Meet Joyce

Meet Joyce Charron, Owner & Trainer

I discovered my love for training dogs as a teenager working in a no-kill shelter. Back when no-kill shelters were a rarity, this shelter was even rarer still, as it knew that the dogs that got the individual one-on-one time got adopted fastest and had lower return rates. To that end, all workers had time to work with specific dogs to teach them leash manners and basic commands, and, of course, to play games and have fun. During this time, I discovered that my real passion lay in working with soft, insecure, or even a bit overwhelmed dogs.

With several decades of raising and competing with my Australian Shepherds, I have trained, shown, or titled in everything from the conformation ring, obedience, and rally, to agility, scent work, tracking, and herding. Even with the competitive titles I’ve achieved, the dogs and clients I am most proud of are the ones that have had to overcome a fear or other emotional challenge to be comfortable in their own skin. Like the nervous Sheltie who couldn’t even walk in a training building without shutting down. He is now taking agility classes and will remain one of my all-time favorites.

I currently share my life with Sam, a black-tri Australian Shepherd who is fondly known to his friends as “Mr. Adorkable.” These days, Sam is only competing in scent work and limited rally since a back injury ended his agility days and any jumping in other sports. Sam is a master in cuddle bug, 50-pound lap dogness, and once you are his friend, you are his friend forever. Sam is the sweetest, kindest dog you could ever meet.

Seth, a black-bi Australian Shepherd (Sam’s nephew), is training in obedience, rally, agility, stock, and scent work. Sethysaurus, as he is known due to his scent work behavior, will soon debut in his competition life in scent work. Seth is the high-drive, biddable dog Joyce has been looking for. Training with Seth is a joy; he reminds me not to take life too seriously.