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Training Staff
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Frank Bonomo is the President and founder of BFDT. Frank founded BFDT in 1999 after doing his initial apprenticeship in obedience and protection training. Frank started BFDT with the concept that the company should continually evolve with current training methods. The lifetime training program was offered from the company’s beginning, when it was most difficult and costly to offer. Frank holds certifications for narcotics and scent-detection training, and does continuing education on a regular basis. Frank holds and assists with seminars for both family pet owners and Police-Only training seminars. |
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Mary Travers is the Vice President of BFDT. Mary started as a client in June of 2001 with her pup Jake. After successfully completing the obedience program, Mary continued to work with her dog and getting better and better in the process. In the summer of 2002, she approached Frank and asked about becoming a trainer. Mary apprenticed while completing her second Masters in Psychology with Hofstra University. Mary is currently taking the final step for her PhD and is in the process of doing her dissertation on learning behavior in dogs. |
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Jolean Clarkin began her two year apprenticeship in December
of 2003. She and her husband have two handsome boys with special needs.
Jolean’s daily experience with such special children has enabled her
to truly understand the plight of families who have children with special
needs who want to add a dog to their family. Her ability to connect with
these families is truly a gift. She has also trained dogs for several New
York professional sports team athletes. Her other interests include doing
agility with her Australian Shephards Roxy and Destiny, working with her
Belgian Malinois Rocky in Protection training, as well as horseback riding.
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Christopher Smith is another client turned trainer; Chris began training his dog justice with BFDT in June of 2004 and never went away. After approaching frank about becoming a trainer and being told there was no room at the inn; Chris grabbed a stack of BFDT business cards and Justice to show off the Best Friends way. After brining in many new clients, the apprenticeship began. Chris’ training was supplemented with a trip to Las Vegas where he successfully completed the “No Limitations” trainer’s course. Chris continues to learn in all aspects of dog training and hopes to be part of the Best Friends family for a long time to come. |
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Derrick Wescott After graduating from Triple Crown academy,
a 12 week training and behavioral program, he found that it takes more the
just good foundation in dogs to start a career in training. After hearing
about a kennel position opening at Best Friend’s he moved from upstate N.Y.
to Long Island. Derrick took the kennel position in September of 2007 in
hopes of earning an apprenticeship. Now finished with our 1 year apprenticeship,
Derrick is a full time trainer and may eventually move back to his native
Saratoga and opening Best Friend’s Dog Training Albany and Saratoga. Derrick
has two dogs, Peter his American Bull Dog, and Jager the Jack Russel Terrier.
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Kimberly Becvar became a part of the Best Friends Dog Training family as a client in January 2006 when she came to us at her wits end with her puppy Rigel. We kid her about how much free time she has since her first career is in teaching. In truth, that time enabled her to work with Rigel and bring his training to a much higher level while building a bond she didn’t think was possible since he was such an unruly puppy. Their claim to fame is being able to do the Electric Slide which they did at a nursing home show! Kimberly showed her willingness to help when we asked her to run a couple of group classes when the trainers were unavailable due to competition. There was such a positive response to her enthusiasm and dedication, we decided to take her on as an apprentice in December 2006. As a trainer she now gets to help others experience a bond owners didn't think would be possible and is thrilled to hear clients say that they really love their dog's new manners. Rigel earned his Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International certifications and will be participating in a library program where children will read to him. He's also considering learning the Hokie Pokie. |
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Vincent Della Chiesa When Vinny was 15 years old he had
a German shepherd who was dog and people aggressive. He needed to get her
trained so he took her to obedience school. They system they taught us was
leash corrections with a choke chain. At the time Vinny wasn't physically
or emotionally mature to give a strong enough leash correction to his dog.
Because he could not get the dog under control it ruined the relationship
between him and the dog. A year or two later the dog passed away from cancer.
Vinny knew he wanted a German Shepherd but promised himself he wouldn't
get another dog until he understood how to train and control one. When Vinny
met Frank, he immediately recognized the benefits of the Best Friend’s system,
since it doesn’t rely on strength or ‘beating up your dog to get results.”
He did his apprenticeship with Best Friends Dog Training for a little over
a year before becoming a trainer. |
Office Staff
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Sharon Harris is the voice of Best Friend's Dog Training.
Sharon is the full time office manager and answers the phones during normal
business hours from Monday to Friday. Sharon started off as a client in
February of 2005 and we are happy to have her make us all more efficient
every day. |
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Cindy McKinney is the other Voice of Best Friend's Dog
Training and all around organizer. Cindy assists the training staff,
keeps our paperwork in order, does most of the customer service and answers
phones 5-8pm Tues-Friday and all day Saturday for Best Friend's Dog Training
Inc & Best Friend's Dog Boarding Inc. Most people get to meet Cindy
when they bring their dogs for boarding, or during the Wednesday group class
where she also couducts Kennel tours. |
Boarding & Daycare Kennel Staff - coming soon
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Dennis Foxworth Facilities manager & Kennel Staff - Bio coming soon.
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Lisa Mioriano Kennel Staff - Bio coming soon
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