Staff
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| Frank Bonomo, Head Trainer |
| Mary Travers, PhD, Training & Behavior |
| Brandie Kralstein, Veterinary Technician |
| Dr. Keith Niesenbaum, Staff Veterinarian |
Frank Bonomo has been one of New York’s premier dog
trainers for more than a decade. President and
founder of Best Friends Dog Training (www.
muttmanners.com), as well as owner of the New York
Academy for Dog Trainers (www.nyadt.com), he has not
only trained thousands of dogs, but has also gained a
reputation as “trainer to the trainers” with his
comprehensive New York Academy for Dog Trainers
curriculum.
Frank founded Best Friends Dog Training in 1999 after
completing his initial apprenticeship in obedience and
protection training. He quickly made a name for himself
in the dog training field, both for his ability to take on
“problem dogs” that everyone else had given up on,
and for his unique lifetime training program that
provided one price “lifetime training” for all clients. His
motto “As long as you keep coming, I’ll keep teaching”
earned him numerous regular clients who stuck around
for months and even years, and his weekly group
classes quickly became so popular, he had to expand
both the frequency and geographic reach. Before long,
he was offering three weekly classes at locations
throughout Long Island and Queens.
As his business continued to grow, he expanded his
offerings even further, providing training for residents
of Manhattan, Westchester, Saratoga Springs, New
Jersey and Connecticut - and has even had clients fly
him out to France to do private training work. He has
trained service dogs, rescue dogs and numerous dogs
that were deemed “hopeless,” and is an active
supporter of the Therapy Dog program.
Frank built his business on the idea that trainers need
to continually evolve, and as such, he has studied
virtually every major training methodology. Unlike many
trainers, who take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to dog
training, he believes that there is no one “right” way
to train, but rather, the training method must fit the
individual dog and the dog’s needs, as well as the
handler’s capabilities.
Recognizing that many dog trainers end up trapped in
the “one way only” training rut, he opened the New
York Academy for Dog Trainers, with the goal of
furthering the education of dog trainers from all over
the U.S. To address the needs of new dog trainers, as
well as trainers looking to broaden their training
horizons and grow their businesses, he developed a
comprehensive curriculum covering puppy issues
(housebreaking, teething, socialization), basic dog
behavior, body language and temperament, principles
of obedience and behavior, clicker/marker training,
treat training, leash training, remote training, problem
behaviors and solutions, working dogs/dogs in drive,
health and safety issues, as well as a host of business-
related issues that dog trainers need to be successful
in today’s competitive marketplace.
Frank holds certifications for narcotics and scent-
detection training, has titled dogs in protection sports
and does continuing education on a regular basis at
various locations throughout the U.S. He has authored
a regular column for LongIsland.com and hosts and
assists with seminars for both family pet owners and
Police-Only training seminars. He lives in Bellmore, NY
with his two malinois, Trinity and Taz, and a bichon
named Boomer.
trainers for more than a decade. President and
founder of Best Friends Dog Training (www.
muttmanners.com), as well as owner of the New York
Academy for Dog Trainers (www.nyadt.com), he has not
only trained thousands of dogs, but has also gained a
reputation as “trainer to the trainers” with his
comprehensive New York Academy for Dog Trainers
curriculum.
Frank founded Best Friends Dog Training in 1999 after
completing his initial apprenticeship in obedience and
protection training. He quickly made a name for himself
in the dog training field, both for his ability to take on
“problem dogs” that everyone else had given up on,
and for his unique lifetime training program that
provided one price “lifetime training” for all clients. His
motto “As long as you keep coming, I’ll keep teaching”
earned him numerous regular clients who stuck around
for months and even years, and his weekly group
classes quickly became so popular, he had to expand
both the frequency and geographic reach. Before long,
he was offering three weekly classes at locations
throughout Long Island and Queens.
As his business continued to grow, he expanded his
offerings even further, providing training for residents
of Manhattan, Westchester, Saratoga Springs, New
Jersey and Connecticut - and has even had clients fly
him out to France to do private training work. He has
trained service dogs, rescue dogs and numerous dogs
that were deemed “hopeless,” and is an active
supporter of the Therapy Dog program.
Frank built his business on the idea that trainers need
to continually evolve, and as such, he has studied
virtually every major training methodology. Unlike many
trainers, who take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to dog
training, he believes that there is no one “right” way
to train, but rather, the training method must fit the
individual dog and the dog’s needs, as well as the
handler’s capabilities.
Recognizing that many dog trainers end up trapped in
the “one way only” training rut, he opened the New
York Academy for Dog Trainers, with the goal of
furthering the education of dog trainers from all over
the U.S. To address the needs of new dog trainers, as
well as trainers looking to broaden their training
horizons and grow their businesses, he developed a
comprehensive curriculum covering puppy issues
(housebreaking, teething, socialization), basic dog
behavior, body language and temperament, principles
of obedience and behavior, clicker/marker training,
treat training, leash training, remote training, problem
behaviors and solutions, working dogs/dogs in drive,
health and safety issues, as well as a host of business-
related issues that dog trainers need to be successful
in today’s competitive marketplace.
Frank holds certifications for narcotics and scent-
detection training, has titled dogs in protection sports
and does continuing education on a regular basis at
various locations throughout the U.S. He has authored
a regular column for LongIsland.com and hosts and
assists with seminars for both family pet owners and
Police-Only training seminars. He lives in Bellmore, NY
with his two malinois, Trinity and Taz, and a bichon
named Boomer.
Dr. Mary Travers began her apprenticeship in dog
training in 2002 while completing her second Masters
Degree in Psychology. After completing a one-year
apprenticeship, she began working as a trainer at Best
Friends Dog Training in Bellmore, NY, providing both
one-on-one private training sessions and group classes,
including a special class geared specifically for small
dogs.
She continued to work as a trainer while getting her
PhD in Clinical Psychology at Hofstra University, and
was subsequently named vice president of Best Friends
Dog Training. During her dissertation, which addressed
Learning Behavior in Dogs, she housed more than 40
dogs in her home, including a number of rescue dogs
which she has since found homes for.
Since earning her PhD, she has spoken at various
conferences across the country, including the recent
Annual Association for Behavior Analysis International
Conference in Phoenix, where she presented her work
on The Effects of Reinforcing with Combined Food and
Praise on Eating and Weight Gain in Dogs.
She recently was named president of Best Friends Dog
Training New York City.
Additionally, her passion for teaching led her to
partner with Frank Bonomo on the New York Academy
for Dog Trainers (www.nyadt.com), which educates dog
trainers of the future in a wide variety of training
methodologies, both on and off leash. She currently
shares her home with Belgian Malinois Katana.
training in 2002 while completing her second Masters
Degree in Psychology. After completing a one-year
apprenticeship, she began working as a trainer at Best
Friends Dog Training in Bellmore, NY, providing both
one-on-one private training sessions and group classes,
including a special class geared specifically for small
dogs.
She continued to work as a trainer while getting her
PhD in Clinical Psychology at Hofstra University, and
was subsequently named vice president of Best Friends
Dog Training. During her dissertation, which addressed
Learning Behavior in Dogs, she housed more than 40
dogs in her home, including a number of rescue dogs
which she has since found homes for.
Since earning her PhD, she has spoken at various
conferences across the country, including the recent
Annual Association for Behavior Analysis International
Conference in Phoenix, where she presented her work
on The Effects of Reinforcing with Combined Food and
Praise on Eating and Weight Gain in Dogs.
She recently was named president of Best Friends Dog
Training New York City.
Additionally, her passion for teaching led her to
partner with Frank Bonomo on the New York Academy
for Dog Trainers (www.nyadt.com), which educates dog
trainers of the future in a wide variety of training
methodologies, both on and off leash. She currently
shares her home with Belgian Malinois Katana.
Dr. Keith Niesenbaum attended the University of
Pennsylvania, receiving his BA in Biochemistry in 1979
and his VMD degree in 1984. After graduation, he
worked at several small animal practices before starting
Animal Bedside Care, a veterinary house call practice
on Long Island.
His first hospital was purchased to serve as an inpatient
facility for the house call practice and quickly outgrew
the facility. Dr. Niesenbaum purchased the Crawford
Dog and Cat Hospital in 2002 combined the two
practices in one facility. The current practice is a full
service facility, providing a full spectrum of medical,
surgical, and dental care for dogs and cats. There is
also grooming and boarding available under veterinary
supervision. And, of course, Dr. Niesenbaum still makes
house calls.
Dr. Niesenbaum uses a therapeutic laser and nutritional
supplements to complement traditional medications for
the management of chronic degenerative diseases. He
recently completed a certification course for
regenerative stem cell therapy to treat arthritis in dogs.
When he’s not tending to his many four-legged
patients, Dr. Niesenbaum can be found out and about
training for upcoming triathlon races. Completing an
Ironman race last fall complemented his interest in
performance medicine, pain management, and nutrition.
Pennsylvania, receiving his BA in Biochemistry in 1979
and his VMD degree in 1984. After graduation, he
worked at several small animal practices before starting
Animal Bedside Care, a veterinary house call practice
on Long Island.
His first hospital was purchased to serve as an inpatient
facility for the house call practice and quickly outgrew
the facility. Dr. Niesenbaum purchased the Crawford
Dog and Cat Hospital in 2002 combined the two
practices in one facility. The current practice is a full
service facility, providing a full spectrum of medical,
surgical, and dental care for dogs and cats. There is
also grooming and boarding available under veterinary
supervision. And, of course, Dr. Niesenbaum still makes
house calls.
Dr. Niesenbaum uses a therapeutic laser and nutritional
supplements to complement traditional medications for
the management of chronic degenerative diseases. He
recently completed a certification course for
regenerative stem cell therapy to treat arthritis in dogs.
When he’s not tending to his many four-legged
patients, Dr. Niesenbaum can be found out and about
training for upcoming triathlon races. Completing an
Ironman race last fall complemented his interest in
performance medicine, pain management, and nutrition.
Veterinary Technician Brandie Kralstein began working
with animals at the age of 14, when she interned at Sea
World in Texas, and subsequently attended Sea Camp in
the Florida Keys.
But her love of animals wasn’t just limited to those that
swim; and soon she was working part time in a small pet
shop, which led to a job in a local veterinarian’s office.
It quickly became clear that this was what she was
meant to do, and as she continued her education,
Brandie worked in various animal hospitals on Long
Island, and in Queens and New York City.
In the summer of 2008, she traveled to Utah where she
interned as a veterinarian technician at the country’s
largest non-kill animal sanctuary, Best Friends. A recent
graduate from Medaille College in Buffalo NY, she has
an AS in veterinary technology.
.
with animals at the age of 14, when she interned at Sea
World in Texas, and subsequently attended Sea Camp in
the Florida Keys.
But her love of animals wasn’t just limited to those that
swim; and soon she was working part time in a small pet
shop, which led to a job in a local veterinarian’s office.
It quickly became clear that this was what she was
meant to do, and as she continued her education,
Brandie worked in various animal hospitals on Long
Island, and in Queens and New York City.
In the summer of 2008, she traveled to Utah where she
interned as a veterinarian technician at the country’s
largest non-kill animal sanctuary, Best Friends. A recent
graduate from Medaille College in Buffalo NY, she has
an AS in veterinary technology.
.
| Lorraine Siena Reid, Trainer, CGC and Therapy Dog Prep, Tricks Training & Intro to Skateboarding Workshop |
In February of 2005, Lorraine Siena Reid adopted a two-
year-old Harrier named Yogi who she somehow knew
would change her life. Part of the adoption agreement
required that the dog’s obedience training be
maintained, and as she pursued that training, Lorraine
quickly found that Yogi was not only an excellent
student at obedience – where he quickly garnered his
Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog certifications –
but also had a knack for learning tricks.
Soon, Yogi was winning “Best Tricks” contests for his
skate boarding abilities, and shortly thereafter, he
became a member of animal actors (www.animalactors.
biz/yogi).
Although Lorraine spent the majority of her
professional career as a corporate officer for a
brokerage house, a changing economy convinced her it
was time to retrain for a new career, and the
increasing amounts of time she spent doing training
work made the decision an easy one. She would follow
what had been a passion of hers since childhood and
work with dogs.
She enrolled in the New York Academy for Dog
Trainers, where she worked with rescue dogs, saving
two dogs from being euthanized by rehabilitating them
through training.
Today, she is certified as a First Responder with Noah’s
Wish, an animal welfare organization dedicated
exclusively to rescuing and sheltering animals in
disasters throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is FEMA
certified in disaster response, and holds certifications
in pet CPR and First Aid as well as infant, child, and
adult CPR and First Aid. She has also completed course
work training with dolphins and sea lions.
Lorraine has done freelance training work for Best
Friends Dog Training on Long Island, and is currently
growing her own training business, Happy Paws K-9
Academy, in the Catskill region in upstate New York.
You can visit her website at:
www.HappyPawsK9Academy.com.
year-old Harrier named Yogi who she somehow knew
would change her life. Part of the adoption agreement
required that the dog’s obedience training be
maintained, and as she pursued that training, Lorraine
quickly found that Yogi was not only an excellent
student at obedience – where he quickly garnered his
Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog certifications –
but also had a knack for learning tricks.
Soon, Yogi was winning “Best Tricks” contests for his
skate boarding abilities, and shortly thereafter, he
became a member of animal actors (www.animalactors.
biz/yogi).
Although Lorraine spent the majority of her
professional career as a corporate officer for a
brokerage house, a changing economy convinced her it
was time to retrain for a new career, and the
increasing amounts of time she spent doing training
work made the decision an easy one. She would follow
what had been a passion of hers since childhood and
work with dogs.
She enrolled in the New York Academy for Dog
Trainers, where she worked with rescue dogs, saving
two dogs from being euthanized by rehabilitating them
through training.
Today, she is certified as a First Responder with Noah’s
Wish, an animal welfare organization dedicated
exclusively to rescuing and sheltering animals in
disasters throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is FEMA
certified in disaster response, and holds certifications
in pet CPR and First Aid as well as infant, child, and
adult CPR and First Aid. She has also completed course
work training with dolphins and sea lions.
Lorraine has done freelance training work for Best
Friends Dog Training on Long Island, and is currently
growing her own training business, Happy Paws K-9
Academy, in the Catskill region in upstate New York.
You can visit her website at:
www.HappyPawsK9Academy.com.
| Marcia Boxenbaum, Agility & Rally Obedience |
While many agility instructors are inspired by a love
affair with a high-energy border collie or too much
time spent on the Animal Planet channel, for Marcia
Boxenbaum, it all began on a rainy Saturday afternoon
in 1971 when she first saw the Disney film, “Lady and
the Tramp”. That was the day she decided that one
day, she would have a little female cocker spaniel for
her very own. While her “dream dog’s” name changed a
million times throughout the years, the breed never did
and 21 years later, Molasses, a 14-week-old buff female
cocker spaniel, joined her family.
Much to Molasses’ despair, Oliver, a black and tan male
cocker, was adopted five years later, and while
Molasses preferred the couch potato lifestyle, Oliver’s
anxiety problems required a greater activity level.
Obedience classes soon led to agility classes, and
Oliver quickly found his calling.
Bitten by the agility bug, Marcia and Oliver continued
agility classes and began competing in 2003. They
competed in AKC, NADAC and USDAA where Oliver
earned various Novice titles.
Although her dog was a late bloomer, Marcia had found
her passion, and she began studying agility under top
trainers from all over the East Coast. Before long, she
was working as an assistant agility teacher at Best
Friend’s Dog Training, where she spent several years
learning the “teaching ropes.” In 2005, she became the
primary agility instructor and has since taught all levels
of agility from beginner through advanced.
In 2006 Marcia and Oliver became involved in AKC Rally
Obedience and by 2007 Oliver had earned his Rally
Excellent title.
Although Oliver passed away in March 2008, Marcia is
still actively involved in numerous dog events. She is
currently looking for her next dog.
.
affair with a high-energy border collie or too much
time spent on the Animal Planet channel, for Marcia
Boxenbaum, it all began on a rainy Saturday afternoon
in 1971 when she first saw the Disney film, “Lady and
the Tramp”. That was the day she decided that one
day, she would have a little female cocker spaniel for
her very own. While her “dream dog’s” name changed a
million times throughout the years, the breed never did
and 21 years later, Molasses, a 14-week-old buff female
cocker spaniel, joined her family.
Much to Molasses’ despair, Oliver, a black and tan male
cocker, was adopted five years later, and while
Molasses preferred the couch potato lifestyle, Oliver’s
anxiety problems required a greater activity level.
Obedience classes soon led to agility classes, and
Oliver quickly found his calling.
Bitten by the agility bug, Marcia and Oliver continued
agility classes and began competing in 2003. They
competed in AKC, NADAC and USDAA where Oliver
earned various Novice titles.
Although her dog was a late bloomer, Marcia had found
her passion, and she began studying agility under top
trainers from all over the East Coast. Before long, she
was working as an assistant agility teacher at Best
Friend’s Dog Training, where she spent several years
learning the “teaching ropes.” In 2005, she became the
primary agility instructor and has since taught all levels
of agility from beginner through advanced.
In 2006 Marcia and Oliver became involved in AKC Rally
Obedience and by 2007 Oliver had earned his Rally
Excellent title.
Although Oliver passed away in March 2008, Marcia is
still actively involved in numerous dog events. She is
currently looking for her next dog.
.
| Valerie Stier, Flyball |
Valerie Stier has spent the past four years teaching and
competing in flyball, and she currently teaches flyball
at Doggie U K9 Academy in Bayshore, NY.
Valerie is co-founder and co-captain of Long Island’s
first successful flyball team: Long Island Road Rage. The
team currently has three dogs in the top 10 for their
breeds in flyball. She has trained a variety of breeds –
from papillions to bulldogs – to successfully compete in
flyball. Using positive training methods and
reinforcement, Valerie’s primary focus in training is
building the relationship between the dog and owner,
as all else follows from that.
Valerie’s Australian shepherd Ella plays flyball and
agility, and her Australian Kelpie Mac competes in
agility and is training in flyball. Valerie can be reached
at Vshadrach@aol.com with any questions regarding
flyball and you can check out the team at http://www.
dragonfireagility.com/newer_lirr.htm
competing in flyball, and she currently teaches flyball
at Doggie U K9 Academy in Bayshore, NY.
Valerie is co-founder and co-captain of Long Island’s
first successful flyball team: Long Island Road Rage. The
team currently has three dogs in the top 10 for their
breeds in flyball. She has trained a variety of breeds –
from papillions to bulldogs – to successfully compete in
flyball. Using positive training methods and
reinforcement, Valerie’s primary focus in training is
building the relationship between the dog and owner,
as all else follows from that.
Valerie’s Australian shepherd Ella plays flyball and
agility, and her Australian Kelpie Mac competes in
agility and is training in flyball. Valerie can be reached
at Vshadrach@aol.com with any questions regarding
flyball and you can check out the team at http://www.
dragonfireagility.com/newer_lirr.htm
| Robert Camardello, Guest Lecturer |
Robert Camardello has been an Account Manager with
the Procter & Gamble Pet Care organization for the
past nine years. He began his career in 1986 selling and
distributing specialty market pet foods throughout the
Northeastern U.S. Whether training sales organizations
or speaking at pet industry functions, he has earned a
reputation as an honest expert, able to expose the
good and the bad the industry has to offer.
Find out how to see past deceptive marketing, and gain
a better understanding of dog nutrition, by joining
Robert Camardello on Saturday, September 12, at
Canine Club Getaway.
the Procter & Gamble Pet Care organization for the
past nine years. He began his career in 1986 selling and
distributing specialty market pet foods throughout the
Northeastern U.S. Whether training sales organizations
or speaking at pet industry functions, he has earned a
reputation as an honest expert, able to expose the
good and the bad the industry has to offer.
Find out how to see past deceptive marketing, and gain
a better understanding of dog nutrition, by joining
Robert Camardello on Saturday, September 12, at
Canine Club Getaway.
| Check back often, as we’re still adding staff bios! |
| Canine Club Getaway June 2 - 6, 2010 Lake George, NY Call: 1-888-K9-CLUBG Email: info@CanineClubGetaway.com We Accept Credit Cards! |
