Heavenly Dog Obedience exists because of the years of hard work and dedication from Toni Kincaid and Ken Goetz. Toni has been teaching classes since September of 1996, private lessons since 1989, and training dogs since 1982. Toni has had a passion for animals and especially dogs her entire life. Her first pet as a pre-schooler was a Pomeranian mix called "Brownie". He was her best friend. Later, on her 11th birthday she received her first "big" dog from her Aunt Sherry. The "big" dog was a 4 yr. old Collie named "Buddy", who needed a new home. It was love at first sight! Within weeks she joined 4-H and began training Buddy. Over the next 8 years Toni and Buddy attended many county and state fairs. They also joined American Kennel Club Competitions. In high school Toni volunteered at the local animal shelter and also worked at Thunder Mountain Dog Supplies. By the time Toni graduated from high school, Buddy was all ready a "senior citizen". One of Toni's graduation gifts was an 8 week old male collie. (Within time Syrus would become her partner in teaching dog obedience classes.) Later in college Toni managed the grooming and kennel operations at Kingswood Kennels. After college Toni spent six years working at local veterinarian clinics. In 1996 Toni went to Federal Way, Washington to test and interview to become a trainer for Animal Behavior and Training Associates. Through ABTA Toni, taught classes at all three Petco's in Spokane. From 1996 until 1998 Toni spent her time working between a veterinarian office and teaching dog obedience classes. Finally in 1998 Toni made the decision to dedicate all her time and energies to teaching dog obedience classes and private lessons. Toni left ABTA to expand her training opportunities in 2000.
Shortly after Syrus's retirement in the winter of 2000, Toni acquired a new canine partner a 10 week old Golden Retriever, named Trinity. Trinity started working in the classes immediately. She loves her job and looks forward to each and every class!
Currently classes are taught by Toni, Trinity and Ken Goetz. Ironically even though Toni and Ken had known each other as children and both graduated from the Central Valley School District, their lives had taken separate paths for many years. Ken joined the Army and left the Spokane area in 1986. He spent 8 years in the Army and was stationed all over the world. After active duty, Ken left the Army and joined the Air Force National Guard. He moved back to the Spokane area in 2001 and stopped by Toni's to say hello…. Toni and Ken were married on June 15, 2002. Ken has also had a life long love and commitment to dogs. As a child, Ken's parents were very active in the local training club as instructors. They also volunteered at the County Animal Shelter. Ken was very involved in dog training through out his childhood, and fondly remembers working with his Cairn Terrier, Juno and his Norwegian Elk Hound, Nikki. Ken has been teaching classes with Toni for over a year now. Together they make a wonderful team to help you make your dogs little angels!
