About Us

My name is Sheila Smith, I own and operate Himaya Kennels. 
I live with my partner Barry and our Rhodesian Ridgebacks in Craigmore, South Australia.
I have owned and shown Ridgebacks since 1987 and have been breeding since 1992.

I have been training dogs for approximately 20 years firstly in obedience then later in  conformation showing, Endurance Trials, Agility and Tracking.

My first obedience dog was a Rottweiler called Sally. She was a sweet natured dog, she taught me a lot.
Sally and I used to be part of the Gawler Demonstration Team (like the Pal Super-dogs) which we both enjoyed.
Sally has long gone but the my interest in agility is still alive.

It was when I had Sally that I was asked by the Tea Tree Gully Council if I would instruct with their dog obedience program. I am one of their foundation instructors and  I am still instructing there. I have been an instructor with them for about 20 years and for approximately six of those years I was Assistant Head Instructor.

I have competed in obedience trials, with my dog Jai being awarded Best in Trial at the 2000 Ridgeback National in Canberra.  Jai  has her Agility Dog Title, Jumping Dog Title, also her Australian Champion Title in confirmation plus she has passed an Endurance Test.

We have branched out into tracking with Jai's daughter Ishea, Ishea was awarded her TrackingChampionship Title in 2008, she also has her Australian Champion Title and she has also passed an Endurance Test. Ishea's daughter Lacey also enjoys tracking and has her Tracking Dog Excellent Title.

I have also taken six of my ridgebacks through to their Championship Titles