| Shawna Swanson Owner/Trainer |
| Private and group obedience lessons for all breeds and all ages of dogs! |
| Contact us: 623-694-9094 |
| Maverick Dog Training |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| About us... |
| My name is Shawna Swanson, and I established Maverick Dog Training in 1997. For 2 years prior to that, I apprenticed with Lori Milroy of All American Academy of Dog Training and was a District Training Manager for Animal Behavior & Training Associates (the company that trains through Petco stores). I began Maverick Dog Training as a hobby business in hopes of helping owners understand their dogs, enjoy their time with them, teach them basic commands, and solve behavior problems. I got my first Rottweiler, Maverick, in 1994 and began training with him immediately (a MUST with the breed and strongly recommended with ALL dogs!) -- he was a fast learner and a joy to work with! I competed with him at a couple AKC obedience trials and got one leg of his CD (Companion Dog) before deciding that competition wasn't for me (at that time!). I dabbled in agility, protection, and tracking with him, but mainly focused on creating a pet that was comfortable in all situations and well behaved around all types of people and animals. I fostered many rescue Rottweilers over the next ten years, doing some basic training with all of them, and also opened up my home to a stray Chow Chow, Destiny. In 2001, I was offered an incredible opportunity to live overseas in Eritrea (Eastern Africa) for six months to do administrative work for a "seawater farm" and to integrate dogs into their security program on the farm...I had a friend stay with Destiny and took Maverick with me. It was an incredible experience for both Maverick and me, and when I came home I had a puppy that I'd helped raise over there shipped to me. Panza is now 8 years old and enjoying her life in the United States! Unfortunately, I lost Maverick to cancer in October 2002 - a devastating loss for me, but a loss that opened up a new chapter in my life. After an intense search for a new pup to try and live up to Maverick's legend in my life, I finally found my new canine soul mate -- Legend came home in April 2003 and found his way right into my heart. He also led me to my new passion -- dog shows! I train and have competed with Legend in AKC and UKC conformation, Seiger conformation, AKC obedience, agility, and Rally obedience, some Schutzund (tracking and obedience), carting, herding, and tracking. He is also a registered therapy dog and is an air-scent Search and Rescue dog. In June 2008, I brought a new pup into my house...her name is Rory and she is a female Pharaoh Hound. I am competing with Rory currently in AKC conformation, obedience, Rally, & Lure Coursing and plan to compete with her in herding and carting soon! With the addition of Rory (and the sad departure of Destiny in December 2008 at 13 years old), my animal family now totals 3 dogs and 2 cats. Although I compete with my own dogs, and I am more than happy to teach others what I have learned when it comes to competition, my main focus for Maverick dog training is basic pet obedience -- just helping people live in harmony with their dogs and getting the most out of that relationship. |
| Check out our Facebook page for updates on classes and other dog events! |
| Classes starting SOON - click here to register!!! |
