Barb Cole understands dogs, knows what she wants, and will be sure you learn with ample demonstrations, corrections, and praise. Barb Cole made it possible to show our Papillon dog Austin to his championship. While we had learned from other trainers, Barb was the one who gave Austin the concentrated attention that made a difference. I have really moved forward in understanding how to show my dogs in conformation in relation to where I was prior to classes with Barb. One can only have observed how the change transpired by watching as I worked with Papillon puppy bitch Lypsa as she matured from puppy to show dog.

Thank you Barb,
Deborah O'Reilly

I have had the opportunity to take conformation classes with Barb Cole as the instructor. The classes were different from the others I had taken in the past. She has a wealth of knowledge she is willing to share. When asked how she learned all she knew, Barb told me it was because she was able to go to so many of George Alston's Clinics. I always took my puppies to conformation classes to get them used to showing and did not realize that I should have been learning as well until I took classes from Barb. I used to get my dogs comfortable showing in class and then send them to the handler to get their championship. Now I show all my own dogs successfully thanks to what I have learned from Barb. I am not surprised that George Alston has entrusted her with carrying on his seminars and all those who are able to go to one with surely benefit.

Carol Dundulis
Show Me Bichon Frise

I'd been showing as a junior when my mentor passed away. I started at Barb's classes, and she taught me everything he would have done and more.

To up my game, Barb introduced me to George Alston's handling seminars. Barb continued my education in showing by teaching me George Alston's methods.

Barb has done a lot for me and all of my dogs, Shelties, Dachshunds, and Border Collies.

John Burgess
Seabrook Shelties

I have known Barb Cole both as a friend and a conformation show trainer for my show dogs for over 17 years. Not only has she been the trainer for our show dogs, she has also helped us in purchasing our dogs, raising them properly, and breeding them. Barb is truly passionate about dogs and helping fellow dog owners. For some trainers, it is what they do in their spare time. For Barb, it has been a huge part of her life for over 40 years.

Although both of my show dogs have been Samoyeds, she really knows other breeds as well. She brings a vast background in breeding, showing, grooming, training, and caring for various breeds into her classes. She spends a lot of time in conformation class on each dog but she especially works well with younger dogs and inexperienced handlers. I had no experience in handling dogs when I first went to her classes. However, I have always shown my dogs myself. With Barb's training and encouragement, my current show dog received his championship in less than 18 months.

Barb has always been able to see the little things that either the handler or dog is doing wrong in training and she knows how to work with dogs to get them to do things in the right way. Although she works hard in conformation classes, she has always made class fun—especially for the dogs. In her words—if the dog does not have fun in class, it will not be happy in the ring.

Brian Hantsbarger

Barb was a tremendous help to me when I reentered the sport of showing dogs after a long absence and with a new breed. I can say with confidence that her classes and individual instruction is what helped me guide my dog into the top ten. Barb knows the nuances of the various breeds and spends time with each dog and handler team giving specific feedback and instructions. She makes it fun for the dogs and a great learning opportunity for both dog and owner! Barb willingly shares her years of experience and expertise and it’s evident she loves what she does.

Lisa Brazil with Ch. Alouette's Colton Carillo, the #7 Belgian Malinois (CC)

Hands down, Barb Cole has been absolutely amazing as a conformation teacher. I have to say she has a magical touch with the dogs. She has helped train our top winning Havanese, and the following generations of winners.

I have not found anyone else in my area that I would trust my new show puppies or my specials with!

I am thrilled to have her back at it again!"

Signed respectfully,
Michele, Barb, and Amanda Johannes
Wincroft Havanese and PWD West