TOPLINE
German Shepherd Dog Club of IL, Inc.

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Irene has owned German Shepherds for more years than she is willing to admit, beginning with her first when she was still in High School.  She handles and shows her own dogs in both AKC and SV style Conformation and has been actively training and titling her dogs in schutzhund since 2001.  She is a member of the GSDCA and WDA, is an AKC Canine Ambassador and a certified trainer and evaluator for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program.

Her more than 25 years of animal husbandry experience as both an employee and volunteer at the Shedd Aquarium has taught her that the key to successful training is looking at what you are asking of them from the animal’s perspective, rather than a human one.  A shark can only think like a shark and a dog can only think like a dog.  However, as humans we have the unique ability to study an animal and understand their world from their perspective.  Using this knowledge to effectively communicate with an animal builds a firm foundation for your relationship with your dog.

As Topline’s President and Public Education Coordinator, Irene uses her experience and passion for dogs and training to educate about the German Shepherd Dog Breed, safety around animals, and the importance of training for the well being or our dogs and our communities.