Former Instructors

Tanner was born October 19, 2002 to Reverend Ben and Sister Madeline. He was a pure-bred AKC registered Golden Retriever and teamed up with Cheryl on November 29, 2002 at 6 weeks old. He peacefully went to Heaven on December 11, 2016.

Tanner's core training was at home with Cheryl. The few times he was enrolled in basic group training was mainly for socialization and working around distractions. He enrolled in DAWG agility classes, but it was in 2003, for his first birthday, that he attended Iron Dogs Training Camp and was exposed to freestyle. After 8 months training in agility, Tanner was convinced that the wading pool was the best obstacle and that the only reason to master the teeter was for a tennis ball to be thrown once he crossed. Since toys weren't allowed in agility trials, Tanner didn't pursue competition. Freestyle was fun, but he was too energetic to take it seriously.

It was in 2004, at his second Iron Dogs, that real interests started developing - Rally, Freestyle, Flyball, and Tracking. That year he earned the camp certificate for "Best Rally O Dog" and "Best Flyball Dog". Flyball, hum... running, hurdles, balls, and more toys as rewards - A sport from heaven, especially to an OCD ball obsessed Golden. Tracking came in close second.

In May 2005, Tanner became a member of 4 Dog Flight Flyball Club. With the help of his teammates, he earned his first 3 titles in just 2 tournaments. That same year, at the 2005 Iron Dogs, Tanner not only earned the "Best Tracking Dog" certificate, but the exclusive camp "Iron Dog" title too.

In Oct 2006, Tanner once again earned the Iron Dogs "Best Flyball Dog" certificate and November 2006 he earned the 9th position for U-Fli's fastest dogs in his breed. 2007 started with Tanner moving up to the #2 position for U-Fli's fastest dogs of his breed.

December 2009, Tanner earned the title of "Dog Scout" and was an active member of Dog Scouts of America Troop 119. Tanner has earned over 25 Dog Scouts badges and all his Pack Dog titles.

In 2012, Tanner retired from competition Flyball.

Besides being Inner Strength Martial Arts' beloved school mascot his entire life, Tanner has been in City and Country Pets Magazine, on For the Love of Dogs tv show, on Fox 4 News (Dallas), in the City of Plano Parks Department video, Petco Photography Demos, JCPenney Portrait Demos, and received a feature article from Larry Powell.

Tanner was awarded a featured calendar photo spot in the 2016 "Doo the Right Thing" calendar and was the Cover Model for the 2017 calendar.

Tanner was truly a remarkable instructor and a good role model. He is missed by many.

Read more about Cheryl