Classes
Below is a description of some of the classes we offer at SOTC.
Obedience
Obedience is one of the AKC's oldest sporting events, developed in the 1930s. According to the AKC, "from walking and on and off leash to retrieving and jumping, or demonstrating your dog;s ability to stay, Obedience trained dogs are well behaved at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs." UKC is another organization that has trials in obedience.
Rally
Rally is all about teamwork with your dog/ You and your dog navigate through a rally course with signs that ask you both to perform a skill or behavior. It's become quite popular because is is great fun!
Agility
Agility has become a very popular sport to participate in with your dog. Your dog will race the clock to navigate an obstacle course with tunnels, seesaws, jumps, etc. all with your guidance.
Puppy Classes
Your puppy can start training at SOTC at 11 weeks of age after their second round of puppy shots. Puppies learn in a positive, treat based method. There are beginning classes, AKC STAR classes, and more advanced ones too. Start your pup off right!
Scentwork or Nosework
Scentwork or nosework is a very canine centered sport. Dogs have a sense of smell that is between 10,000 and 100,000 times better than a human's. That's why scentwork is a nautral for dogs. Dogs search for hidden essential oil smells and then must communicate to their handler that they have found it and where.
Flyball
Flyball is a transport in which dogs race the clock and each other to complete the course. Dogs work in a team of four to compete against each other. It is a high energy class!
Our Instructors
Christina Apostolakos
SOTC Obedience Instructor
Dianne Atkinson
SOTC Agility Instructor
- Taught basic obedience at Western Waukesha County Dog Training Club in Wisconsin
- Taught Basic Obedience at Best Paw Forward in Hartland, WI
- Trains Lakeland Terriers
- Participated in AKC Invitationals with #2 rank Lakeland Terrier 2017, 2018, 2019.
- Actively participates at the Master level with a Lakeland Terrier in AKC
- Have taught Agility Foundation, Beginner Agility, and Open at SOTC
- One of the top 16″and 12” Lakeland Terrier in the Bad Dog Agility Breed Power 10 rankings in multiple years
- Member of United States Lakeland Club
- Member of SOTC
- Trained under some of the top agility competitors in the country and enjoys learning progressive handling skills
Marylou Carafello
- Started training dogs in 1982 in Oakland New Jersey
- Worked for J-B Wholesale Pet Supplies for over 20 years
- Member of SOTC for 16 years
- Teaches puppy A & B at SOTC and has been for over 15 years, also has assisted in many other classes
- AKC STAR Puppy Evaluator
- Has 2 Aussies – Tug CGC / Mookie RN, DCAT, CA, TKI, CGC*
- Mookie is now enjoying FastCat, Cat and flyball
- Loves teaching and having fun with all the puppies in puppy class
Susan Flowers
- Has taught agility and canine strengthening at SOTC since 2015
- Actively competes at the Masters level with her American Cocker Spaniels, Boxster and Sky. Puppy Shelby is currently training in Scentwork
- 6-time AKC National Agility Championship competitor; in 2021 competed with 2 dogs
- UKI 2016-2019 US Open competitor, multiple finals and podium placements with both dogs
- 16″ Champion, 2016 UKI Southeast Cup, multiple podium placements 2017-2020 with both dogs
- Qualified for and competed at the AKC USA International Team Tryouts, 2014, 2016, 2017; 2017 podium placement in R4 with Boxster
- Top 16″ Cocker Spaniel in the Bad Dog Agility Breed Power 10 rankings in multiple years
- SOTC DACOF Agility Team, 2009-present, multiple placements with all three dogs. 2 dogs on winning Speedsters team, 2017 and 2018
- SOTC DOCOF Obedience Team, 2005-2009
- Multiple titles in multiple dog sports and venues: AKC, UKI, USDAA, NADAC
- Agility championships: multiple AKC MACH, UKI IAC, IAC-W
- American Spaniel Club Performance Hall of Distinction, 2015, 2017, 2021
- AJ award, Bailey Award, High in Trial, multiple class wins, American Spaniel Club Specialty 2018
- American Spaniel Club Award of Merit for Therapy Dog work, 2005
- Member of American Spaniel Club since early 2000’s
- Regularly participates in agility, canine conditioning seminars with top national and international coaches. Also had experience in hunting, tracking, obedience, rally and mental management.
- Active in Therapy Dog programs 2004-2013; including visits to local hospitals, nursing homes and schools.
Wendy Hudson
Flyball Instructor
Brenda Jameson
Brenda Jameson has had and trained Cavaliers since the early 1990’s. Over the years her dogs have titled in AKC Obedience; AKC, APDT and UKC Rally; AKC, UKC and TDAA Agility; NACSW Nosework, UKC and AKC Scentwork; and CFF Freestyle. She has taught AKC Rally and Freestyle for SOTC and for Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club (VA). She is also a judge and Certified Instructor for Canine Freestyle Federation and served on its Board of Directors for 17 years. When not playing with her dogs, Brenda spends her time trying to catch up with her numerous needlework projects.
Leah Kahn
Leah has been studying animal behavior both wild and domestic for 10 years and counting and has a passion for training canines. Leah has studied Wildlife Management, Fish & Wildlife Technology and Canine Training and Management at the State University of New York at Cobleskill. Leah has lived with canines for 30 years, no less than 2 dogs at a time, and has been studying to become a Certified Professional Trainer. Leah focuses on high quality work and helping to better connect people with the animals that they love. She has 2 beautiful Dobermans Rogue & Riot and a rescue Staffy/Bull Terrier Mix , named Stark.
Currently, Leah is working her way through titling her dogs in AKC obedience events, AKC rally, IGP, and UDD dock diving. She is an approved AKC CGC Evaluator.
Education
The State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY
Bachelor of Technology: Wildlife Management
Graduating May 2020
GPA: 3.01
Studied at The State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY, under the guidance and mentoring of master instructors, Dr. S. McKenzie and Kyle McGrath.
She has previously trained with, and attended multiple seminars from Olga Baron (IGP), Marcus Hampton(IGP), Natalia and Ivan Balabanov (two time world champion obedience/IGP) Matt Twitty (obedience) and has also attended seminars with MSA security Scentwork . Additionally, she was a member of the north America police work dog association, and a behavior specialist at the Humane Society of Manatee County.
Kristi Kita
Agility Instructor
Joan Leopold
Experience in dog training since 2003.
Member Sarasota Obedience training Club. Former board member, Secretary and Vice President.
Trial Chairman for Obedience, Rally, Scent Work, & Nosework trials.
Member of DOCOF obedience and rally teams since 2013.
Former instructor Beginner 1 and 2 classes.
Former rally instructor, all levels, in NYS.
Current rally instructor, all levels, since 2017.
Have trained my own dogs in agility, obedience, rally, scent work and tricks. My dogs have earned titles in AKC, UKC, and CPE in various venues.
Currently own two Australian Shepherds.
Kim McDonald
Kim McDonald has been training and competing in agility since 2005 and started instructing for SOTC in 2006. She competes primarily in AKC and UKI, but over the years has also competed in USDAA, CPE, UKC, NADAC and CPE. She’s been very fortunate to be able to train regularly under some of the top agility competitors in the country and enjoys learning and teaching advanced handling techniques. Kim is owned and loved by Dalmatians and competes with them in a variety of other dog sports including obedience, rally, scent work, barn hunt and fast CAT. She firmly believes that training has to be FUN for our dogs and particularly enjoys problem solving.
Melinda Mello
-Has taught agility at BrattyPaws and SOTC since 2019
-Actively competes at the Masters level and above with her poodle, Kahuna and cockerpoo, Wasabi.
-2 time AKC National Agility Championship competitor.
-UKI US Open competitor, 2022 16” biathlon champion with her poodle Kahuna, games finals with two dogs in 2021 and games finals with Kahuna in 2022.
-16″ 2018 UKI Southeast Cup reserve champion. multiple podium placements 2017-2020 with both dogs. 2023 Colorado classic biathlon and pentathlon champion.
-Qualified for and competed at the AKC USA International Team Tryouts 2022 and 2023.
-Multiple titles in multiple dog sports and venues: AKC, UKI, USDAA
-Agility championships: AKC MACH and UKI IAC
-Regularly participates in agility seminars with top national and international presenters.
-Teaching philosophy is to give specific instruction to each agility team in the class in order to satisfy each teams needs and goals.
Katara Peters
SCENT WORK INSTRUCTOR
Katara Peters love for animals started when she was very young. There was always a pet in her life, providing comfort to her and asking nothing much in return. She feels blessed to have the gift of helping others enjoy their pets on a different level.
Her teaching career began 23 years ago with her own school of Dog Training. During that time she also offered lessons at Countryside Agility in Erie, Pennsylvania.
She has been involved with Paws Hands Delivered, a local Therapy group. Volunteered as an evaluator at Alliance of Therapy Dogs Inc., visiting local nursing homes, schools, and medical facilities. While in Florida, her home away from home, she became involved with the Racing Dog Rescue services for the retiring racing greyhounds.
Most of her experience is in Pet Friendly Obedience, including puppy to advanced, Games classes, Rally Obedience, Beginner to advanced agility, and of course Beginner through Detective Scent Work. She has also worked with some needing behavior modification training.
While small dogs are her passion she has worked with all types of breeds and sizes. All dogs are equally trainable no matter their size and she strives to help all that come to her have a better relationship with their pets.
Her methods are of the positive style, using treats and/or toys as an incentive while creating a free thinking pet, which encourages that better relationship. Her goal is to always make training fun for both ends of the leash.
Over the past 17 years Katara has earned titles in conformation, agility, obedience, Rally Obedience, Trick dog, Barn Hunt, and Scent Work. Achieving Advanced titles in agility with her Miniature Pinschers “Lillie” (now deceased) and “Allie” along with her Yorkie “Geno”. She is proud to state that she was the second person ever to put a conformation and Master Agility title on a Miniature Pinscher with her Lillie in 2013. Katara is a certified trainer through the National association of Dog Obedience Instructors, a Judge/Certified Search Designer for United States Scent Sports, and an evaluator for AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog.
June Plank
Obedience Training Director
Bonnie Scott
Agility Instructor
ANGIE SCHUMANN
- Obedience I & II Class Instructor
- Attention Class Instructor
- Intermediate class instructor
- Novice/Open Class Instructor
- Rally nov-Excellent instructor Assistant
- Puppy class assistant
I have been involved in obedience training since 1992 and obedience trial participation since 1993. I gave earned conformation and obedience titles in AKC, ASCA, UKC , WWKC & CKC on my own dogs including HIT. I train and compete mainly in AKC and UKC Obedience , scent work and Dock diving . However, I love a well rounded dog so I also teach my dogs Tracking ,agility, Fly ball and anything else I can find.
I have been attending Seminars put on by top trainers from all over the country for almost 30 years. I like to keep my training methods current as well as take private lessons when able because I believe in building a great working relationship with my canine partner by using lots of play, toys, tricks training and treats.
I have been a member of SOTC since 2002 and I started teaching obedience for SOTC in 2003, I served on the SOTC board 2005-2006 and 2013 -2014. In 2008 -2010 I was the obedience training director .
Jean Smith
- Sarasota Obedience Training Club (SOTC)
- Flyball Training Director
Instructor, Advanced Flyball - Member and coach of Speed On The Course
- SOTC’s own flyball team Assistant
- Beginning Utility (Obedience)
- Competed with club teams at both DACOF (Dog Agility Clubs of Florida) and DOCOF (Dog Obedience Clubs of Florida)
- Dog Scouts of America, Peace River Troop
Primary emphasis on responsible dog ownership through obedience training
Goal is to promote responsible dog ownership in the community through good example
Secondary are
Community Service
Group activities with our dogs
Fund raising
Earning badges - 4-H Dog Clubs
Showmanship Judge, Sarasota and Manatee County 4-H dog shows - 4 Paws Dog Club, Sarasota County (past and present)
Co-leader
Instruct children ages 8-18 in Obedience, Rally, Agility and Conformation (Showmanship) - Peace River Dog Fanciers (past)
Board Member
Instructor, CGC Manners classes and Novice Competition Obedience classes
Therapy Dogs International (past) - Visited nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Certified with Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota - Gulfstream Rottweiler Club
- Active in statewide legislative initiatives concerning dog ownership issues
- Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation
Active in statewide legislative initiatives concerning Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)
Raise public awareness of how BSL impacts the lives of our pets - Working hard through legislative efforts on a statewide level to safeguard our domestic animals against draconian laws drafted by law-making bodies
- National Animal Interest Alliance
- American Kennel Club
- Florida Association of Kennel Clubs
- National Dog Owners Association
- U.S. Sportsman Alliance
- Florida Cattlemen’s Association
Jean Stack
Suzette Wood
Suzette Wood began training dogs as a teenager, and has been continually active in all dog sports for over 40 years. These many training opportunities have built a wonderful companionship between her and her dogs. She has owned a variety of different breeds which has allowed her to enjoy different breeds’ unique skills in many dog sport venues. While participating in these venues, her dogs have earned many prestigious titles and awards of distinction for outstanding performance.
Suzette attends a variety of seminars and workshops throughout the year to keep up-to-date on new studies in dog behavior. Using her knowledge of dog behavior as a foundation, she develops fun and interesting training activities which provide gentle training methods that are enjoyable for both dog and owner. Participation in these fun training activities builds a solid foundation for dogs to develop good manners and behaviors, making them a well adjusted member of the family and community.
Suzette has instructor certification in Family pet dog, all levels of AKC Obedience and Rally, all levels of RFE Canine Musical Freestyle, and AKC Hunt Tests.
Janet Wyatt
SCENT WORK INSTRUCTOR
Janet has been the Scent Work instructor ( now Director) for Sarasota Obedience training Club since 2018. Her dedication and love of the game grows each year and with each new class, bringing new ideas, games, and learning experiences. She believes in real world exercises which gives her students the tools to be successful in the Scent Competition field.
She has titled Two of her own dogs in AKC Scent Work into the highest levels offered while teaching at the Club. Raine, her Cattle Dog, and Lola, her Amstaff have Titles in Excellent and Masters, and Lola is competing in Detective.
Janet is also a Nosework Certifying Official for United Kennel Club, and Scent Judge/Certified Search Designer for United States Canine Scent Sports. She also is the coordinator for the two organizations Scent Trials held under SOTC.
Janet has a long history and love for all animals. From a very early age of 16 she obtained her first Companion Dog Excellent Title through AKC with her Rough Coated Collie, Major.
She graduated from Mount Ida / Tufts University with a Bachelor degree in Animal Science and was in the first graduating group to actually become a licensed Veterinary Technologist in the State of Massachusetts.
Relocating to Florida in 1985, she continued to work with dogs on the tiny island of Boca Grande for the local residents and snowbirds, earning her the affectionate moniker of “Island dog Lady”.
Another move to Sarasota and her love of horses opened up another opportunity for learning. She studied under the Pat Parelli Natural Horsemanship system and showed and raised Peruvian Horses for several years. At that same time she joined the Sarasota K9 Search and Rescue Team, becoming a SAR K9 handler and the Live Find instructor for the incoming new teams. Over the next 10 years she trained 4 of her own dogs in Live Find and Human Remains detection. She attended dozens of seminars and workshops where she honed her skills and developed her technique. All of her dogs have been certified under Local Law Enforcement, Nationally Recognized organizations such as North American Police Working Dog Association, National Association of Search and Rescue, and National Search Dog Alliance.
Also in the Box of achievements are CGC titles, Spot On Titles, and titles in AKC and UKC Competition Obedience with her Belgian Tervuren Marieke and Her Amstaff Lola.