I have been in SAR since 1994 and have a 6-year-old seasoned partner.  I have had the opportunity to attend a Jonni Joyce water search seminar.  The course consisted of two intense days of both classroom and hands-on training.  The classroom training is very well presented and easy to understand.  The technique she taught is simple to learn and easy to deploy. The course is tailored for all levels of SAR: from the beginning dog never in a boat before to the veteran "bow balancers"

I had the opportunity to assist in a water recovery recently using Jonni’s techniques.  When my partner and I were deployed the conditions were far from ideal.  The victim had been missing for 5 days.  The winds were blowing 10-13 knots and the waves were often 1 foot high with whitecaps.  The air temperature was a blustery 38 degrees; the water temperature was a deadly 37 degrees.  To add to the difficulty, the bow of the boat we had to use sat way too high in the water. 

When my dog began her frantic alert even the novice boat driver knew we were close.  As my dog “walked the bow” I could still hear Jonni telling me to “Turn the boat, turn the boat!”  When we dropped our dive buoy we had only searched for 10-15 minutes.  This was too easy; I have to really check this out before committing myself.  We ran the area again, and again.  I even worked the area with a different dog.  The results on location were the same.

The victim was located and recovered the next morning by the Remote Operated Vehicle provided for the search in 94 feet of water. After 6 days the family finally had closure for this tragic accident.

The technique that Jonni offers provides a canine handler the ability to utilize their partner as efficiently on water as they do on solid ground.  I look forward to attending any other training that Jonnie Joyce offers the Search community.  Thanks again Jonni!

Dave Lehman and GSD Billie - e-mail
Eagle-Eye Canine Search Specialists

I was lucky enough to be a student of Jonni's at a trailing seminar in
Wyoming, August 2000.  One of the first things I noticed was that she had
class.  I was impressed with how she handled the entire seminar.  I liked
how she worked with everyone and was able to tailor the training to help
each of us.  Not only did she know just how to work with each of the dogs,
but she knew people, how to work with us and help us work with each other.
I'm very thankful that there are trainers out there like Jonni that will
take time to teach us the skills we need to properly do our jobs as
handlers.  I encourage everyone to attend one of her seminars.  Once you
attend one, you'll want to attend more.

The fact that we're both Appalachian grads and she appreciates a good
coondog is a big plus too!  Go Mountaineers!

Paula Xan-McCullum
paulaxan@qwest.net

Having trained with Jonni Joyce for a few years at her seminars and informal SAR dog workouts, I can say without hesitation that she is the one trainer you do not want to miss! There is no favoritism, "war stories" taking up precious training time, or lack of organization in her training style. You get solid hands-on instruction that you can take back with you and build upon. Jonni is the one trainer every SAR dog handler should train with at least once.

She is the kind of trainer who will (figuratively) "slap you upside the head" when you are doing something wrong!  Often-heard comment: "Now waaa djyeww dew theaaat?"  I will offer one word of warning for those of you from the north. Take along a translator who is familiar with "Southern-ese" and if you start to hear strains of "Dueling Banjos" think about heading home! You've become immersed in the southern thing!

To sum up, Jonni is outstanding, honest , tough but fair, no nonsense, and an absolute pleasure, as a trainer, person, and friend.

Tricia Heldmann - e-mail
TASK-9, Inc.
K9SAR Discussion Group Moderator
Fidelco SAR K9 Evaluator

I had the opportunity to attend a 4 1/2 day canine training seminar held in Wyoming, hosted by High Country Search Dogs.  The featured trainer, Jonni Joyce, was outstanding.  If you haven't had the opportunity to get out and do some extensive training in a while, I highly recommend it.  Its good for your brain, good for your attitude and great for your dog.  I absolutely love the training style of Jonni Joyce, because she not only tells you WHY, she shows you HOW, and then follows behind you to make sure you are doing it right. Here is an article highlighting the training I attended.

Roxanne LaGreca  e-mail  
Beartooth Search Dogs, Montana

Jonni Joyce is one of the most knowledgeable and professional K-9 Trainers that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  Her honesty, integrity, and dedication serve as a constant inspiration to all those who know her and her K-9 Training courses are among the best in the Nation. When you receive a K-9/Handler certification from Jonni, you can rest assured, not only that it will be both recognized and respected, but that you have EARNED it.

Sharon E. Scavuzzo - e-mail
K-9 Search and Rescue Teams of Florida, Inc.

I have received instruction from LE and civilian trainers all over the Mid-Atlantic region and Jonni Joyce is by far one of the best. Her instruction is clear, concise and complete. Her seminars are organized and productive. There is no wasted time. Her technique allows for each team to learn regardless of the level of expertise of the team. One of the most notable things about Jonni as a trainer is that she can look at the work of a human and K9 team and sort out  the training needs of both the handler and the K9 as separate entities and as a team. There is no "cookie cutter" training style here. She tailors her instruction to the team she is working with and it pays off for the team because they both go away better than when they arrived.

Corporal Gwendolyn Alice Hanan - e-mail
Maryland National Capital Park Police

Jonni Joyce has been instrumental in helping our team to develop SAR Dog  crews capable of performing water searches. She has been providing us with this valuable instruction on an annual basis for the past 4 years. We consider her to be an outstanding instructor who is an expert in the field of K9 Search and Rescue. Her classes are always informative, fast moving, and conducted in an enthusiastic and professional manner.

John (Jack) Stankiewicz e-mail
President & CEO
Northern Ohio Valley Area Search and Rescue, Inc., "NOVASAR"

I have known Jonni Joyce for several years and have enjoyed the benefit of her instruction in SAR related topics.  In the classroom, in correspondence with her, and in a number of enjoyable discussions outside the class room , it is very clear that she possesses a comprehensive and admirable knowledge of a wide spectrum of SAR topics and personnel management. It is rare for such knowledge to also come in a dynamic, motivating speaker. She makes her instruction fun, with a nimble, flexible, personable delivery that encourages a students enthusiasm and interest.  I have been impressed many times with the thoroughness of her approach and her positive upbeat attitude. Each of the numerous times I've spoken to students and friends who have attended her instruction, the invariable response, from them, has been high praise and accolades.  I've seen a lot of teachers over the years and anyone considering Jonni as an instructor would clearly be choosing one of the very best.

Here is a playful and funny jab at Jonni by Keith, for her Southern accent and mannerisms.

Keith R. Heavrin Jr. - e-mail
Past - Education Director  - Maine Association For Search And Rescue
Past - President (7yrs.)  Maine Search And Rescue Dogs

As a student of Jonni's I have a tremendous respect for her knowledge and willingness to share all she can with her students to make us better at what we do. She will spend the time necessary to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission and will not leave us with unanswered questions or concerns. I feel like her students come first in everything she does. I can never remember a time that she hasn't stopped what she's doing to talk or answer a question or explain "why" we do something the way we do it - no matter what time of day or night! She is a no BS person and I mean that what the utmost respect. She will not beat around the bush and will not tolerate those that do. 

Jim Dickerson - e-mail
Hickory Rescue Squad
K9SAR