About Linda

My career as an instructor began with teaching people how to ride horses. For ten years, I enjoyed making dreams come true by finding ponies and horses in barns and pastures and turning them into show mounts. In 2000, I switched to dogs and shortly thereafter established K9capers Dog Training School. Over the years, I have helped hundreds of owners train their puppies and dogs to not only become a wonderful member of the family, but, if they desired, to become an accomplished competitor in their chosen field of obedience, rally, or agility. Though I am very proud of the many students who have shown their dogs successfully, I am equally as proud of the little dog who finally learned how to do a "down".

I stay on top of the latest techniques and handling skills by regularly taking classes and seminars in agility, obedience, rally, barn hunt, nosework, and herding from local as well as internationally renowned professionals. I often enroll in on-line classes which enables me to work with the best from around the world.

I have shown five Shelties to the highest levels of performance in many venues, and have just started my sixth pup. My dogs and I have several UD's to our credit, and with the current three I am working towards a Versatility title, a CDX, MACH's, and a STAR puppy certificate. Down the road I would like to title Lucas in herding. He is quite a natural on sheep!

I am a member of the Syracuse Obedience Training Club and have served as President or a Board member for almost ten years. I am also an instructor with the organization volunteering to teach several classes each session. I have been a trial chair for many SOTC trials and organized the club's annual "Oldies But Goodies" day for retired show dogs.

I was a member of Sunshine Friends for several years and helped to evaluate dogs for therapy work. Two of my dogs enjoyed bringing smiles to residents of local nursing homes. I am an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certified evaluator.

I have been married for 35 years and have four wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy photography and love to write. I even had an article published in "Clean Run" magazine!

Kobi

Kimmany Outlook Express
UD RE MX AXJ OAP NJP
Sep.11, 2000 - Aug. 2012

Kobi was my heart dog and we learned from each other. He earned a UD in obedience, Master's titles in agility, and several rally titles. But mostly he earned a special place in my heart forever. He was our pack leader and boss of the household. He was frequently referred to as the "party police" by our traveling companions. Kobi and I were together for 12 wonderful years.

Niki

Kimmany By Special Request
CDX RAE OA OAJ AXP OJP NF
Jun 8 2002-Feb. 27, 2015

Niki was a princess. She was absolutely beautiful- and she knew it. She taught me patience as a trainer because she was a bit of a handful. A noisy handful. Niki earned a CDX but truly loved and excelled in rally and earned her RAE. She also did agility. People always knew when Niki was on the agility field- she was fast and furious... and barked the whole time. She earned her Excellent title in agility. She was a very sweet dog who warmed up to nursing home residents-  but if friends wanted a kiss she made them buy  it with a treat. Niki was my constant companion for 13 years.

Brady

Canami Special Delivery
CD RE NA NAJ AXP OJP NF
Jan. 29, 2005 - Jan. 26, 2009

Such a love. The most affectionate dog I've ever owned. In his very short life he became very accomplished in obedience, agility, and rally. He was a tiny guy with a HUGE personality. He taught me how fragile life can be and to appreciate every moment we have with our dogs. Brady lost his battle with epilepsy at age 4.

Lucas

Stoneyacre Special Attraction
UD BN MX MXB MXJ MJB NF
Dec 10, 2009 - 

Lucas is brilliant! He has benefited from all that I have learned from training the original three. He absolutely loves to do any kind of work: obedience,  rally,  herding, and agility- and does it all with gusto.  (Though he didn't quite get the whole barn hunt thing.) He easily earned a UD by age three and we are now working towards his Versatility title and a MACH in agility. He wasn't crazy about herding ducks- but to our surprise, he loves herding sheep! Lucas NEVER leaves my side and accompanies me to work, often demonstrating his skills to various classes. He adores puppies and is the official greeter to the youngsters enrolled in puppy class.

Tango

Canami Takes Two To Tango
CD BN RA AX AXJ  
June 24, 2012 - 

Tango is my wild child. He is a crazy man! He loves to work no matter what the task. We are working towards our MACH in agility and our UD in obedience. Since Lucas is taking herding lessons, I've decided to enroll Tango in nosework classes- something new for both of us! Though he is crazy when working- he is very quiet and lazy at home and is always ready for a good snuggle on the couch

Caper

Rosewood’s K9Caper
July 5, 2016 -

Caper joined the family in the fall of 2016. He seems to be a combination of all the Shelties I've ever loved! I so look forward to what the future holds for this little bundle of energy.