Sandy Sproull Kowalski

Sandy has been breeding and showing Golden Retrievers in Conformation and Obedience since 1978. Her dogs have obtained titles as Champions, Best of Breed, Utility Degree, Obedience Trial Champion, Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog as well as hunting titles. Sandy has served as an instructor for Solid Gold Obedience Academy, Dulles Gateway Obedience Training Club as well as community education programs and 4 H groups.

Sandy has done extensive work with Canine Companions for Independence and other service dog groups helping people with special needs. She has worked with rescue groups and shelters providing evaluations and programs for behavioral modification.

Sandy regularly attends seminars staying current with the latest concepts in dog training. She is an active member of the Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club, the Golden Retriever Club of America and the American Dog Owners Association that lobbies for pet legislation. She is a licensed UKC Conformation and Obedience Judge and is an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She volunteers her time to judge Conformation and Obedience matches for local breed and obedience clubs.

Her philosophy – “There are very few bad dogs, only owners that need a little training.”

Deb Matthews

Deb has been around dogs her entire life and started teaching training classes in 2005. She started with Dog Day Afternoon as a trainer for our Day School program. Currently she is responsible for our popular Puppy Kindergarten group classes introducing new dog owners to the world of owning a puppy. She prides herself on making sure each owner understands how to communicate with their new additions while teaching both dog and human the ins and outs of basic obedience. Deb and her Shiloh Shepherds, Chase & Rock, volunteer in the community with the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad and the local pet therapy program.

Deb and Chase compete in confirmation and Chase has earned her Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog certifications. She is competing in obedience for her CD. Deb is a member of the Shiloh Shepherds Club of America as well as the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Association of Pet Dog trainers.