About Me: My name is Diana Hefti. I have been working with dogs since 1972 when I began obedience training my Irish Setter. I currently own 3 Australian Shepherds, but have owned and trained 6 dogs previously (all now deceased). I have titled 8 dogs in obedience competition for a total of 4 AKC Companion Dog (CD) titles, 3 ASCA Companion Dog (CD) Titles, and one ASCA Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) Title, plus 3 AKC Rally Novice (RN) titles and 3 Rally Advanced (RA) titles, and 2 Rally Excellent (RE) 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 conformation Championship on one of my dogs, and have since added a CH to another of my dogs. I have also achieved advanced titles with my dogs in Agility competition (in AKC, ASCA and NADAC). Merlin has earned his MACH (AKC Master Agility Championship), his NATCH (NADAC Agility Trial Championship), and his ATCH (ASCA Agility Trial Championship). My 2 year old "pup" is very exciting to run in agility, and has helped me learn some new handling techniques.  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. 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.

Training: I will work with you and your dog at your home (South Sound areas like Auburn, Kent, Maple Valley, Covington, Federal Way, Des Moines, etc.) or mine. I offer lesson plans to meet every student's needs: Puppy, Beginning/Basic Manners, Intermediate, Advanced and Agility. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your dog!

Diana Hefti