Speakers & Trainers

Heather’s journey in dog agility began in 2004 with her golden retriever, at a time when the sport looked very different — think luring dogs over equipment with treats and little else. Drawing on her background as a wildlife biologist and her training through the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior, she took a different approach: one built on solid foundations, clicker training, and thoughtful handling.
Over the years, Heather has honed her skills with her own dogs and coached hundreds of agility teams, developing a step-by-step program that guides students from the very basics all the way to competing with confidence — and having a blast doing it. Her border collie, Star, has earned a spot on two USA World Championship teams — think of it as the Olympics for dogs!
Heather primarily teaches the One Mind Dogs handling system and has trained alongside world team athletes across the U.S. and Canada. Having competed in every agility venue available in the U.S., she brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective to helping you become the best partner for your dog. She is also a UKI judge — available to teach workshops and judge at your event!

https://www.facebook.com/heathersdogschool http://www.youtube.com/@heathersdogschool

Sarah, [CPDT-KA] is an animal behavior specialist and educator with extensive experience in canine behavior, welfare, and training. Throughout her career, she has worked with a variety of animals, especially dogs ranging from family pets to animals with complex behavioral needs, helping improve welfare and strengthen relationships between dogs and their caregivers. She is also a NYS wildlife rehabilitator and works with a variety of species, including cats, horses, and reptiles.

Sarah currently serves as the Behavior Manager at the Susquehanna SPCA and is currently completing a master’s degree in animal behavior and welfare through Virginia Tech. She is passionate about the human-animal bond and bridging the gap of understanding between animals and the people who love them.

Jessica brings over 20 years of diverse experience (and plenty of enthusiasm) to the animal training field. Throughout her career, Jessica has worn many hats, from Marine Mammal Trainer, Shelter Behavior Manager, Necropsy Tech, to Petting Zoo Supervisor; always with animal behavior at the forefront. Her experience has given her a unique perspective on animal care, leading her to specialize in Cooperative Care training. Because if you can train a seal to brush their teeth why not a dog too? A professional dog trainer since 2010, Jessica is certified through CCPDT and a Fear Free Certified Trainer. She has taught group and private classes and serves as an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program. She holds an AAS degree in Animal Management and a BS in Psychobiology. Jessica has been a professor at SUNY Cobleskill in the Canine Training and Management Program since 2023, where she combines her passion for behavior with her love of teaching; helping prepare the next generation of skilled, thoughtful, and compassionate trainers. She’s created two new courses, Animal Sheltering and of course Canine Cooperative Care. Jessica’s career proves that when curiosity, science, and a love of animals come together, every day offers something new to learn – usually with a little fur!

Carly Rorick and Kyra Roque are best friends with various areas of dog training expertise. Both frequently work together to educate the public and offer their well earned knowledge to better the world for our canine companions. Their insights are gathered through real world experience and higher education opportunities.

Amanda Farnsworth is a respected dog trainer, clinician, and competitor with over 20 years of experience specializing in herding and behavior. She is the founder and head trainer of Cherry Hill Training Center, a working farm and training facility in Bloomfield, NY. The center offers a wide range of programs—including board-and-trains, day training, farm dog daycare, and foundation classes—designed for dogs of all ages and skill levels.

Over the course of her career, Amanda has earned numerous High Combined, High Scoring, High in Trial, MVA, MPS, and Award of Merit honors with multiple dogs across various herding venues and national specialties. Many of her personal and client dogs rank among the top herding dogs in the country each year.

At Cherry Hill, Amanda trains dogs not only for competition but also for real-world farm work. Her students range from aspiring handlers to livestock managers overseeing flocks of 1,500+ sheep, all benefiting from her individualized approach and her ability to bring out the best in each team. She also offers herding demonstrations at major events and festivals and is trusted to represent the tradition of livestock herding at venues like the Westminster Dog Show.

http://@cherryhilltrainingcenter

I have been doing Rally Obedience for over 20 years, since before it became an AKC event. I have titled all three of my Aussies, the first two before there were such things as Intermediate and Masters. My current Aussie earned her RACH in the summer of 2024, and qualified twice for the Rally National Championships in the Championship division. I have been teaching Rally classes at the Schenectady Dog Training Club in Scotia, NY for over a decade, helping many students earn legs and titles. Some of my students are now teaching Rally themselves. I enjoy both training and teaching, and I welcome the opportunity to introduce others to the fun of Rally Obedience.

http://N/A

Heel Dog Training Academy, where helping you get a dog that will listen to you and be easy to live around is our top priority. Our classes will show you how to get a dog to walk nicely on a leash and the ever important come when called. We will also show you how to teach your dog several commands that will make your dog be able to greet people politely and stay out of trouble. In our many years of teaching dog obedience classes, we know that getting your dog to listen to you will make your life a lot easier. We want to show you how to get your dog to be a well mannered member of your family.
Heel Dog Training Academy also has many years of experience in helping dog and handler teams interested in competition obedience and rally. We have worked with a wide variety of breeds and their owners to meet their training goals in the obedience and rally ring. We want your ring experience with your dog to be fun and successful.
Mary Maltbie PhD (owner/trainer)
Home of :  Otterbrook’s Expanse CDX,PCD,BN,RM,RAE (Holden)
RACH Otterbrook’s Song of Ice and Fire (Steel) UD,JH,GO,PCD,PCDX,BN,RAE4,RM3,WC,CCA,VC
U-UD DNA’s Polymerase (Pol) UD,JH,WCX,TT
U-CD DNA’s Random Reaction (Random) UD,JH,AX,AXJ,NF,WC
KC’s Spirit Valley (Simi) CDX,JH,OA,NAJ,OF,RA,GO,WC

https://www.facebook.com/HeelDogTrainingAcademy

My journey with dogs began back in the 1900’s. My heart dogs are American Staffordshire Terriers.
Over the years I’ve participated in many different dog sports in AKC, UKC, WCRL and single sport organizations.
I have found Happy Ratters to be so much fun, whether I’m judging, training, trialing or spectating.
It really utilizes your dogs natural hunting abilities along with the teamwork
in owner/handlers working with them. An owner/handler is responsible for reading their dogs tells after they have found a rat(s)
and direct them to complete other obstacles in the ring. Happy Ratters utilizes an urban type setting incorporating
clean garbage – bags, boxes, furniture, childrens toys, tires, etc. Rats are not harmed as they are kept in safe vessels for the searches.

http://www.facebook.compGlens-Falls-Kennel-Club

Hannah Adams is the co-owner & head trainer of Meraki Canine LLC, an enrichment-based training, boarding, and playcare facility in Pennsylvania. With over a decade of hands-on experience, she has worked across multiple areas of the canine industry, including shelter behavior, veterinary support, boarding/daycare management, and professional dog training.
Her approach is relationship-driven and rooted in real-world application, focusing on building clear communication, reliability, and confidence in both dogs and their handlers. Hannah is known for developing structured, curriculum-based programs that go beyond basic obedience, incorporating canine sports, behavior work, and functional life skills.
She is actively involved in canine sports and Search & Rescue, which further shapes her practical, performance-based training style. Hannah is an AKC CGC Evaluator, Trick Dog Evaluator, and FIT Dog Instructor, a Lead Evaluator for Therapy Dogs United, and an AKC Farm Dog and FETCH Judge.
Through Meraki Canine, she is passionate about helping teams build lasting relationships and confident, capable dogs for real life.

http://www.facebook.com/merakicanineservices http://www.facebook.com/merakicaninetraining

My name is Natalka Tuczkewycz and I am a certified canine athlete specialist and multi-organizational weight pull judge who has been competing and training dogs for over 10 years. I am a huge believer in training the dog in front of you as every dog is an individual with their own quirks (which is why we love them after all).

I offer weight pull coaching in both competitive and conditioning forms, general canine fitness, sport conditioning, and my goal is to build your bond with you and your dog. Weight pull will always have a solid spot in my heart and is a great low impact, physically, and mentally engaging exercise for dogs of all breeds and ages. Check out my Facebook for more info! Based out of Connecticut.

Just some ordinary dogs doing some extraordinary things.

The dog who started it all: RACEN CA UWPS AP5 VPE URO2 UEWPCH Mason The Bull SPOT-ON RATI RATO WDS TD CGC ETD IDWWP1 WPDSW Multiple National wins and MWPP/MWP
The dog who fueled my interest in canine conditioning: NV UWPS USJ AP2 VPE URO2 UWPCHX Hippo Phantamus SPOT-ON RATO DMA ETD CGC #1 Distance in Breed NADD 2021
The dog who gives me a run for my money daily: AP2 VPE UWPV HOP RACEN UGWPCH POB’s Pipsqueak Psych Assessment SPOT-ON CGC ATD UL-1

https://www.facebook.com/p/Canine-Spotlight-Fitness-Training-100089366190530/

With more than 20 years of training, Nanci is Splashdown’s owner and trainer. Splashdown began as a self-journey in training her own dogs, and developed into assisting others in meeting goals with their own dogs.
As an educator for more than 30 years, Nanci brings her ability to break down skills and knowledge not just for dogs, but for humans. This allows both to achieve at the highest levels.
Certified as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), North America Diving Dogs (NADD) judge, an American Kennel Club (AKC) evaluator, and an UpDog judge, Nanci teaches classes in distance diving, air retrieve, hydrodash, scent work, foundation agility, rally obedience, disc, tricks, as well as general dog skills such as AKC S.T.A.R. puppy and Canine Good Citizen. She has coached multiple teams to national championships and placements in all dock diving disciplines and was able to gain a 2024 NADD National Championship herself in Hydro dash with her rescue border collie-Bo.
Nanci currently shares her dog world with Tucker, Bo and Chip who all compete in a wide variety of sports.

http://Splashdown%20Dog%20Sports

I am an instructor and AKC evaluator for Paws4Obedience in Greenfield Center, NY, where I teach, scentwork and puppy star classes. I have been training and competing in scentwork for over 7 years in several venues including NACSW, AKC, CPE and USCSS with my 3 pomeranians and chocloate lab. My dogs also enjoy barn hunt, dock diving, disc, fetch, agility, and therapy dog work.
I am nearing completion on my AKC jugdes application and apprenticeship and will soon be a provisional judge. I am a strong believer in continuing education and routinely travel across the US to attend seminars, conferences, workshops and classes. There is always something new to learn. Currently my 18 month old chocolate lab, Pretzel is competing in NW3 in the NACSW and is only 2 Qs away from an overall Master title in AKC.

Joni Bonilla is the founder of Operation At Ease, the Capital District’s first service dog organization dedicated to pairing shelter dogs with veterans and first responders. With over 25 years of dog training experience, Joni created a program that eliminates traditional costs and long waitlists, using rescued dogs to provide life-changing support to those who serve.

In addition to service dog placement, Operation At Ease runs a dedicated therapy dog program—the only one of its kind focused exclusively on serving men and women in uniform. These therapy dogs provide preventative emotional support for those at risk of post-traumatic stress and are deployed after critical incidents and emergencies to offer on-the-ground comfort and care. This unique program will be featured at the FASNY (Fire Association of the State of New York) Conference in 2025.

Joni has worked in many shelters along the East Coast, rehabilitating rescue dogs and giving them a new purpose. A strong advocate for the rights and mental health of veterans and first responders, she champions often-overlooked breeds—especially Pit Bulls—as ideal candidates for service work. (Golden Retrievers, she notes with humor, tend to be her least favorite for service tasks.)

Joni’s trailblazing efforts have earned her national recognition, including the Point of Light Award and the Jefferson Award, as well as numerous local honors.

https://www.facebook.com/OperationAtEase/ http://operationatease

Stephanie has been a licensed veterinary technician for over 25 years. She has worked in general practice, emergency practice, rehab/pain management specialty. She obtained her certification in canine physical rehabilitation therapy in 2007 and had the opportunity to attend the Chi Institute TCVM vet tech program. She is Veterinary Technology Program Director at SUNY Genesee Community College

To keep her German Shorthaired Pointers out of trouble, she has tried most dog sports, which led to additional training and certifications in canine fitness and dog parkour. Her current GSP, Reggie, enjoys Parkour, Barn Hunt, Scent detection and weight pull. Stephanie also enjoys training her cats to earn trick titles and outdoor activities.

Hi! I’m Laura Miller, owner of Happy Hikes Dog Training in Canastota, NY. I hold a Master’s degree in Education and bring a strong foundation in learning theory and behavior science to my work with dogs and their humans. I’m a former classroom teacher who traded desks and whiteboards for leashes, trails, and wagging tails!

My training approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and guided by empathy, clear communication, and consistency. I focus on creating safe, supportive learning environments where dogs can build confidence, engagement, and life skills at their own pace. Every training plan is thoughtfully tailored to each dog’s unique temperament, learning style, and needs.

Through Happy Hikes Dog Training, I combine enrichment, play, and hands-on learning — often incorporating outdoor adventures — to strengthen the bond between dogs and their people. I emphasize practical, everyday strategies that make training approachable, effective, and fun.

http://www.facebook.com/happyhikesdogtraining http://www.instagram.com/happyhikesdogtraining http://www.youtube.com/happyhikesdogtraining

I am the proud owner of PAWS, leading community dog enrichment and education facilities located in Hudson Falls and Greenfield Center. Offering a balance of training opportunities from Dock diving to Puppy Preschool and therapy dog work. PAWS is a unique facility to service a strong and lifelong relationship with your dog. As a little girl, I had a best friend who would come over to play; one of our favorite games was to look through the “big red book of dog breeds” and put on a pretend dog show. My dream and compassion to learn about and be involved in the industry has been ever-growing since the day I opened this book. I am always looking to expand my knowledge into this ever shifting industry to better my community, my business, non-profit and myself as a professional. With over 20 years of hands on experience, various certifications – I look to provide the best learning environment for dogs and humans alike. Visit our website for details and to set up a consult or simply learn about who we are. https://www.paws4obedience.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pawsforobedience

I have been competing in Barn Hunt trials since 2014 when the sport was only 2 years old. I started with Tango, my golden retriever/hound mix since she seemed to enjoy anything that involved using her nose. We experimented with Shed Antler hunting but quickly moved to Barn Hunt when I discovered the sport.
I found in working with my own dogs that each one brought a different attitude to the sport. And each required a different approach to training. In all of the dog sports in which I have been involved, Barn Hunt is the one that seems to require the handler to be REALLY aware of a dog’s body language. Dogs read us all the time…. In Barn Hunt, we have to learn to read our dogs. Their indications on the rats can sometimes be so very subtle: simply a tip of the head or flick of an ear.
The Saratoga (NY) Kennel Club held their first Barn Hunt trials just about the time that I was getting interested in the sport and so it was a natural collaboration. I began holding training sessions in my barn and am very proud of the success that many of my students have had – moving quickly through the levels from Novice to Masters. At the current time, four of my own dogs have reached the Masters level and two more are on their way. The Kennel Club usually holds two local trials a year.

International Speaker and Award Winning Author
Events: Herding, Positive Training & Enrichment
Barbara has been involved with animal training her entire life, from training dogs and horses to chickens, sheep, and cows. Her favorite types of dog training are enrichment games, positive herding, and general obedience. She loves to set her dogs up for success by using science-based training and manipulating the environment to make the correct behavior easy and the incorrect behavior difficult.
After discovering positive dog training in 2008, Barb adapted her training techniques from traditional methods to more dog-friendly ones. Her research and experience have proved that using positive methods with her dogs is not only more fun but also helps create great, no-regrets relationships.
Her books include Enrichment Games for High-Energy Dogs, Positive Herding 101, & Positive Herding 201. They can be found on Amazon, Dogwise, and at most online retailers.
Barb has been embracing high-energy border collies for over 30 years and has learned to work and relax with them, not always an easy feat for ‘on-the-go-gotta work’ dogs.
She is a dog and people trainer who loves to help individuals bring out the best in themselves.

To learn more about Barbara’s methods and/or purchase any of her acclaimed books, visit:

• Register for Barbara’s Dog Enrichment Summit
• Barbara’s Dog Enrichment Facebook Group
• Barbara’s Enrichment Games
• Barbara’s Books

Jessica Dinowitz, CCDT CNWI CPDT-KA IDPKA-CI, is a dedicated and certified Professional Dog Trainer recognized by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Jessica owns North Star Canine Training and Sports Gear and serves the Hudson Valley area and New York City.

Jessica engages in and trains a diverse array of canine sports, such as rally, lure coursing, and barn hunt, in addition to her notable devotion and expertise to nosework.

Jessica’s affinity lies in training and trialing off-breeds, which showcases her versatility and commitment to her canine companions. Jessica personally owns a Borzoi and a Berger Picard.

Creating a constructive and lively training atmosphere, Jessica employs positive reinforcement methods to ensure a positive learning experience for all teams. Jessica’s dedication to forging strong connections between human and canine teams is evident in her work, particularly when working with shy and reactive dogs.

North Star Canine Training and Sports Gear, in addition to providing a broad range of training, also offers specialized gear and supplies that cater to the unique needs of canine athletes. North Star Canine is one of only five NACSW certified odor vendors.

Website: www.northstark9.com

Vicki has been training dogs for over 40 years. She is currently an instructor for the Schenectady Dog Training Club, where she teaches puppy, primary and secondary classes along with Novice obedience, rally and nosework. Her dog Belle has her CPE CSS-3 and AKC advanced Scentwork titles and is working towards CPE Level 5 and AKC Excellent. Vicki is also a licensed scentwork judge for CPE.

Kyle comes with more than 25 years of experience in the canine field. He is a 3P TSA Cargo Explosive Detection Dog Team Evaluator; a K9 Master Trainer of Utility (patrol) Dogs, Explosives Detection Dogs, Firearms Detection Dogs and Wildlife Detection Dogs with the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA; NAPWDA.com); and handled and trained patrol/detection dogs as an Albany Police Officer and K9 Trainer/Master Sergeant with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.

Kyle also instructed canine courses at the collegiate level at SUNY Cobleskill’s Canine Training and Management BT Degree program, rising from instructor to Department Chairman during his 8-year tenure. He is currently the sole proprietor of KM K9 LLC, where he provides private, in-home behavioral assessments and training, trains and maintains working K9 Teams for the Bassett Healthcare Network and Ellis Hospital, conducts NAPWDA certifications for Police K9 Teams, Explosive Detection Teams, Search and Rescue Canine Teams, and also teaches obedience, tracking, detection and aggression courses.

Call or Text: 518-859-0968
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kmcanine.com

Instagram: @km_k9_
Facebook: @KM K9 LLC