TNT Trainers

Lâle Aksu

Lâle came to Canada from Germany in 2004. Her background in teaching stems from 17 years as an equestrian where she schooled young horses and taught children how to ride. Lâle grew up with an assortment of animals and her passion continues to grow. Lâle now devotes her free time to dog training.

Currently, she owns and trains a Manchester terrier named Eddie. Lâle feels that this dog has taught her many things about training as he, like many terriers, has not been the easiest dog to train! Yet, Lâle has achieved many successes with Eddie in Obedience, Rally and Agility. Eddie has his CD &Rally Excellent titles and is a Master Agility Dog of Canada.

Lâle believes that all dogs can achieve success with motivational training and her philosophy is based on positive reinforcement. She feels that the dog is better able to learn when treated kindly and with positive rewards. While Lâle loves dog training, she and Eddie also enjoy long walks, playing ball and having play dates with their doggy friends. Lâle also teaches German with the German Language School in Clearbrook

In her professional life, Lâle is will be the new kennel operator at TNT starting April 1st, 2012.   She  is a CARO judge and in process of becoming a CKC Rally judge. Lale is happy to be part TNT Kennels training program, and will be a top notch kennel operator!

Dianne Amato

Although I have had dogs all my life, my first introduction to competitive obedience came 21 years ago with my two Maltese.  Wanting them to learn house etiquette I signed up for a class with Parks & Rec and found my instructor was an Obedience judge.  He convinced me to attend my first obedience trial and as they say “the rest is history”.

I showed only one Maltese, Taryn, obtaining Novice degrees in both Canada and the U.S. and trained her to Utility.  I’ve always loved Shelties and during this time I added my first Sheltie (Cricket) to my household.  I also began to realize that having lots of fun training with your dog was the best way for both the dog and me to learn.  Taryn didn’t have the benefit of that and with two legs on her C.D.X. I realized her preference was to just be my “hangin’” out buddie so I retired her.

Cricket went on to earn her obedience trial championships in both Canada and the U.S. with numerous High in Trials including the National Specialty.  We also participated for several years in flyball where she earned her Masters Excellent title.  My next Sheltie, Pipe,r earned Utility titles in both Canada and the U.S. and also obtained several High in Trials when I had to retire her due to health issues.

I am currently training my Sheltie Kyla for Utility.  She also participates in flyball and has just started agility lessons.  Having recently retired from my job, I can put more time in doing what I enjoy the most, playing with my dogs.

I have learned so much from all my dogs, each so different in size and temperament, and I really enjoy sharing what I have learned and continue to learn.

Karen Brearley

My love for dogs began when I was very young….  I was always bringing home strays …fortunately my mother shared this love of animals.  My training experience began with horses…I trained several from the “ground up”.  When Steve and I were married we decided our family was not complete without a dog so we purchased our first purebred dog, a Golden Retriever named Brew.  He taught me many things but unfortunately his life was cut short.  Next came my first Belgian, Belle who was my first competition dog.  From there I got the bug and started competing not only in obedience but herding, agility and conformation.

Kaos was next….  He was my first conformation champion as well as obedience champion.  My highlight with him was High in Trial at the 2002 Tervuren nationals in the U.S. with 82 dogs competing.  George was my first toy dog and it really has been an eye opener.  His first time in the ring, George and I came home with a High in Trial.  Although he earned his Canadian Championship, his Can and U.S. CD’s and his U.S. RA… and is a St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog, I was unable to continue training with him due to health concerns.  Cleo aka FLEA, who has her Can Ch. One leg of her Open title and Rally Advanced titles also has health issues so her training too was cut short.  Currently I am competing with a Sheltie, CH. Fairfax Hot on Your Heels HI RN Am CD “EMBER” is the TOP Versatility Sheltie in Canada…

I love playing on both sides of the fence and also judge CKC and ASCA obedience at all levels as well as Rally and am an evaluator for the St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Program.  I truly enjoy watching the teams perform and can appreciate all the hard work that goes into getting into the ring.  I love that dogs make us smile ….

Sophie Budin

I have been competing and training dogs for 12+ years. Obviously, I am a training addict. I love the bond you develop and the feeling you get when you work with your dog. Dogs just love the time you spend with them as well as the mental stimulation.

I am currently a university student working to complete my Bachelor of  Social Work. While I procrastinate studying for exams, I teach my dogs new tricks like to kiss my toes. A cute parlour trick that can also serves as a warm up stretching exercise for my dog. In my previous life I spent many years as a training manager. I have combined those skills with my love for canine sports and voila, I am an avid dog enthuiast and instructor.

I love teaching people the basics of dog training and watching the realization dawning that ‘wow, this isn’t as hard I thought it would be’. For those of you with human children, you will understand when I tell you that my mantra is ‘consistency, consistency, consistency’.

I take part in dog sport demonstrations and parades (Canada Day Celebrations, Christmas Pet Fair, Tradex, PADS, Bowen Island Dog Days and many others). I compete at local and out of town competitions as well as regional and national events. I host multiple trials every year and volunteer with other dog clubs.

Lori Little

I got my first Golden Retriever 12 years ago when I realized that my horse habit was getting to expensive. Since that time I have trained and titled my dogs in obedience, tracking, field trials & hunt tests, draft dog, earthdog & conformation. Zak was the 2nd dog to ever receive a Master Versatility Title from the Golden Club of Canada. He was the 10th dog (over 26 years) to receive the prestigious Nan Gordon award with ribbons in field, obedience and conformation.

I also own a Scottish Terrier named Morgan whom i am training in competition obedience and earthdog work. My husband Rick, and son Logan are both supportive and will often be found behind the scenes as I work the dogs.

Janice Gunn has been instrumental in most of my training. Our obedience base has helped us in every venue we venture into, and my dogs are excellent ambassadors when in public or just hanging in the house with the family.

I am happy to be able to share my vast knowledge with my students. Now let’s have some fun training!

Maureen Murray

I have had dogs in my life since childhood; my husband not only got a wife, he got a dog too.

I have participated in obedience since 1995; when upon becoming “empty nesters” my husband and I were looking for new hobbies. It quickly became a passion as I took our first Cavalier through the levels and attained an OTCH, the highest title available at that time. I enjoy competing with a non-traditional breed and showing that all dogs taught in the correct manner love doing their “work”.

Bentley having attained a MOTCH, is supposed to be retired at 12 but he still wants to work with Mom every day. His son, Chipper, started his competitive career in May and since then has gone 13 for 13 to attain his Canadian/American CD and has 13 legs in Canadian CDX. He is currently the #1 Toy Dog in Canada in Obedience.

Participation in obedience has led to other areas; I am an evaluator for St. John Therapy Dogs as well as for the CKC Canine Good Neighbour Program.