training enthusiast since high school (many moons ago!). I began my training in obedience with my Collie and for the last 40 years have been involved with breeding and showing in AKC-sponsored events with my Flat Coated Retrievers. I've worked and shown in obedience, rally, agility and confirmation. Training and competing is a passion for me. I've loved working with my many companion dogs over the years striving for new titles in various sports as well as traveling to meet new friends in the dog show world. It is truly a sport and working with the TMDTC has been such a fulfilling adventure! As an instructor, I've had the wonderful experience of watching our students and their dogs achieve the wonders of teamwork. It is truly heartwarming to watch the transition a dog makes as they and their owners go through the process of becoming a team. The joy of dog training is an experience for all ages and creates memories that last a lifetime! So to my first show dog Duke, I thank you for starting me off to a wonderful experience and showing me the way to help many others over the years.
Thora Thibaut
Obedience
Thora chooses to not have an online presence, and we respect her request for privacy.
Thea Tsurumoto
Hello! I love Agility!! I am an agility instructor at the dog club. I train/run my Aussies & Borders and a German Shepherd. I have also trained/ran my friends Aussies, Doberman, Flat Coat & Siberian Husky.
I have shown in conformation; - titled in obedience: BN, CD, CDX, RE, CGC, CGCA, CGCU, FDC, ATT, Tricks, Barn Hunt, Lure Coursing, Fast Cat. Scent Work, Therapy Dog & Fly Ball. I have AKC Master Standard & Master Jumpers Titles in agility and in ASCA we earned an ATCH -Agility trial Champion.