Renée Hughes

- Certified Dog Trainer - National Judge

The short story

First certified by the Canadian Pet Dog Trainers Assoc. (CPDTA) in 1999, then certified and hired by Animal Behavior Trainers Assoc. USA (ABTA) from 2003-2007.

ABTA honored Renée with 'Canadian Trainer of the Year - 2005' and numerous awards in my few years of employment with them.

Today she trains giving private and group lessons.

In 1999 the Agility Association of Canada gave Renée the opportunity to become a trial judge followed by regional and national judging assignments as a Master Agility Judge.

She has been studying canine behavior, health, and husbandry for more than 10 years.

Keeping a small pack of dogs that are house dogs and full time companions, she continues to enjoy many aspects of the show and performance fields.

The long story

Her love of animals started as a young girl, as was noted when she was found out training tricks to the neighbors dog about the age of 8 in Richmond B.C. Renée took up cleaning horse stalls about the age of 10, and by the age of 12 was the stable girl with riding privileges, then it was off to horse back riding lessons. Soon after that she started cleaning tack, and training horses for dressage, entered her first horse show, and training for hunter hack and barrel events under the wing of a talented horse trainer.

Dogs have been her constant companions since leaving the family roost at Cultus Lake B.C. In 1994 she eagerly awaited the arrival of her first 'small' dog. Fall 1995 was the time to start a beginner agility class, where she was one of 45 students. The instructors husband building the equipment on the spot as they where playing on course- ahhh... those were the days!!

She joined MFAC and in a short time was going to training seminars, working with other trainers, and helping teach and design the MFAC beginner and advance classes.

A fellow agility enthusiast Mindy Lamont moved to town and together they teamed up to form MAD DOG AGILITY in 1999.

1999 was a time when Renée was taking in rescue dogs, and working with a Dog Behaviorist. She spent a year with her learning the positive side of dog training. This is where she learned of Dr. Ian Dunbar and started studying his works and attending his seminars.

Renée continues to upgrade and broaden her skills with ongoing canine education. The last few years have been busy when she was fortunate enough to attended seminars and presentations by Dr. Ian Dunbar, Dr. Stanley Coren, Vicky O'Conner (student of Karen Pryer), Dana Pike, Kathy Keats, and Susan Salo to name a few.

After researching around for her next dog, she decided on the Shetland Sheepdog as the best suited dog for the stuff she wanted to do. She purchased her first Sheltie Kitslas Painted Dame Ashley CDX, CGC, SADC (Dash) in 2000.

Deciding to make her own 'next' dog in 2003, She leased a bitch and bred her then kept 2 pups. Go to Edge and Darwin's pages to get current information with them.

Now (2010) she keeps a small number of house dogs, some retired, and others she's training and actively playing in performance sports. Her next goal is to breed, train and show a virtuous dog. Thanks for viewing this web site.