Laura De La Cruz was learning about dog obedience and agility while teaching at a university. A colleague advised, “Get a Border Collie.” But the breeder Laura contacted said, “No way am I going to sell you one. You have no idea how to handle this dog!” A teacher, dog trainer and herding judge, Laura started Leash Up Dog Training as an alternative to the "pack" mentality, focusing on people who consider their dogs to be part of the family. Best-selling author of more than 80 books and journals, she has trained herding dogs and their people for over ten years.