Char Turner, LVT, BS, CTDI, CSCC Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach, AKC Fit Dog Instructor
Private Lessons: https://dogsontheball.com/private-lessons/
Current classes: https://dogsontheball.com/current-class-offerings-and-updates/
Our Facility: https://dogsontheball.com/our-training-facility/
“It is paramount to know the difference in what will make them and what will break them, emotionally and physically. I teach humane best practices for dogs to feel safe and confident in learning, with mutual trust between dogs and their human and joy in the process.”
WHY train? For the love of dogs! The bond that grows through thoughtful, supportive training is truly a gift. Contributing to a dog’s quality of life in this way is a great joy that I love to share with others. My hope is that people can appreciate their dogs for the individuals they are and provide appropriate activities to build their relationship and enjoy life together.
WHAT do I offer? Enrichment by definition is “the act or process of improving the quality of something by adding something else”(Cambridge English dictionary). As a trainer, my goal is to enrich the lives of dogs and the canine human bond. To this end I teach Canine Conditioning for Body, Mind and Wellbeing as the foundation for an active and functional life for all dogs, from sport dogs to seniors.
My priority and training approach is a relationship built on trust between dog and handler. Basic skills for fitness work crossover to all other training and life- marker/reward system, targeting, focus and engagement, impulse control, precision positions and keen body awareness. I teach these skills in a no-pressure, learning friendly environment that builds confidence, relationship, and a dog who loves to work!
As a Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCC) I am trained in canine fitness program design and can provide customized training to meet your dog’s needs for sports or function for all stages of life. I am also certified AKC Level 3 Fit Dog Instructor administrator of our local area AKC Fit Dog Club. The benefits of fitness training bridges all activities, whether the goal for your dog is improved function for daily activities, senior mobility, or competitive sports. I offer programs for all levels. Canine fitness training builds trust and confidence while teaching fun skills for improving body awareness, strength and conditioning, and well being for mind and body.
HOW do I train? My mantra for training is “Acknowledge the dog’s needs and the training goals become clear”. That means I break things down as needed for the individual dog and teach at a pace conducive to learning for both dog and handler. I teach specific delivery markers using food and/or toy rewards with emphasis on clear communication. I prioritize the dog’s wellbeing with a positive, optimistic approach that supports learning and trust between dog and handler. I offer progress goals for success and a plan to help you get there!
About: Char is certified by NC State College of Veterinary Medicine as CSCC, Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach. She is also approved for all levels as AKC Fit Dog Instructor, Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), and AKC Trick Dog Evaluator. She is a Founding Charter Member of National Association of Treibball Enthusiasts (NATE) and retired NATE Treibball judge. She has served for many years years as online teaching assistant to Dr. Deb Jones of Fenzi Dog Sport Academy, and also as a judge for the Fenzi TEAM Cooperative Care certificate program. Char is a licensed veterinary technician (retired).
Education: AAS Animal Husbandry, AAS Veterinary Technology, BS in Health Science (Animal Health Promotion and Management), and CSCC from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach).
Continuing Education: Char is an avid lifelong learner and continues her education in animal health, behavior and training . She stays current by taking courses, workshops and seminars through Clicker Expo, Fenzi Dog Sport Academy, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior , Fenzi Dog Sport Academy and many other sources from leading professionals in the field. Major influence past and present has come from the teachings of professional animal behaviorists and trainer educators such as Dr. Deb Jones, Pat Miller, Denise Fenzi, Leslie McDevitt, Michele Pouliot, Julie Daniels, Ken Ramirez, Kay Laurence, Shade Whitesel, Kamal Fernandez, Sharon Carroll, Grisha Stewart, the late John Rogerson and many others. See CV here
Background: See more about My Dogs here. Char trained her first competition dog, a Great Pyrenees, in AKC obedience and conformation as a high school student. She continued training in obedience and competing with her variety of dogs off and on through the years- in between training her horses, raising sheep and working as a veterinary technician. In this scenario Char also trained several working farm dogs. Through the years Char has trained in different sports and organizations including obedience, rally, agility, tricks, treibball, and parkour. One of her mixed breeds, “Little Miss Dynamite Abby” was one of the first two All Americans in AKC history to earn the Obedience Versatility title in 2012.
Char’s has 3 current training partners, including 2 very active seniors “Flash” (Whippet) and “Wilkie” (Cirneco dell Etna x Whippet). The third and youngest addition to the family is whippet Graffiti (“Friti”). Their training priorities are canine fitness, scent sports for fun and enrichment, and cooperative care. A favorite activity is regularly exploring parks and walking trails with other dog friends!
Dogs On The Ball 