Cathy Niles showed her first dog, a Belgian Sheepdog, in March of 1963. She was 13 years old. She has been active in teaching and showing in the sport of obedience ever since.
In her career, she has titled two Belgian Sheepdogs, two German Shorthaired Pointers, a Pomeranian, a Standard Poodle, three Miniature Poodles, a Sheltie, two Dobermans, five Golden Retrievers, and nine Border Collies. She has earned fourteen UD’s and four UDX’s. Cathy has earned Obedience Trial Championships on five dogs: a Miniature Poodles, three Border Collies, and a Golden Retriever. She earned a UD, an OTCH, a Gaines Placement, and a National ranking all in one year. In the year 2000, she earned a UD, UDX, and OTCH in less than six months.
Cathy spent several years in Europe where she trained with Brian McGovern. From Brian came the foundation of her teaching philosophy and techniques. While she was in Holland, she participated in the English National Obedience Tournament and placed third with her Miniature Poodle. In 1988, Cathy won High in Trial at the Canadian Kennel Club 100th Anniversary show in Winnipeg Canada.
Cathy has instructed in eleven different obedience schools in four states and three countries. She returned to the Dallas area in 1989 and in 1992 started her own obedience training school…Competitive Dog Training by Cathy. Her school has produced over 60 OTCH’s and over a 1000 titles. Since 2002 many of her students have participated in the AKC National Obedience Invitational. Cathy placed 3rd runner up at the 2002 AKC Invitational.
In addition to competitive obedience, Cathy has finished Conformation Championships on seven Border Collies and one Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, winning one group placement and many Best of Breeds.
Cathy also trains Hunting Dogs. She has put an AKC Senior Hunt Title on her Toller and two AKC Junior Hunt Titles, on a Lab and a Toller.
