Blue Ridge K-9 Training Center

Pat Sutton

Pat is the head trainer and owner with her husband Randy. Pat has more than 25 years of experience training dogs of all breeds and abilities. Her show ring successes include training one of her German Shepherd Dogs to a Utility title, an accomplishment that requires many years of patient work.

Pat, along with Judy Richardson, takes pride in their puppy classes and work hard with you to get your pup off on the right paw. Pat also conducts private lessons as well as occasional classes in advanced obedience. These are fun classes to watch and will give you a good idea of what your furry best friend can learn to do.

Pat's current dogs include Standard Schnauzer Shadow, who has earned AKC's Rally Advanced Excellent, the highest title in that venue, also has earned Novice titles (Companion Dog) in both AKC and UKC. He has earned Rally Level 1 and 2 in APDT Rally, both with the Award of Excellence. Her younger dog, Miniature Schnauzer Whiskey, is a bright, happy dog who will be starting his competition career this year.

Pat is a charter member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), is certified by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI).

Randy Sutton

Randy leads most of the Basic Obedience and Intermediate Obedience classes. Sometimes his German Shepherd Cassie is on hand for demonstrations.

Randy also stays busy tending and showing their prize-winning Texas Longhorn cattle and are frequently found in the winner's circle everywhere from county and state fairs to the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Check out the section on the Longhorns for more information.

Judy Richardson

Judy works with Puppy Kindergarten and Puppy Basics. She is also certified by NADOI. Judy got started in dog training by helping her parents train and show their German Shepherds. She's been a dog handler just about all her life, starting out with Junior Handler in the conformation ring all the way up to Utility in the obedience ring.

Her current dog, a miniature poodle named Jazzy, competes in rally and obedience, and has earned AKC's Rally Advanced Excellent title. Jazzy is often found demonstrating tricks in class, like retrieving a tissue when Judy says “Ah−choo!”

Claudia Weakland

Claudia leads Rally classes and frequently helps Randy handle the longhorns in the show ring.

Claudia originally became interested in obedience when she started taking classes at Blue Ridge with her former miniature schnauzer, Lily. After several years of dedicated training, Lily earned a CDX title from the AKC. The Companion Dog Excellent is also called the "Open" title. It was after earning this title that she became interested in Rally Obedience and was drawn to the teamwork aspect of this type of competition.

Her current dog, miniature schnauzer Franklin, has competed in Rally and Obedience. She retired him from competition after he earned Rally Advanced Excellent from the AKC and he is enjoying the life he richly deserves.