Linda entered her first Agility trial in 1998, braved the Obedience ring in 2001, and fell in love with Rally-O in 2002. She has achieved over 70 titles to date with her dogs. That's a lot of start lines! Today she enjoys cross-training in agility, obedience, rally obedience and is trying to find the time for herding. Linda is a CARO Rally judge, offers seminars in CARO and CKC Rally, and Agility.  She is the owner and operator of Aim Hi Coaching located in New Dundee, Ontario. Her training approach is not based on the latest quick fix. She coaches you to build a trusting relationship with your dog, and takes you through skill progressions to make you and your dog successful. Linda offers the latest information and expertly coaches you every step along your path! Linda ALWAYS loved dogs!  Her 12th birthday brought the best gift of all - a wiggly Border Collie puppy! Years later her next dog was an Aussie/Border Collie mix from the Kitchener Humane Society. This energetic puppy was wonderful with her family, and horrible with dogs!  'Samie' went to McCann's for training - 1996 was the beginning of an exciting journey. While 'Samie' is no longer with us her legacy is rich in all we've learned, and the wonderful friends she introduced us to! Spice came next. Her drive and speed a blessing and a challenge, she brought Linda to  Companion Dog Training - and to a new world of competitive obedience and ringside friends like no other!  Revi followed, a cute and social Aussie who delights in greeting her 'ringside friends'. Then Cino,'Tomi's dog', whose unique needs were brilliantly met by the team at Say Yes! Working with a sensitive dog made dog training ever more interesting!  Operant training skills came just in time for energetic Perk, and most recently talented Breeze. Linda enjoys the challenge of translating the research about how dogs learn into useful training skills for dog owners. With a university education in animal and human behaviour, and 20 years professional experience coaching people's lifestyle choices, Linda brings her passion for working with people to Aim Hi Coaching!   Click on 'Aussies' to see highlights of Linda's ongoing competition adventures with her dogs.

From the AAC website, 2007. On September 2, 2007, Tom Walker, beloved Husband of Linda Barton, tragically lost his life while helping a stranger who had been involved in a car accident in front of their country home. For those of you at AAC Nationals this year, even if you didn't know Tom, you will recognize his smiling face. He seemed to be everywhere, quietly and cheerfully doing whatever needed to be done. Tom was one of those wonderful partners who did not run a dog, but was there to support Linda and help out wherever he could. He was a huge factor in the success of the banquet, not to mention the loving support he provided to Linda throughout the entire Nationals organization process. He personified the best of the volunteer spirit we prize so highly. He will be dearly missed. Remember Linda in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.  ~~~~. ~~~~. ~~~~. ~~~~. ~~~~