About this user
Before I opened up my own training business, I was mentored for 4 years by a German Shepherd breeder and Schutzhund trainer/competitor in the Seattle area of Washington. I started off feeding and walking the dogs, then actually grooming them for a few months. I got to watch my mentor train and work dogs long before I ever tried. Soon however, I was handling German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois in Schutzhund Trials. Later I became involved in Agility, Conformation and even Search & Rescue work.
It was not very long that I got my first dog, a mixed breed. With him I dabbled in trick training through the use of +R, a clicker and some treats. I could train a dog to do pretty much anything. From jumping through hoops, to weaving in and out of my legs as I walked. Even riding a skate board!
Trick Training introduced me to Service Dogs. By training a dog advanced obedience commands, along with tasks like turning on lights, opening doors and bringing dropped items, I could train a dog that would aid the disabled. That year, I found myself training a Labrador to be a General Assistance Dog.
At 12 I started to train other peoples dogs. I loved training and always adored a clean slate, so what better way to do what I love with a variety of different dogs?
I never have regretted it!
Give it a few years and I dealt with the struggle of panic and anxiety disorder. Not being able to go anywhere alone, leave the house or even stay home alone, without a panic attack interfering was miserable. I then got my current dog Butch, a German Shepherd x Labrador Retriever mix from a hobby breeder, to become my Service Dog. The plan was to not feel so alone. Train him to open doors, lead me away from places, bring the phone and comfort me should help a lot. That was until he naturally began to alert on a attack before it came. He became so much more than I ever expected. I feel very proud to say I no longer need him by my side as often as I used to.
Currently I am active in Decoy/Helper work for Schutzhund, Training & Handling dogs in Schutzhund, Advanced/Competition Obedience, Trick Training and Service Dogs to name only a few.
At 18 I plan on taking it further by attending the Tom Rose School in Missouri to become a certified Master Dog Trainer. I inspire to open my own kennel 'Vom Kerzenlicht Haus' to train Police K-9s, Detection dogs, SAR K-9s, Schutzhund sport dogs and Service dogs. Hopefully breeding a few litters of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois along the way.
I never intend to stop training dogs. For me this isn't a 'temporary' job or something I do only during the summer, it's my life and I dedicate everything to it. As I always say: Your dog is not just a business deal for me- he's my goal.
Age
16
Hometown
Seattle, WA
Country
United States
Occupation
Dog Trainer
Schools
High School Grad~ as of May 15th 09'
Interests
Dogs, Dog Training, Martial Arts and Photography!
