Instructor

Cheryl Bales

Growing up with a dog always at home made it easy for Cheryl to want to always work with dogs, but life's path took her in a different direction. However, no matter where she was, her dog was there too. One of Cheryl's dogs accompanied her to weekend mixing sessions when she interned at a local recording studio. Others became part of film shoots when she entered the video/film production industry. And even some were captured on recordings for sound effect CD's when she worked as a professional audio engineer.

Cheryl got caught in corporate downsizing layoffs and made a major career change in 2001 to teaching martial arts full-time. What she didn't know at that time, was that another dog would find his way into her heart, her life... and her career. In late 2002, Tanner (a 6 week old Golden Retriever) became the new mascot for Cheryl's school, Inner Strength Martial Arts.

Having been brought up on the "old school" ways of dog training, Cheryl ventured to try something new with Tanner. She took a different approach to training and just set out to develop a strong bond with him, mutual respect, and a positive approach to learning - training philosophies she uses to teach martial arts students. It wasn't long before professional trainers were asking Cheryl if she was a trainer too. A people trainer...yes, dog trainer...well, not yet. Through the years she has received compliments, recommendations, and even a training opportunity from a well established facility.

Tanner left this world in 2016; but those who know Cheryl and knew Tanner well, understood the two had a very strong bond that was created by a different approach to training.

If you're wanting to create a solid bond with your dog, are looking for a new approach to training, or just want to share some fun activities with your dog, check out Team K9 classes.

Read more about Tanner