“The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind,” stated Theodorus Gaza, 15th century humanist/Latin translator of Ancient Greek philosopher and scholar Aristotle.
Humans and dogs have lived together for tens of thousands of years, and for the majority of that period, dogs were invaluable partners and companions working alongside people in critical capacities, such as hunting, farming, protecting and surviving life. Now, more so as home-oriented pets, the mental and physical benefits derived by humans from dogs are still numerous gifts. Just ask Greenwood regional dog trainer Ken Weadick.
"Everybody deserves a dog. Dogs can help people be more active, and burn calories to maintain healthy weights. Dogs also help us feel less lonely, reduce our anxiety levels and improve our moods. Socially, dogs help people feel less isolated because they provide companionship and unconditional love," Ken states.
Canine connections certainly have shaped Ken's life over the past few years. He became chief obedience officer and franchise owner for Dogtopia of Greenwood during August 2020. Then he became a certified pet trainer and certified foundation trainer of Top Tier K9 Greenwood starting in March 2023. Through his dedication and former 25-year career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), he supported adults with developmental disabilities and children diagnosed with autism. He holds graduate degrees in education and psychology.
While Ken says ownership of Dogtopia of Greenwood presently is transferring to his son, Nick Weadick, along with Top Tier K9 trainer Jennifer Mutz, he will still be present and involved in the operations, namely through launching on the premises a dog-driven nonprofit titled The Heeling Place.
Ken recently completed certification as a master pet trainer and completed coursework in service dog training and protection dog training.
Jen completed training, along with passing qualifying exams and practical evaluations through Top Tier K9, to also achieve the level of certified pet trainer. She's currently pursuing certification as a foundation dog trainer and also recently completed certification as a master pet trainer. She formerly served as operations manager at Dogtopia of Greenwood where she worked since its founding.
"Jen quickly moved up within Dogtopia due to her work ethic, and genuine care for the dogs and support of their owners. We're pleased to work together in several capacities," asserts Ken.
Nick has been involved with Dogtopia of Greenwood prior to its inception, completing initial corporate training in Phoenix and attending conferences, ongoing training and strategy sessions since 2020.
Ken says the new nonprofit initiative will allow him to train rescued dogs before they're adopted. "I'll serve as a family dog mediator and will provide a global assessment of each dog, along with history of the breed or mix, its instincts and its learning habits. I can inform and train owners regarding what to expect and how to best communicate with their dogs."
He adds, "Through the nonprofit, we'll also produce training videos for pet parents, to ensure they can maintain the training at a high level and to educate them on the best approaches to integrate their particular dog into their lifestyle. Taking into account their learning history, considering environmental factors, exploring genetic tendencies of their chosen breed, and last but certainly not least accounting for the individual differences that each dog brings to the table."
Top Tier K9 of Greenwood: 317.447.0853
Ken's mobile: 317.670.5120
Dogtopia of Greenwood: 317.886.3100
Dogtopia.com/Greenwood
"Everybody deserves a dog." ~Ken Weadick, Greenwood regional dog trainer