Julie O'Konski
For the past 10 years Julie has educated herself in the areas of canine behavior, therapy and training. Her specialty lies in the agility field as this has taught her the most about communicating on the most positive level with dogs. She's experienced with working with all types of personalities of dogs and people.
Her agility education started at Kruisin Kanines Agility Club in Parkasie, PA. where she completed beginners through advanced agility classes as well as had the opportunity to experience her first instructor position. Her education continued at High Octane Agility in Doylestown, PA as a Masters level handler as well as an agility instructor. She has completed her certification by The Animal Behavior College (ABC) in the fall of 2009. She has accomplished numerous titles in venues such as AKC agility and CGC as well as NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) all the way up to the elite level. She currently holds approximately 23 agility titles.
She is presently operating Good Dogma canine learning and behavior therapy offering private in-home consultation and instruction for dogs and their owners in the areas of new dog/puppy good start orientation, behavior modification, fitness and exercise programs as well therapy programs for newly adopted rescue and shelter dogs. She also holds a position as a resident trainer for the Francisvale Home for Small Animals, a no-kill shelter in Radnor, PA working with dogs with various behavioral issues as well orienting volunteers on gentle and safe handling techniques.
Please call Julie at 610-251-9247 or email julie.okonski@wagsworthmanor.com to schedule an agility training session.
Gretchen Knittel
Gretchen Knittel has worked with rehabilitating German Shepherds since 1988. In the past five years, her passion has been assisting national & area rescues in their quest to save and rehabilitate dogs housed in the shelter environment.
Her passion to work with dogs stems from her admiration of the wonderful canine qualities of unconditional love, loyalty, forgiveness and truthfulness. Gretchen enjoys the challenge of understanding each dog as an individual, developing a relationship based on trust, and training so that the dog has fun and knows what to expect. She also enjoys helping people to have a better relationship with their dogs.
Gretchen has had the honor of personally training with Sherry Woodard, Best Friends Animal Society’s resident Animal Behaviorist, Ann Allums & Pat Whitacre Certified Pet Dog Trainers for DogTown. All three have appeared regularly on the National Geographic Channel’s hit show “DogTown”. Gretchen was recently invited to an “Invitation only” Workshop at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah to study with Sherry, Ann & Pat to learn how to help behaviorally challenged dogs while keeping everyone safe.
Please call Gretchen at 610-251-9247 or email gretchen.knittel@wagsworthmanor.com to schedule a training session.
