Candy Clemente
CPDT-KA
cccryder@aol.com    
Furry Visions Dog Training

     I have always loved animals and working with them is my passion. I started in agility in 1998 and my first competition was in December of 1999 with my Pomeranian, Tanu. She went on to earn her Master Agility Champion 2. I decided to get a breed with a little more drive and agility so I got my first Jack Russell Terrier, Harley, then I got my second one, his brother JJ. Harley excelled at agility, he has earned his Master Agility Champion 10! JJ was okay but his forte is being a star. I got involved in studio training and really enjoyed it, JJ was getting lots of work – television, feature films, calendars, doggie catalogs, training films and student films.

     I began teaching agility in ’06 and also offered studio training and basic obedience. I formed a business with three associates, each with their own specialty – one offers AKC Canine Good Citizen testing; one offers studio training and representation; and one specializes in aggression problems.

     I wanted to be the best trainer I could be so I joined the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and started to study to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. It took four months and lots of hours of studying. I took the four hour test and agonized for three weeks waiting for my score.  When the envelope came I gave it to my husband to read...I passed!!! So now I have to keep up with Continuing Education Credits by attending various learning seminars. I want to be able to help my clients to the best of my ability. I feel you never stop learning, even after competing in agility for over 12 years I never come off of a run without learning something new. You must be open to constructive criticism from friends observing and be able to apply your new knowledge in your training program. And I am always reading books on animal behavior and training.

      I have worked in television, movies, student films, commercials and print work with dogs. I am currently the dog trainer/wrangler on Animal Planet’s hit show “Pit Boss”. I work with a wonderful cast and crew and we encounter some very interesting situations. My goal is to help people find the right dog to fit in with their life style and to make them a good family member through proper training to instill a bond of mutual love and respect.

List of credits:

• Soldat – student film for USC
• H & R  Block – commercial
• Southern California Edison – training film
• ABC Television – General Hospital
• Sleeping Dogs – feature film directed by Bobcat Goldthwait
• Jane Austen Book Club – feature film directed by Robin Swicord
• Washington Banks – commercial
• HBO/Cinemax – The First Time – series
• ABC Television – Big Shots - series
• Rockport Clothing – commercial
• Boneyard Bash – student film for USC
• American Express - commercial
• Nutro Dog Food – photo for dog food bags and biscuits
• Fortiss – print ad for flea product
• Browntrout – print for calendars and phone books
• Dog World – magazine photo shoot
• Jupiter Images – photo shoot for stock pictures
• Boxed In – short film directed by Christopher Wolfe
• "Cop Dog" –  movie - assistant dog trainer
• Orange County Choppers – catalog shoot
• Path Lights – student film for Chapman College
• Dog Tales – interviewed by Alex Paen for story on Chihuahuas
• Animal Planet – interviewed for story on dog agility
• French TV – interview for French television show on studio training
• "Pit Boss" - series on Animal Planet, dog handler/talent
• "Guadalupe the Virgin" - feature film, Animal Trainer/Wrangler
• Mighty Dog dog food - Animal Trainer/Wrangler
• "Santa's Dog"/"Hercules Saves Christmas" - feature film, Animal Trainer/Wrangler

      In 2008 I started a training company, Furry Visions Dog Training, to add basic obedience and AKC Canine Good Citizen training, testing and certification to my agenda. I have a training field on my property in Agua Dulce, California. It is 70' by 100' and contains all professional agility equipment.  It is lighted for night training.

      I started working with pit bulls in '08 for Linda Blair’s Worldheart Foundation. My job is to prepare the dogs for adoption into homes with other dogs and children. Socialization is the most important part of the dog’s training. He must feel comfortable with cars, small animals, children, other dogs and then we start adding basic obedience commands. It has been a very rewarding job when I see these rehabilitated dogs go to their new forever homes. Every time one of these dogs finds a new forever home it helps to break the chain of the stigmatism attached to this breed. 

Other important notes about myself:

• I belong to the Teamsters Local 399 Union
• Licensed by United States Department of Agriculture
• A member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
• I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer
• I have attended four Powerpaws Winter Camps with instruction from the top trainers in agility from around the world
• Had a booth at the Pet Expo USA in Valencia, CA in May ’09
• Exhibitor and live stage performer at Rescues on the Runway Benefit in
  Valencia, CA
• Attended the 2009 Association of Pet Dog Trainers Annual Conference in
  Oakland, CA