Meet the trainers
Hedy Starr - Owner and Lead Trainer
Hedy’s experience with dog training spans more than fifteen years. She started competing and titling with her first dog, Coaty, at thirteen years old and has progressed to training dogs for sports, narcotics detection for police work, service animals, and behavior challenges. Hedy’s degree in animal science and behavior has given her the ability to truly understand the needs of her canine clients.
Hedy’s success is evident in her own dogs. Thelion, Hedy’s service dog, also competes regularly in nose work, agility, and obedience. Neverender, her Malinois, competes in French Ring and is also a trained narcotics detection dog. Hedy’s knowledge and experience help her to bond with her clients, both canine and human, and help create lasting partnerships for them.
Arik Engstrom - Manager and Trainer
Arik's interest in dog training began seven years ago, but he did not pursue it until the need for his own service dog arose. Working with his Xoloitzcuintle, Taika, he developed his passion for training dogs, and has been mentoring under Hedy since. What started strictly as one dog for service work has expanded into a love for dog sports, and all of his Xoloitzcuintle perform in Rally, Scent Work, Agility, and Conformation. His Malinois compete in scentwork and French Ring. Arik's goal is to help people form stronger connections and communication with their dogs.
Madison - Kennel Tech
Madison is our social media manager, upcoming trainer, and kennel tech. Maddie's pups are Orion the cattle dog mix, and Forest the American Foxhound.
Seth - Kennel Tech
Seth is one of our kennel techs, and a decoy in training. Self-proclaimed "cat person," but his favorite breed of dog is the German Shepherd Dog.
Linda - Office Manager
Linda is our resident office manager and dog enthusiast! Linda's pup is Baxter, the boxer.
Mark - Kennel Attendant
Mark is one of our daycare attendants. Mark has grown up with his family's Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Jolee - Kennel Attendant
Jolee previously interned with us through BOCES, and we were happy to welcome her back as an employee! She is a kennel tech and upcoming trainer. Jolee has a golden retriever named Iris, and her German Shepherd Sasha.