Ian Stone
You could say I got my start when I was a kid and my best pal was my Chow Chow, Hotai. That was the beginning of a long love affair with dogs.
I got my professional start in 2010. Having left the teaching profession, I started conducting dog training classes at the local big box store. That was a safe, risk-free environment to get my feet wet in, AND I LOVED IT.
As word got out, classes picked up until it became a crucible, honing my skills with dog after dog after dog. At one point during the summer I was doing 17 classes a week!
Thus, within a few years my passion, experience, and knowledge grew beyond the bounds of what I could do in that setting. It became stifling.
And so, it was hasta la vista, baby!
I had already been blogging about dogs and dog training since 2011 under the name simpawtico, so it was a natural progression to develop that into a fully-armed and operational battle station!
Simpawtico Dog Training was officially opened in late Fall of 2015.
Listen: everybody wants to do something in their life that makes a difference. Helping dogs grow, love, and be loved more fully by their people is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. And I get to do it over and over and over. It means the world to me.
- Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Shelter Behavior Affiliate (SBA) by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) by the Certifying Council of Professional Dog Trainers.
- Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) by the Family Dog Mediation Education Center.
- PetTech certified instructor for Pet CPR/First Aid.
- AKC-certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
- Master’s Degree in teaching from Southern Oregon University.
- Professional Premium member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
- Currently the Canine Behavior and Training Manager at the Chemung County Humane Society and SPCA.
- Volunteer consultant for Rainbow of Hope Animal Rescue and Stray Haven Humane Society and SPCA.
- I’m married to a ridiculously awesome woman and we live in upstate New York. This, in addition to working with dogs, AND doing art? I am one lucky guy.
We absolutely adore Ian! His understanding and patience is unmet. We signed up for one dog and he was so patient and loving when our other dogs wanted to intrude on the session. 🙂 10/10 recommend! We will be doing additional training to build upon the skills we have acquired.
Ian is a phenomenal trainer! I had the pleasure of working with him, I learned so much from Ian. I recommend Ian to everyone that is looking for a quality dog trainer.
Co-conspirators
Olive
Olive is our 8 year old Boston Terrier. She was found as a stray, and when her original owner was located and didn't want her, she went into the shelter system. When we saw her, we knew she had to come home with us. She's spunky and curious with big shoes to fill, but she's rising to the challenge in her own, awesome way. Known aliases: Little Ms. Oyl, Lt. Trouble, Spider Monkey.
Wednesday
Wednesday is our 7 year-old Bulldog mix, and she's an AKC Community Good Citizen (CGCA). She was originally an impound transport from Rochester that was brought down to the Chemung County SPCA where I saw her. I'll be honest: it only took ten minutes with her to fall in love. She's curious, affectionate, and an easy-going little cuddle bug. Known aliases: Wonzo, Wenzee, Wanzhi, Baby Girl.
The Fallen
Dexter Augustus
We lost Dexter a month before his 14th birthday in August of 2021. I've had him since he was a puppy and he absolutely changed my life. He was definitely my best buddy and we went through some really rough times together. There would be no Simpawtico without Dexter and he leaves an impossibly huge hole in our lives. We love and miss you, old man. We miss your sense of humor and your unconditional warmth and love. You've always been my greatest inspiration.
Bobo
We lost Bobo in February of 2017 to cancer. Bobo was our 9 year-old Boston Terrier. At a year old he was a rescue I was fostering with the North Eastern Boston Terrier Rescue that I bonded with and decided to keep. Please read his story and watch his tribute video HERE. We love and miss you, Bobo!
Darwin
We lost Darwin in the Fall of 2022 to cardiomegaly and pneumonia. He was 13. He was a bouncy, loving little soul with an infectious love of life. He was the reason my wife and I met (she brought him in for training when he was a puppy) and he was the ring-bearer in our wedding. Like his brothers, he helped build Simpawtico and starred in many of our videos. His loss left a hole a hundred times the size of his little rocket self. We love and miss you, little buddy.
Are you ready to start training with SIMPAWTICO?
Contact Info
Welcome to Simpawtico Dog Training! We're glad to have you around. If you need to contact us, use the details below.
- 62 Main St, Big Flats, NY 14814
- simpawtico.team@simpawtico-training.com
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