Dave Carr

I'm often asked what got me started in this business. For me it's been a very personal journey. At 10yrs old, I was attacked by the family pet a german shepherd named Evita.A traumatic experience at such a young age has life altering consequences.At the time, I couldn't understand how this dog whom I had often played with and would lay next to to watch tv, could turn on me so viciously. Thus began my obsession with animal behavior. It wasn't enough for me to learn why dogs act the way they do. I was compelled to educate myself thoroughly so I would have the knowledge and expertise necessary to alter their behavior as well.

Obedience training alone simply wasn't enough, so I devoted my spare time to studying ethology, learning theory as well as applied behavior analysis, classical and operant conditioning with a particular interest in cognitive ethology.  Our in home behavior modification and canine conditioning programs are proof that cognitive ethology used in conjunction with behavioral conditioning practices can have dramatic and long lasting results.

Theories alone will not bring results without practical experience, so I began working with as many dogs as I could. Adopting shelter dogs that had been abandoned for behavioral issues, unruly pets of friends and neighbors, even taking in a stray dog while living in Florida that the local animal control were trying unsuccessfully to capture. We continue to work closely with local rescue groups, helping them when called upon to prepare the dogs for their future homes.

In 2006 after 20 years of running my own successful business, I started Complete Canine with one important goal. I along with my partner and fiance Paula continue to operate our business with that same clear mission statement. To use our knowledge and expertise to educated the public. Empowering them with the skills necessary to effectively communicate with their pets. Building a strong bond with solid pack structure and stability.

PAULA RUSSELLO

I started handling and obedience training various breeds and temperaments in 1999. I gained my experience learning about mixed and purebred dogs, their drives, how to properly evaluate temperaments, various training techniques, methods and tools, and animal behavior and modification through attendance of seminars, workshops and conferences .I had applied my knowledge to shelter dogs and assisted in placing them in structured homes.

In 2005, I also became involved in Search and Rescue. Mentoring with a NYS Trooper K9 handler taught me human and animal behavior as well as hands-on, real life tracking and trailing techniques . To date, I continue maintenance conditioning on a weekly basis with a NYS Trooper,and have included our dog Lina into the SAR's program.

I like to keep my knowledge up to date as I consider everyday a new learning experience with more to learn.

I became a dog trainer because I wanted to make a difference,educate pet owners about the importance of properly communicating with, understanding and training their dogs and hopefully reduce the population of strays and surrenders at the humane societies and rescue groups.

Animals didn't ask to be here. They were brought here by breeders and some as accidents.

Either way, when we adopt or purchase one, they now become our life long commitment , for the rest of their lives.

I look forward to educating you and your canine into becoming life-long companions.