Professional Resume

Lara began her career with an amazing opportunity to apprentice with John M. Henkel at Von Wilhendorf Kennels about ten years ago. John taught her his techniques in behavioral modification without unnecessary drug therapy, and introduced her to the world of the true German Shepherd Dog. At VWK she had the opportunity to:

Work with World Class German Shepherd Dogs for Confirmation, Ring, and Schutzhund work
Perfect Ring Work for Obedience Trials
Work with Police and Security Services perfecting Tracking, Protection and Alertion
Employ Behavior Modification and Manners Training

Lara opened LCS in 1994 in Massachusetts first by working from her home and making house calls. Since that time Lara has been living her dream of helping people and animals live in harmony. All in a day’s work includes:

Evaluation and rehabilitation of dogs with serious behavioral problems through personalized one on one training with the owner, and behavior modification without drug therapy
Motivating extremely unwilling dogs
Polishing and perfecting obedience skills and routines
Developing other people's handling
Building trust, confidence and courage
Habituating a dog to tolerance
Instilling respect and shaping a well-mannered dog
Deflecting and disarming a potentially dangerous dog without alienating the dog
Understanding, preventing and redirecting self-destructive tendencies in dogs

In the beginning of her career with dogs, she also worked as a senior staff member, behavioral consultant and adoption counselor at the Northeast Animal Shelter, a very busy non-destroy shelter, famous in the New England area.

Senior Staff member responsible for judgement calls, handling conflict and supervising other staff's decisions
Screened and advised prospective adopters of second-hand dogs and cats
Evaluated temperament and health of incoming animals
Alert to signs of sickness, versed in Emergency First Aid
Predicted unmanageability due to stress, environment, or unsound character
Handled conflict and grief in a highly-charged emotional setting with a non-confrontational, professional attitude

In the last ten years, Lara has returned to her native Texas and opened a beautiful kennel on 250 acres in the lovely Texas Hill Country. Here, dogs have the perfect environment for learning in a quiet country atmosphere.

She has also started training dogs for people who need assistance due to various disabilities, starting a new non-profit organization called Stellar Service Dogs. In addition, she has remained active in Schutzhund training and has recently been sharpening her skills through the sport of Mondio as well.

Lara's Canine Solutions

Professional Resume