I remember thinking of myself as a dog trainer way back at the age of 11
when my mother and I would teach Zackson the obedience routines she
learned at a basic obedience class. I can't say the training worked, but
it sure was fun!
Whether it was the passing of Zackson, my dislike for bookwork at
school, the addition of 2 new shepherds named Hans and JoJo to our
family, or a combination of all three, something happened when I was 15.
I knew that being around dogs, training dogs, and stopping cruelty
toward dogs, was what I needed to do. I got hired at the Washington
County SPCA in Hagerstown, MD. I cleaned kennels, washed dishes, and met
my wife. I moved up quickly and became an animal control officer for 2
years in which time I learned various tools, skills, and techniques
geared toward developing better relationships between people and their
canine pets. After struggling with the euthanasia of the animals, I left
the SPCA and took a job in sales like my father. But in the summer of
2003 I believe God sent me a sign that led me back to this path.
A close friend of mine named Mark Frie had gone missing and was believed
to have drowned in the Antietam Creek. Many of our friends joined the
police and fire department's search efforts. After a long and painful 48
hours, and without the aid of any type of cadaver dog, Mark's body was
retrieved and returned to his family. The next day I quit my sales job
and began my search for the best dog training school I could find. My
search ended when my wife and I read about the Tom Rose School for Dog
Trainers in St. Louis, Missouri. This dog training school was the only
dog training school recognized by the US Board of Education, it may
still be. At the Tom Rose School for Dog Training:
I graduated top of my class as a Professional Trainer in 2004 from the
Tom Rose School of Dog Training. The Tom Rose School of Dog Training is
located in Jefferson County, Missouri, and is the only dog training
school recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Education program focused on the following:
I trained and certified my own dogs
Khalua Bay - Chocolate Lab: certified in AKC novice, AKC BH, narcotics: ( marjuana, black tar heroin, crystal meth)
Ty - Belgian Malinois: certified in personal protection and narcotics: (marijuana, black tar heroin, crystal meth)
Boye - Belgian Malinois: certified in home invasion, personal protection, and ring sport
Gandolff - Great Dane: certified as a therapy dog
Andra - Shepherd: AKC open routine, agility, and Schutzhund 2
I received top honors and certification from East Coast K-9 under the direction of Clay Meadow for the following law enforcement techniques:
I returned as a graduate from the Tom Rose School of Dog Training 4 weeks before the birth of my first child and began the new journey of fatherhood, dog trainer, and business owner. After 8 years, I am happy to report that I am still happily married, have 3 daughters, and I am managing the business one day at a time!
Volunteer Work:
I volunteer for local schools in Washington County to give demonstrations on search and rescue, animal protection, and puppy care.
- Williamsport High School - Mr. Rowe's class
- Broadfording Christian Academy - Mrs. Wyand and Mrs. Hawbaker's classes
- Clear Spring High School - Mrs. Shank's class
- Boxer rescue