Trainer: Linda Bianco

    My name is Linda Bianco and I've been a member of Mount Diablo Dog Training Club
    for approximately sixteen years.  I'm a native San Franciscan, and have been a
    Kindergarten - First Grade teacher for the past thirty five years in the Brisbane School
    District.  My husband, Michael, is Vice President of Plant Operations for the Jelly Belly
    Candy Company in Fairfield, California.  His job made it necessary for us to relocate to
    Walnut Creek in 1985.

    Soon after settling into our new home, we acquired our first Sheltie, Trixie.  I quickly
    enrolled her in obedience classes at our club when we trained at the Concord National
    Guard Armory.  While attending classes, I had the opportunity to observe dogs working
    in the Open and Utility classes and was so impressed with their performances.  I was
    hooked! ! !  Trixie went on to earn both her CD and CDX titles.  Our second Sheltie,
    Heidi, also earned her CD and CDX titles.

    While training my first two dogs, I also became an assistant trainer for the puppy and
    beginner classes, and was a substitute trainer for the Novice 1 class.  I also served as
    Training Director for the club, Chief Ring Steward for a number of our trials, and served
    on the Board of Directors for several years.

    I was training my third Sheltie, Haley, when Saturday training classes began.  I
    enrolled her in the Novice 1 class that was taught by Irene Quesnoy. I thoroughly
    enjoyed the format and the structure of the class and Haley flourished.  Shortly
    thereafter, I was asked to become one of a team of three trainers for the Saturday
    classes.  I have taught since then, and have loved every minute of it.  I enjoy seeing the
    progress that my students and their dogs make, and it's especially exciting when they
    earn their titles.

    My Sheltie, Haley, is currently training at the Utility level.  She earned her CD title in
    2003, with a Front and Finish Obedience Gold Award.  That year she was ranked the
    #10 All Breed Novice Obedience Dog in the United States.  She ranked #5 in the
    Herding Group, and was the #3 Novice Obedience Sheltie in the country.  Haley earned
    her CDX title in 2004, with placements for her three legs.  She is a pleasure to train.  
    Haley's son Beau, is currently training in Novice 3.  He will make his debut in the
    Novice Ring in 2006.

    In my spare time, I enjoy judging Obedience workshops.  I especially love the Novice
    classes.  The Novice handlers represent the future of Obedience, and I try to be
    positive and encouraging to these handlers in the hope that they too, will become
    hooked on our sport.