Every dog trainer has a unique story, often sparked by a deep love for dogs and a desire to understand their behaviors. For Marcus, his journey into the world of dog training began at the age of 12, with his childhood dog, a terrier mix, who had some habits that needed changing. “He definitely needed training,” Marcus recalled fondly.
This initial hurdle, far from discouraging Marcus from dogs, ignited a lifelong passion. He started learning about dog behavior, eventually landing a job at a dog daycare facility. He continued to train his own dog and as his own dog showed remarkable improvement, Marcus found immense joy in teaching and began extending his newfound skills to other dogs. This eventually led him to formalize his expertise through attending Animal Behavior College (ABC).
With 13 years of dedicated experience, dog training has become more than just a profession for Marcus; it’s a profound part of his life. Today, he works full-time for a non-profit organization specializing in training comfort dogs. Of his work, Marcus says, “Training comfort dogs is a unique line of work. They not only provide companionship to a dedicated human partner, they also play a crucial role within the community providing a wealth of emotional support.”
Marcus’s dedication to his craft led him to explore platforms that could help him manage his demanding schedule. That’s where Rover came into the picture. “I use Rover to find clients in my spare time. You can fit it around your schedule. It’s much more flexible than most other training jobs,” he shares, pointing to the platform’s adaptability as a key benefit. Since joining Rover in April, the experience has far exceeded his expectations. “I’ve taken on 20 new clients, which has been great for my business,” he notes, a testament to the platform’s effectiveness in client acquisition. (Of course, individual results vary).
With Rover, Marcus has found the tools he needed to run his business on his terms. The ability to connect directly with clients, receive payments upfront, and integrate the platform flexibly into his existing schedule has proven invaluable. These qualities allow Marcus to focus on what he loves most: making an impact on the lives of dogs and their human companions.
You can connect with Marcus and learn more about his services on his Rover profile.
As groomers we tend to think that when a dog enters our salon for a haircut we immediately pull out our clipper. However, there are many breeds and mixed breeds that have a flat natural back coat that needs nothing other than a little carding and thinning shear work to polish the appearance.
Breeds like the Irish Setter, Longhaired Dachshund, Cocker Spaniels, Brittany Spaniels, Sussex Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, for example, have this type of coat.
When these breeds are clipped the coat can change texture and become very thick and wooly. If this is the case, clipping may be the only option. If clipping has previously been done, removing undercoat in conjunction with clipping will help the blades glide through the coat with ease.
Surprisingly there are dogs that have been clipped in the past and yet their coat will still remain flat and natural. In this case clipping the coat is not necessary. To shorten the length of the back coat on these breeds, backcombing and tipping the ends of the coat with thinning shears can be done for a natural appearance. When using these techniques on these breeds it not only saves time by unnecessary clipping it also saves time from blending the clipped lines into the longer furnishings. Carding and thinning shear techniques will give a beautiful seamless appearance.
When puppies come into the salon for the first time, their coat type should be evaluated. If the back coat appears flat and natural…. don’t clip it! They are your clean slate to begin these techniques on.
Carding techniques are very important for dogs that have a double coat like many Sporting and Terrier breeds. Undercoat is defined as the short, soft, dense hair that supports the outer coat or guard hair. The term “carding” describes the technique of removing undercoat from the follicles with the use of a stripping knife. Keeping undercoat at bay by using carding techniques is beneficial to the skin and the appearance of the coat.
This technique will promote healthy skin and coat by clearing the follicles of excessive undercoat. Undercoat is soft and dull in color and can prevent the skin from breathing if it becomes excessive. Once the excess undercoat is removed, the coat will shine and the skin will be able to breathe and will be healthier.
When using a stripping knife it is important to hold the skin taut with one hand while combing through the coat with the other. If the skin is not held taut it will move with every stroke, which can be uncomfortable for the pet. When the skin moves the tool will not be productive. The stripping knife should be held at an approximate 30 degree angle.
When dogs are not carded, blades will often leave track marks in the coat. It is common to want to shave them with very short blades to ensure a smoother finish. However, the undercoat is what causes the blade to leave track marks, almost like the look of corduroy. Carding techniques will eliminate the corduroy issue so a longer blade can then be used which will result in a more natural appearance.
Carding techniques take very little time and will be beneficial in the end for the groomer and the pet. Maintaining a flat natural back coat with the use of carding and thinning shear techniques not only saves time, but will give a beautiful, shiny and natural appearance to these breeds.
Introducing the Coat Tender®, the ultimate carding tool designed and patented by world-renowned groomer/educator, Jodi Murphy.
The Coat Tender® features a patented, user-friendly design suitable for all skill levels. Its ambidextrous inline handle and preset blade angle make it easy to achieve proper technique, even for beginners. The unique flexible design helps eliminate wrist strain and reduces fatigue commonly experienced with traditional carding knives.
The Coat Tender® is manufactured, and packaged in the USA, made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure durability!
We are thrilled to announce that the Coat Tender® has been honored with the prestigious Barkleigh Honors “New Product of the Year” for 2024! This award recognizes innovation and excellence within the pet grooming industry, and we couldn’t be prouder to receive this recognition. This tool was designed by Jodi to make grooming easier, more efficient, and comfortable for pets and this accolade reflects our commitment to delivering top-quality solutions for pet care professionals. Designed by a groomer for groomers!
There’s a reason why “gut health” is all over the Internet. Every day, scientists are learning more about this fascinating system in dogs (and humans!), and the important role the gut plays in both their physical and mental health.
What is gut health, and why is it so important?
Gut health refers to the health of the digestive system and the trillions of microorganisms that live in the intestines. These organisms, including bacteria, make up a complex ecosystem known as the gut microbiome.
The gut is responsible for breaking down food, metabolizing nutrients, and eliminating waste. But its job doesn’t stop with digestion. It also plays a large part in immune system health.
There is also a link between gut health and mental health. This connection is known as the “gut-brain axis.” Important chemicals and neurotransmitters that communicate with the brain, like serotonin and dopamine, are produced in the gut. This enables gut health to affect dogs’ mood and behavior.
What happens inside the gut when it’s unhealthy?
There are both harmful “bad” bacteria and beneficial “good” bacteria in the gut. A balance of diverse bacteria is needed to be healthy. However, the bacterial flora can be thrown off balance by things like dietary changes, food sensitivities, medications, and stress.
What are probiotics, and why do dogs need them?
Probiotics are supplements containing live, beneficial bacteria that naturally live in dogs’ intestines. These bacteria include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium breve.
Probiotics support the balance of bacterial flora in the intestines by adding good bacteria.
Regular probiotics support healthy guts.
How can I give my dog probiotics?
Probiotics can come in various forms, including food, supplements, and treats, which are often the easiest to give. Dogswell’s Gut Health treats, available in Jerky and Mini Jerky, offer live probiotics with real chicken or lamb as the first ingredient, making them extra tasty.
Dogswell Gut Health treats feature probiotics, fiber and no artificial ingredients.
What does “live” probiotics mean?
Probiotics are actual living microorganisms – the same kind that are inside your dog’s intestines right now but also requires additional care. Never expose probiotics to heat because it kills the bacteria. For example, don’t leave them in the car on a hot day. Follow the storage recommendations on the label, or, when in doubt, store them in a cool, dry place in their original packaging.
How else can I support my dog’s gut health?
In addition to giving probiotics, you can also:
Feed a biologically appropriate, minimally processed diet that includes high-quality sources of protein and fiber.
Be mindful of treats’ ingredients. Treats may be smaller than meals, but they still go into your dog’s body and therefore deserve the same attention to quality. Your best bet is to choose gut health treats with probiotics, fiber, and no artificial ingredients.
Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water. Drinking water helps the digestive system run smoothly, while dehydration slows it down.
Take your dog to the veterinarian twice a year to test their poop for parasites.
Ensure that your dog gets adequate exercise. This helps them maintain ideal body condition, promotes efficient digestion, balances gut bacteria, and relieves stress.
Speaking of stress, be aware of your dog’s stress levels. Try to minimize your dog’s contact with stressors, which could be new people, loud noises, etc.
To keep their gut healthy, probiotics are a great addition to your dog’s diet.
As pet professionals, you see it daily: the shedding that doesn’t stop, the paw licking that won’t go away, the pets that appear healthy at first glance, but aren’t operating at their best. You’re often the first line of insight for pet parents—and increasingly, you’re also the one guiding them toward preventative care solutions. One of the most powerful solutions? Supplements.
The rising interest in pet supplements isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s a shift in mindset. More pet parents are moving from reactive to proactive care, and they’re turning to trainers, groomers, and vet assistants for trusted recommendations.
So, what’s driving this change—and how can you be part of the solution?
From “Complete and Balanced” to Proactive and Personalized
Most pet parents assume their pet’s food is doing all the work. After all, it says “complete and balanced” right on the label. But as professionals, you know the truth is more nuanced.
Even the best commercial diets can leave nutritional gaps, especially as pets age, face environmental stressors, or deal with common issues like allergies, digestion troubles, joint stiffness, or anxiety. These gaps can be caused by breed-specific needs, low-quality ingredients (like corn, wheat, or soy), or the general wear-and-tear of modern pet life.
That’s where supplements come in. They don’t replace food—they enhance it. They offer targeted, therapeutic support that helps pets not just survive but thrive.
Why This Matters for Professionals
As a trainer, groomer, veterinary assistant, or pet care provider, you are often the first to notice subtle health and behavior changes. Supplements give you a tangible way to empower pet parents with early solutions—before those issues escalate.
Instead of just brushing off excessive shedding or bad breath, you can help pet parents connect those dots and consider functional support that’s simple, science-backed, and results-driven.
You also serve as an important filter. With shelves full of vague, pet parents rely on your trusted recommendations to navigate what works and what doesn’t.
Common Issues Supplements Can Address
Here are some of the most common wellness concerns you might hear about—and how supplements can help:
Excessive Shedding & Dull Coats: Omega-3s and other skin-supportive nutrients help reduce shedding and promote a healthier coat.
Digestive Issues & Poop Eating:Probiotics and digestive enzymes support better gut health, reduce gas, and improve stool quality.
Joint Issues & Mobility Loss: Glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, and MSM support healthy joints, keeping aging pets active.
Anxiety & Stress: Soothing botanicals like chamomile, valerian root, or passionflower can support pets during fireworks, grooming appointments, or training sessions.
Knowing how to match symptoms with the right solutions allows you to guide pet parents confidently toward tailored wellness support.
A Shift in Pet Parent Behavior
According to industry data, 77% of dog owners and 74% of cat owners now seek out products that promote their pet’s overall health, not just address existing issues.
This is your opportunity to help pet parents act early, before symptoms become problems.
“I love when pet parents ask, ‘What more can I do for them right now?’ Targeted nutrition, including high-quality supplements, offers powerful ways to support the body, often long before health concerns show up in obvious ways.”
— Dr. Bernadine Cruz, DVM
How You Can Talk About Supplements with Confidence
Whether you’re grooming, coaching a client through loose-leash walking, or supporting a veterinarian, you have influence. Here’s how to use it well:
Start with the signs. If you see dull coats, behavioral shifts, digestive upset, or anxiety, mention them. Pet parents often need help recognizing early clues.
Multivitamins as a Starting Point
For professionals looking to recommend an easy entry point, multivitamins can be a great first step. A great 10-in-1 Multivitamin, for instance, supports:
Gut Health
Healthy Bone & Joint Function
Skin & Coat Health
Immune Health
Heart Health
Brain Health
Eye Health
Urinary Tract Health
Overall Health
Performance
And more!
It’s a daily chew that feels like a treat but functions like foundational wellness support—ideal for pet parents who want to “start somewhere” without feeling overwhelmed.
Your Next Step: Share the Wellness
As a pet professional, you already see how much pet parents value guidance they can trust. Recommending a daily 10-in-1 Multivitamin is one of the simplest ways to help them start building better health for their pets. It’s easy, effective, and gives pets support in everything from gut health to joints, skin, immunity, and more.
And if you want to take it further, you don’t just have to recommend—you can share. By becoming a petPro, you can introduce pet parents to products you believe in, while creating an additional income stream for yourself. It’s a way to turn your passion for pets into something bigger: healthier pets, happier families, and a business that grows with every conversation.
Because when you share the right solutions, you’re not just making a difference in pets’ lives—you’re building something meaningful for your own.
It’s never too late to encourage clients to socialize their pet for a happier and stress-free life! No matter how young or old, big or small, every dog can benefit from being socialized. Socialization is the process of allowing a dog to become familiar with new people, places and other animals. This process is important because if a dog is sheltered from the outside world, there’s a higher potential for them to develop anxiety and fear toward new people and surroundings. Here’s some simple steps that clients can take to socialize their dog:
1. Introduce New Smells, Sights & Sounds
Similar to how human babies use their five senses to learn more about the world around them, it’s important for dogs to do the same at a young age. Puppies are naturally curious so they’re easier to socialize, but adult dogs can be socialized as well. If a client currently has a puppy, encourage them to present their pup with sounds that may be common in their household and neighborhood such as a lawn mower, birds, car alarms, or a hair dryer. Over time, the puppy will become more acclimated to these sounds instead of fearful. Another great way to socialize a dog is to take them on walks, letting them explore different surfaces like grass and sidewalks, and sniff different scents.
2. Meet New People & Pets
The next step in socializing a dog is to present them with unfamiliar faces and animals. Clients should start this process in a space that their dog is comfortable in, such as their house or backyard. It’s also best for a dog to be introduced to one person or pet at a time so they don’t become overwhelmed. Allow the dog to sniff and interact with their new friends, making sure to reward positive reactions with verbal praise. Meeting friendly adult dogs and humans first is better since their actions are more predictable and calm. Once dogs are comfortable with fellow pets and humans, they can move on to interacting with puppies and children as the next step!
3. Reinforce Positive Behavior with Rewards
Just as with any type of dog training, it’s important to positively reinforce good behavior with rewards. Treats are a dog’s best friend, so it’s recommended that clients use a great training treat to reward their dog during the socialization process. Ones that are low calorie and offered in a variety of flavors that dogs love such as Charlee Bear Nuggets are perfect for this type of training, especially when frequent rewarding is involved. Any time a dog displays positive reactions to new environments and individuals they’re meeting, clients should reward them with a treat to boost their confidence.
4. Visit New Places
Now that the client’s pet has become more acclimated to people and animals, the final step in the socialization process is to visit new settings such as a dog park. Instead of jumping right in, clients should let their dog explore the outside of the dog park first and see if they appear comfortable. Once the dog is ready, they can enter the park, staying leashed until they’re feeling relaxed. Doggy daycare is a great final step in socialization as well, allowing a pup to form bonds with new friends!
Dog training takes time and patience, so clients shouldn’t feel discouraged if their pet isn’t immediately enthusiastic about the new people, animals, and places they’re visiting. For an adult dog, it can be harder for them to gain the confidence to explore unfamiliar territory. This is why continuous positive reinforcement with rewards like treats and verbal praise is essential! Clients should also be sure to socialize their pet consistently so they don’t return to old habits. A more comfortable and relaxed pup makes for a happier pet parent!
Hello and welcome to another edition of Paw Prints. It’s hard to believe 2025 is heading into fall. I know it’s cliché, but it does seem like every year goes faster than the one before. Maybe that’s just me getting older, or perhaps it seems that way because every year seems busier than the last. It certainly has been busy this year at ABC.
Our online enrollment application and agreements make it easier for prospective students to enroll at our school. We have migrated all our marketing campaigns to a more modern CRM and will soon have the rest of the school on our new system. Starting in September, we will begin the process of changing our Learning Management System (LMS). We believe a new LMS will allow for a better student experience and make it easier to make additions and improvements to our programs. We’ve been working on all of the above items since mid-December 2024, and it’s nice to see we are getting close to the finish line on them.
Every year, we create an action plan. This document outlines each department’s yearly goals and the action(s) required to meet them. While the plan can look daunting (some previous action plans were 150 pages long), they help keep each department focused on the year ahead by clearly stating expectations, due dates, and who is responsible for what. What action plans can’t do is predict unexpected events or what happens if goals take longer to execute than expected. This year was no exception. Initially, we anticipated that all of our systems upgrades and changes (LMS, CRM, online application, and contracts, etc.) would be completed by mid-August. Since those predictions proved to be overly optimistic, we’ve had to push other items we’d hoped to launch or start this year into next.
One of those items is a new short-term program we call the Pet Parent Canine Survival Guide. This short-term program is the first we are creating that focuses on pet parents rather than pet professionals. We are excited about it as it will give dog parents the knowledge we’ve gained in over 30 years in the pet business. Tips on everything from puppy raising to training, health, adoption, senior dog care, and much more will be available to anyone interested in learning more about their dog or who plans on obtaining one. This program was originally slated to launch in late Q3 2025, but realistically, it won’t be available until probably March or April of 2026. We are also planning a similar program for cat parents next year.
Short-term programs have been on my radar for some time. Not only do I think they’re essential for pet professionals interested in learning or honing more advanced skills, but they are also great for people interested in learning more about the pet industry before committing themselves entirely to it. One of the challenges we’ve had is that the enrollment process for short-term programs was less developed, which is a nice way of saying more complex and convoluted than it should be for anyone except new students enrolling in one of our main programs. This was understandable as 90% of short-term program enrollments come from students who add short-term programs to their enrollment when they sign up for a main course. The challenge was for students, graduates, or mentors wishing to take a stand-alone short-term program. It was impossible, but much harder to enroll. I am happy to say that we’ve addressed that issue. Now, anyone wishing to enroll in an ABC short-term program can do so using our simple online enrollment process. This not only makes our current short-term programs more accessible but will make it much easier for pet parents to enroll in one, once the pet parent programs are created and available.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to connecting with all of you again!
Congratulations to Our New ABC Certified Dog Trainers, Veterinary Assistants, Pet Groomers, Cat Trainers, Aquarium Maintenance Professionals, Zookeeper Assistants and Service Dog Trainers!
May 31st, 2025 to August 14th, 2025
ABC Honor Roll Graduates
Brittney Anderson Kimberlee Anderson Sarah Balkiewicz Julianne Braswell Lee Braun Roni Casser James Chernesky Shaun Claseman Makenzie Delzer Christene Demour-Iozzo Alysa Earnst Sarah Fikrat Elizabeth Fischer Logan Gendron Terri Giles Madison Gilliam Emily Graham Deanna Hansen Taylor Horton Debora Kent Billie Lane Richard Lapierre Lauren Mason Tracy Matthewman Janice Moldashel Ashley Moore Insun Pang Carolyn Phillips Jacqueline Rich Sandra Rivadeneyra Melissa Shea Kara Vaartjes Diane VanCompernolle Bianca Vargas Monica Walker Patricia Wenning
ABC Graduates
Lauren Alade Miruna Alexandru Gilbert Anaya Charles Anderson-Goodman Sarah Anger Garland Arnold Yennifer Aronhalt Haley Barnes Camille Barrus Jade Bechard Karlie Benjamin Madison Benner Rachel Bennett Meredith Besabe Lisa Blahnik Brandi Blocker Melinda Boucher Maria Boulos Sheeka Bowens Julie Braun Emilia Broce Denise Brown Alayna Brown Erin Bungert Avonna Burkman Anely Cabrera Sharon Callan Anastasia Campbell Carlos Candelas Shirley Carcamo Morgan Carn Omar Carranza-Ramirez Zane Carter Andrea Casanas Alicia Cesspooch Andrea Chatman Anthony Chenot Jessica Chinn Madyson Chitko Rachel Clark Sherry Clark Lupita Coate Jillian Collins Jayla Colvin Madilynn Conley Diamelis Contreras Nichole Cox Courtney Cox Kody Coye Carmen Cueva Dakota Curphey Kathleen Curtin Jennifer Dabdub Marina Damian Kayla Davenport Brady Davis Karl Davis Eric Davis Paityne Dawson Steven DeGaetano Katherine Del Pino Davis Delanty Paige Deneen Carey Denton Rosemarie DeVora James Didenko Patrick Dock Mercedes Dollmayer Sarah Dorman Matthew Dougherty Monique DuBois Charlotte Duncan Andrew Dykstra Amy Edgington Audrey England Althair Escalona Montego Estes Maria Estes Sophia Estrada Deborah Evans Lisa Everett Noushin Farsian Iris Fernandez Heather Flanagan Julia Fonseca Basford Jordan Fox Laura Frank Ashlea Fuhrman Elizabeth Furrer Victoria Gaffney Sophia Gambino Noe Garcia Gael Garcia Acosta Dolores Gentile Mandy Gerhart Nicole Girgis Katherine Givan Makenzie Golla Alicia Gonzalez Abigail Goodpaster Holly Goodson Hannah Goodwin Allison Gould Chandra Graves Kelsey Green Zoe Grimes Micha Grzybowski Jaclyn Guerrero Yalexsa Guzman Martinez Rhea Haavisto Flora Hale Taylor Hall Autumn Hanson Ashley Harkins Tyler Harmon Mark Harnischfeger Susan Harper Ariana Harris Melissa Hartwell Danielle Heim Mark Heinrich Jennifer Henry Evelinn Hernandez Abbie Heskett Lee Ann Higgins Sophia Hirt-Jaeschke Cindy Holt Allison Hughitt Patience Hutchinson Jacquelyn Isaacs Kayla Ivey Michelle Janes Darian Jefferson Olivia Johnson Kristi Jones Nathaniel Jones Stephanie Juarez Girish Kumar Kalleshachar Marina Karageorgiou Mary Elizabeth Keegan Sean Kennedy Brooklyn Kern Erin Kidd Kori King Alex Kobylski Courtney Koehler Isabella Koritnik Manasi Kothari Patrick Kreuzer Madison Krummrich Jodee Kulp Joseline La Luz Rosario Kylee Labellarti Abigail Laboy Diaz Brekke Lacy Dana Langley Natalya Lapshina Katelynn Liles Erica Limauro Joseph Linden Daniel Lord Hannah Lyons Ryle Machovec Matthew Macker Natalia Patricia Manjarres Caraballo Betsy Mann Oscar Mansilla Aguilar Janae Marin Cynthia Mathew Bobby Jo Maxwell Andrew Meddoff Eric Medrano John Meeker Lorena Mejia Contreras Catherine Melanson Stephanie Melchor Marimar Mendoza Medina Amanda Miller Susan Mitchell Daniel Mohesky Kate Monian Brenda Monreal Tabatha Montesinos Grace Moss Jenny Muir Kelly Murray Diana Murrieta Perez Tonya Myers Kaitlyn Neumann Xavier Newland Ryan Newman Steven Nguyen Wendy Obermiller Analee Ossandon Nanette Pace Jacqueline Pacheco Katelyn Pankratz Mara Pease Kevin Pecheriza Ioannes Perez Daniel Perkins Katlin Petronek Alexis Pettit-McMillan Carolyn Phillips Trichia Phillips Victoria Pierre Emily Pigg Sydney Pirkey Alyssa Pisano Regina Plemmons Aleia Pompey Shania Ponceano Judith Poorbaugh Tatiana Porschakin Karl Posey Hannah Pounders Kaitlyn Powers Greyson Prine Margaret Quinn Brianna Quinn Audrey Rakoske Paul Reed Jillian Rendon Amber Revier Melissa Rice Malerie Rich Lisa Ridens Lillian Ritchey Rosa Rivera Mindy Robbins Christopher Robinson Alanna Rodgers Meghan Rogers Suniva Romain Nikolic Airis Roman Mallary Roosa David Ross III Robin Russell Alyson Ryan Abcde Sabugo Vanessa San Jesseca Sanders Chayanit Sattayachai Madelyn Schaedler Joshua Schaetzle Samantha Schafer Jennifer Schellenberg Cory Schneider Ashley Sevilla Trinity Shearin Haden Shepherd Ella Shirazi Jay Shortway Ofir Shukrun Brooklyn Simpson Leroy Sims Sr Mackenzie Smith Samantha Smith Nicole Christine Socko Armando Soler Jitzel Solorio Heather Solt Derek Spracklin John Stephens Abigael Strawn Rylee Stress Mia Tandy Emily Tarver Ezgi Tasdemir Emily Teegarden Rebecca Terranova Kadra Thomas Samantha Thompson Ra Chel Thompson Melody Thompson Giulia Tornaboni Enid Torres Naomi Torrison Alexis Trease Robin Tripp Strcich Alice Tucker Robert Turner Rylee Vallee Kimberly Vanover Connor Veilleux Hannah Venezio Madilin Vigil Donnia Villa Magaly Villa Hannah Wagner Paige Waguespack Joshua Ward Samantha Warren Steven Weaver Meesha Weiler Amy Wells Kylie Wesemann Diana West Kati Wettje Victoria Will Julian Williams Tamara Williams Noah Williams Selena Wood Shannon Wright Yuandi Yang Amanda Zavadil Madison Ziebarth
Congratulations to Our New ABC Certified Dog Trainers, Veterinary Assistants, Pet Groomers, Cat Trainers, Aquarium Maintenance Professionals, Zookeeper Assistants and Service Dog Trainers!
February 1st, 2025 to May 30th, 2025
ABC Honor Roll Graduates
Jana Achilles Terri Arnold Surendra Bhati Navy Blau Autumn Brosnihan Caitlin Cater Brittany Chiodo Catrina Cunningham Sarah Eisenberg Rosanne Garofano Bandi Hammer Emily Harvey Angela Hensley Hailey Hurn Lindsey Kabat Cessna Keene Christopher Labrie Adara Latour Melissa Leblanc Emma Litavis Lisa Mayberry William Mccracken Jr Wayne Miller Jessica Miller Caitlyn Nemerovsky Kylee Orf Christinn Pacheco Paola Pagan Nogueras Georgetta Phipps Laura Piquero Kimberly Powers Christiana Princeton Faye Remmey Timothy Resler Brooklyn Roberts Eugene Robertson Julie Rocho-Levine Rhiannon Romero Lea Rosanbalm Hunter Schmidt Carrie Shoberg Vishaya Singh Emily Spencer Tyler Sullender Vicki Thacker Nayaliz Viera-Colon
ABC Graduates
Donna Ackerman Stephanie Acosta Raven Adamson Jessica Aguilera Kaya Aguirre Catalina Alejandro Ashley Alexander Christine Alexiou Lacie Alford Lily Allicock Ashrf Almasri Jocelyn Almeida Denise Alzugaray Brian Ames Ciara Amituana Alison Ammon Angela Amos Aubrie Anderson Cheyenne Anderson Noemi Andrade David Andrews II Victor Apostolico Emily Araniva Casandra Arellano Xiomara Arias James Arnold Joel AsaDeLeons Deanna Ashworth Elizabeth Asturias Annette Bahringer Stephen Bailow Audrey Baker Stephanie Baltazar Contreras Crystal Barlow Eva Bartush Cleofil Bascon Vanessa Batt-Campos Taylor Baum Nataly Bautista Albi Beaird Kiara Becerra Olivia Bennett Roger Bernard Erin Berry Aimee Bertero Delaney Besecker Gabriel Biskner Bethany Bleau Marrissa Bohm Braden Bone Elizabeth Bosker Karen Boudreau Emma Boutwell Jeremy Bradford Anna Brail Samantha Braski Dakota Breglia Linda Brennan Carrington Brewer Kayla Brigham Bianca Brou Taylor Brown Rylan Brown Hannah Brown Rodger Brumley Leslie Bryant Ashley Burke Aimee Burkhart Roberta Burleigh Teall Burns Erin Burse Natalie Burton Macy Cadigan Elizabeth Caldwell Natalie Carpintero Brieanne Carvalho Andrea Casanas Janet Cassell Tianna Cerrone Bailey Chaffee Emily Chambers Samantha Chaney Brittany Chiodo Jenna Chipman Karla Cifuentes-Martinez Angela Clay Tracy Ann Clemons Daniel Coelho Breena Coffey Alexander Colella Tricia Coleson Jocelyn Colin Olesia Colon Alma Comsa Destiny Contreras Sara Cookson Samantha Cornell Dominique Correa Moriah Cranston Marianela Crea Tracy Crotts Megan Crouse Angel Cruz Hernandez Nashalie Cruz-Vega Rachel Cunha Meghan Cunningham Sara Cunningham Christen Cupler Emily Cutright Meagan Dale Jennifer Dalykas Najah Daniels Dylan Daniels Aidan Davis Serena Del Toro Andrea Delgado Savannah Demankowski Deanna DeMarco Emily DeMasellis Rachel Dempsey Gabriella Doers Brenna Dohanian Amber Duntz Jamie Durand Luz Echevarria Ciara Eckert Theresa Edwards Jacquilynn Eiden Ruben Encarnacion Marivel Escalante Alissa Eslick Alexandria Esparza Alicia Estrada Morgan Evans Morgan Evans Thalia Everett Bryan Ewald Michelle Farley Natalie Feghali Renee Ferreira Hailey Fix Kerstyn Flippo Madison Florimonte Brittany Forgette Elizabeth Foutch Coda Franklin Molly Frazer Jeffrey Fugate Jr Tyiwan Fuqua Elizabeth Gager Rosemary Garcia Sarai Garcia Christian Garcia Amaro Samantha Garrison Deven Gatica Ina Gbadebo Sandra Gerhart Brien Ghitelman Theresa Gibson Patrick Gill Te”ja Girouard Delaney Glasgow Ruby Goldhammer-Ellers Julissa Gonzalez Miranda Goody Keely Graham Rhiannon Graham Lauren Gray Milekia Green Ariel Groh Sean Guffey Melita Gvalevich Jessica Hair Brianna Hale Megan Hall Lily Hammersley Eliza Han Michelle Hancock Pamela Hannah Kaitlin Hansen Alexis Hansen Tracey Harris Nevaeh Harrison Reyna Hartman McKinsey Haynes Donovan Hendrickson Christine Henkel Savannah Hernandez Jennifer Herrera-Hernandez Denise Herron Jamie Higgins Nicholas Hill Noah Hodges Kaylee Holler Mandy Holmes Kaniyah Holt Liberty Howard Zachary Hughes Wendy Hughes Kent Humes Jessica Hunter Anika Huston Macaela Irwin Teresa Ison Janel Jackson Kelly Jackson Shayenne Jaffke Anna Jeffers Amara Johnson Monica Johnson Nathaniel Jones Alicia Jones KeBreyana Jones Kacie Jones-O”Connell Maryam Jrad Grace Jungenberg Marina Karageorgiou Jeffrey Kellogg Jr Ayla Kelly Linda Kender Amanda Kerr Trinity King Alexandria King Emily Knauer Virginia Koczara Elena Kulakova Renata Kuleshova Brian Kyaw Caila Lambert Morgan Langdon Daniela Langer Kuhne Karissa Langley Alekzandria Latimer Evan Le Fevre Kyleigh LeBlanc Sebastian Ledee Kayla Lee Kenneth Lee Kuet Yu Camuss Lentz Analey Levis Isabell Lewis Rylie Jo Lieberum Molli Lillard Nazrana Limaye Mariana Lindemeyer Thea Lingle-Dubyak Tatianna Linn Kevin Livingston Destiny Lockhart Hailey Locklear Ashley Long Vanessa Lopez Roberto Lopez Jr Rolanda Lowry Morgan Lunde Rebecca Luthje Cathalina MacDonald Katie Mackie Ashley Madden Tonya Maddox Nakesha Madison Ariel Maeder Briann Malcolm Tamia Manuel Karen Manzo Franchesca Marcelino Maria Marrero Danielle Martinez Tia Mason Savannah Matthews Lindsey Mccue Kristin McElveen Bradley McKee Jasmine McKissack Jace McLeod Erin McMonigle Kimberly Medin Audrey Mekjian Torinn Melton Jocelyn Mendez Naomi Merrimon Alison Miller Sarah Miller Shelby Mills Ashli Minter Erin Mishler Brandi Mock Carmen Molinari Tanysha Montano Bernasia Moore Marisol Morales Amber Morales Brooke Morgan Adriane Morgan Sabrina Morien Hailey Morris Jeanette Moyer Kayla Mullican Andrea Munoz Nancy Musarra Melissa Nacius Jamee Newman Thjalfi Nichols Nisa Nino-Luna Daniel Nix Kayla Nixon Danielle Norcross Daniel Nussbaum Brittany O”Donnell Ciara Ohler Maria Ordaz Madison Orock Leticia Ortega Clarissa Ortiz Emma Orzillo DaVonte Owen Alejandra Padilla Ke”alanohea Paogofie-Buyten Valerie Parisi Julia Parkey Kyle Parrillo Ami Pearsall Kayla Peck Jessica Pendleton Christaline Pereira Helena Perez Shaiyann Peters Lisa Petrillo Josephine Grace Petrolo Jenna Phillips Brenda Phillips Crystal Piirainen Grace Piper Doreen Porter Justin Portes Courtney Potter Shelby Power Chelsi Powrie Rachael Prall Christina Preston Britni Pridgen Isabella Probst Nancy Puentes Maria Quintanilla Michelle Quintanilla Aguilar Makayla Quirk Paul Randel Deni Ratterree Paola Rawe Amber Redgate Paul Reed Samuel Regalado Mark Reger Jacqueline Reid Leonor Rendon Bella Reyes Tori Rhein Dalynn Rhoades Daniel Richardson Lauren Ritchie Tianna Rivas Stephanie Rivera Jacqueline Rivera Flores Catherine Rizk Lailah Robinson Sydney Robinson Elaine Robinson Amie Robison Kimberly Robles Claire Rockwell Perla Rodriguez Soto Makiko Rodvold Melani Rosario Haley Rose Amy Rose-Moody Juanita Ross Brittainy Roth Sofia Russell Robin Ryals Gabriela Sanchez Francys Sanchez Annie Sandfort Alayna Sappenfield Luis Sauri Elizabeth Schaefer Brandie Schlosser Ryli Schmidt Samantha Schmill Krista Schneider Marita Schuele Jack Schwartz Maria Serrano Chelsea Shea Lisa Sheehan Taylor Shelton Jessica Shepard 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Alexander Warner Ava Warnock Ashley Watson Makaela Weimann Lee Weiss Caitlin Welsh Kaitlin Wesson Felicity Wickham Tyler Wilder Idaija Williams Arianna Williams Jhamara Williams-Shaffer Laura Wise Alexandra Wyatt Zhuwei Xu Immanuel Young Kayla Zsoldos
Welcome to another edition of Paw Prints. While things are always pretty busy at ABC, the last 6 months have been particularly active.
As I shared in previous newsletters, we’ve made and will continue to make improvements to our operating systems. These changes started with an online enrollment application and student enrollment agreement. The migration of all students to a new contact management system is occurring now. While this might sound pretty dry, it will allow us to offer a more modern learning management system (LMS), which will improve the experience of all ABC students. We will also be able to provide easier access (and more features) to our alums.
While many of these improvements may not sound as exciting as launching new programs, upon completion, the experience of all people connected to ABC, whether prospective students, enrolled students, graduates, or mentors, will be better.
A few other items to note. Student’s Saving Lives (SSL) has now exceeded 200,000 hours of volunteer work given to shelters and rescues. Since SSL started, ABC students have donated hundreds of thousands of hours helping pets (primarily dogs but some kitties) find forever homes. This is a remarkable achievement that many of you, as former students, contributed to. Your dedication and hard work have made a significant difference in the lives of these animals, and for that, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. SSL is one of the programs I am most proud of as it illustrates why most of us get involved in a pet-oriented career. To give back and help pets and people who love them have better lives.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in ABC. Your enthusiasm for our work and dedication to the welfare of animals is truly inspiring. I have some exciting updates in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share with you.
I look forward to updating you on our progress and sharing more about our future plans. Until then, I wish you all good health and happiness.
Rating A+ The BBB only accredits the business management of a school, not the quality of the curriculum, or training programs.
STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that Animal Behavior College (“ABC”) is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student’s completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC’s behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
GI BILL® TRADEMARK ATTRIBUTION
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Animal Behavior College, 27509 Avenue Hopkins, Santa Clarita CA 91355-3910 Contact Us
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