De Angelo

Dottie Hamblin

DOGS! DOGS! DOGS!
My life and family have always had homes where dogs have played an important role. I cannot
imagine life without my loyal companions.

I bought my first AKC-registered dog with silver dollars my mom gave me for my
college graduation. Tasha joined me to help me earn a Master's in early childhood. That
little toy poodle was my first Star companion, and she earned an American/Canadian CD.

My career as director of Plymouth Day Care Center was great preparation to teach
humans to train their young dogs to be decent members of their community. After all,
how many people feel their dogs are their children? You know that is true!

I was hooked on training and showing dogs in as many venues as possible. I joined the
Syracuse Obedience Training Club 45 years ago. I taught and trained with SOTC. This
has been a great journey and has led me to a new career. I started teaching privately and
eventually opened Dottie’s Dog School in 2008. With the support of great friends, we
were open for 14 years. It was such an exciting adventure.

I have trained and titled dogs in Obedience, Agility, Rally, Conformation, Herding, Hunt, Draft, Water Work, Lure Coursing, and Fast Cat. I am currently dabbling in Scent Work.

I have trained and competed with 17 different dogs, including dogs from each of the 7groups. The variety of breeds and the multiple venues in which I have trained have given me extensive experience. This has all helped me grow to be a better instructor. I
have been teaching for decades and continue to learn something new with every class
I teach and seminar I take. I have a keen eye for watching handlers with their dog, and
can help create a great team!

I have been fortunate to participate in a variety of seminars with some of the best trainers
from around the world. These people have influenced my understanding of dogs, how they learn, and improved my teaching techniques. A few favorites: Laura Romanik, Susan Garrett, Denise Fenzi, Connie Cleveland, Julie Flannery.

I would love to have you join me for your adventure with your dog. Puppy classes are among my favorites. The little critters are such sponges for learning. This is a great time to begin foundations for anything you might want to do!