AYP Pack

You don’t have to be RUFF to teach your dog stuff

Denisa “Dee” Canales Hoult is certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), an international testing and certification program for professional pet dog trainers. The CCPDT's certification program is based on humane, force-free training practices and the

latest scientific knowledge related to dog training. Competence and continued growth in training practices is promoted through the recertification of qualified professionals every three years. Denisa is one of only two trainers in Miami-Dade with this particular credential and holds her trainers to the same standards she sets for herself.

Denisa is also :

• A professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
• A Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
• A Licensed Dogs & Storks Presenter
• Founder of the South Florida Dog Trainers Network Group

Denisa currently serves as:

• CEO (Canine Executive Officer!) for Applause Your Paws, Inc.
• Director of the South Florida Veterinary Foundation
• Head trainer for Paws 4 You Rescue, Inc.
• Instructor for the New Horizons Service Dog Prison Pups Program
• An Animal Behavior College Mentor Trainer

Educational Background:

• Bachelors of Science, Marine Science & Biology (double major), University of Miami
• Masters in Business Administration, International Business, University of Miami

Denisa has been involved in Miami-Dade’s animal community for nine years through her involvement in with multiple animal organizations including Paws 4 You Rescue. She frequently offers training advice to those who adopt a rescued dog to ensure a smooth transition for both people and dogs into their new relationship. Since becoming a full time, professional trainer, Denisa has trained over 550 dogs including a variety of breeds -- from smallest to largest, happy-go-lucky to downright aggressive.

For fun Denisa does agility with her Border Collie mix Zoe, and teaches Oxford, her Yellow Labrador and certified therapy dog, tricks. Her newest addition to the family, Marty McFly, is learning to play frisbee in hopes of future disc dog competitions. In her free time, Dee freelance writes for DogsAreOK magazine as well as other local publications.

Joanne Ongsitco joined the AYP team in the spring of 2010. Without Joanne, AYP couldn’t run as efficiently. As Office Manager and Assistant to the Doggie Deeva, Joanne is responsible for confirming upcoming lessons, answering questions from prospective clients and monitoring the main lines (both phone and e-mail) of AYP. Joanne is also responsible for updating the website with current information, keeping our tweeps on twitter and users on Facebook informed of our current events, group classes, and also handles the really “fun” stuff like finances. Joanne is a student at the University of Miami. We like to think we hired her because of her mad skills, love for orange and green and sweet nature, but maybe also because she has a high tolerance for animal hair! Joanne diligently fulfills her duties as office gura on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She is the proud pet parent to a Bichon named Chami and an English Bulldog named Lucy. Joanne often doubles as a mid day dog walker for the dogs of the Deeva. Yes, the picture to the right is one we stole of Joanne off of her Facebook. How long do you think it will take her to notice? We loved this picture of her because she is always rocking out to her iPod --love the headphones, Joanne. Basically, Joanne is awesome. From bringing in the mail to keeping track of all the group class rosters, we couldn’t do what we do (help dog owners) without her helping us. Thank you Joanne!

Amaris Hess Garneau is far from a novice when it comes to training dogs and animals. Originally from Arlington, Virginia, Amaris started her career in animal training with equines. Amaris is currently working towards a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. When she’s not hitting up the library you can find her at the stable with her horse “Vinny” or at South Miami Hospital volunteering alongside her rescue dog “Rascal,” a certified therapy dog. Amaris and “Rascal” believe deeply in the healing power of animals and has dedicated much of her academic writing to fostering the belief that there is an untapped resource in dogs to assist in the counseling and rehabilitation of victims of emotional trauma. Amaris is i

inspired mostly by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, one of the world’s most renowned positive reinforcement behaviorists and veterinarians. Amaris brings not only a positive attitude to the AYP team but hundreds of hours of training dogs professional in a group environment. Many of the dog owner’s she’s instructed have their dogs move on to become Canine Good Citizen and registered therapy dogs. Amaris is dedicated to using positive reinforcement training to achieve training success for owners as well as happy, willing to work dogs. In addition to her Arabian horse Vinny and her Therapy Dog Rascal, she shares her home with Cookie Monster the Blue & Yellow Macaw, as well as Mackenzie the English Springer Spaniel, Low Jack the Mini Poodle and a bunny rabbit.

Yes, you read it correctly. We have a dog trainer on our staff named Mike Vick! But don’t worry, he’s nothing like the infamous man we’ve all become too familiar with. In fact, that Mike Vick gave our Mike Vick a bad name! Ours is the “original,” and absolutely loves dogs! After mentoring under the Doggie Deeva since December 2010, Mike is the newest addition to the AYP team. Mike is an Animal Behavior College graduate and has been nothing less than a straight A student. Originally from Miami, Mike is a third generation farm boy. But after a long career in agriculture and tree farming, Mike wanted to learn all he could about dogs so that he could follow his heart and do what he is most passionate about --working with dogs & people. When he’s not training dogs he enjoys SCUBA diving, fishing, and other outdoor activities. He is also a licensed Pilot. Mike has been donating a lot of his time since December 2010 to work with Paws 4 You Rescue’s “Baxter,” the large black Lab pictured above (who is still in need of a home!). Because of Mike’s kind, gentle and patient spirit (plus some serious determination!) Baxter has gone from a growly snappy beast to an absolute lover. Because of Mike, Baxter is finally ready to find his forever home. Mike’s greatest accomplishment, however, is his three grown kids -- who are still his entire universe. Mike currently has a Chihuahua named Buddy and two cats (Marley and Black Kitty). Mike is inspired by R+ trainers such as Victoria Stilwell and the dedicated trainers who work effortlessly at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

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