INSTRUCTORS

Ms. Pluis Davern

Our Obedience training classes have been taught for over thirty years by Ms. Pluis Davern. Pluis is experienced in training all breeds of dogs. She was the co-founder of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. Ms. Davern is also a popular AKC dog show conformation Judge, she trains pointing dogs, spaniels, and retrievers for hunting and field trials. She was awarded the prestigious AKC Breeder of the Year Award in 2011, and in 2023 awarded the AKC Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pam Strametz

My parents bred and trained German Shepherds and I was born into the world of dogs. My dad was an AKC Judge, and showing dogs was the family activity as I grew up. As a toddler, I learned to walk by the side of a Great Dane. I have taught obedience classes professionally and continuously since the mid-70s. I have contributed to the creation of the training curriculum that can support both the home pet as well as those headed for the competition ring.

As of 7/2007 I have 70 Obedience Titles on 12 different breeds (GSD, Shelties, BC, Goldens, Lab, Boxer, P-Corgi, Saluki, Vizsla, Bloodhound, Rotti, Flat-Coat)

I have trained 3 dogs to Obedience Trial Champions (OTCH) (Sheltie, BC & Golden)
10 Utility Dog (UD) titles on 5 different breeds
5 Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) titles on 3 different breeds
24 Agility titles 4 different breeds
13 Conformation Champions (CH)
2 Herding Tested (HT) titles

ASSA Certificate of Achievement 2006 Versatility Excellent + Champion (VCX)

The most fun I ever had training a dog was putting 2 Obedience titles on a bloodhound (CD & CDX) .

My philosophy "Above all be consistent in your training!" Experience has taught me that no one technique works for all dogs. Be flexible enough to find the method that works best for your dog.

Dale Root

The Conformation Handling Class is led by Dale Root, an accomplished trainer and handler with over 30 years of experience in the world of dogs. Dale loves introducing newcomers to the sport and has played a key role in training many Best In Show, Group, and Best of Breed winners. Whether you’re aiming to get your puppy’s first point or tune-up your Grand Champion for the AKC Nationals, Dale can help!

Dale shares his positive energy with the sport, having served dog clubs in a variety roles including Director of Training, President, Instructor, and Event Secretary.

To assist with understanding and filling out entry forms, he created the ExpressEntries.com website for free PDF-based show entries and the iTrainSpot.com class management system for dog training clubs.

Dale began his journey in dog shows with his first Golden Retriever, Sunshine. Emphasizing teamwork, he and Sunshine worked together from the Novice A obedience class all the way to achieving the title of Obedience Trial Champion.

Dale can also assist with understanding and filling out entry forms, he has created the ExpressEntries.com website for free PDF-based show entries and the iTrainSpot.com class management system for dog training clubs.

Dale occassionally substitutes as DMKC obedience trainer.

Kate Davern

Kate is a 2nd generation full-time professional dog trainer. Kate started competing in AKC obedience at the age of 12 with her 7-month-old Golden Retriever, Scamper, and went high in trial their first time in the ring. Kate has trained and titled clients dogs since 1984 in Obedience, Rally and Retriever and Spaniel hunt tests as well as giving private lessons to owners who want to compete with their own dogs. Kate has taught puppy and obedience classes for Monterey Bay Dog Training Club, Santa Clara Dog Training Club as well as her own classes at her facility. Kate substitutes for Del Monte's obedience classes when available. Kate is committed that both the dog and handler enjoy the learning process, and each other, as she believes goals in training deepen our relationship with our dogs.