James Kohout - Certified Professional Trainer (CPT), Owner & CEO of Canine Manners
Born and raised in Clarence, New York, James always had a love for all animals at a young age. He pursued his dream at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he studied Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Pursuing his goal to become a veterinarian, James found his passion for veterinary care had subsided when he adopted his first dog, Tobias James. Rescued from a pit fighting ring and used as a bait dog, he realized his passion and devoted the next years to furthering his education. Once leaving college and moving to Akron, Ohio, James enrolled in Animal Behavior College (A.B.C.) where he furthered his education. Through the course James realized that the method of treats did not fix behaviors, but actually made some things worse. He pursued more education at National K-9 School for Dog Trainers where he recieved certification in many areas of professional dog training from puppy developement and temperament testing to search and rescue, police K-9 and service dogs.
James owns 4 dogs (3 of which are used for training), a horse and a cat. Adelaide and Dexter are currently used for socialization, aggressive dog training and demonstration. Baron is pursuing a career in drug detection and should be ready for home, school and business searches in about six months. Toby, due to a neurological disorder has since been retired. The horse, Sammy, is a 17 year old American Paint and is great with all ages. He will hopefully become a therapy horse for children. Katniss, the cat, has a sassy personality, but has done extremely well in adding planned "distractions" for residency dogs as well as being integrated within the Canine Manners' pack. Our team is ready to meet and greet you!
James has been certified through National K-9 School for Dog Trainers, was a member of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce (2012) and Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (I.A.C.P.). After his involvement in "The Dutch Case" in Montrose, Colorado, James is now recognized through the United States Supreme Court as an expert in dog behavior. His certifications include: Puppy Development, Basic/Advance Obedience, Police K-9, Tracking, Scent Detection, Behavior Modification, and Personal Protection. Through over 8 years of training, James has worked with over 4,000 dogs including different breeds, personalities and behaviors.
James owns 4 dogs (3 of which are used for training), a horse and a cat. Adelaide and Dexter are currently used for socialization, aggressive dog training and demonstration. Baron is pursuing a career in drug detection and should be ready for home, school and business searches in about six months. Toby, due to a neurological disorder has since been retired. The horse, Sammy, is a 17 year old American Paint and is great with all ages. He will hopefully become a therapy horse for children. Katniss, the cat, has a sassy personality, but has done extremely well in adding planned "distractions" for residency dogs as well as being integrated within the Canine Manners' pack. Our team is ready to meet and greet you!
James has been certified through National K-9 School for Dog Trainers, was a member of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce (2012) and Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (I.A.C.P.). After his involvement in "The Dutch Case" in Montrose, Colorado, James is now recognized through the United States Supreme Court as an expert in dog behavior. His certifications include: Puppy Development, Basic/Advance Obedience, Police K-9, Tracking, Scent Detection, Behavior Modification, and Personal Protection. Through over 8 years of training, James has worked with over 4,000 dogs including different breeds, personalities and behaviors.
Adelaide Marie - Socialization and Aggression Expert
Adelaide Nykole was born December 21st, 2010 and was brought into the pack in the spring of 2011. Adelaide is a black and tan Coonhound mix with a very calm and relaxed personality. She loves people and dogs of all ages. She is used as a tool to help with aggressive dog behavior due to her non-response to any type of growling or snapping. She is also used for socialization of shelter dogs, shy dogs and for puppy development.
Adelaide has taken over the roll of pack leader and controls the pack in her own way. In the future she will be used as a service dog and for demonstration and therapy work.
Adelaide has taken over the roll of pack leader and controls the pack in her own way. In the future she will be used as a service dog and for demonstration and therapy work.
Dexter Jade - Socialization Expert
Dexter Jade aka "Freaky Friday" was born August 3, 2011. He is known as a Pocket Bully and is a part of the ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club). James aquired him through Living On the Edge Kennels, where I trained his father, Friday, as a show dog. The runt of the litter, he was given to Canine Manners by the owners to provide him with a life of training and socialization. When he first arrived at Canine Manners he was the same size as my tea-cup chihuaha, Macy, weighing in at only about 3 pounds. Since then he has grown into the handsome man he is today, and although little, he weighs in at a whopping 50 pounds.
He is currently being trained in therapy and service dog work and is used as James' demo dog and socilization expert. Dexter also adds a great planned "distraction" for public trains and has been used to help dogs with aggression behavior.
He is currently being trained in therapy and service dog work and is used as James' demo dog and socilization expert. Dexter also adds a great planned "distraction" for public trains and has been used to help dogs with aggression behavior.
Baron Von Shadow Fox - K-9 Unit
Baron von Shadow Fox was born December 28th, 2009. Baron is a purebread German Shepherd who is currently being trained in drug detection. He came into the pack from a client who could just not handle his size. At the time we had the perfect dog up for adoption and we traded! It was the best choice we both could have made and both dogs have settled into their new homes.
He will be a part of the Canine Manners K-9 Unit used to scent drugs in your home, school or workplace. His training will take about 6 months so keep checking back to see when he will be ready!
He will be a part of the Canine Manners K-9 Unit used to scent drugs in your home, school or workplace. His training will take about 6 months so keep checking back to see when he will be ready!
Tobias James - Retired Specialty K-9
Tobias James was born March 15, 2006. Toby is an American Staffordshire/Pit Bull mix and was rescued in Connecticut from being a bait dog for pit fighting. He is the dog James took to National K-9. He is trained in basic/advanced obedience (on/off leash), Police K-9, Tracking, Scent Detection, Utility, Service work and therapy. He has also received his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate. Toby has since been retired since he is battling a neurological disorder. Because of Toby, James was insprired to become a certified professional trainer.
Katniss - Distraction
Katniss is a "one of a kind" cat! She was the only kitten out of many that was captured on a clients property. Many feral cats dropped over 12 kittens and Kat was the only one that was captured. We brought her back to the farm where she settled in quite nicely. In the beginning, she was terrified of dogs, but once introduced to many different personalities and breeds she grew to love them all. She will pick and choose who she will torment and from what we have seen, chooses very wisely. She has settled in as a great distraction and you can view her in action in the gallery tab!
Sammy - Distraction/Therapy
Sammy is a 17 year old American Paint who was aquired from a client. He was in need of some attention as he has a neck "issue". Unfortunately, the owner went ill and was not able to ride and massage the horse on a daily basis. Sammy came to the Canine Manners' family in the summer of 2012 and has added a great distraction and well as fun for all. He is great with all ages and has been socialized very well with dogs. Come to the farm to meet him and bring your dog to socialize!