CLASS TRAINERS
NANCY WELLER
Director of Training & Programs, CTC, CPDT-KA
Nancy spent over 15 years in corporate administration, while simultaneously operating a Jazzercise franchise, before turning her passion for training puppies and dogs into her life's work. She received her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC), with honors, from the San Francisco SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers in 2000. The Academy provides a comprehensive, leading edge education to trainers, behavior counselors and other companion dog professionals. After graduation, Nancy spent six years as one of the top trainers for Ian Dunbar's Sirius Puppy Training. In September of 2002, Nancy earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) designation. She passed an extensive exam to become one of the first trainers in the world to have earned this internationally recognized accreditation. She continues to further her education each year through conferences and seminars. She is also certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.
In early 2007, Nancy joined A DOG'S LIFE to implement a premier Puppy Training program, taking clients' dogs from infancy to adulthood. Clients' dogs are then prepared to be "perfect" pet dogs, to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, to continue on to sports, pet-assisted therapy work, competition, etc. Nancy also offers group and private training for special interests such as multi-dog households, clicker training, AKC and International Conformation, AKC Rally Obedience, tricks, and more.
Nancy is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and is the co-Chairperson of the South Bay Trainers (SBT). Both groups provide ongoing education to their members. She has been a volunteer with the Humane Society Silicon Valley, training dog socializers and fostering numerous shelter puppies. Along with her husband and previous Delta-certified dogs, she has provided pet-assisted therapy services to nursing homes and a children's shelter. Both of her dogs, Iniki and Makani, are International Champions. Iniki is CGC certified and is an AKC Champion. Iniki's four pups are all International Champions and are currently being shown on the AKC show circuit.
In her free time, Nancy likes to experiment with new recipes, entertain friends, garden, go horseback riding, train her own dogs and travel when time permits.
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 Best Dog Trainer(2nd)Silicon Valley TAILS Magazine |
 Best Dog TrainerSilicon Valley TAILS Magazine |
 Best Dog TrainerSilicon Valley TAILS Magazine |
TRACEY LEE DAVIS
Director of Operations, CKO, Senior Trainer, CTC, CPDT-KA
Tracey Lee serves as the Director of Operations for A DOG'S LIFE and works out of both of our locations. Tracey Lee graduated with Honors from the San Francisco SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers with a Certificate in Training and Counseling in 2004. Tracey Lee brings a breadth of experience with her to A DOG'S LIFE. "Obsessed with animals since birth," Tracey Lee graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Wildlife Biology and a minor in Zoology. While in Colorado, Tracey Lee was an Animal Care Supervisor at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary while also working at the Longmont Humane Society, where she discovered her passion for training dogs. Since moving back to California, Tracey Lee has worked in the Veterinary Services Department for the Peninsula Humane Society, assisted Nancy Weller's Puppy Classes with Sirius Puppy Training (before Nancy joined the ADL Team, that is!), and managed Nana's Doggy Daycare in San Jose.
Tracey Lee became a Certified Kennel Operator (CKO) through the Pet Care Services Association in 2007. The CKO program is designed to raise professional standards and improve the practice of animal care and business management within the pet care industry. It provides special recognition to those candidates who demonstrate a high level of competence and commitment to ethical standards within the industry. Certification is based upon submission of all required documentation and successful completion of both a timed closed book written exam and oral exam conducted by a panel of CKOs.
Tracey Lee has been a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) since 2003. The APDT is a professional organization of individual dog trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. In 2008, Tracey Lee became a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) though the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is an international testing and certification program for professional pet dog trainers. The CCPDT's certification program is based on humane training practices and the latest scientific knowledge related to dog training.
Tracey Lee is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, a Member of the South Bay Trainers (a group of trainers and other animal professionals interested in the pursuit of humane and positive training), has attended many conferences, seminars and other continuing education programs on dogs and their behavior and has completed a course in Pet First Aid and CPR.
Tracey Lee has a soft spot for Great Danes, as she has shared her life with two of them thus far, and plans to continue that pattern. Currently, she shares her home with her two cats, Dr. Kovacs and Shiao Ho-Tzu (a handsome Red Tabby and a crazy Siamese). In 2004, Tracey Lee took a wonderful two-week long vacation to Bali to celebrate her sister's 30th birthday, and while there, she was seriously bitten by a travel bug. She now makes a point to take at least one major out-of-the-country trip a year, and has checked Aruba, Mexico, St. Martin and the Bahamas off of her to-do list, with future plans to go to the entire Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
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 Best Dog Trainer FavoriteSilicon Valley TAILS Magazine |
PEGGY McCARTY
Specialty Programs Supervisor, Senior Trainer, CTC, CPDT-KA, ADL Certified Class Instructor
A Bay Area native, Peggy has been a life long animal lover. She grew up in a large family and with various pets including dogs, cats, birds, hamsters and a few others. She began her "dog training" at a young age by tucking a string under the dogs collar to take her for a walk.
After working in restaurant management overseeing several locations for over 15 years, she decided to try a new venture. In 2004 Peggy began doing personal assistant work for individuals with pet sitting and dog walking as an added service. It soon became evident that the dogs were taking over. This gave her the itch to learn as much as possible about animal behavior and working with dogs. In 2007 Peggy formalized her dog training education by attending the San Francisco SPCA academy for dog trainers where she received her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC). She also attended the dogTEC dog-walking academy and is a Certified Dog Walker (CDW).
Peggy is committed to continuing her education and keeping up to date on animal behavior and positive training methods. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the South Bay Trainers (SBT). Both APDT and SBT are organizations committed to providing continuing education in animal behavior and positive training methods to their members. She is also certified in Pet first aid and CPR. She attends various seminars and training workshops throughout the year to improve her knowledge and skills in canine behavior and training.
Peggy lives in Santa Clara with her dog Marley, a sweet but rambunctious lab mix. She does volunteer work at the Silicon Valley Animal Care and Control socializing and training dogs. She also loves to garden, take photos and spend time with friends and family.
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EMILY BURLINGAME
Lead: Board and Train, CPDT-KA
Emily is definitely one of those "animal people", as she cannot remember a time when she didn't have a special attraction to and connection with them. Born and raised in the Silicon Valley, she has always had several pets living at her home and has been involved in animal raising clubs and volunteering for animal-related organizations since before she attended high school. Over the years she has owned, trained, or worked with not only companion dogs and cats, but horses (big and miniature), cows, sheep, pigs, goats, geese, chickens, rabbits, rodents, fish, birds, reptiles, and even llamas! After she finished high school she attended Modesto JC and later UC Davis in order to study animals and animal behavior academically. She graduated from Davis in 2006, earning a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in animal behavior. Even today if you ask her Emily will tell you she loves gaining knowledge, and enthusiastically reads any books, learning materials, or resources she can get her hands on when it comes to animal management, care, training, and or behavior.
Out of college Emily worked at several different animal jobs before she took one at a major pet supply chain as a dog training instructor. There she successfully taught dog training classes and helped many dog-owning families with behavior issues find understanding and an improved harmony and quality of life with their pets. She has also trained and consulted on the training of assistance dogs for the physically disabled. Emily passionately loves training people and pets and came to ADL looking for an opportunity to make a positive difference for dogs, help pet owners, and work with a great company that cares as much as she does, which, she most definitely found.
Though she has shared her life with many more creatures in the past, her current companions consist of 2 dogs (a German Shepherd and a Boxer), a cat, a horse, seven chickens; all of which are clicker trained! When she isn't training people and animals, she can be found hiking in the forests and county parks with her dogs or out in the garden planting and growing organic fruits and veggies for the table. She also very creative, innovative, and resourceful, and likes making, repairing, recycling and designing things. She is both a skilled seamstress and Vegetarian cook. Once in a blue moon, she can even be found out sailing with her father on his 22ft Catalina boat in the bay.
Emily is an Advanced Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed, and CPArf certified. She is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a general member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, and a member of the South Bay Trainers Network. She has also completed a course in Pet First Aid and CPR.
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 June 2008 and March 2010 |
DONNA MEDEIROS
ADL Certified Class Instructor, CTC
Donna specializes in puppy training through modern-method animal training techniques. She formalized her dog training career by receiving certification from the Marin Humane Society Canine Behavior Academy 1 & 2. She graduated with honors from the SF SPCA Dog Training Academy, known as the Harvard of Dog Training Programs. Donna completed her Puppy Training apprenticeship with Nancy Weller, CPDT.
Donna also continues attending classes, workshops and seminars by world-renown trainers, such as Dr. Jennifer Hurley (Moss Landing Marine Labs), Dr. Ian Dunbar, and Jean Donaldson. She has participated in and/or assisted in, numerous classes with various trainers; including Puppy 1, Puppy 2, Puppy 3, Advanced Obedience, Agility, Freestyle, Multiple Dog Household classes, and Reactive Dog classes.
Donna has two JRTs, Saffie and Tomi, plus a foster cattle dog, Lou. Donna has fostered a dozen dogs (from JRT's to Foxhounds) for Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, and for Jack Russell Rescue. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and has completed Pet First Aid Certification. In her personal life, Donna enjoys training with her dogs, Flamenco music and dance, spending time at her Sonoma cabin, and enjoying good food & wine.
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JOYCE HAO
Specialty Class Instructor
Joyce has been teaching Flyball and Agility for a number of years. She competes with her dogs locally.
DIANE TROUP
Trainer, Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor
Diane was born and raised in the south bay area. After high school, she went on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree at San Jose State University. During college, she began working for a veterinarian and was hooked. She spent the next 7 years as a veterinary assistant, working with veterinarians ranging from general practitioners to specialists in oncology, radiology, and neurology.
Diane has been a firefighter for the City of Santa Clara as well as a certified American Heart Association CPR and Basic Life Support instructor. After apprenticing under Silicon Valley's top trainer Nancy Weller for several years, Diane joined the A DOG'S LIFE Puppy Training team. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the South Bay Trainers (SBT), both of which provide ongoing educational opportunities. She is a volunteer and foster parent for 'special needs' dogs for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley.
Recently, Diane combined her experience and love of animals with her passion for emergency care and started her own company called CParf!. Through CParf!, Diane teaches classes in pet CPR, first aid, and general wellness. She created this company to give pet owners knowledge and confidence in caring for their pets, whether it's in an emergency situation or maintaining a high quality of life for their furry family members.
Diane currently lives with her three dogs Sunny, Daisy, and Dory, and her two cats, Roo and Zoey.
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CLAIRE CANDERLE
Specialty Class Instructor, CPDT-KA
Claire is a San Jose native and has been involved in the dog world since a young age. She got her first dog when she was 8 and started showing competitively at the age of 10. At age 18 her interests broadened to include showing Standard Poodles in the conformation ring while still competing in obedience trials. Claire has judged at workshops for competition obedience and has earned championship points, obedience and rally titles on multiple dogs. She is constantly on the lookout for ways to add excitement and fun while training for competition obedience.
When not busy with doggie things, Claire likes to relax with her husband, go hiking on the Oregon trails and explore new places. Although she grew up training with many different breeds, she has always had a standard poodle in her life. Currently she shares her life with her standard poodle "Hero" who was trained with positive training methods for competition obedience and is a joy to watch.
Her favorite part of training is to see a dog that is happy, enthusiastic and loves to work..
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LISA PERREAULT
Specialty Class Instructor, CTC, CPDT-KA
Lisa's love for dog training was sparked when she saw it transform her rambunctious puppy into a happy and well-mannered companion. She loves to watch the "ah ha" moment when dogs understand what's expected and humans realize how to get the behaviors we want. Lisa has a soft spot in her heart for shelter animals and their adopters. As a member of the behavior team at the Humane Society Silicon Valley, she worked with canine guests, adopters and volunteers. In her work as a contract trainer for HSSV, Lisa continues to get her shelter fix and keep her training skills sharp.
As a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) Lisa is committed to positive, science-based training techniques that are fun for people and dogs. She is also an honors graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers.
Lisa earned her BS in Psychology from Vassar College and a MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She lives with her husband and two dogs. Shelby is a lab/border collie who has the distinction of being a canine good citizen of both the US and the UK and Grover, a one-of-a-kind wonder mutt who joined the family as a short-term foster but used his charm and good looks to convince everyone that he should stay.
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JOSETTE KIMES
Specialty Class Instructor
Josette is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with The National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW). She has been training and competing in the sport since 2009 with two of her dogs. Both have titled in the Nose Work 1 and Nose Work 2 Levels, and are currently training for the Nose Work Level 3 competition. She continues to train with the founders of The NACSW to increase her Nose Work knowledge. What she enjoys most about Nose Work is that it's always fun for her and her dogs, and they learn so much. It is great to see the dogs using their brain to solve scenting. She and her dogs love Nose Work and they can be found all over the continental United States practicing.
Josette has 3 Entlebucher mountain dogs, the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs. She has owned several breeds and rescues. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (ADPT), South Bay Trainers (SBT), and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
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LISA JOHNSON
Apprentice Trainer
Lisa grew up in the bay area. She attended Foothill College and then went to Bryman College and received a degree in medical billing. Lisa's heart has always been with animals, however, and she has worked at a number of places revolving around animals (including three other doggie daycares and a vet clinic). After all of the exposure she has gotten to other doggie daycares, she really feels that ADL is the place for her! She plans on going through our Apprentice Program to become a trainer with us, and she also would love to get involved with our Board and Train program. She says, "This isn't a job to me. It's a career."
Lisa has a yellow lab named Sunnie and a 9 month old kitten named Mayhem, who Lisa says, "eats rubber bands, q-tips, and clothes. She totally lives up to her name!" When Lisa is not rescuing her belongings from her crazy kitten, she loves working out, enjoying great food, and watching all of the animal related channels on TV to learn more about just about anything she can. She also loves taking her pooch to the beach.
When asked what her favorite part of working at ADL is, her enthusiastic reply was, "Everything! …The genuine love and kindness that everyone gives the dogs. The dog's are in a positive environment and that means a lot to me because I've seen what else is out there. The one thing that has really stood out for me is learning what works with a particular dog and what doesn't. I'm learning everyday! I really love that!"
Lisa is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association and has completed a course in Pet First Aid and CPR..
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JACQUELYN ENGLAND
CTC
Jacquelyn graduated as class valedictorian from the San Francisco SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers with a certificate in Training and Counseling in 2002. Directed by the renowned trainer Jean Donaldson, author of Culture Clash and Dogs are from Neptune, the Academy is dedicated to providing comprehensive and leading edge education to dog trainers and behavioral counselors and is known as the Harvard for dog trainers.
Jacquelyn then completed an internship at the San Francisco SPCA with a concentration on curriculum building for group dog training classes. Jacquelyn has taught obedience classes in numerous locations around the Bay Area and also worked as the Shelter Manager for the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. She has successfully trained dogs, cats, humans and even chickens.
Jacquelyn currently lives with a Studebacher Hoch, a Sighthound mix (who can be seen gracing the cover of Dr. Ian Dunbar's latest book Before and After Getting Your Puppy) and Billy the Mountain, a Cattle Dog mix. She moved to Petaluma, California during 2006, but still enjoys teaching new employee orientations for A DOG'S LIFE once a quarter and dog training classes in her new hometown.
"Jacquelyn's lighthearted approach puts students at ease so that they're able to get the most from the experience for themselves, and their dogs. Both humans and dogs have fun while learning in Jacquelyn's classes."
-Veronica Boutelle, owner of dogTEC
"Jacquelyn is an extremely perceptive and compassionate canine coach. I am impressed by her in-depth understanding of how dogs learn and her commitment to dog-friendly training methods. Jacquelyn's knowledge combined with her attention to detail, create the perfect recipe for a successful, fun training program for dogs and owners alike."
- Kelly Gorman, President of Open Paw
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