Cathi's training career started with horses in Minnesota, where she taught riding classes and rode in Olympic style 3 day event competitions while attending the University of Minnesota where she majored in Sociology. She moved to California in 1971 to continue her horse career.  In 1973, the acquisition of a wild and unruly German Shepherd puppy named Country was the beginning of Cathi`s passion for dogs. Attending her first obedience class, Country and Cathi proved to be an outstanding team, going on to win multiple competitive obedience awards.

In 1993 Cathi rescued a Briard, Levi, from Sacramento Animal Control.  Levi passed on in 2001 but not before introducing Cathi to the fun of competing in dog agility.  This was also the period in which Cathi transitioned from using and teaching punishment-based traditional training methods to positive reinforcement techniques.

Cathi`s current family includes Ricochet, an 8 year old female Briard who has been very successful in competitive agility and Rally events.  Ty, a 4 year old male Briard is the resident guard dog and participates in visits to nursing homes. The latest member to join the group is Zydeco, a 4 year old Pyrenean Shepherd. Sent from Vermont, aggressive toward people and dogs, Cathi was his last resort. He is now rehabilitated and will be Cathi`s next agility and Rally partner.

Cathi has been a professional member of APDT since 1995. In addition to teaching Rally she does private consults for problem dogs.

Cathi`s training philosophy can be summed up in one sentence:
"It is never necessary to hurt, frighten or intimidate a dog in order to train it".