Tricks of the dog training trade

Joseph Conti's grandfather bred, raised and trained Doberman Pinschers. Conti has carried that legacy on in his 16 years of professional dog training.

"I have been surrounded by the four-legged variety since I was 10," said Conti. "Both my parents taught me and expected me to be very responsible for their care."

In 1993, Conti served as an apprentice for an animal behavior specialist from University of California, Davis. Two years later, he was a certified trainer.

"Some of the areas of focus were obedience training, behavior modification, and home and personal protection training," said Conti. "With over 15,000 years of domestication, dogs are driven by pretty simplistic instincts. But then there is always that dog I don't know and that's a challenge to find out."

In 1994, Conti started his own company, Complete Canine, serving both San Diego and San Bernardino counties.

"I'd give training seminars to the Rotary Club and Kiwanis and worked with different breed clubs," said Conti.

Six months ago, Conti moved his business to Gardnerville.

"I wanted to expand into a new area, and enjoy everything this area has to offer, like fishing, hiking and the friendly locals," said Conti.

Conti has found clients from Reno to Bridgeport, Calif.

"The great thing about my business is every time you think you know something, the dogs will humble you," he said. "Dogs will tell you everything you need to know if you first and foremost pay attention."

Conti is available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (775) 450-0481. For more information, see www.completecanine.com.