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
Awards Won
Dogs Trained
Licensed & Insured
Keynote Speaker
Online Reviews
Clients Love Us
Achievements
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.
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