I am married, a father of two adult children and a grandfather. I retired from policing after nearly 30 years.  I began training dogs more than 20 years ago. It started with my own dogs. Then friends and neighbours began asking me for help with their dogs. 

 

When I retired about 10 years ago, I began looking for ways to continue to both serve and work with dogs. I started to volunteer with a service dog provider and began formal education on the topic. I soon learned how much I did not know and how terribly unregulated the industry is. I have since become a student of dog training and look for opportunities to learn from anyone I can. Online training and in person with a variety of different professionals.   Sometimes this means that I am learning what not to do. 

 

My training is focused on training people, rather than the dog. This usually takes longer but has a greater benefit for the dog. Our primary business is teaching people how to train their own dog to become a Service Dog as well as Puppy Classes, because who doesn’t love puppies. I also teach basic obedience and help dog owners address issues specific to their dog(s).

 

I have served on boards before and have always enjoyed the challenge. I have experience in negotiation, performance management and change management. I have always been more concerned about doing what is right rather than what is popular or easy. 

 

I really believe that the dog training industry needs to be regulated. I believe that CAPDT has been part of the push to make it so and can be the catalyst to make it happen. I want to be a part of this and work with those that have a similar opinion.