Barbara Dille

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara M. Dille, on May 26, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born in White Plains, New York to Clifford and Hetty May. She attended Westbrook College in Maine. Barbara married Joe Dille in 1956, and remained in White Plains until 2019, when she moved to Lutheran Community at Telford, PA to be closer to her son, Joseph.

Barbara is most well-known for being a professional dog trainer for years, specializing in obedience and conformation. She founded her highly successful training school in 1974, offering group lessons in obedience, breed handling, and was the first trainer in Westchester County to offer "Puppy Nursery School." She sold her business in 1996 to focus on private consultations and group classes for other training venues, including Port Chester Obedience Training Club, and the villages of Scarsdale and Pleasantville.

Barbara was a member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) and held professional membership status in the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She was also the president of the all-breed Saw Mill River Kennel Club, Inc. as well as having served as president of the Standard Schnauzer Club of America and the Knickerbocker Standard Schnauzer Club.

Barbara was also an accomplished author, publishing books in the United States and Britain. She was very proud of writing Standard Schnauzer, A Complete and Reliable Handbook. Over the years, her standard schnauzers have won many group placements, Specialty Best in Show and High in Trial awards. Barbara has received many invitations to lecture in on obedience and conformation in the former Soviet Union, Brazil, Germany, and Australia, as well as the United States. In addition, she served as an expert legal witness on canine behavior.

Barbara always had her focus on providing positive solutions for existing concerns. She was beloved for educating so many individuals and groups over many, many years.

Barbara is survived by her beloved daughter, Catherine Burdick and her husband, Bill; daughter-in-law Patti Dille, and granddaughter, Natalie. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Joe; her son Joseph and her grandson Matthew.

It has been said that when pets pass, they cross the rainbow bridge. We are certain that Barbara is there also, helping them along the path her own beloved canines had passed before. Tacki, Tonka, Tember, Desti, Tiger, and of course her Tommy are once again by her side.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The AKC Canine Health Foundation in Barbara's honor and memory.