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Head Trainer / Championship Winning Professional Dog Trainer

John Soares

Whether you are looking for a specialized companion – or simply looking to have your pet trained in Basic Obedience – John and his professional team can help you!

Certified Professional K9 Dog Trainer

John’s introduction to the Dog World started at the age 6, through his uncle, who bred and trained hunting dogs. This exposure at a young age led John to start training dogs himself, learning about different breeds, techniques, and theories of training. In the years following his childhood, John became involved in “specialized dog training,” servicing people wanting a highly trained pet or a family guardian. John’s growth in understanding dogs and training led him to change his carrier path, and become a professional dog trainer, competitor, and handler. (See achievements below).

Since the late 1990’s, John Soares has consistently placed high in many national level championship competitions, which subsequently qualified him to participate in world championships, representing the United States.

His talent and technique earned him prestigious certifications in Europe, where the dog training profession is controlled and regulated. After living in Europe as a professional dog trainer for 4 years, John moved back to USA in 2005.

John’s reputation, unique style, patience, professionalism, and humble approach to dog training prompted many handlers, trainers and hobbyists to come and seek his knowledge and guidance. He is in constant demand to hold seminars in Europe, the USA and Canada, where people wait for him to share his highly developed methods and techniques.

John’s level of experience is not often seen in the unregulated world of dog trainers that exists in the United States. 30 years of owning dogs is not quite the same as 30 years of actively cultivating knowledge and experience in dog training!

Years of Experience

Over 28 years of experience training every breed of dog.

Awards Won

Over 100 awards won between United States and European dog sport competitions.

Dogs Trained

Thousands of dogs trained successfully.

Licensed & Insured

We maintain full insurance and licensing.

Keynote Speaker

Regularly called upon by dog sport clubs and law enforcement agencies for seminars.

Online Reviews

Unfiltered, honest reviews from clients.

Clients Love Us

Many happy client testimonials.

Achievements

John Soares has had the unique opportunity to have lived as a professional dog trainer in both in U.S.A and Europe. His ability has brought him recognition on both continents. He offers his experience as arguably one of most accomplished dog trainers in the world.

John has participated as a team member in six World Championships with two different breeds coming in 4th in Haar, Germany , 7th in Hameenlina, Finland, 6th- 9th in Niewport, Belguim, as a competitor in Slovakia and Hungary. He has Qualified to represent USA in 2001 Slovenia, 2010 Cottbus, Germany, 2011 Rhine, Germany and in 2012 Rome, Italy.

John has earned high honors at national championships in USA, Italy and Switzerland.

World Championships
  • 2012 FCI World Championship competitor in Zalaegererszeg, Hungary
  • 2012 Qualifier for FCI World Championship USA Team (Zalaegerszeg, Hungary)
  • 2012 Qualifier for FMBB USA Team in Italy
  • 2011 Qualifier for FCI USA World Championship Team (Rhine, Germany)
  • 2011 FMBB World Championship placed 9th (450 pts.) (Niewport, Belguim)
  • 2011 FMBB World Cup placed 6th (94, 92, 94) (Niewport, Belguim)
  • Team USA placed 2nd overall at 2011 FMBB World Championship… Highest placing ever for USA
  • 2011 Qualifier for FMBB World Championship USA Team in Belguim
  • 2010 FCI World Championship in Hameenlina, Finland-7th place
  • 2010 FCI IPO World Championship USA placed 3rd overall as a team
  • 2008 Masters World Dog Sport SchH Tournament for German Shepherd Dogs Competitor
  • 2005 IDC IPOIII World Championship 4th place (Germany)
  • 2004 IDC IPO World Championship 96 pts. Obedience (Slovakia)
  • 2004 IDC IPO World Championship 95 pts. Protection (Slovakia)
  • 2002 IDC IPO World Championship Team Captain (Czech Rep.)
  • 2001 Qualifier for FCI USA Team (Slovenia)
National Championships
  • 2021 AWMA IPG national Championship 7th Place (Fredericksburg, Pa)

  • 2018 Northeast UScA Regional Championship. 2nd Place (Martin’s burg, WV)

  • 2018 DVG IPG National Championship 3rd Place (Little Rock, Arkansas)

  • 2012 AWDF IPO National Championship in Plainfield, Indiana 1st Place 100, 96, 96

  • 2011 AWDF IPO Championship in Bowlin Green, Kentucky 5th place
  • 2011 AWMA IPO National Championship in Leland, III- 2nd place
  • 2010 AWMA IPO National Championship in Lehigh Valley, Pa -1st place 99,97,98
  • 2010 AWDF IPO National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana – 1st Place 99, 97, 97
  • 2009 AWMA Championship (Plant city, Florida) 6th place: 76, 94, 97
  • 2008 AWMA Championships IPOIII (Olympia, WA) 88 Tracking • 94 Obedience • 97 Protection
  • 2006 AWDF IPOIII Championship Competitor
  • 2005 FCI SAS IPO National Championship 6th place(Switzerland)
  • 2005 FCI SAS IPO National Championship High in Obedience (Switzerland)
  • 2004 AIAD IPO National Champion (Italy)
  • 2004 AIAD IPO National Championship High in Tracking (Italy)
  • 2004 AIAD IPO National Championship High in Obedience (Italy)
  • 2004 AWDF IPOII Champion (USA)
  • 2003 DPCA IPOIII National Champion (USA)
  • 2002 DPCA IPOIII National Champion (USA)
  • 2001 UDC IPOIII National Champion (USA)
  • 2001 UDC IPOIII National Championship High in Tracking (USA)
  • 2001 UDC IPOIII National Championship High in Obedience(USA)
  • 2001 UDC IPOIII National Championship High in Protection (USA)
  • 2001 AWDF IPOIII Vice Champion (USA)
Regional Championships
  • 2008 New England Regional Schutzhund Championships (Gardener, MA) SchHIII competitor earning 98 Obedience, 94 Protection
  • 2005 Northeastern Regional SchH3 Champion (USA)
  • 2009 New England Regional Championships (Averill Park, NY) 2nd Place; 98 Tracking • 95 Obedience • 94 Protection
  • 2009 Northeast Regional Championships (Mt. Airy, MD) 3rd Place; 95 Tracking • 91 Obedience • 95 Protection
  • 2005 Chiaravalle German Shepherd Regional SchHIII Championship (Italy)
  • 2000 Northeast Regional SchHI Champion (USA)
Additional International Experience
  • Qualified for Italian SchH German Shepherd Championships (Italy)
  • 2012 Qualifier for FMBB USA Team in Italy
  • 2011 AWMA IPO National Championship in Leland, III- 2nd place
  • 2011 Qualifier for FCI USA World Championship Team (Rhine, Germany)
  • 2011 FMBB World Championship placed 9th (450 pts.) (Niewport, Belguim)
  • 2011 FMBB World Cup placed 6th (94, 92, 94) (Niewport, Belguim)
  • Team USA placed 2nd overall at 2011 FMBB World Championship… Highest placing ever for USA
  • 2011 Qualifier for FMBB World Championship USA Team in Belguim
  • 2010 FCI IPO World Championship in Hameenlina, Finland
  • 2010 FCI IPO World Championship USA placed 3rd overall as a team
  • 2010 Qualifier for FCI USA Team (Hameenlinna, Finland)
  • 2010 Qualifier for the FMBB World Championship USA Team (Cottbus, Germany)
  • Italy World Team IPO Qualifier 2005 (France)
  • IDC IPO World Championship Competitor 2005 (Germany)
  • IDC IPO World Championship Competitor 2004 (Slovakia)
  • IDC IPO World Championship Team Captain 2002 (Czech Republic)
  • USA World Team IPO Qualifier 2001 (Slovenia)
  • Qualified for world teams with three different dogs
Judging
  • Working Judge, certified by the Federation American Bulldog
  • Former Working Dog Sport judge (AKC)
Training Director Positions
  • Training director position in USA (Alpha Schutzhund Club)
  • Training director position in Europe (Zebul Club)
  • Training director position in USA (Tri-State Doberman Club)
  • Training director position in USA (North Jersey Dog Sport Club)
  •  2008-2009 UDC National Training director
  •  2007-2008 DPCA National Training Director
  •  2006-2008 UDC National Training Director
Certified Helper
  • 2009 Certified Helper, Belgian Malinois (FCI – Italy)
  • 2009 Certified Regional Level Helper (USA)
  • Helper and handler in Schutzhund/IPO
  • Decoy and handler in French Ring
  • FCI helper (certified in Europe)
  • 2009 AWMA Championships * Helpers’ Choice Award
  • 2008 AWMA Championships * Helpers’ Choice Award
  • 2005 FCI Helper Certification (Italy) – out of 89 applicants, 6 were certified
Law Enforcement
  • USPCA (United States Police Canine Association) member
  • Personal protection and police decoy
  • Numerous police K9 seminars and training on state and local levels.
The above was accomplished with five different dogs of three different breeds (two Dobermans, two German Shepherd Dogs and one Malinois) at regional, national and international competitions throughout the U.S. and Europe. At a local level, an estimated 18 dogs have been trained and titled, some from BH through SchH/IPOIII. The following are most recently titled by John (BH – SchH lll/IPOlll):

Seen on:

John Soares K9 Training, LLC Reviews

Susan ManalioSusan Manalio
12:03 17 Jul 23
My 7-month-old White GSD Star, just returned from her 4-week board and train with John. What an amazing difference in her obedience. I worked with her since she was 8 weeks old to build a good foundation but started struggling with her on-leash training as she got older. She was also extremely mouthy when taking her collars on and off, which had to change. John’s ability to evaluate, read and work with dogs is second to none. To say the results of my expectations were unmatched, is an understatement. Every week I was sent updates, videos, and pictures on how Star was doing. During these 4 weeks I missed her terribly, but I knew she was in the best of hands. Upon her return I participated in the first of 4 training sessions which were included in her board and train. John taught me, as the handler, how to work with Star with the training tools specific to her. She now walks beautifully on-leash and does not react when I pull her collars on and off. She is also more focused on me and does what I ask her to do regarding obedience. John has a deep passion for training and endless patience when showing handlers (no matter what level) how to work with their newly trained dog. I found John by accident when I was looking for additional training for my last WGSD 10 years ago. I loved his style and how he worked with people as well as dogs, he has a deep compassion for both. I am looking forward to when Star is old enough, when John will re-evaluate her to attend off-leash training at his board and train facility. I HIGHLY recommend John as a trainer; he is the best of the best, and I feel grateful and fortunate to have had this opportunity to work with him and I look forward to continuing with John.
Ray WhiteRay White
15:23 14 Jul 23
I highly recommend John Soares K9 Training. John did a great job achieving our objectives with our Doberman, who was previously very reactive and difficult to walk. After just a few weeks of training, our dog is now able to stay focused on us in complex and challenging environments, and walking is now super easy with no pull or distractions.I was particularly impressed with John's patience and understanding. He was always willing to answer our questions and help us understand what we needed to do to continue training our dog. He also took the time to teach us how to prevent our dog from becoming reactive in the future.I believe that the investment in John's training was well worth it. Our dog is now a much better household member, and we are all much happier. I would definitely do it again with any other dog we may get in the future.Here are some key points from my experience with John Soares K9 Training:* John is a highly experienced and knowledgeable dog trainer.* He is patient, understanding, and fun to work with.* He teaches you how to prevent your dog from becoming reactive in the future.* The investment in his training is well worth it.If you are looking for a dog trainer who can help you achieve your training goals, I highly recommend John Soares K9 Training.
Andrew SAndrew S
14:39 11 May 23
John has a rare gift with dogs, and besides immense experience he has an innate talent in being able to translate his gift into real results.Through my own interactions and experience with John, I know for certain that he is also a man of great honor and integrity.He's a straight talker who will tell you from the start what can and can't be achieved, rather than give false promises.These qualities all make him your only choice in what is otherwise a sea mediocre and inexperienced K9 trainers out there.
Jeff ScottJeff Scott
19:22 07 Apr 23
Absolutely the most knowledgeable, and professional dog trainer you will ever meet.
Marvin CarpenterMarvin Carpenter
00:45 30 Mar 23
I’m so glad that my wife and I decided to go with John Soares K9 Training, the results were life changing. Our Doberman is a total different dog after spending four-weeks with John and his staff at his board & train facility. We were provided with video’s throughout her training and were impressed with her progress. Nova’s transformation was amazing, the training has blended perfectly into our daily lives. It was one of the best decisions my wife and I made to get Nova the professional training that she much needed. In addition, the four follow-up sessions were geared to train us humans on how to handle a well behave and trained dog. Thank you John, we are totally happy with the results and we highly recommend your board and train program (Obedience & Off-Leash) to family and friends.
Tina AlvesTina Alves
02:38 08 Oct 21
I am grateful to have found John to help me with my 18 month old doberman. Not only is John an expert in understanding how this breed thinks but he took the time to get to know my dog’s specific temperament and personality. The 4-week board and train program was definitely worth it because he helped me get to a better place with my pet by teaching me about the importance of tone of voice when giving a command, leash pressure, and timing of corrections. I feel more confident and in control as a handler. The follow up sessions were key to better understanding how to manage his dog reactivity. Thank you for all your help, I really appreciate it!
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Call: (973) 506-4644

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