My Journey to Becoming a Professional Dog Trainer
My story begins in 1958 when my parents moved from Germany to Canada. As a young boy, I loved coming home from school and finding stray dogs, often bringing them home. We lived in an apartment in Etobicoke, Toronto, where the rules prohibited pets, leaving me frustrated and disappointed. My parents promised me that when they bought their first house, I would get my first dog.
A New Home and My First Dog
Three years later, we moved into our first house in Rexdale, Toronto. True to their word, my parents bought me my first dog. I still remember one night waking up to find a solid black German Shepherd puppy on my chest. I named him Terry. He was everything I had wished for—smart, friendly, and eager to please.
Growing Up with Terry
As I grew older, my interests shifted to sports and biking, and although Terry was my dog, he quickly became a family pet, which meant my parents did most of the caretaking. At that age, I didn’t fully grasp the responsibilities that come with dog ownership.
A Heartbreaking Goodbye
One memorable day, my father took me and my three siblings camping. I could hardly wait to get back home to see Terry. However, upon returning, I discovered that my mother had given him away to a neighbor who owned a body shop. I was heartbroken. That day remains etched in my memory as one of the darkest moments of my youth.
Rediscovering My Passion
Fast forward to my young adult years; I was living in an apartment in Mississauga and dating a girl with a pit bull boxer mix named Molly. When she planned a month-long vacation, she asked me to look after Molly, and I eagerly agreed. Those days spent hiking and bonding with her made me realize how much I missed having a dog. But when my girlfriend returned, I knew I had to have a dog in my life again.
Finding Max
In 2000, I started researching dog training online, typing "German Shepherd breeders near me." After extensive searching, I found a kennel in Burlington, Ontario, that bred Show-line German Shepherds. I couldn’t resist visiting and left with a stunning male German Shepherd I named Max.
The Search for Training
I didn’t want just any dog; I craved one that was well-behaved and obedient. So I searched online again, this time looking for “dog training near me.” I discovered a trainer who specialized in working with military dogs. His methods were unlike anything I had seen before—at first, I wasn’t sure if he was crazy or a genius. Trusting my instincts, I called him. After an hour-long conversation, he invited me to his training center the following Saturday.
A Transformative Experience
Visiting his training center felt like stepping into a dream as I watched him train young dogs. I was hooked and knew I wanted to learn from him. Over the next five years, I became a regular at his center, attending three to five times a week to absorb everything I could about dog trainin
My Career as a Dog Trainer
Now, after 27 years in the field, I’ve trained over 10,000 dogs in Wainfleet, Ontario. My work spans from basic obedience to protection training, scent tracking, and obstacle courses. I also hold weekly group classes.
Gratitude and Purpose
Every day, I feel grateful for finding my calling in life, and I’m thankful for the ability to make a fulfilling living training dogs throughout the Niagara Falls area. If you're searching for dog training near me, look no further—I'm here to help you and your furry friend thrive!
