Connect with Canines
The Full Story
My journey into dog training began in 2004 with my own Shiba Inu, Manny. His struggles with various behavioral issues, stemming from my inexperience, ignited a deep desire to understand canine behavior and build stronger relationships. This personal experience ultimately led to my career transition after my medical discharge from the Air Force.
Since then, I've been committed to continuous learning and professional development. I graduated from Animal Behavioral College in 2012 and further honed my skills by establishing Connect with Canines, offering in-home private lessons in Colorado Springs before relocating. Driven by a commitment to excellence, I immersed myself in advanced learning at Starmark Academy's Canine Training and Behavior Specialist Program in 2017, graduating at the top of my class.
Since relocating to St. Augustine, Florida, I've expanded my expertise, including valuable experience training service dogs for veterans. This journey has solidified my commitment to humane, relationship-based training methods that empower both dogs and their guardians. Recognizing the critical importance of staying current with the latest training strategies, I actively pursue ongoing education. This includes completing Michael Shikashio's Aggression in Dogs Master Course (December 2022), Kim Brophey's Family Dog Mediation Course (FDM) in 2023, and Grisha Stewart's Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI) course in 2024.
This specialized training, combined with my foundational knowledge, allows me to provide effective support for dogs facing aggression, reactivity, and other behavioral challenges rooted in unmet needs. I find immense satisfaction in educating owners, creating supportive environments, and witnessing dogs flourish as they gain confidence and agency. As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, a Certified Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a Supporting Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you build a deeper connection with your canine companion right here in our community.
Mission
Connect with Canine's mission is to honor Manny and Keira's memory though continuous education and application of advanced humane training and behavior modification techniques. By enriching our canine companions and coaching the canine guardians, we will help establish a world where the human canine relationship achieves a better balance.
Vision
Connect with Canine's vision is for empty shelters. Many dogs are released to shelters due to behavior problems. Connect with Canines is committed to educate as many dog parents as possible because with a little understanding and a few minor adjustments, most dogs will be able to remain in their homes.
