About Monique Williams, CPDT-KA
Monique Williams, CPDT-KA, of ShadowMe Dog Training LLC, brings her lifetime commitment and love of animals together with scientifically proven training techniques to help pets and their owners achieve a rewarding relationship. With group classes, private in-home lessons, and behavioral counseling, Monique is committed to the happiness and behavioral well-being of companion animals.
Monique’s bond with animals began at age 4, with her first dog, a Beagle named Boris. By age 11, she began training and competing in AKC conformation with her pet Lhasa Apso. Through the years, Monique was also an active trainer and competitor in English and Western riding with her Quarter Horses. Currently, Monique competes in both AKC conformation and obedience.
Monique’s commitment to companion animals has extended to leadership roles in several organizations, such as Tryon Dog Fanciers, the Collie Club of America, and Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas. Serving as the president of Tryon Dog Fanciers in New Bern, N.C., Monique taught the club’s Basic Obedience classes. She assisted the club in organizing a pet-assisted therapy program, and was a frequent nursing home visitor with her Shetland Sheepdog, Shadow. Monique led the club’s Canine Good Citizen testing, both organizing the testing as well as serving as a CGC evaluator.
Monique’s group training classes have been offered through the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department of Marine Corps Base Cherry Point, the Parks and Recreation Department of Craven County, North Carolina, and the Huntersville North Carolina Parks & Recreation Department. With her recent move to Georgia, Monique began teaching group classes sponsored by Kennesaw Parks and Recreation in the spring of 2008. Monique currently teaches both basic obedience and competition obedience for Kennesaw Kennel Club.
Monique is familiar with all aspects of dog training, from competitive through pet obedience. Before retiring from competition, Monique’s Sheltie earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen, Companion Dog, and Companion Dog Excellent titles. Monique currently competes with her Smooth Collies in conformation. Her Rough Collie, Deep River’s Criminal Intent, known to his friends as Bandit, earned his AKC Rally Novice title in three straight shows in June and July 2009 with scores of 83, 95, and 99 out of 100. Additionally, in September Bandit earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen award and became a registered Pet Partner with Delta Society. Watch for Bandit and his Smooth Collie friends in Obedience and Rally later this fall and in the spring.
Monique is a strong supporter of both pure and mixed breed rescue efforts. While living in Havelock, N.C., she was an active member of Shetland Sheepdog rescue. Monique has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas, providing behavior consultations and training for the rescue. Monique has also served as a volunteer and training consultant for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Animal Control Bureau.
Monique’s training experience includes: puppy kindergarten, house training, basic obedience, advanced/off-leash obedience, AKC competition preparation, problem solving, clicker training, AKC conformation, tracking, breed selection counseling, & shelter/rescue evaluations and training, and dog daycare consulting.
In 2002, Monique joined the company of only 441 other trainers nationwide to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer though the Association of Pet Dog Trainers program. Candidates for certification must pass a rigorous examination with emphasis on learning theory, animal husbandry, instruction skills, and equipment. She adheres strictly to the APDT Code of Professional Conduct and Responsibility. Monique has also served as a member of the APDT Think Tank, a group of trainers who analyze issues that affect the dog training profession.
Committed to education, Monique attends numerous dog-training seminars across the country each year presented by noted speakers such as Dr. Ian Dunbar, Gary Wilkes, Terry Ryan, Kelly Bollen, and Trish King. Currently, Monique is helping to teach the next generation of dog trainers, actively mentoring students of the Animal Behavior College.
Monique is a member of the American Working Collie Association and the Collie Club of America, serving as the chairperson for the obedience competition for the Collie Club of America’s National Specialty in 2007. Monique is also a registered American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, #4616.
