Meet The Team of Dog Trainers:

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Certifications and Experience:

• CPDT-KA, ABCDT, ABCSDT
• Professional Dog Trainer Certification - Animal Behavior College
• Certified Professional Service Dog Trainer - Animal Behavior College 
• Mentor for Animal Behavior College
• Service Dog Trainer with Soldier's Best Friend
•  AKC CGC Approved Evaluator 

I grew up in a family of many rescue dogs, usually adopting the troubled cases from the shelter. I learned to handle and train dogs from a young age. My childhood dogs had multiple homes before us and I was always determined to create a loving forever home for them -- and we did. This sparked my passion for training troubled dogs for the rest of my life. 

I grew up as a military dependent - both of my parents serving in the Army. It became very clear to me that animal therapy was both beneficial to the veterans in our family as well as the family members themselves. I spent my spare time volunteering in our local shelters with troubled cases both training and fostering the dogs that came through. This sparked my interest in training service dogs for veterans and their family members with PTSD. 

My true muse was my first Siberian Husky, Lu. He was nearly feral when I rescued him. I was his 4th home. Over a years time I trained him to be a Service Dog, and after he retired I trained my own rescue Service Dog Lili. Lili, although retired still serves as my assistant at many lessons. I also have three other dogs and two cats. 

I truly believe every dog deserves a chance to be their best. I do it all "for the love of Dog." There isn't anything as rewarding as the unconditional love of a dog in this world. 

Certifications and Experience:

• Professional Dog Trainer Certification -  Animal Behavior College

I became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer after completing the Animal Behavior College Canine Obedience course, and graduated with honors in September 2023. 

I have a BSc degree in Workforce Training and

Development from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and 40+ years experience developing and delivering training for the U.S. military, healthcare, and telecom.

After retiring in September 2022, I decided that I wanted to work helping veterans with PTSD as a trainer for service dogs and their handlers.

Besides assisting both Ash and Julie with both private and group lessons I devote numerous hours each month to caring for and training shelter dogs in basic obedience at the Friends for Life Animal shelter in Gilbert, AZ.

I love dogs but, because of my various life circumstances, have never had the opportunity to share my adult life with one until 2016 when my wife and I adopted a Black Goldendoodle puppy which we named Vesta Marie. This little girl taught me so much about what it’s like to be, and to train, a dog! In addition

to Vesta Marie, I also share my home with a 9 year old Bull Mastiff and a 12 year old Dachshund.

Certifications and Experience:

• Professional Dog Trainer Certification -  Animal Behavior College

I graduated from Animal Behavior College Canine Obedience Course in October 2018 becoming a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.  

I originally wasn’t sure what I wanted to be after High School, and bounced around colleges. Fortunately, I bumped into a family friend who had just became a dog trainer themselves and pointed me toward ABC’s program. Within 24 hours I was enrolled and haven’t looked back! I knew I had found my passion the moment I began putting what I learned into practice. After graduating, I spent 5 years helping hundreds of dogs settle into their forever homes all across Long Island New York.

Since moving to Arizona, I am excited to continue helping more dogs and their owners on their training journeys! I thoroughly enjoy strengthening the bond between people and their furry companions! There is no greater feeling than helping people understand their dogs and helping them succeed!  

Certifications and Experience:

• CPDT-KA
• Professional Dog Trainer Certification with AZ Dog Smart Academy
• Mentor for AZ Dog Smart Academy
•  AKC CGC Approved Evaluator 
• Certified Professional Service Dog Trainer - Animal Behavior College - in process
• Service Dog Trainer with Soldier's Best Friend
• Owner of Kaleidoscope Dog Services

I graduated from AZ Dog Smart Academy in 2020, but my career with animals started much earlier. I actually started at nine, in 4H with my collie, Pepper. From there, I was a puppy raiser in 4H for a local guide dog school in Ohio where I then went on to be hired as a guide dog apprentice trainer, where I taught dogs and students how to maneuver life as a team. I was also a nationally certified veterinary technician working on small and large animals in a number of states around the country; I have worked and trained thoroughbred race horses in Ohio and Kentucky, been a therapy team with my black lab Fenton, and worked as an assistant manager at a small animal veterinary clinic in Georgia.

I am a veteran from the Ohio Air National Guard. I have a passion for building better relationships with dogs and their owners, focusing on positive training approaches that are fun and educational. I bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to my clients, allowing them to grow and learn, along with their dogs. 

I love dogs and can't imagine a life without them. I am excited to partner with you,  your family and your fur babies as you go through your dog training journey.