John Soares, Professional Dog Trainer

John was introduced to the world of dogs at the age 6 through an uncle who bred and trained German Shorthaired Pointers. He thought it was remarkable that these dogs would instinctively work for their masters. He remembers family members telling stories of dogs they had owned and used for herding, hunting, protection, etc. These animals were respected, not only for being companions, but also for their working abilities. John has studied and trained professionally in both the U.S. and Europe. He is fluent in English, Italian and Portuguese.

Achievements:

• 2009 Certified Helper, Belgian Malinois (FCI – Italy)
• 2009 Certified Regional Level Helper (USA)
• Working Judge, certified by the Federation American Bulldog
• Helper and handler in Schutzhund/IPO
• Decoy and handler in French Ring
• Personal protection and police decoy
• Trainer for dogs in accelerates, search and rescue and narcotics
• 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)
• FCI helper (certified in Europe)
• Former Working Dog Sport judge (AKC)

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

• 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)

• 1st place AWDF 2010 National Championship with a 99, 97, 97
• 2010 Qualifier for FCI USA Team (Hameenlinna, Finland)
• 2010 Qualifier for the FMBB World Championship USA Team (Cottbus, Germany)
• 2009 AWMA Championship (Plant city, Florida) 6th place: 76, 94, 97 and Helpers’ Choice Award (2nd year in a row)
• 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
• 2008 AWMA Championships IPOIII (Olympia, WA) 88 Tracking • 94 Obedience • 97 Protection * Helpers’ Choice Award
• 2008 New England Regional Schutzhund Championships (Gardener, MA) SchHIII competitor earning 98 Obedience, 94 Protection
• 2008 Masters World Dog Sport SchH Tournament for German Shepherd Dogs Competitor
• 2008-2009 UDC National Training director
• 2007-2008 DPCA National Training Director
• 2006-2008 UDC National Training Director
• 2006 AWDF IPOIII Championship Competitor
• 2005 Northeastern Regional SchH3 Champion (USA)
• 2005 IDC IPOIII World Championship 4th place (Germany)
• 2005 Chiaravalle German Shepherd Regional SchHIII Championship (Italy)
• Qualified for Italian SchH German Shepherd Championships (Italy)
• 2005 FCI Helper Certification (Italy) – out of 89 applicants, 6 were certified
• 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 IDC IPO World Championship 96 pts. Obedience (Slovakia)
• 2004 IDC IPO World Championship 95 pts. Protection (Slovakia)
• 2004 AWDF IPOII Champion (USA)
• 2003 DPCA IPOIII National Champion (USA)
• 2002 DPCA IPOIII National Champion (USA)
• 2002 IDC IPO World Championship Team Captain (Czech Rep.)
• 2001 Qualifier for FCI USA Team (Slovenia)
• 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)
• 2000 Northeast Regional SchHI Champion (USA)

Internationally

• USA World Team IPO Qualifier 2001 (Slovenia)
• IDC IPO World Championship Team Captain 2002 (Czech Republic)
• IDC IPO World championship Competitor 2004 (Slovakia)
• IDC IPO World championship Competitor 2005 (Germany)
• Italy World Team IPO Qualifier 2005 (France)

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.