​​Karen Drumm

Harmony Dog Training, (HDT), started in September of 2011 in Newfane, NY, when Karen moved from CT to live near close friends and family.  She started her business as an "after 50" career and has been encouraged and proud of the people she as worked with since starting the business.  Currently, Harmony Dog Training provides classes for Family Manners Obedience, 

Breed Handling,  Puppy Socialization, and Barn Hunt.  In addition to classes, HDT offers educational seminars and special events highlighting canine health, handling techniques and special canine activities that may not be familiar to the public. Karen is a leader/teacher for the Niagara County 4-H Dog Program,  in 2019 receiving the honor of a Leadership Award from the Niagara County 4-H with 2 other 4-H Dog Program teachers.

Karen believes that she is always learning from her canine friends.  She started showing dogs at the age of 12 as a junior handler and a member of the Onondaga Junior Kennel Club in Syracuse, NY.  In her career, she has owned and shown numerous dogs to their championship as well as, taught handling skills to adults and juniors.  In 1997, Karen started training and competing in agilitiy and helped her 10 yr.old Golden Retriever, Teton, achieve his Agility Excellent title in 2004.  Karen and her Goldens, Jackson and Moran, trained, competed and titled from 2004-2009.  Karen's Pointer, Parker, a champion in the show ring, had a brilliant show career reaching an all-systems ranking of 3rd in the US in 2008-2009.  Parker was completely owner-handled.  A newer member of the family, Colette, also a Pointer, finished her American and Canadian Championships and is now titled as a Junior Hunter. Also joining the family is Trueman, an Australian Terrier.  Trueman finished his American Championship at the age of 11 months and will continue playing in the ring until we get tired of it! In 2022, Trueman was slected Best Veteran and received an Award of Merit at the Australian Terrier National Show. He is also working on his Barn Hunting and Dock Diving titles. Leena, Australian Terrier joined our home in 2018 from Finland.  She's a Champion and has offered me three beautiful litters over the last 3 years, sired by Trueman and Ch. Aka Inu O Henry. Several of the prodgeny have acheived show Championships, and Agility Titles. The owners of these puppies hike, swim, boat and play with their Aussies.  

Karen worked at the Paws 'N Effect Canine Training Center in Hamden, CT as Manager for the Paws for Play Canine Day Program as well as an instructor for Breed Handling classes and a co-instructor for the Family Basics Obedience classes from 2005-2011. In the 1980s, as a member of the Saratoga Springs Kennel Club, Karen volunteered to teach Breed Handling to members, a regular offering by the club.

Karen studied dog training and handling with Ray & Ginger Scott, George Alston, Monique Plinck, Melody Lynn and Kathy Shea, CPDT, Cara MulQueen, CPDT.  She also studied dog behavior with Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, Diplomat,a member of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists at Cornell University; with Brenda Aloff, professional dog trainer and with Ian Dunbar, trainer/author.  Karen has a Bachelor of Music from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam and a Masters of Science in Education from Alfred University. In her pre-2011 life, Karen held professional positions at Alfred University, Skidmore College, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.  Karen is an accomplished flutist and flute teacher.  She founded the Capital Area Flute Club in Albany, NY in 1997 which is still performing today.  As a 1989 alumna of the Saratoga Leadership program, Karen served on the Board of the Saratoga Arts Council and helped non-profits raise money in the Saratoga Springs, NY community.    Currently, Karen is a member of the  the Australian Terrier Club of America, the American Pointer Club and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.