The owner and lead instructor for the K9 Learning Center is Nan Edwards. She has been “in dogs” for over 40 years. Her first purebred dog came into her life in 1982. That dog was a Newfoundland, and Nan took her to an obedience class knowing how big she would be and understanding that control was not a negotiable option. Well, Nan learned about training and competition opportunities and was soon hooked. She actively participates in draft (carting), water rescue, Rally, obedience and tracking. She is a mentor draft judge for the Newfoundland Club of America (NCA) and several other specific breed clubs/groups. She is a member of the NCA, Great Lakes Newfoundland Club, South Central Newfoundland Club and Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen Club of America. Nan is also a CGC evaluator for the AKC.
Currently she lives with two Newfoundlands: VN Ch Amity’s Ambitious Journey CGC RN RA RE CD U-CD WD WRD2 DD TKN TKI. Those letters stand for various titles earned in multiple venues. More letters will be added as Nan is actively competing. Her youngest Newfoundland is Ch Amity’s Wizard Returns to Nicholas Lake CGC TKN TKI RN RA RE WD WRD1 DD. His call name is Harry. Nan has also twice qualified a Newfoundland in the National Obedience Top 10 and has five Versatility Newfoundland Awards and three Working Achievement Awards. She also has what she calls her purebred “Not-a-newf” otherwise known as a Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen (PBGV). His name is Ch Jaren’s Here for the Party CGC TKN RN RA BCAT, informally known as Wilson.
Nan has raised three daughters in the Watervliet area and has operated the K9 Learning Center for over thirteen years. She is dedicated to teaching and helping people achieve their desired level of training and connection with their canine companions. It doesn’t matter if a dog is destined for the show ring or for true couch potato status or something in between. If the dog and their people are happy, that’s what counts.
