Debbi Snyder
Instructor
Debbi's experience includes; being the co-founder of the competitive dog obedience training group, Obedience Plus. Obedience Plus has won the state championship three times. Debbi was also on the board of directors for the SPCA for two terms. She did the Wednesday morning radio spot on three local stations, talking each week about specific dogs and cats at the shelter waiting for lifetime homes. Debbi still does behavior counseling for the SPCA as a volunteer. She has also been vice president and co-training director of a local obedience club, and has instructed obedience classes for the City of Winter Haven RecreationDepartment.
In addition to competing at various obedience events over the southeast United States with her AKC registered / certified Therapy Dog, Border Terrier Oscar, and her AKC/UKC registered / certified Therapy Dog, Labrador Retriever Rhett, Debbi attends training seminars/workshops with some of the top trainers in the country each year.
Debbi Snyder has earned 25 titles in competition, including an Obedience Trial Champion. She has trained service dogs for the handicapped, and is a volunteer evaluator for Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (emotional therapy dogs).
Nancy Cobb
Instructor
Nancy Cobb began taking classes with Debbi and DogSense when she got her second Australian Shepherd in 2001. Nancy's first aussie, Sheba, was one of those dogs that just reach out and grab your heart and won't let go. When Sheba was at the end of her long happy life, Nancy couldn't imagine her life without another aussie. That's when Blazing Dixie Fire (aka Darby) entered the picture. Darby was a typical, very challenging, aussie puppy. Quickly realizing the huge benefits of obedience training and the bond that you forge with your dog, Nancy was hooked. "Debbi just seemed to 'get it' when I related some of the challenges I was facing with this totally out of control puppy. Her insight and pep talks were what kept going." Darby trained for fun for several years before the competition bug wormed it's way into the Cobb household. Darby has some physical challenges that will prevent her from being extremely competitive in the highest level of obedience but she still has a great time training and learning new things, even at almost 9 years old. Rally Obedience has recently proven to be Darby's cup of tea. Nancy and Darby have earned the Canine Good Citizen designation as well as CD and RN titles. Nancy's goal for their team is a RAE (Rally Advanced Excellent) title.
When Darby was 5 years old, Nancy started looking for another aussie puppy with the hopes of obtaining a K9 partner that would enjoy the chance to compete at the highest levels of obedience. She found that puppy in Boomerang's I Made A Wish, CGC (aka Dixie). Dixie is nothing if not a handful and a challenge but she and Nancy are well on their way to what is sure to be a fun rollercoaster ride through the obedience world
After training as a student for several years, Debbi asked Nancy to assist with some classes. That led to Nancy becoming an instructor with DogSense. "I never thought I would get as much enjoyment out of training others to train their dogs as I did in working with my own dogs but I really do. Whether it's helping someone work out a behavior problem or listening to someone tell a funny story about their dog's latest antics, it's just a great time. As far as DogSense students who compete, I think I get more nervous watching them in the ring than I do when I'm in there with one of my own dogs."