PAWS

Welcome to my Biography Page.

My name is Mark D. Ronnfeldt and I would like to give you an opportunity to get to know me better. I moved to Phoenix in 1984 but that isn't really where the story begins. I grew up and was raised most of my life in Illinois. I was currently living in Peoria in 1981. At that time, I had the distinct privilege of hiring Roy Mashney of Nu Dog Training Center, to train me, to train my dog. By the end of the year, I was hooked. Everything about training fascinated me. By Christmas, I had bought, my first well trained (like a clock), obedience dog and wonderful companion, a Doberman, from Roy. His name was Baron. Not that I didn't already have a dog I loved, a German Shepherd, but this was like going form a bicycle to a Formula 1 Racer. In retrospect, the German Shepherd was pretty good. It wasn't the dog that was the problem. I didn't know how to raise a dog and properly train him. Baron had been properly raised and trained and all I had to do, at the time, was learn how to "drive him".

Mark "Dragon" Ronnfeldt

Thanks to Roy's patience, knowledge, and expertise, I, in time, learned as much as I could about dogs, behavior, and training. I benefited from Roy's instruction over the next 2 years. As I mentioned earlier, I moved to Phoenix in 1984 and promptly went to work with a local dog training academy. I spent the next year honing my skills seeing clients. I started to apply all I had learned while in Illinois as well as I realized I wanted to make a career from helping people, help their dogs. In 1985, I established P.A.W.S. Dog Training Academy, which stands for Pet Awareness Wins Satisfaction. I believed then, as I do now, that it was only through the education of the pet owner could true results be achieved.

I also believe that a dog should be an asset to his home and community, not a liability, and set out to help owners achieve their goals through individual training. Over the past several years I have pursued my original goals to help pet owners and give service to the community. I have worked with Maricopa County Rabies and Animal Control, assisting their officers with training for public relations work as well as training specialty dogs to be placed in nursing homes as therapy dogs. In 1989 I did a videotape program for Mesa Police Department on Dog Psychology and Officer Safety. I have authored several articles for Pet Talk Magazine, Canine Concepts, and K-9 Council, as well as being quoted in national publications. I have been honored with the privilege of receiving a Volunteer Of The Year Award from the Animal Benefits Club, An Outstanding Contributor Award from Desert Valley Doberman Club, as well as receiving The Louis Doberman Award from Canyon State Doberman Club three years in a row. I have been past President of Canyon State Doberman Club and past President and Vice President of the Arizona Dog Council. I have appeared on television and have done interviews concerning dog issues with KFYI and KMLE radio. When Maricopa County conducted their Pet Overpopulation Task Force, I was appointed to Chair the Behavioral Materials Development Committee. I have worked with U.S. military personnel at Luke Air Force Base with a Government Civilian Service Contract. I have also trained dogs to over 50 A.K.C. Obedience titles, including numerous High In Trial, High Combined and placement awards as well as helped countless pets adjust and fit into their home environment.

I have found this chosen profession to be very gratifying and rewarding. I feel good when frustrated pet owners reestablish a relationship with an unruly pet. I want people to feel good about their dogs. I look forward to continuing to give service to the average pet owner, the competition oriented owner, and our community. Sincerely,
Mark D. Ronnfeldt