Hope started obedience training in 1991 with a puppy from her first Frenchie litter.  Champ soon began setting obedience records for French Bulldogs: first all-breed HIT (Novice A class), high score 199 (Open B), first national specialty HC, first all-breed HC, Gaines Classic (Open), National Obedience Invitational.  Champ was only the 7th Frenchie UD in history and went on to their proudest accomplishment, the first UDX.  Her next dog, Joy, became the first OTCH Frenchie, UDX 2, plus a score of 200 (Utility B).  Hope handled Rose to her championship and Rose became the first Ch. UD frenchie bitch.  All the Sylvain-trained dogs earned their CGC titles.  The puppy Pinks, also Hope's breeding, is now waiting in the wings to start her obedience career.


Over the years, Hope has attended numerous workshops and seminars, most notably with Chris Zink, and has trained closely with Connie Cleveland for 15 years.  Although Hope has only shown her beloved Frenchies, she has taught and co-taught obedience classes at at all levels for East Carolina Kennel Club and Durham Kennel Club.