With an impressive 42-year journey in dog training, Alan’s passion for working with dogs began at a young age when he had a pet of his own. Back then, resources were limited, and the internet wasn’t available, making it challenging for him to find information on dog trainers. However, undeterred, he enrolled in a local dog training school with his willful and destructive Lab puppy, Monty, who was only 7 months old at the time.
Alan’s innate understanding of dog behavior quickly became apparent, leading him to become an understudy at the esteemed Braun’s Canine College. Encouraged by his progress and fueled by his passion, Alan established Albree Dog Training in 1982, marking the beginning of his professional journey in dog handling.
Throughout his memorable career, Alan has earned numerous accolades and titles, showcasing his expertise in various disciplines. Among his achievements are AKC Utility Dog (UD) titles with 5 different breeds, multiple High-in-Trial awards, and his participation in the prestigious Gaines Western Regional Obedience Championship in 1985. Embracing new challenges, Alan ventured into Tracking, where he garnered multiple TDX titles from 1985 to 1997.
Seeking to expand his horizons and advance his dog training capabilities, Alan embarked on a fruitful collaboration with Pro K9, working alongside renowned trainers (multiple French Ring Championship titles) Doug White and Janice Howard. In 1999, he immersed himself in the competitive world of French Ring Sport, considered the highest level of police dog training. His dedication and talent shone through as he earned his French Ring titles with his Rottweiler, Gennah and his 3 Belgium Malinois – Arco, Zip & Zara. In 2001, he earned his French ring decoy certification, which he successfully renewed twice within an eight-year period. Notably, in 2009, Alan and his Belgian Malinois, Zip, secured an impressive victory at the North American Ring Sport Grand Championship, an esteemed competition attracting participants from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Throughout his unforgettable career, Alan had the privilege of working with several nationally and internationally ranked trainers, including Judy Howard of Aryidith Dog Training and Gloria McGrath of Sycamore Lanes Dog Training, both United States multi-Championship winners in obedience trial work. Additionally, he had the honor of learning from internationally renowned trainers such as Mr. Camille Tisserand, Mr. Andri Agremont, Mr. Philippe Touy, Mr. Dominique Piton, Mr. Herve Mavuanga and Mr. Laurent Bernard from France. Alan’s exceptional skills in training dogs have been evident as he has successfully titled several different breeds, including the Standard Poodle, Pug, Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, and Belgian Malinois.
Alan’s expertise goes beyond his personal achievements; he takes great joy in imparting his knowledge to his students, guiding them in various areas, such as scent detection, pet therapy, service/assistance, and protection work. Many of his advanced students have achieved national rankings and secured victories in dog training obedience championships. Alan remains actively involved in competitive dog sports and relishes the opportunity to train and prepare his students for success in these arenas.
Alan’s journey in the world of dog training has been one of dedication, perseverance, and passion. With over four decades of experience, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the field, consistently demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the well-being and training of our beloved canine companions.