ABC Dog Training Program Student of the Month – USA – December 2014

James Blanchard

Recent ABC Graduate James Blanchard of Green Valley, California, just started his own dog training company called Caring Canine Commands. He trains part-time on the weekends while still working full-time during the week. He found out about ABC’s Dog Obedience Program from the Internet and he also knows an ABC graduate. The program’s biggest draw for James was the flexibility of the distance-learning component, which allowed him to schedule it around his existing job. James doesn’t accept failure and said he will do everything he can to get the job done. If it involves extra training time, different training techniques or doggie day camp, he will make sure that clients are satisfied and the dogs succeed.

• What was/is the biggest challenge you faced during your externship and how did you overcome it?

Since I am a quiet person and a bit introverted, talking in front of a group of people I don’t know was the hardest part. I overcame it by knowing my material and practicing what I would say ahead of time and just made myself do it. It got easier the more I did it.

• What was your most rewarding moment during your externship?

The most rewarding part was seeing the puppies obey their owners and enjoy it just as much as their owners were. I love helping people and their dogs succeed together.

• Describe one pet story that touched you the most during your volunteer hours. Do you plan to continue your volunteer work?

I can’t describe just one story. It just makes me sad knowing how many dogs are out there that need a home. I will definitely continue to volunteer at Best Friends Animal Society in Mission Hills, California, and the Brittany Foundation in Acton, California. I’m currently taking the ABC Grooming Program as well so I will volunteer at both places to help keep the dogs looking and acting as good as possible to get them a forever home.

• What has your experience been like in the ABC Dog Obedience Program?

I’ve had a very positive experience. The things I have learned have really helped me to train my own dogs during the program. Since I have graduated, I’m seeing a lot of clients succeed with ABC’s training methods. I love the fact that you can be positive and still get awesome results from the dogs you are training.

• What are your plans for dog training? Do you want to specialize in a particular type of training or in training a particular breed of dog?

In the future, I want to work in all fields of dog training. I want to learn how to train therapy and search-and-rescue dogs. I also want to study dog behavior so I can help cure dogs of aggression, separation anxiety and PTSD. Basically, I want to be a dog guru.