My name is Diana Hefti. I have been working with dogs since 1972 when I began obedience training my Irish Setter. I currently own 2 Australian Shepherds, but have owned and trained 8 dogs previously (all now deceased). I have titled 8 dogs in obedience competition for a total of 4 AKC Companion Dog (CD) titles, 4 ASCA Companion Dog (CD) Titles, and one ASCA Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) Title, plus 8 Rally Novice (RN), 5 Rally Advanced (RA) titles, and 3 Rally Excellent (RE) titles. We also have ASCA Rally Master and REM titles. Two of my Aussies received High In Trial Awards at ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America) shows, and we received several High Aussie and High Herding Group awards at AKC (American Kennel Club) shows. In July of 2004, I achieved a long awaited goal of finishing a Championship on one of my dogs (and have since completed a CH on a two additional dogs, and our first AKC Ch). I have also titled my dogs in the upper levels of Agility competition (in AKC, ASCA and NADAC), with one of my dogs earning his NATCH (NADAC Agility Trial Championship), his MACH (AKC Master Agility Championship) and his ATCH (ASCA Agility Trial Champion). All of my Australian shepherds have received Herding Instinct Certificates, and we have received Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) Awards.

I have been helping other people train their dogs since 1984. I was a volunteer obedience instructor for the North St. Louis County Obedience Training Club until moving to the Pacific Northwest in 1992. I continued training privately here until hired by PetsMart in October 1993 to be the Senior Instructor at their Federal Way, WA store. I taught there for 7 years, helping well over 1000 dogs and their families. A number of my students have gone on to show their dogs and earn titles in both obedience and agility. Since leaving PetsMart in Oct. 2000, I have continued to offer my services through private obedience classes.

Training Philosophy

I believe it is very important for a dog and his (or her) owner to work together during training. Your dog must respect YOU (the owner) in order to take directions and learn from you. During my classes, I teach the owner how to train their dog. I don't believe there is any one right way to train. I will work with you and your dog to find the best way for your dog to learn. Food motivation and mild physical corrections both work well to train your dog. I don't believe in any harsh corrections or physical punishment. That type of training doesn't give you a dog that is happy to do what you want. My goal is for you to have a well behaved dog that enjoys time spent with you, as much as you enjoy time spent with him.

Classes Offered

• Puppy Preschool ~ These classes are designed for babies 8 weeks to 5 months. We cover the basics of sit, lay down, stand, stay, come, and walk on leash, plus practical manners like no jumping, no chewing, crate training, potty training, and anything else the owner feels needed. These are fun sessions, using lots of treats to give your new baby a solid start on being a welcomed member of the family.
• Beginning Obedience ~ These sessions cover the basics of sit, lay down, stay, come, and heel. We also work on correcting jumping, being a good family pack member, not running out the front door, and anything else the owner wants to work on. This is a more formal obedience program designed for dogs 6 months and older, always tailored to what the owner wants to achieve with his or her dog.
• Intermediate Obedience ~ These classes are for those people wishing to continue training with their dog. We will continue to work on the basics learned in Beginning, plus start off-leash work for those dogs that are ready, as well as Rally obedience and trick training.
• Advanced Obedience ~ These sessions will be totally tailored to the individual dog and owner. We will work on perfecting all the basic exercises learned, and work on preparing them for showing in Novice Obedience or Rally competition if desired.