Phil has been training dogs since 1984 in all levels of Obedience and Tracking, as well as competing at the highest levels of both Schutzhund and French Ring Sport earning first place finishes.

  Phil’s worked as a boarding kennel operator in Grayslake, owned The Dog Training Center in Arlington Heights, and was the Director of Training for the Greater Chicago Schutzhund Club.

  In 2005, Phil and his Belgian Malinois Ripp competed in Germany at the 2005 FMBB IPO World Competition as a member of the American Working Malinois Association IPO III team.

  In 2007, Phil and his Belgian Malinois Taureau competed at the 2007 French RingSport Championships and were Ring II Vice Champions and took 2nd Place at the Ring II NARA Cup.  Phil and Taureau were also the Central Zone Selectif Winners.

  Shari has been training dogs since 1996 in Agility, Obedience, Flyball, and Obedience.  Shari previously owned an internet based dog bakery company and is a past President & Vice-President of The German Shepherd Dog Training Club of Chicago.  Shari is a member of the American Working Malinois Association.  Shari is currently the Chairperson for the World Championship and National Events Committee, the Agility Chairperson, and is on the Sponsorship and By-Laws Committees.

  In 2008, Shari and her Belgian Malinois Tisa competed in Slovenia at the 2008 Federation Mondiale du Berger Belge Agility World Championship as a member of the AWMA's Inaugural Agility Team.  Shari and Tisa were the only US Team to make it to the Final Round.  They placed 37th out of 121 dogs from over 20 countries.  They also competed at the AKC National Agility Championships and the AKC National Agility Invitational.  In 2009, Shari and Tisa competed in Czech Republic at the 2009 Federation Mondiale du Berger Belge Agility World Championship, at the 2009 AKC National Agility Championship, and earned their Master Agility Championship Title "MACH".  In March they will be competing at the AKC National Agility Championship and will be traveling to Cottbus, Germany in May to compete for the 3rd time at the 2010 FMBB World Championship.