Staff
Victoria Rhodes
Director of Wild Blue Dog Camp and Founder of
Wild Blue Dogs-canine cancer charity 501(c)3.
"Dog Camp is literally my favorite week of the year-GREAT dogs, like minded owners, fantastic instructors, and the most beautiful location in the world. Every camper goes home having learned something to improve their lives and their dog’s life, plus they have strengthened their bond with their dog-all while having the most fun that you can have. It's the ultimate vacation and you are playing with a purpose-all the proceeds go to canine cancer treatment and research."
Recommendations from the professionals
“A lot of animal people say they do it for the animals. I do, too, but I really enjoy working with my clients, and being able to help improve their bond with their pets.”
“If you are looking for a magical place to enjoy beautiful scenery, awesome dog activities, and learning along with your dog….this is the “go to event!” And with all of this going to benefit canine cancer research, it’s a win-win for all!”
“If you ask any Wild Blue canine camper, their favorite life memories will be from happy days frolicking the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe. Vicki & her dedicated staff create a safe environment for fun and positive connection between dogs and their beloved people - a rare opportunity to disconnect from work and the worries of the world, giving dogs the time and attention they deserve. Wild Blue should be on every dog lover’s bucket list!”
“We played the find my car keys game. At the end of an hour every single dog had found their owner’s keys in a large field of grass. How cool is that!!!! If you love to play with your dog, bring them to Wild Blue Dogs camp! Come play in their world.”
“Wild Blue Dog Camp is an awesome opportunity to disconnect from the busy world and connect with your dog(s) and nature. A perfect place to try new activities/sports, meet 2 & 4 legged friends, learn about your dog and yourself, play and relax in the beauty of Lake Tahoe.”
“It doesn’t get much better than this… dogs, Tahoe, a beach, dog people, and more things to do with your dog than you can imagine! So much fun!!! The campers are great! Always supporting one another. Great camaraderie and friendships that last forever! ”
“Victoria goes above and beyond to create a positive, fun, and safe environment for dogs and humans. The site is so beautiful and well-maintained beautiful and having access to a private beach on Lake Tahoe is beyond heavenly. ”
“Wild Blue Dogs is my favorite place to teach! The campers have become family & getting to know their dogs is the best!
Vicki & the Staff are always available to help in any way and continue to make improvements. It only gets better year after year.”
“Meeting and photographing all the dogs and campers at WBD is the highlight of my year.
So many great memories and friendships have been made at Camp.
All for a wonderful organization that helps our 4-legged friends. Win - Win!!”
“The Wild Blue Dog Camp is the equivalent to summer camp for dogs. The variety of topics and activities to choose from in just one week is astounding!”
“Agility, Obedience & Watersports Trainer
I’m OBSESSED with This Camp !!!
It’s a Bucket list Experience with your Dog!!!!! ”
Trainers
Terry Simons
Internationally Recognized Agility Handler, Trainer, Coach and Seminar Presenter
National Agility Champion – 2017
Multi Dogs and Titles including Regional and National Championships in AKC, USDAA, NADAC and AAC in Canada
Fox Network Sports Analyst
Celebrity Judge for Hallmark Channels “American Rescue Dog Show”
Founder of CLEAR - Canine Lymphoma Education Awareness Research - a 501(c)3 Canine Cancer Foundation
Award Winning Canine Cancer Documentary Producer
My Friend: Changing the Journey
Best Documentary - Los Angeles Movie Awards
Best Educational Documentary - Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival
A Reason To Change
Best Music Video Los Angeles Film Awards
My Friend: Standing Strong
Best Documentary Featurette – Los Angeles Film Awards
Best Documentary Feature – New York Film Awards
Honorable Mention: Documentary Featurette – Festigious International Film Festival
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Suzanne LeRoy
CPDT-KA, CNWI, CTDI
AKC Scent Work Judge, AKC Conformation Judge, AKC Farm Dog Judge, AKC Trick Dog and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Nose Work Instructor (NACSW), Certified Trick Dog Trainer (DMWYD).
ABOUT ME: My love of training began with my horse that I adopted off the racetrack and trained for hunter/jumper competition. After college I got a job training birds at Busch Gardens. I then took a dramatic turn and spent 30 years working in the motion picture industry. During that time, I got a dog and started competing in agility. Then 2 dogs and added herding. Then well, I added more dogs and more sports. Yes, I can be called a dog addict.
Lately I’ve been judging a lot of scent work trials for AKC on weekends and working as a professional dog trainer for service and medical alert dogs, rescue dogs for home placement, as well as competition and companion dogs on weekdays.
I try and fit in time to train my own dogs (haha). My dogs have appeared in TV, movies, advertising, magazines, calendars and dog food packaging, showing off their talents. They’ve also earned numerous high-ranking awards and titles. In the meantime, I received my own award; I was honored to receive AKC Sportsman of the Year Award in 2018 and 2019.
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Dev Sperber
Devorah (Dev) Sperber is the founder of OCEAN4Dogs, an online community and learning space where Simple Actions, such as Mark Training, Lead to Astonishing Outcomes. OCEAN is an acronym: Observe your Dog, Connect with Compassion, Engagement with Joy, Attitude before Anything, and Never Stop Learning...about your dog and yourself.
OCEAN is based on the premise: When communication flows freely and equally in both directions, dog-training becomes a shared language between dogs and humans.
Whether coaching remotely through Ocean4dogs or in-person at Marin Humane in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dev is passionate about teaching people how to fine-tune their "eye" to improve 2-way communication with their dogs, so they can experience happier, more satisfying training experiences, improved performance, and a deeper connection. While many of her students are involved in agility, Devorah's dog training background includes Freestyle solo and brace work and Search and Rescue.
Devorah currently competes in agility at the Masters level with her Border Collie, Takoda. Her Australian Terrier, Lil’s accomplishments include 12 agility championship titles, two national event wins, and she competed twice in the big distance Stakes Division at NADAC Championships, a rarity for a mini dog. Takoda has earned multiple championship titles in NADAC and USDAA and won his division at UKI West Coast Cup the first year he competed.
In addition to being insanely passionate about dogs and dog-training, Dev has had a successful international art career through which she has explored the art and science of SEEING for over 30 years - www.devorahsperber.com.
Katie McGuire
CDBC, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB
Katie has been training dogs professionally for over 15 years, holding certifications and memberships with several well-respected training and behavior organizations. Her specific interests in training focus on behavior modification, early socialization, tricks, advanced skills, and dog sports.
Katie’s group classes are highly sought after and regularly attended by experienced dog handlers, veterinarians, and other trainers. Not only does she teach basic through advanced manners, obedience, and Canine Good Citizen prep and testing, but she has also created unique class curriculums including (but not limited to): Focus & Impulse Control for High Drive Dogs, Reliable Recall, Competition Heeling, Growly/Reactive Dogs, Advanced Games & Skills, and more than 6 levels of Tricks. Her Rally-O and Agility classes have helped to launch many dog and handler teams into successful sport dog careers, as well as assisting already competitive teams in improving their skills.
Katie has easily trained tens of thousands of dogs (she lost count several years ago) over her career, allowing her to cultivate extensive knowledge and experience in working with all types of dogs as well as human learners and develop a vast skill set of methods and troubleshooting techniques for behavior modification, training, and perfecting performance skills.
Beyond her primary career of teaching private sessions and group classes, she also worked for several years as a horse trainer, was an On Set Safety Representative with American Humane Association making sure that animals were being treated humanely on the set of film and television productions, completed an internship training animals for the entertainment industry, was the expert trick training consultant on the successful book The Big Book of Tricks for The Best Dog Ever, has been interviewed about training and behavior for several publications, and has provided training demonstrations and performances for public events.
With her own dogs she competes in agility, obedience, rally-o, and conformation, garnering many wins and competing at the national level.
Katie is a CGC and Tricks Dog Evaluator, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), is Low Stress Handling and Fear Free Certified, and completed University of Washington’s Applied Animal Behavior Certificate program (UW-AAB). She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the Animal Behavior Society, the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, The Animal Behavior Management Alliance, the Valley Hills Obedience Club, the Dog Trainers Alliance of Southern California, is an active working member of the Behavior Collaborative and Education sub-group of Human Animal Support Services, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America.
Suzanne Knox
Obedience & Agility Trainer
Suzanne has five years of positive reinforcement obedience training. Her specialty is off-leash training, rock solid recalls, go to your place, impulse control, and basic manners.
She has two years of experience in agility training and she enjoys helping people start their new puppies with foundation training to accomplish their goals in both obedience or agility.
The joys of her life are her two wonderful dogs Ellie Mae and Ricky Bobby.
Ellie Mae, Australian Sheppard, received her PDCH title in 2019. Cynosport performance speed jumping finalist at finalist in 2018.
Cynosport snooker champion 14 inches in 2018.
Second place performance speed jumping in USDAA Western regional in 2018.
1st Pl., Western regional performance speed jumping in 2019
2nd place performance speed jumping Western regional in 2020.
Ricky Bobby, Border Collie,
USDAA Western regional grand Prix semifinalist in 2020.
USDAA western regional steeplechase semifinalist in 2020
Ricky Bobby earned a second place podium spot @ the PPPIDC western regional in Huntington Beach in 2021.
Ricky Bobby took second place Podium spot on the discovery plus channel summer dog games.
Ricky Bobby and Ellie Mae will be performing with the canine stars stunt dog traveling team in 2022
Energetic and outgoing, Suzanne enjoys seeing people having fun with the dogs and she loves to help.
Scott Pack
Lure Course Instructor
AKC Judge: Coursing Ability Test, Lure Coursing Test, Lure Coursing Trial
Long-term AKC/ASFA operator/equipment manager.
Operated for Greyhound National Coursing Specially
Course designer, Lure trial/CAT
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Beth Williams
P.T., A.P.T.
Beth Williams, P.T., A.P.T. has been a licensed physical therapist since graduating with honors from California State University Northridge in 1985. Inspired by her heart-dog Nitro’s successful recovery from hip surgery, she opened K9 Wellness Center in 1999 to provide physical therapy and rehabilitation for dogs (and the occasional bunny/cat/goat/horse) in Reno. K9 Wellness Center's mission is "to prevent injury, promote health, and facilitate healing through exercise, education, physical therapy, and training".
In 2004, Beth was honored to become one of the first two licensed animal physical therapists in Nevada and she continues to enjoy working with dogs recovering from injury or surgery, and those living with chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. During her career as a physical therapist for humans, she served as a geriatric clinical specialist for 20 years, pursued advanced training in bodywork and movement education, was certified in Pilates, and earned a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology.
Over the years Beth has been uniquely trained to help people and their pets heal in body, mind, and spirit. She volunteered for many years as a Therapy Dog Inc. evaluator and enjoyed countless therapy dog team visits with her past dogs Nitro and Dragster. In 2021, she completed the Dancing Hearts Academy coaches’ training and expanded her work to help people and dogs cooperatively live their best lives together. Beth believes that when we focus on understanding ourselves and others (dogs and humans), with a sense of humor and appreciation for our individual talents and abilities, life is much more enjoyable for everyone!
Beth happily resides in Reno, Nevada with her beloved “pack”: husband Dave, Rottweiler KZ, Siamese cat Luna and several chickens. She and KZ enjoy training and competing in rat sports (barn hunting, trailing, urban locating) and in 2022 KZ was the NASDA #4 Rottweiler in Level II urban locating.
Lauren Pena
Lauren Pena is a Miami native and currently resides in Malibu, CA. Her mission is to curate meaningful experiences with your dog on the yoga mat and in the water. A yoga instructor of 10+ years, it was only natural for Lauren to integrate Peaches into her healthy and active lifestyle. Lauren is constantly finding new ways to bond with your dog while improving physical & mental wellness. As a first-time dog mom, Lauren quickly advanced training Peaches a myriad of tricks as well as surfing, swimming, rollerblading, and paddle-boarding. When she’s not managing social media for SoCal’s big real estate companies, Lauren and peaches spend their time road-tripping all over Cali and, of course, continuing their training for Lauren to integrate her golden doodle dog Peaches.
Wendy Hart
CGC Certified
Before she began training dogs professionally, Wendy has always had a passion for dogs since she was a young girl. Unfortunately, Wendy spent a lot of her younger life in rentals with “no dogs allowed,” and thus wasn’t allowed to have her own furry friend. However, this restriction didn’t hinder her love for dogs. Instead, she began volunteering at the local humane society, helping train dogs to prepare them for adoption, among other duties of care-taking. She also spent many of her summers training her Grandparent’s Great Dane.
Her love for animals lead her to other job opportunities working in pet stores, dog boarding facilities, and as a vet tech. This gave her the opportunities to broaden her knowledge and has resulted in over 20 years of experience in obedience training, behavioral consulting, and caring for dogs, among other animals. She continues with broadening her knowledge through many different channels, other trainers, books, and webinars. There is always more to learn.
Wendy is also an evaluator for American Therapy Pets. This provides her with an opportunity to practice her two passions, giving to others and love of animals.
Her main goal is for you to be able to enjoy your dog in every environment. This is accomplished through strengthening the bond and respect between you and your dog. She also takes into consideration that every dog and owners are unique, living individuals with different needs.
Wendy strives to make training fun for the dog and the owner.
Leslie Miller
RVT, CPDT-KA, FFC, LSHC-S
Volunteering at local shelters and wildlife centers is where Leslie's journey started with animals. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear Free Certified Elite, and Low Stress Handling Certified - Silver. She completed an apprenticeship program with local dog trainer Mardi Richmond from GoodDog Santa Cruz and is currently working towards obtaining a certificate in cat behavior consulting.
Leslie enjoys working with both cats and dogs and is passionate about training cooperative care and preparing pets for their veterinary visits. She has been working with animals for over five years and wants to help spread awareness that our pets can be voluntary participants in their husbandry and medical care, and possibly even enjoy it. Plus training is fun!
Joe Bailey
Joe Bailey has been a dog person since his parents got him his first dog, a German Shepherd at 13 years old. They encouraged him to attend a basic obedience class with his new dog. After Joe retired from police work in 2009 his wife gifted him his first Border Collie and he has been an agility, rally and obedience competitor ever since. Looking for something to do in retirement, in 2015 Joe attended dog trainers school at a busy board and train facility. There he learned all facets of dog training, but wanted to specialize in behavior issues such as reactivity and aggression. He is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). He owns his own business and is a contract trainer for the Santa Barbara Humane. Joe lives in Lompoc, CA with his wife Beth and their five Border Collies including 9 year old Jameson who is his co-instructor.
Joanne Osburne
Joanne Osburn is a stem cell technician in Lafayette, CA. After working for nine years as a biology tech at a government laboratory, she is delighted to be working in the veterinary field where she can help improve the lives of pets. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband Paul and super silly Portuguese Water Dog Guster.
Photographers
Diane Ciminero & Barbara Buckley
Professional Photographers
Specializing in Animal Photography
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We are still working with a number of new instructors to add to our exceptional staff. Continue to check our website and facebook page for new additions.