CATHIE SABIN
Most of Cathie Sabin’s life has been blessed with dogs. Cathie has been training dogs since the early "70's". Cathie started Better Canines Through Instruction while renting 2 different buildings and working with the local park districts in the area. At the time she was holding a job in the corporate world and worked with the dogs part time. In 1982, Cathie decided that working with dogs full time was the course of the future for her. B.C. Dog Training is now in one central building located in Mundelein, Illinois.
Cathie's experience with canine behavior comes from working with mentors and trainers across the country, attending Veterinarian College, seminars, workshops and conferences. Although Cathie feels that her course work is important, her hands-on experience with all breeds has proven to be more valuable than all the books and programs attended.
As a breeder of Champion Doberman Pinschers many of her puppies have developed into working Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs as well as family companion dogs. Cathie competes in Obedience and Conformation shows across the United States with her Dobermans.
Cathie is an Approved Illinois Humane Investigator for the State and works closely with Animal Control and Rescue Groups training dogs so that they are easier to place and STAY with their new families. She has appeared in court as an expert witness for the County and adjoining Counties. Cathie is actively involved with current Canine Legislation affecting all breeds for Illinois dog owners. Cathie is also recommended by veterinarians, pet shops, groomers and breeders for her balanced approach to training. Cathie's expertise in training has helped many physically challenged individuals improve their quality of life by being able to be independent with the help of their dogs. Cathie has also trained thousands of puppies and adult dogs throughout the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin area to become wonderful canine companions and family members.
Cathie offers all this experience to her clients through all the programs at B.C. Dog Training!
In her spare time, Cathie sits on the Board of Directors for 3 Rescue groups and on a Watch Dog Committee for Legislation, Illinois Dog Clubs and Breeders Association.
Cathie is a member of:
International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
CDT (Certified Dog Trainer)
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (ADPT)
Illinois Dog Clubs & Breeders Association, Inc. (IDCBA)
Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA)
American Dog Owners Association (ADOA)
Parents Against Irresponsible Dog Owners™(P.A.I.D.O™)
AMY GAYLE
For as long as I can remember, I've always had a dog. I originally came to B.C. in 1996 to train my new Doberman puppy. I returned to B.C. in 2004 after my loyal companion passed away and I contacted Cathie to see if she could assist me in finding a new puppy. Fortunately for me she still had three 11 week old pups that needed homes. She matched me up with the perfect one. I've been training with "Zoe" my beautiful Doberman for 2 years and am so pleased with the results of our time spent at B.C. that we have become assistant trainers and have also added another doberman "Zuma" (again thanks to Cathie) to our household. Zoe has earned her (Good Canine Citizen) and TDI (Therapy Dog International) certificates and Zuma will soon follow.
KATIE MONTERASTELLA
I started training my Gt. Schnauzer/Aussie Mix Breed as a puppy way back in 1998. His name is “Buster” and he is now 8, had done a little Agility, got a Novice UKC title, and CGC/TDI. He, of course, is now retired due to torn cruciates in his rear knees. Next, “Coach” or “Cochise” came into my life in February 2000, as a rescued, half-starved red Doberman that there was no foster home for, so Cathie Sabin talked me into taking him home. Well, to make a long story short, the BIG ADOPTION DAY came and I brought him to see his new people, but, after tears and tears and more tears, I decided, right at the witching hour, that I could never part with him. The day he leaves me will be the saddest day of my life. Cochise has achieved his Novice CD, CGC/TDI and WAC Aptitude Certificate. He is also a great puppy aide instructor! If you were ever apprehensive regarding Dobermans, you would not be after meeting Coach.
Around this same time, I was asked to help assist with obedience classes. I aided both puppy and beginners levels. Before long, as my dogs progressed, so did my teaching skills. Beyond Puppy, Advanced I and II followed, although I only shadow Cathie’s understanding, I am always what I consider in a learning mode. Having had a little ‘Doberman’ experience, and handling puppies, Champion Heartbreaker, (Breaker, one of Cathie’s Dobes), was fathering some pups, and I gave in and got a black and rust girl whom you may know as “Missy, or CasaRhy’s Heart’s Desire”. She excels in obedience and …bad me….I should have titled her by now, as she is progressing faster than I am…..(old age factor?)
I also have a rescued Macaw named Shadow who is 10 years old that Cathie took into rescue, I agreed to foster and now, truth have it, I am a failed foster. They live to be around 100 possibly…and you will be able to converse with him if I bring him to the store. He is a real character. Also in my home is a 21 year old cat, cockatiels and love birds. Besides all of these animals, I have 3 children. Two are in college, and one will be a senior in high school.
I love to talk about obedience training, dogs, help people, if you call, be aware that I can probably talk your head off. I handle office stuff, daycare stuff, training stuff, etc. So please, just say hello and I will take it from there. I will love meeting you!