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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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Jon Schnelle Staretd his apprenticeship with Best Friends in 2001 and specialized in Narcotics Detection and Protection dog work. Jon later became a certified Decoy for both PSA and French Ring protection sports, and has been tapped to decoy both regional and national champoinships competitions. His experience lends a unique outlook to working with both normal family pets and difficult aggressive dogs. Jon will often be found working with student trainers, teaching at police seminars, and in his time off, surfing. |
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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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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. |
Eastern Long Island, North Fork and the Hamptons
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Vincent Buscemi knew he was going to work with animals since he was 15 and found himself working in a Veterinary hospital. Years later Vinny graduated from St, Johns University in 2006 with the intentions of persuing a career in Law Enforcement, specifically becoming a K9 handler. After taking a police exam, and waiting to process, he realized there were other ways to work with dogs and looked into the private sector. Vinny appenticed with us for a year to become our newest member of the team and is continuing his education in Scent Detection dogs. Vinny lives on eastern Long Island and services the North and South forks of Long Island, including the Hamptons. |
Manhattan & NYC Staff
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Mary Travers, PhD 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 started her 1 year apprenticeship
while completing her second Masters in Psychology. Mary went on to earn
her PhD finishing with her dissertation on learning behavior in dogs. Mary can be found serving her clients in Long Island and Manhattan. |
Albany / Saratoga Staff
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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 2006 in
hopes of earning an apprenticeship. Derrick finished our 1 year apprenticeship,
has been a full time trainer with us honing his skills further. After almost two years
downstate, Derrick returned to his native Saratoga and is opening
Best Friend?s Dog Training, covering Albany, Saratoga, and the Glens Falls region. Derrick
has two dogs, Peter his American Bull Dog, and Jager the Jack Russel Terrier.
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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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