Entrepreneur Illustrated
A Lifetime of Animal Training
by Bridget McCrea
Steve Welch, a fifth generation animal trainer with 35 years of
experience, operates one of the world's largest dog training companies.
LAKE FOREST, Calif. -
When you're born into a family that has specialized in the same field for
four generations, you normally wouldn't have much choice but to learn the
family business. Luckily for Steve Welch, the business was animal
training, and after 35 years in the business, he has no regrets about
carrying on the family tradition. "I've dedicated my life to training
animals and educating the public," he says, "and I absolutely love what I
do."
It all began when an 8-year-old Welch started training and showing horses
and dogs. That was in 1962, and today, he runs Steve Welch & Associates,
Inc., one of the largest dog training companies in the world. But don't
think for a moment that his students are limited to canines. "We train all
types of animals including exotic pets," says Welch. "We also specialize
in animal husbandry, animal behavioral consulting, and nutritional
consulting for veterinarians, colleges and large pet-related
corporations."
At Steve Welch & Associates K-9 Training Facilities, dogs can be schooled
for beginner and advanced obedience, protection, tracking, AKC handling
and obedience, agility, police K-9s, Schutzhund competition, search and
rescue, and as companion dogs for those with special needs. Prices range
from $85 to well over $10,000, depending on the level and type of training
desired.
Currently, the company is working with the Stunn Muzzle Corporation in the
development of a non-lethal stunn muzzle for use in law enforcement, a
project that has received attention from both local and national news
stations.
"I've dedicated my life to training animals and educating the public."
Steve Welch, Steve Welch & Associates, Inc.
According to Welch, protection dogs are taught how to best protect their
owners, and to respond to the owners' command - even in the confusion of
an attack. "They are trained to respond in a threatening situation, yet
remain friendly to the same person in a normal situation," he says.
The company meets the everyday needs of pet owners by providing
instruction on such necessities as housebreaking, using training methods
and equipment properly, and pet health maintenance. Pet lovers will also
find videotapes (titles include: Bringing Your New Puppy Home,
Housebreaking, and Beginner and Advanced Obedience and Behavior); and
Neo-Paws Pet Products (includes life jackets and SEE-MEtm
Glow collars and leads) among the company's offerings.
Through the company's web site, Welch has found a new audience for his
products and services. With its interactive capabilities (there is a guest
book and prices and ordering information for products), the site attracts
animal lovers and people in need of training services worldwide. In their
35 years in business, Steve Welch & Associates has received numerous
awards and recognition from community organizations, including the High
Sierra Club, police canine associations, and agricultural colleges like
Mount Sac.
"Steve Welch has successfully trained six of our guard dogs in the last
three years," says Ann M. Smit of Triangle Equipment Rentals, whose next
door neighbor - a large car dealership - was broken into at least twice a
month until he also secured the services of trained guard dogs. "We highly
recommend his service, and we sincerely believe that having trained guard
dogs on the premises has prevented us from a lot of trouble."
Welch uses the services of 17 associates, and operates his business from
four locations in Southern California. "Each trainer specializes in their
own sector of animal training," says Welch, who personally trains each
associate. "We guarantee all of our work, and with the vast amount of
knowledge we have, there's not much we can't do."
Reprinted Courtesy of Entrepreneur Illustrated.
