Business Profile: S.R. Dog Training, Somers
Somers resident Steve Reid has a straight forward mission for his new business, S. R. Dog Training LLC. “Changing the World for Dogs” is the philosophy of the business.
S. R. Dog Training helps owners deal with such issues with their dogs as aggression, behavior management, puppy training, housetraining, fear and phobia, and off leash obedience.
Reid visits a home or other locations sought by his customers. He said he did not want to set up an office for his training services. “It creates an artificial environment,” he said. “It helps to go to them.”
Reid’s love of dogs began as a youth when he owned a golden retriever. Not only does he want to assist owners to train their dogs, he wants to save dogs from being put to death unnecessarily.
For the past two years, Reid has been a volunteer with the Putnam Humane Society in Carmel. He began his volunteer work while he was working as a certified strength and conditioning specialist who both taught and coached children between the ages of three and 18 in public and private school. He was also a trainer of professionals in a variety of fields. His previous experience has been beneficial in his new career, Reid said. “It’s helpful to have that background,” he said.
His volunteer work influenced his decision to create his dog training business, Reid said. During his first year as a volunteer dog walker, Reid did research on the dog shelter system in America and studied dog training styles.
According to Reid, four million dogs are killed annually in shelters in the United States. Reid is working to prevent and repeal legislation that bars ownership of specific dog breeds. As stated on his business’ Web site, Reid has been “brining awareness of how pit bulls and other so called ‘dangerous breeds’ can be great pets when in the hands of compassionate and responsible owners.”
He said he is working with the Humane Society to save dogs. “They can have a loving home,” he stressed.
Reid has advice for dog owners. “Number one, have a positive relationships and rapport with the dog,” he said. His philosophy is to use fair, balanced and safe training methods to improve behavioral problems without being harsh or abusive.
“I want to show the world that archaic training methods that use harsh corrections are not necessary; and that there is a more effective, safe, and fair style of dog training to use,” Reid said. “This will help dog and owner to live a happy life together without all the stress, frustration and worry that accompany so many dog owning families.”
Reid said he is working to publicize the abuses that take place in puppy mills and pet stores that sell puppy mill dogs.
Aside from offering his professional services, Reid also accepts questions about dog training on his Web site. Also on the site, you can sign up for the company’s free newsletter.
“I want to make the world better for dogs in any way that I can,” Reid said.
For more information about S. R. Dog Training, send an e-mail to steve@srdogtraining.com, call 914-774-7654 or visit srdogtraining.com.