Mark Hackathorn - Owner, Master Trainer, CCS,

 

    Mark’s dream of working with dogs began when he selected, trained and worked hunting dogs as a child with his father in Kansas City, MO. The dream continued to grow after Mark was hired as a kennel worker, and three days later promoted to kennel manager,  of the 120 run facility at West Point K-9 Academy in Missouri. During his tenure at West Point, he learned all  phases of dog training from their Master Trainers.

    Over the years he has attended courses under top trainers of Jack Healy's K-9 Command Dog in New York, attended seminars with top trainers at Santa Clara K-9 Academy, and has been privileged to work with top master trainers in Schutzhund and the North American Working Police Dog Association, an association that continues to this day. He also completed PIJAC's certification as a Canine Care Specialist

    His dream found a foundation when Mark founded Tidewater K-9 Academy over 35 years ago in Tidewater, Virginia. He has trained over 22,000 dogs and their humans. In addiction, Mark has taught other dog trainers who have gone on to open their own schools. "Training is your dog's best friend," is Mark’s motto, and his entire philosophy is based around this. A properly trained dog is a happy dog, one which is welcomed in and stays in the family and the community. He believes basic obedience training should be a requirement for pet adoption and ownership. Mark has developed an excellent understanding of canine psychology and behavior, and has modified the ways dogs naturally teach and learn from each other into training techniques that allow humans and dogs to effectively communicate. His approach includes respect and love for dogs and their nature. The dogs sense this and respond positively. Mark can then effectively teach the owner to be the dog's trainer! The results are uniquely designed training programs he calls "The Ultimate in Training".

    Community involvement is also important to Mark. He has donated dogs to corrections facilities and the police force, and has had two trained therapy dogs. Animal Control authorities &  breed rescue organizations frequently consult with Mark to temperament test dogs after biting incidents, and he has testified as an expert witness in several court cases. Most recently he co-founded C.A.R.E.S. - a non- profit organization that will select and train dogs for pet therapy to the elderly.

    Mark and his wife actively breed Goldendoodles which is an F1 hybrid cross between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever, with mom and dad onsite.  Their Goldendoodle, Shenleigh O'Doodle, is quite a star. She has been on TV and in magazines many times and was recently paid to be in a movie. Click on our Goldendoodle site for more information.

    The Hackathorns feed and advocate a raw diet for their dogs.

    Mark has been a guest several times on a local cable program called Critter Corner and on WNIS talk radio. The local newspapers have covered Mark's work in several articles over the years. He has also been the guest (with his dogs) on ABC Family Show, Living the Life, a CBN Production. He dreams now of expanding and continuing to grow and improve the business.

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