Curriculum Vitae
Catherine L. Zinsky
I can’t remember a time in my life when I did not have a dog, even while in college. My dogs have always been my best friends and dearest companions. Getting hooked on AKC obedience was simply a natural evolutionary jump.
My experience in obedience spans 40 years. I trained and showed Dobermans for most of those years. All, despite v-e-r-y limited showing, were Nationally Ranked.
I then turned to Australian Cattle Dogs. Both, while being shown, were the #1 Cattle Dogs in the nation. It was while showing my Derby (Silverhills Demolition Derby—Cattle Dog) that I was introduced to Border Collies. And so Kyle, Trumagik Step Aside, came into my life.
Kyle went from his 1st Novice leg to OTCH in 6 months. He was retired with over 1000 OTCH points, a UDX 20, and an Obedience Grand Masters Title. Kyle was ranked #7 All Breeds and #1 Border Collie at the National Obedience Invitational, 2006. In 2008 he was Second Runner-up at the NOI. And again he finished as the #1 Border Collie—as well as the #1 Herding Breed.
I’ve had well over 200 HITs, nearly as many HCs, and multiple 200 scores with my dogs. Kyle and I were interviewed for DogSport Magazine as well as Borderlines. I write for various dog quarterlies, write the monthly column, Playing by the Rules, for Front & Finish Magazine, and am a regular contributor to DogSport Magazine. In addition, I enjoy giving seminars.
My middle boy, Ch. Borderfame Soul Train, better known as Kellan, went from his first Novice leg to a Utility title in nine consecutive shows, earning 3 High in Trials and one perfect '200' along the way. Kellan is now Ch. Borderfame Soul Train, UDX, OM1.
My present star is Sporting Field's Summer Solstice, a.k.a. 'Dax'. Dax finished his OTCH at the Queen Mary Shows and Trials in Long Beach, Ca. on June 30th, less than a week after Dax's 3rd birthday, going HIT and HC as well. What a weekend! After Dax had earned his UD title, we took 7 weeks off to fine tune and stablize this young boy. We began showing again in May, 2013. At the end of the next month Dax finished his OTCH! Dax has already earned over 30 HITS and 4 perfect '200' scores--and his career has just begun.
New on the block is "Devon", another Sporting Field progeny. Look for updates on this promising boy as he develops.
My philosophy in dog training sounds simple: be fair and honest. Being fair and honest is, however, not nearly as simple as it sounds. When working with dogs and teaching any given skill or part of any skill, my ultimate goal is to have the dog truly understand what is being asked. It is my contention that this understanding allows for greater confidence and flexibility in the dog. A dog that understands and who has confidence is a dog that will enjoy showing and will enjoy performing his entire life.
It is my desire through teaching, writing for Front and Finish, presenting periodic seminars, and providing an Obedience Toolbox on my website that I can help others better understand and appreciate obedience, and so come to enjoy it as I do.
Becoming a decent trainer has given me the gift of patience. Working with my dogs has shown me the beauty of unselfish love, of individuality, and of true devotion. It goes both ways…