Joni is
an award winning artist, photographer and dog
trainer. Her many years at the end of a training
leash have enhanced her idea that with correct handling and an appropriate
relationship, any dog can be a good companion
and citizen. More
than two decades
of experience have given her the ability to “read” what
a specific dog needs to become a stable and happy
friend.
Joni’s work as a wildlife artist has required intensive study
of the wild animals that she portrays in her paintings. Her observation
and close contact with wolf packs in captivity have given her a special
insight into canine behavior that has greatly influenced her dog training
and handling techniques. “Wolves are dogs in “raw” form
and have much to reveal about our beloved best friends. I use our
dogs’ wild cousins as teachers and as inspiration in all of
my training and behavioral work. Wolves have
taught me how to understand the language of another
species.”
Joni’s
acrylic painting - entitled “Uninterrupted
Stare"
RESUME
1985- 1995:
Trained dogs for the American Kennel Club
obedience show ring.
* Highlights include: Highest Scoring Dog in
Trial, Obedience Trial Championship points
on each dog titled, Novice through Utility
level titles on two different breeds, numerous
class placments and scores of 197 and above (out
of 200 total points), several “Dog
World Awards”, Greater Kansas City Dog Training Club’s annual “Perpetual
Award” and “Challenge Award” winners. Greater Kansas City
Shetland Sheepdog Club’s “Hummel Award” winner
1986-1994: Obedience instructor for Greater Kansas City Dog Training
Club
(Beginner, Novice and Open levels)
1989-1990: Training Director-- Greater Kansas City Dog Training Club
1990- 1993: Trained dogs of two different breeds to successfully
earn American Kennel Club tracking titles.
1990-1993: Taught AKC tracking classes
* Highlights include multiple students’ dogs earning American Kennel
Club tracking titles.
1993-1998: Taught private
and semi-private competition obedience lessons
in own facility (Open and Utility levels)
Taught semi-private lessons for therapy dog puppies.
* Highlights include students earning numerous American Kennel Club obedience
titles in advanced levels with respectable and often high scores.
1999-2000: Trained and owner-handled a dog to American Kennel Club
conformation Championship.
2000-2007:
Worked on behavior problems on an assortment
of dogs which include biting, marking
in the home, off leash control, barking, obsessive
shadow chasing, ceiling fan chasing, charging
the front door, excessive shyness, dominance
issues, excitement urination, etc …
1999- 2007: Embarked in intensive study of wolf behavior with several
captive wolf packs which includes close contact with the wolves and
pack hierarchy observation.
2004-2007: Rehabilitated own dominant aggressive Border collie acquired
through rescue and others also acquired through rescue.
2004-2007: Trained own dog for on set photography shoots for an assortment
of commercial advertising companies.
Joni is a
professional level member of the International Association of Canine
Professionals.
