Maureen Barry BSc, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM
Hi I'm Maureen and together with my 3 year old Lab Chase, I have been training with Dogs in the Park for the last 2 1/2 years. We first came to Dogs in the Park after my failed attempt to train my new puppy with methods I had originally learned 20 years ago. The Levels method based on positive reinforcement and shaping of behaviours was a revelation and I was hooked. Together Chase and I have developed an enthusiasm for the sport of canine obedience with a strong interest in Rally Obedience.
I am new to the team of interns so I am still learning my way around the other side of the training relationship. I look forward to being able to expand my knowledge of canine behaviour and how to apply that knowledge to help owners achieve their training goals. I believe this experience will make me a better trainer working with my own dog as I learn how to tailor training strategies to suit individual dogs in a variety of settings.
Outside of my interest in dog training I am a mom to 3 kids and a clinical instructor at the University of Guelph. When time allows I also indulge my life long love of horses and dressage.
Linda Lissemore Ph.D.
Linda came to Dogs in the Park (DITP) in 2017 with Oliver, a Coton de Tulear puppy, hoping to provide him with some basic skills. I quickly realized that it was I, not Oliver, who was in need of training. The general philosophy at DITP coupled with their approach to coaching have strengthened my appreciation on the importance of both positive reinforcement and the development of a strong relationship with your dog in order to be successful. I have a keen interest in continuing to learn about dog behavior and enjoy the on-going education provided by DITP though their intern program. My lovable and rambunctious little Oliver, while still a little unruly at times, has come a long way in skills development. We share an enthusiasm for training and have developed a solid partnership that sees us continuing to advance through the Levels program and participating in additional classes such as Games, Tunnels and Jumps and Rally.
Outside of dog training, I enjoy spending time with family and in my garden. During the day, I manage a busy chemistry laboratory at The University of Guelph, providing support to a variety of food safety and environmental programs. After 30 years of testing for pesticides and drugs in every type of sample imaginable, I look forward to helping others successfully work and train with their dogs.
Katrina Merkies, BSc (Agr), PhD
Dogs have been an important part of Katrina's childhood ever since her adopted stray mutt Gypsy won first prize for the longest tail at a local fair. Since then she has been lucky to have had a string of amazing dogs, and has competed in flyball and rally-o events. Her current dog, Kurt, brought Katrina to Dogs in the Park for puppy classes where she got hooked on dog training as a complement to her horse training skills. With his extreme enthusiasm and intelligence, Kurt achieved his Level 7 title, along with titles in Obedience, Rally Obedience and Rally FrEe.
Katrina has made horses her professional career, first as a rider, trainer and coach, and now as a professor at the University of Guelph where she runs a research program on equine behaviour, welfare and management. Katrina is a Level II dressage coach and has trained and competed up to international levels in dressage, earning the title of Canadian Champion in 1999. Katrina enjoys the challenge of transferring training skills from the horse world to the dog world, and vice versa.
Sarah Hohner BA (SDS)
Sarah Hohner joined Dogs in the Park’s team in June 2013 by assisting first with Every Puppy’s Education and then also Every Puppy Deserves Puppy Class.
She initially found DITP in January 2012 through an online advertisement for the Dog Play lecture and Instant Recall workshop. DITP’s ideals and training methods fit perfectly, so when her then 3.5 year old Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Fergus, began having issues, she enrolled in the Good Dog program in April 2013. They graduated onto Levels where they regularly attended until Fergus passed away. In June 2020, Sarah welcomed in a SCWT puppy, Pimm, and is looking forward to their training journey.
Sarah has a keen interest in continually learning about dog behaviour, learning theory, and puppy development, and takes advantage of the on-going education provided by DITP and their instructor in training program. When not dog training, Sarah enjoys gardening, camping, dog walks, and renovating her old house.
Ramona Maynard BA
After falling in love with the breed 20 years ago, Ramona's dream came true in June 2017 when she and her family brought home a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy. This was the family's fourth corgi but first puppy. Understanding the importance of early socialization, she had already enrolled in the free Every Puppy Deserves an Education program and Bella attended Puppy Play Group the day after coming home.
After completing Every Puppy's Education, Bella moved up to the Levels program. After passing Level 2, Ramona and Bella became involved in Rally, Games class and Tunnels and Jumps. Ramona enjoys both the mental and physical aspects of training for her and her dog and Bella's willingness to engage in these activities. The family also participates in the weekly off-leash Rocking Horse Walk.
Upon completing Level 3, Ramona was asked if she would be interested in joining the intern program. She thought that this would be a great way to improve her own dog handling skills and also loved the idea of helping others, so she quickly got involved. Ramona enjoys the positive reinforcement training approach at Dogs In The Park as well as the overall sense of community.
Ramona grew up in Toronto and stayed there to complete her studies in Criminology and Sociology at the University of Toronto. She moved to Burlington and enjoyed a 10 year career in law enforcement and forensic identification. When not at Dogs In The Park, Ramona enjoys reading, baking and needlecrafts. She makes her home in Guelph with her husband, 4 children, 2 cats and Bella. Bella recently used the skills learned at Dogs in the Park to earn her Expert Trick Dog title.