MEET YOUR TRAINER

​Joe has been working with dogs for a long time, still studying and learning. His first dog was a Labrador Retriever named Luke, a family pet and hunting companion named after the Lucifer in James Michener’s novel, Chesapeake. His first mentor was Richard Walters, the well-known author of Water Dog and Family Dog and one of the founders of the North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA) that emphasized the value of a well-trained dog.

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When Joe attended the first Mike Lardy training seminar in Monticello, WI he was introduced to the world of competitive Retriever Field Trials where he competed successfully, achieving an Amateur Field Trial Championship title with his dog, Suzie (AFC Absaroka Sioux Not Afraid). Together they qualified for three National Amateur Retriever Championships. Joe’s field trial career included training, breeding, competing and judging. As a Senior Judge, Joe has judged all over the United States. 

 

Joe became a retriever specialist, working with and training Labrador Retrievers to serve as service dogs, therapy dogs, companion/emotional support dogs, tracking dogs and as explosive detection dogs. He was recruited to train explosive detection trainers as well as dogs. Retrievers are great at finding shed antlers or Morel mushrooms, too.  If you would like to teach your dog to track humans across the Mojave Desert or, maybe, just come when called, call Joe.

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Relocating to Montana in 1993, Joe started working as a volunteer with shelter dogs, the ones nobody wanted, the ones that kept being returned. He was soon helping people with their adopted rescues and became a professional dog trainer with the creation of Querencia Kennels. If you are looking for a dog trainer, read his reviews: Lots of very satisfied dog owners! 

 

In addition to basic obedience, Joe now works with aggressive and reactionary dogs. He is studying working with feral dogs, the fearful rescues from Montana’s Native American reservations, the Rez dogs. He believes that regular on-lead obedience coupled with rules, boundaries, limitations, structure and discipline throughout the day cures all ills. “You have to build trust, create a bond, show kindness and understanding and have lots of patience.” 

 

If you have a dog with issues, call Joe. Your first visit and evaluation are complimentary. Querencia Kennel’s most popular training program is a two-week board and train which lays the foundation for your dog’s continuing education. Your dog will learn all the basic obedience commands and receive e-collar conditioning and reinforcement. Owners are welcome to participate and will learn all the skills and methods they need to continue training their own dog.