Kim Lutz
Kim is the owner of Kim's Canines, a dog trainer and behavior consultant who believes that, just like children, all dogs need to be educated. Kim also believes that "how" we educate matters - therefore at Kim's Canines we use positive reinforcement based protocols and are committed to the principle of LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive). As we all know, good communication is not one-sided, so we teach the "language of dogs" so you can understand some of their body language too. There are many "normal" dog behaviors that upset people due to misunderstanding - we believe in educating, thereby "normalizing" these normal/typical behaviors. Additionally, empowering the animal to be able to make some decisions about their own life and developing a close bond and relationship based on trust and mutual respect, are just a few of the concepts that Kim hopes her clients will take away from her classes.
Tracy Buck
Tracy has been training dogs individually and in group settings since 1989. She has instructed classes at Kennelwood, Petropolis, and WestInn Kennels. Over the last several years, Tracy has attended numerous seminars and educational events including the 2006 Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference, three multiple day Clicker Camps and Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash seminar. She has an extensive library of training resources and believes in continuous learning and improvement. Tracy has over 13 years experience with Clicker Training.
Tracy's training motto is "Cause No Harm". She believes that no dog should be physically or emotionally hurt in the training process. She believes in using reward-based training, and that harsh punishment and correction interferes with the learning process.
Tracy was the Director for Sheltie Rescue for over 15 years; in this role, she served as a foster home, trainer and adoption placement counselor. In 2003, Tracy reorganized Sheltie Rescue into a 501c3 organization called Second Chance Sheltie Rescue and served on the Board of Directors for the following two years. Tracy continues to volunteer for SCSR and other dog rescue organizations.
Tracy is also an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator, a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and an affiliate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is a member of the Greater St. Louis Shetland Sheepdog Club, the Herding Club of St. Louis and the Greater St. Louis Training Club. In addition, Tracy holds a Bachelor of Administration in Business Administration, has held management positions in Information Technology at both Monsanto and Purina, and is a supporting member of Attachment Parenting International.
Tracy lives with her husband Carl and 3 year old daughter Michaela, along with 3 Shelties: Micah, Sarah and Lily. Micah is 9 years old and has titles in Obedience, Agility and Herding. Sarah is 12 years old and she was rescued from a commercial breeding facility and now enjoys a life of leisure. Lily is a rescued 5 year old double merle who doesn't allow her deafness to interfere with catching Frisbees or retrieving balls. (Torrie, a 12 year old blue Doberman, passed away in June 2006 due to kidney failure. Torrie was rescued at 18 months of age and earned her CD and CDX titles prior to being retired due to Wobblers.)
Tracy's family is completed by two retired Quarter Horses, two young Rocky Mountain Horses and two cats that keep busy patrolling the barn for mice.
Annette Jonczyk
I have always had animals in my life. As a very young child I was drawn to any four legged creature "squealing and trembling with excitement" as my parents still remember. After living with a menagerie of smaller pets I was finally allowed to adopt my first dog at age 13.
As a teenager I was interested in books about animal behavior by authors Konrad Lorenz , J. Eibl- Eibesfeldt, and Michael Fox among others, and I had a great fascination with the variety of dog breeds and their characteristics.
It wasn't until after my children were older and more independent however that I remembered my childhood dream of working with animals. The opportunity came along while searching for humane ways to dealing with my puppy Bella, who was quite a handful. I discovered the book, "Getting in TTouch® with your dog" by Linda Tellington-Jones, and the rest is history.
I graduated from the two year practitioner certification program in October 2003. I studied under founder Linda Tellington-Jones and other highly acclaimed instructors. In addition to the practitioner training I started reading every book on positive training methods I could get my hands on. I continue to broaden my knowledge by reading, attending dog training seminars , assisting at TTouch® practitioner trainings, and participating in advanced TTouch® Trainings.
I find that through the TTouch® work my personal relationship with animals has changed . Though having never condoned harsh and aversive methods I now believe that animals are unique thinking, feeling creatures that need to be treated with respect and patience.
I love sharing what I learn with other animal enthusiasts and their best friends. I find it gratifying to witness their transformation into listening and communicating partners, for a mutually life enriching relationship.
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