Orange’s ‘dog lady’ Deb Coleman said she was stunned to be named the 2017 national pet dog trainer of the year.
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Ms Coleman beat trainers from around Australia to win the Association of Pet Dog Trainers of Australia [APDT] award this week.
She will head to Adelaide in October to be presented with a trophy, certificate and $300 at the APDT annual conference.
“I am excited,” she said.
“I was raised with dogs and I just have a passion for them.”
Ms Coleman runs her own dog training and behaviour business in Orange and has been an animal studies teacher at TAFE NSW for eight years.
“My students were absolutely thrilled to hear their teacher had won a big national award.
“I’m extremely passionate about people being able to understand their animals, care for their animals and have a good lasting relationship with them.
“Anything else that comes on top of that is a bonus.”
Ms Coleman has six dogs.
She was nominated by another dog trainer, Vicki Cleaver, and was judged by two international trainers on her work and programs.
“To be chosen as the best by two of the most highly respected international trainers in Pat Miller and Nando Brown is very special,” she said.