Meet the Oxford Dog Sports' Team
It takes a village to raise a dog and we're here to help!
Training Team
In no particular order
Sean Kent
François Ginchereau
Cheryl Weston
Ami Bondi
Lynn Worden
Chikki Mair
Shelley Dzsudzsak
Lisa C.
Will Alexander
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Sean Kent B.Sc., CPDT., FPMT.
Executive Director Head Trainer
Sean has been an active competitor for over 25 years in Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Nosework, Lure Coursing, Trick Dog, Disc Dog, Freestyle Dance, CARO, Barn Hunt. After retiring from a 20 years career in Children’s Mental health and Family Counselling Sean decided to do what he loves which is Dog Training and now has been training Professionally for 10 years as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and FitPAWS Master Trainer. Sean loves working with teams in a training / coaching model and loves watching them grow and succeed.
In 2014 Sean and his husband François opened Canine Athletic Care; a small dog training company which now still operates out of Wag Awhile Doggie Daycare in Newmarket and Oxford Dog Sports in Princeton. Sean continues to act as Operations Manager for Canine Athletic Care. In June 2019 Sean & Francois purchased Oxford Dog Sports where Sean is the Training Director and most recently, in December 2019, purchased All Breed International Dog Shows where Sean Acts as Executive Director. Sean also manages the careers of 5 outstanding Show and Performance dogs: Barbra-Jean (English Springer Spaniel), Nellica (Dutch Shepherd), Edwin (Rat Terrier) , Rowan (Rat Terrier),
Ty (Chinese Crested)
François Ginchereau
URR and CRR Judge and Trainer - Owner
François has 40 years of experience in customer service, conflict resolution, employee coaching, management and sales.
He is our go-to guy for all things ODS.
François is also a URR and CRR Trainer. He is continuously developing his skills in Urban Rat Race and Country Rat Race.
He created the blog at the end of this website. There is some really neat information about rats.
Amanda Mercanti
Operations Manager and
ABIDS Performance Trial Coordinator
Amanda is your first contact for registering for classes and can help direct you towards your training needs. No matter the time of day there's a good chance you'll reach her and she is here to answer all your questions.
Working and competing with dogs for over 30 years including being the youngest person to compete in flyball and achieving multiple sporting titles in the early 90s.
Amanda gained her love of dogs and dog sports from her mom and dad who were both competitive in the flyball and conformation world. They have now both passed and she is hoping to pass on their love of animals to her daughter.
In her spare time, when not working with her crazy pack of Aussies, you can find her chasing around Harper and spending time with her family.
Lisa C.
Show and Trial Coordinator, URR Judge and Trainer, ABIDS Scent Dog Program Judge and Volunteer
Often the first person you come in contact with when entering events at Oxford Dog Sports, Lisa works hard behind the scenes to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible for the trials.
She is also a dedicated day of show volunteer and a judge in Urban Rat Race. She has 3 dogs that she competes in Nosework, Urban Rat Race and Rally Obedience.
A friendly face that is always willing to help.
Cheryl Weston
URR and CRR Judge and ABIDS Scent Dog Program Judge and Trainer and Volunteer
Cheryl has been an active competitor for over 50 years in conformation in both the Cat and Dog Fanciers' Worlds.
Her canines have competed in CKC, UKC, AKC and ABI events including Nose Work, Obedience, Rally Obedience, URR and CRR. She has also enjoyed the sports of herding, dock diving, Barn Hunt, Skijoring, Bikejoring and Cani cross.
Cheryl is the current instructor and trainer of the resident dogs within the Paws For Wellness Program at St. Joseph’s Forensic Mental Health Unit in Hamilton. A program which provides for regular ‘Dog-ter’ visits to patients within the facility.
Cheryl is the trainer of the ‘Stressed Out Dogs’ series incorporating methods of Tellington Ttouch, communication and observation to appropriately support our canine friends. Providing such impactful tools to improve the canine/human relationship resulting in the dog’s ability to have a more confident way of existing within their once stressful environments. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching old, negative behaviors wash away as the bond between dog and handler grows.
Cheryl is a Judge and Instructor of ABI’s CRR and URR programs. You’ll also see her teaching UKC nose work, Dog Sport Sampler, Loose Leash Walking amongst other classes.
She enjoys being on the creative team to provide new games, classes and sport to the Oxford
Allison Pastoor
ABIDS and UKC Show Secretary
Alli is a certified trick dog trainer and evaluator through Do More With Your Dog. Alli is our ABIDS and UKC Show Secretary and in her spare time breeds Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers and enjoys doing scentwork with them.
Chikki Mair
CRR Judge and Trainer
Gloria (Chikki) Mair, has lived with dogs all her life. At home she always owned Terriers, including several Irish, Wire Fox, and at 13 years old I fell in love with a Cairn Terrier puppy named Squire. This love affair has lasted over half a century, and has morphed into a life long commitment in the dog world.
In 1977 she bought my first “show girl” and brood bitch, and began the journey of Skerryvore Cairn Terriers, breeding and show kennel, producing, and handling Conformation Champions, Best in Show winners, and Master Earthdogs, the job they were bred for in Scotland.
She has wound down her breeding kennel, and explored many sports offered for teams of dogs, and handler/partners.
They have engaged in Skijoring,
Scent sports, Tracking, Flyball, and Ratting sports.
Since 1977 she has been an active member of Cairn Terrier Club of
Canada, currently heading up the Versatility Award program,
They still participate in Conformation at Specialties, but spend most of their days at ODS, in Nosework, Rat Race, and investigating new avenues of fun with our dog companions.
I have been with ODS for 12 years, and have been instrumental in the development of Country Rat Race, a blend of Tracking and Earthdog and the precursor of Urban Rat Race.
I continue to judge Country Rat Race Trials, and training in this field sport.
Shelley Dzsudzsak
Trainer
Shelley comes from an equine background breeding and showing GOV Oldenburg horses in dressage. After taking in her first Labrador Retriever, her focus shifted to dogs.
She has a passion for puppy raising, service and therapy dogs, breeding and dog sports.
Dog sports brought her to the Oxford community, where she is excited to work with new people that share the passion for everything dog!
Lynn Worden
URR and CRR Judge and Trainer
Lynn has been in the pet industry for over 2 decades and a Veterinary Technician for the last 10 years. After graduating with honours from one of the top hands-on Veterinary Nurse College in Northern Ontario Lynn has continued to expand her knowledge base and skill set in the engaging and constantly evolving world of dog training.
Previously a service dog puppy raiser for a company based out of Northern Ontario, she successfully raised and trained a guide dog who currently resides internationally for one of America's top Guide Dog Foundations.
Currently owning two dogs Lynn spends her time at Oxford Dog Sports training for Urban Rat Race, Country Rat Race, Rally and Obedience. Now, with her new Puppy, Lynn attends Puppy Power classes and will be taking show-handling classes to continue to expand her knowledge.
Currently, Lynn provides training at Oxford Dog Sports, is a Judge for both Urban and Country Rat Race at Oxford Dog Sports, and Stewards both UKC and ABI Dog Shows at Oxford Dog Sports.
Will Alexander
Trainer
Will started handling professionally in 1986, and in 1987, took the Irish Setter Ch. McCammon Impresario to Top Dog All Breed. This also set a record as the youngest handler to have a Top Dog All Breeds. Will is one of only 5 handlers, who has had more than one Top Dog All Breeds.
He has had a dog in the Top Ten All Breeds since 1991!Will also won Best In Show at Westminster in 2015. Will is arguably the most recognized professional handler in Canada.
Will is now a CKC Conformation judge. He was also
a Judge at the 2025 AKC Westminster Dog Show.
Jessica King
UKC Nosework Judge and Show and Trial Secretary for UKC ODS Nosework
Jessica has been involved in dog sports for years - in fact she was the FIRST client of Canine Athletic Care which now has morphed into Oxford Dog Sports as we know it!
Combining her love for dogs with her passion for training and competition, Jessica has become a great friend to ODS where she helps with trial coordination and consulting. She shares her life with Jace and Maeve, her two enthusiastic Alaskan Klee Kai partners who keep her on her toes.
When she’s not in the ring, Jessica is a dedicated real estate professional. She believes in building strong relationships—whether with clients or her dogs—and brings the same patience, strategy, and commitment to both worlds.
Tara Spall-Gostick
Show Coordination Assistant
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Jessica DeOliveira
Volunteer
Jessica has over a decade of experience with both companion animals and exotic pets.
Professionally, Jessica works as an occasional teacher with a public board, a pet sitter within the KW Region, and has recently started her own 3D printing business tailored towards versatile dog sport products.
In the past, Jessica has volunteered at animal hospitals and exotic pet expos, fitting her with a wide range of knowledge.
Her journey into dog training began with Daisy, her challenging rescue mutt. Jessica's experience training Daisy has influenced her to learn more about dog training and behaviour.
Nowadays, she enjoys teaching Daisy fun new tricks and skills to add to her Trick Dog Champion repertoire. As a team, they currently trial in UKC Nosework, with plans to trial in ABI Country Rat Race, UKC Rally Obedience, Obedience, and Elite Shed Dog Series in 2025.
Proclaimed the "Rat Nanny," Jessica lovingly helps with general tasks, rat care, cleaning, set ups, and take downs. She is often seen helping out at events and trials. And if you're lucky, you might also meet the Duke of Demons.
Lynda Proulx
Ribbons and Rosettes Creator and Supplier
I have judged and ring stewarded for both ABIDS and UKC. I also show in conformation for both clubs and have just started training and showing in Urban Rat Race.
I'm also the club's ribbon supplier.
Brittany Drager
Volunteer
I started attending classes at Oxford Dog sports 3 years ago, with in the last 3 years I have taken Puppy Power, Obedience level 1 – 3, Rally Obedience level 1-3, Urban Rat Rookie, Country Rat Rookie and Huntsman, Nosework from Novice to Elite, Handler Discrimination, Supporting the Anxious Stressed Out Dog, Loose leash walking, Intro to Show handling. Probably more but can’t remember them.
I have volunteered with the club for two years, by assisting at shows and trials. I have been a board Stuart, helped clean up, assistant judges, assisted trial secretary.
My goals are to work up to judging and hopefully working on getting the dogs Titled as much as they want to participate, main goal is Nosework right now.
Scout is an ABI CH and NC.
Gus – NN, AN and one point away from SN. Gus was my first dog ever and I am very grateful to have been welcomed into ODS.
Nancy Heller-Bell
URR and CRR Judge and Volunteer
Hi my name is Nancy Bell.
I have had dogs most of my life, but didn't get into dog sports until around 2003 with my first agility dog Shelby. We competed in AAC agility and she earned the Lifetime Achievement Award.
My next dog Emma also did agility, but as she got older I decided we needed to find something else to do and that's when I discovered Nosework at Oxford Dog Sports around 2016 before they moved to their present location.
I have been involved with Oxford Dog Sports ever since.
I presently have 2 dogs, Lexi aged 12 and Mickey aged 5 who have participated in agility, Urban Rat Race, Country Rat Race and all the other “nosework” sports.
BRAG; Lexi was 8th in URR in 2023 , and came 3rd in 2024. Mickey was Top Dog in URR in 2024.
Both dogs have earned their Elite Nosework Titles in UKC Nosework, both which were earned at ODS.
I was there at the beginning of URR and CRR and helped develop (a little bit) both sports.
My dogs love Nosework sports. I volunteer at Oxford Dogs Sports and judge Country Rat Race and am a backup judge for Urban Rat Race.
The instructors are amazing and know their stuff, so if you are looking for something fun and challenging to do with your dog,...... Oxford Dog Sports is the place.
Ami Bondy
URR and CRR Judge, UKC Nosework Judge, ABIDS Scent Dog Judge, Trainer and Volunteer
Ami is a Dog Enthusiast. Actively involved in Nosework, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Dock Diving, Rat Sport and probably any other you can think of. She advocates for the health and enjoyment of the dog above all else.
As a “jack of all trades”, you will find her around the arena in whatever capacity they need her in either teaching a class, or being an event secretary, prepping for a trial, in the ring as a judge or assistant to a judge. She has also just been accepted as a Provisional UKC Nosework Judge.
Jill Ermel
Volunteer
Jill’s life has been intertwined with dogs from the very beginning, shaped by the Collies her parents bred and showed even before she was born.
She has worked professionally with dogs for over 14 years, as a dog groomer in an animal hospital, often grooming dogs that are a bit naughty and that other groomers have rejected.
Jill was introduced to Oxford Dog Sports in July 2023, when taking an introduction to Nosework class with her Shetland Sheepdog Vincen, with no intentions of ever trailing.
In September 2023, her and Vincen completed their very first trial in UKC Nosework, and quickly climbed up the levels, earning their Elite Nosework title less than 15 months later.
Vincen and Jill have enjoyed scent work so much they now trial in multiple scent sports, including ABI Urban Rat Race, where Vincen earned #4 Top Rat Dog for 2024!
Jill has now earned over 78 titles with Vincen in Tricks, UKC Nosework, CKC Scent Detection, ABI Urban Rat Race and Country Rat Race.
Jill also enjoys expressing her creativity through various crafts, including but not limited to - resin, 3D printing, painting, crochet, sewing, drawing and more!
Pam Fanjoy
Volunteer
Although I have always had at least one dog in my home, Clark is my first dog to compete in conformation and dog sports.
Recently retired from teaching Grade 7 and 8 French to two-legged “animals” for 31 years, I am thrilled to have found somewhere where I can spend time with dogs and their people.
When asked what I wanted to do when I retire, my answer was always : “Something with dogs!” So now I am! From our first Puppy Class at ODS almost 4 years ago, I knew that it was somewhere I would be happy to volunteer.
Since then, Clark and I have attended a number of classes, trials and shows. Our favourite sport is nosework and although he has a shorter nose than most, he has just as much enthusiasm as other dogs when I say we are “going to go search”.
Currently, I am ring stewarding for ABI Shows and digitizing the inventory of the ribbons at ODS. I look forward to spending more time observing and learning from the amazing staff and volunteers here at ODS and expanding my “jobs”.
Arlene Bacon
Affiliate Trainer
URR and CRR Judge and Trainer at Focused Dog Training Niagara
I grew up with dogs, cats and various wildlife. While in my 30’s I had a very reactive boxer after he had been attacked by a Jack Russell!
I needed help with his behaviour and discovered a love for training and a huge interest in behaviour specifically.
After training him to the point where his reactivity level was minimal, I could leave him in a down stay beside other dogs with reaction, I started training other dogs and attended seminars whenever I could to learn more.
I became interested in Basenji’s after he became ill and eventually passed away. My first Basenji I took to Rally and obtained his title.
One of the first Basenji’s. I was hooked into sports! I bred Basenji’s for the over 20 years and am now winding down and looking for other avenues of interest for them and myself. Also, at this time I went back to school and obtained my Social Work Diploma and have worked with Brain Injury, The Native Community, Autism, Homeless and Young offender Programs as well as Mental Health.
I still continue obedience training and have, in the past few years, started training psychiatric service dogs. Specifically for PTSD, anxiety and depression, not only for myself but for others and the Veteran and First Responder Community as well.
It requires patience and repetition with the owner as their mental health needs a different approach.
I obtained a Basenji at the beginning of the Covid-19 period who developed a fear of people and who is reactive. I needed to find something for him to do.
While he does do fun agility on lead, I needed to find something more for him.
I took a Sampler class with Oxford and was hooked on the Rat component! While conversing with the Gentlemen at Oxford, we developed a plan to bring Urban Rat Race to the Niagara Area.
I am very excited at this opportunity to have a working relationship as an outreach, or Satellite, post with Oxford Dog sports.
We offer classes in Port Colborne / Welland, Dunnville, and St-Catharine area of Niagara and hope to continue the program long term! I am a member of CAPDT and IACP as well as a CGN Evaluator for CKC.
Wendy Walker
Affiliate Trainer
URR and CRR Judge and Trainer at Focused Dog Training Niagara
Wendy has had a life long love affair with dogs. She has been training her own dogs for 29yrs. She has a background as a Developmental Services Worker, a B.A. in Social Development Studies, and 24yrs as a Paramedic.
This has provided insight into working with people with a variety of physical and mental disabilities, and the unique challenges that they face. Wendy herself has complex PTSD and has trained both her own service dog Riley, and her daughters service dog as well.
It was through training Riley, that Wendy met Arlene.
The two of them began to work together with the Valhalla Service Dog program and to start Wendy’s apprenticeship under Arlene to become a more experienced dog trainer. Wendy’s experiences with Riley in public access work is a strength that she brings to Focus Dog Training Niagara.
Wendy and Riley have flown to California, and have been on boat rides together. They have been to Dr’s appointments and procedures, restaurants, festivals, and concerts in addition to regular day to day errands.
Riley has assisted Wendy in numerous ways. Riley and Wendy are competing in Rally obedience in CKC at the Master level, and also took first place in their category in Dock Diving this past summer.
Wendy is currently training her upcoming service dog Sully to assist her daily. In an effort to provide enrichment for her dogs, Wendy brought them to Oxford Dog Sports to experience the Sport Scent Sampler class. Sully is quite keen to participate in Urban Rat Race, well actually all things rat.
Wendy hopes to continue to learn from her apprenticeship, and canine partner in order to help others who are struggling with regaining independence.
Marci Case
Affiliate Trainer
URR and CRR Trainer at Bluewater Dog Sports
Marci has spent a 35 year career in small animal practice with the latter half focused on behavior. Through her clinical years she was privileged to help many family dogs live better lives and taught more puppy classes than she can remember.
She has trained and titled her own dogs in conformation, obedience, rally, NAHVDA and most recently rat sports, nosework and shed hunt.
Marci also spent many years training the Chatham-Kent Police service animals. Retired from clinical and police training leaves her more time to focus on her own pack of dogs. While she loves them all, her own breed has always been the vizsla.
Sean Kent
Cheryl Weston
Dr. Gloria Brachetti
Pennie Jackson
Wellness Team
Sean Kent
FitPAWS Master Trainer
Cheryl Weston
Tellington TTouch
Dr. Gloria Brachetti
Chiropractor for dogs
Pennie Jackson
Massage Therapist for Dogs, Horses, and their handlers
Dr. Gloria Brachetti
Resident Chiropractor for Dogs
Dr. Gloria Bracchetti
graduated with honours from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1989.
She attained her Animal Chiropractic certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1998, and has been treating dogs ever since - exclusively for the last several years.
Her true passion is helping dogs stay sound, optimizing health and performance.
Over the last 27 years Dr. G has had the honour of treating top dogs in all disciplines, and our beloved companions.
She was an instructor and lecturer for many years, training future Animal Chiropractors at the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre.
She shares her home with her husband Dr.Ernie Perry (certified equine chiropractor) and their Champion boxers Elle & Macy. They breed and show boxers under the BellaVita prefix.
It is an honour and pleasure to be Oxford Dog Sports ‘resident chiropractor’.
Grateful to you all for entrusting me with your dog’s chiropractic care!
Pennie Jackson
Massage Therapist for Dogs
Pennie Jackson - Zen In Motion
Has been offering fill time massage sessions since 2004.
Working with treasured pets to ease the path through injury or simply improving quality of life through massage.
Dogs line up for her services.
Pennie is a UKC confirmation judge for all breeds (and the rest excluding American Eskimo). And is a senior Belgian Shepherd dog judge, providing mentorship for new judges to the breed.
Pennie competes in Agility Rally, Conformation and Sheepherding with her Belgian Shepherd. She is currently training for Scent Work and Obedience.