| A Little About TD: | | I've been involved in dogs for as long as I can recall. In primary school my family raised Beagles, in high school we were involved with Bull Mastiffs (quite a difference, in more ways than one). As an adult I began my own adventure in dogs by taking a grooming course, followed by seminars on TTouch, Obedience, Rally, and others. I also read everything I could get my hands on regarding clicker training, kindness training, and operant conditioning. Thankfully I have had the guidance of some wonderful, wonderful trainers during my years of research and formal education.
After a long and intensive year of mentoring by one of Canada's most respected Havanese breeders, I finally ventured into the world of conformation. It was May of 2003, and I remember it clearly and vividly. Getting into that ring was a childhood dream come true, and it still holds as much wonder today as it did that first time. I truly LOVE handling! At the time of writing, I've been in the ring with toys, herding dogs, terriers, non-sporting dogs, working dogs, sporting dogs and hounds... and have loved them all.
I am a member in good standing with the DWAA (Dog Writers Association of America), a former mentor with ABC (Animal Behavior College), and a certified trainer with ABTA (Animal Behavior and Training Associates). I have sold my first manuscript to Kennel Club Books Inc (on clicker training the family dog), and have published multiple articles on everything from dog training to proper diet. I am a professional trainer and canine photographer. My life really has "gone to the dogs" and I couldn't be happier about it.
For more information on my training methods, and to get help training your dogs, visit me online at http://www.noselicks.com/
To see what's going on in my non-doggy life, stop by http://www.tdsmith.ca/
Or follow my column, Pawsitive Ecology, in the Pure Greenius ezine at http://www.puregreenius.ca/ |  |
A Little About Jewles: | | Jewles is the junior member of the Almost Family team. My younger sister, and a passionate dog person. She's won high honors during her Juniors career with the UKC - including being the top junior in her age group and region.
Jewles started out showing Havanese, like me. When a prominent breeder and exhibitor spotted her potential and gifted her Liz, a Miniature American Eskimo.
Jewles and Liz were a beautiful team, and taught one another a great deal.
Jewles now enjoys showing (and snuggling) Pomeranians, and helping me groom, exercise, and care for the dogs who come out to the shows with us. |  |
At Home with TD:
| | I live in the wonderfully green city of Saskatoon, smack dab in the center of the Canadian Prairies. We have a small home, but it's situated on a double wide lot - which is precisely the reason we purchased this house. Our yard is very private, surrounded by trees, and the entire back yard is built and designed around the dogs.
Our dogs all sleep in the bedroom with us, they are our family, and we are their pack. Visiting dogs either sleep in the bedroom - or, if they're more comfortable, upstairs in a more private room. When we are out, everyone is crated (for their safety), which is also where everyone is fed.
Being in the city, we are only able to accept one or two dogs for boarding/training at a time. Spaces fill quickly, so please contact us well in advance. |  |
TD's Dogs: | | I share my life and home with four wonderfully devoted dogs (whom I'm equally devoted to). The youngest of which is Roo, our current Rally O hopeful. Roo, a Chihuahua pupper, is also the smallest member of our pack. Next in age is Liz, a Miniature American Eskimo - and my little sisters' show dog. Then there is Thora, who is a Lurcher and my Assistance Animal demonstration dog. Following her is Brandibuck (or Bucky for short), a Cuban import Havanese and former show dog. Buck, the oldest member of our pack, will be turning ten this March.
Anyone who knows me, knows I refer to my canine companions as my kids, but I do respect them as dogs. They are my kids, but they are also dogs - and deserve due regard.
You can meet my kids at dogster - http://www.dogster.com/family/373333 |  |
Contact Tobi-Dawne: | | For the time being, I ask that you contact me via email only. I plan on having a business number installed soon. Until then I'm strictly a cell phone user and I'm not comfortable publishing that number publicly. I hope you understand. I do check my email several times most days, so will reply promptly to any inquiries.
DogMa@AlmostFamily.org
I look forward to hearing from you. |  |
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