We have many talented Instructors at KDTC. If you are interested in competitive obedience, rally or a well-mannered pet, our Instructors will help you achieve your goals. These are our Instructors for the current roster of classes.
Sue Nemedi
Advanced Utility – Tuesday, 6:00 pm
My first dog training experience was in trying to teach the family Beagle to be a leader dog. I didn’t go well. Years later I had Pembroke Welsh Corgis and put a CD on one. Even more years later I finally got my first Belgian Tervuren and fell in love with the breed and obedience training. As luck would have it, when I got my second Tervuren the owner of his dad just happened to be into tracking both as a judge and an exhibitor. She encouraged me to track with my dogs. I have since gotten a third Terv. I have shown competitively in obedience putting AKC and UKC Utility titles on my first Terv, and AKC and UKC OTCh’s on my second dog with tracking titles on both. My third dog has AKC/UKC Open titles and is a work in progress. I really enjoy seeing new competitors progress through the obedience titling classes and encourage everyone to start by putting a CGC on their dog.
Brenda Zielinski
Skill Building – Tuesday, 7:00 pm
I began training dogs in the early 90s and shortly afterwards I joined KDTC where I discovered the world of competitive obedience. I have trained and shown German Shepherd Dogs and now train and show Border Collies. I earned the Obedience Trial Champion title on my first Border Collie and now I am in love with the breed and the sport.
Sharri Sibert
Dog Games (for competition students) – Tuesday, 7:00 pm
I have my CD and UCDX on my Novice A dog and he is trained through the UD level. Buco has his CD, UCDX, JH, SH, CGC. Sam has his JH and SH retriever titles. I am interested in AKC and UKC OB and Hunt Tests. I have volunteered as an Instructor, Student Instructor and Class Assistant teaching Beginning, Advanced Beginning, Fundamentals, Open, Utility and Ring Ready Classes. I have served on the KDTC board for over 4 years, holding committee head positions such as Marketing and Seminars; I was named to KDTC Business Manager position in 2010 and am the current KDTC President.
Scott Munn
Beginning - Tuesday, 8:00 pm
Scott’s bio is in process. Look back here for more information later.
Marcia Johnson
Advanced Open - Tuesday, 8:00 pm
My first competitive training was in Lynchburg,VA. Achieving Novice through Utility titles first with a Collie and then Golden Retrievers. Upon moving to Michigan, I joined KDTC and continued training and competing with Golden Retrievers, earning an OTCH in October of 2007. I have earned titles in the Golden Retriever Club of America, WC and WCX and OBHF (Obedience Hall of Fame). In 2010, I was very proud of my dog OTCH UOCH Fireside Sabre Wing UDX4 OM3 JH WCX OBHF (Sabre) when he won High in Trial at the 2010 Golden Retriever National Speciality. I recently began field training and competing in Hunt Tests. In 2011, my Golden Retriever Fireside Northern Express (Ace) earned his Senior Hunter title, another achieved 3 senior passes and my girl, Torch completed two of her Master passes. I have been an Instructor with KDTC for many years, teaching Fundamentals through Advanced Utility.
Lara Mahr
Clicker - Wednesday, 6:00 pm
Lara is passionate about improving the bond between people and their animal companions. She has been working with dogs, cats and birds throughout her life. Lara is a Certified Karen Pryor Academy Training Partner (KPACTP). This prestigious certification was created by Karen Pryor, a world renowned, author, trainer and animal biologist. The Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior requires a trainer to complete an extensive educational program including a comprehensive written exam, a test of hands-on training skills and an assessment of teaching abilities. Lara is also a Pet CPR/First Aid instructor through the American Red Cross and a Doggone Safe presenter. Lara’s interests include Clicker training and behavior modification. She shares her home with her dogs: Radar and Hank, GSD; Wezul, American Eskimo; Piper, Pilgrim and Soo; Siberian Huskies and an African Grey parrot. Lara also participates in Police K9 training with Radar.
Becki Vander Weele
Puppy – Wednesday, 7:00 pm
I began training my first Golden Retriever in the Kalamazoo County 4-H Dog Care Project at the age of 12. I joined the Kalamazoo Dog Training Club in 1995. I am a professional dog groomer and work with many different breeds every day. I am currently training two dogs; a Golden Retriever named Cooper, and a Beagle named Kinsey. We enjoy training and competing in AKC and UKC obedience events. I am the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) for the Club and also serve as a Training Director.
Jennifer DeZwarte
Beginning - Wednesday, 7:00 pm
Beginning - Wednesday, 8:00 pm
I have been a member of KDTC since 2004. I have taught Puppy, Beginning, Advanced Beginning and Beyond Advanced Beginning for the club. I am a certified Canine Good Citizen instructor. I have owned Alaskan Malamutes since 2000. I am active in Rally, Conformation and Obedience with them. I also have been involved in Pet Therapy at Bronson Hospital. In addition to my love for training, I am also interested in canine nutrition and rehabilitation.
Ellen Wilson
Advanced Beginning - Thursday, 6:00 pm
Although I had always wanted a dog when I was growing up, I was never able to get one. My first dog was a rough, tri-color Collie, and he was a wonderful boy. During a “manners” obedience class, the instructor mentioned competition. I liked what I heard, and was hooked. I put a CD on this first dog back when the methods were very compulsive. I hope he forgives me up in dog heaven.
One of the dogs in the class was a Chocolate Lab, who was kind of nutty and energetic. Wouldn’t that kind of dog be fun? So, I decided to look for a Chocolate Lab, when the time came for the next dog. Not knowing anything about breeding, I saw and loved the only pup left in a colleague’s litter. This was another quiet dog, difficult to get in drive, but very willing to please. I took a class from KDTC and joined the club. This dog earned a CDX, and UCDX, as well as a CCD with a HIT.
By this time, I had learned what to look for in a competition puppy, and I sought out a breeder to meet my needs. Scully came on board and was successful in earning her CGC, CDX and UCDX, as well as RAE, and TT titles. Bilateral ACL surgeries ended her UD quest.
I went back to the same kennel and brought home another chocolate Lab, who is currently in training for competition. This wild child, Rio, has earned her RN and ASCA RNX, and CGC.
For me, it’s all about CHOCOLATE!
I have been involved with KDTC on many levels and I am now an Instructor and evaluate CGC candidates. I also serve as a Training Director.
Jess Metzner
Beginning - Thursday, 6:00 pm
Check back here for more information about Jess. We should have her bio posted soon.
Steve Stahr
Beginning - Thursday 7:00 pm
Husband and wife team, Karen and Steve Stahr have been active members of KDTC and Class Instructors since 1993 when they got their first Golden Retriever puppy, Hobi. Steve was President of KDTC for 4 years and Karen has served various Board roles from Vice President to Board member. Karen has been one of KDTC’s Puppy instructors for 15+ years and has also taught Beginning and Competitive Fundamentals. Steve has been one of KDTC’s regular Beginning instructors for 15+ years and has also taught Advanced Beginning. Both Karen and Steve have also been active on several committees and have been supporters of the Kalamazoo Humane Society Annual Dog Walk. In addition to teaching our pet classes, Karen also actively trains and competes in obedience trials with their Golden Retrievers, Poker and Breeze. They now have a new puppy, Riggs. She has completed both AKC & UKC earning CD titles on five dogs and one CDX and has had several first placements and one High In Trial.
Outside of KDTC, Karen is a busy insurance agent for a local independent agency in Kalamazoo. She also enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her dogs. Steve is a local jewelry store owner that specializes in jewelry repair and sales, as well as does commercial and residential painting. He enjoys golfing, traveling, and hanging out on their property with their dogs.