Debbie Lindhjem's Biography

Debbie pictured with Remy in Summer 2007

Debbie has had a genuine passion for all animals her entire life. 

Her goal has always been to learn all she can about dogs and the dog/human relationship, to find ways of training that result in prompt, reliable, and accurate responses to commands while at the same time enriching the dog/handler bond.  She loves working with people & their dogs and enthusiastically sharing her knowledge to help a once misdirected puppy or dog evolve into a trustworthy and dependable companion.

She is an avid reader on the subject of canine behavior and thinking.  She attends seminars and training programs to further her knowledge and believes that there is no ‘one correct way’ in which to train a dog. Her approach is always positive with lots of verbal praise.  She was an attendee at one of the last seminars offered by Captain Haggerty with his daughter Babette and the Sue Sternberg Seminar on Dog Aggression.

Debbie became involved with the White Plains School of Animal Training 13 years ago when she became interested in obedience and agility for her own dogs.  She  started apprenticing as an instructor and has since become an obedience instructor with the school for the last 10 years.  She specializes in all levels of Beginner classes, CGC/TDI classes and Clicker training.  

 Deb practicing agility with her Lab, Blondie

All of Debbie's dogs are AKC-CGC dogs.  Debbie has competed in NADAC Agility trials as well as AKC Obedience and Rally Trials with her Labradors & Golden Retrievers.  Her Golden Retriever, Mandy, is titled in Rally-O and her Golden Retriever, Remy, has titled in various Obedience events.  Mandy was nominated for an ACE award with the AKC for her tireless therapy work.  Debbie continues to compete with her dogs. 

Deb and Mandy receive their novice A Rally-O title Winter 2007 with Karen Wrey as judge

She was the lead instructor for the CGC/TDI classes that the school offered at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village, NY.  Her AKC titled Golden Retriever, Mandy, is an active therapy dog.   They are also the dog/handler team that is currently spearheading the pet therapy visits at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Harrison, NY. Mandy's visits impacted the patients in such a positive manner that Remy, Debbie's other Golden Retriever, has been added to the visitation team and the visits are expanding to other areas of the hospital as well.

Debbie is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and Therapy Dogs International, Inc. and the Taconic Hills Kennel Club.

Thank you for looking at my owners bio...now I want that COOKIE!!..  NOW!!!!!!

This page last edited 11Oct2013