Stetson was born and raised in Falmouth, MA. He moved to California in 2015 and began his dog training career in San Diego. His first dog, a Chinese Shar-Pei named Kato, had some serious behavioral issues with both humans and dogs. He dedicated his time and efforts to learning how to train Kato, and developed a deep passion for dog training.
During his years in San Diego, Stetson studied under multiple veteran trainers and gained extensive knowledge in training methods and dog behavior. He was responsible for the training of hundreds of dogs of all breeds and ages, with behaviors ranging from basic obedience and advanced sport obedience, to severe dog aggression and fearful rescue dogs. Stetson also got heavily involved in the sport of Schutzhund/IGP. He has trained, competed with, and titled multiple dogs in IGP, as well as became a Certified Helper for regional level trials. He is actively training and competing with his own dogs in IGP.
In June 2021, Stetson was thrilled to move back to Cape Cod and start Squared Away Dog Training. He will continue to educate and do what he loves: help dog owners meet their lifestyle goals with their dog, and live a happy life together. Stetson focuses heavily on educating owners as much as training the dog. His goal is to create leadership, clarity, and a healthy relationship between owners and their canine companions.
My love for dogs and training began as a Canine Science Major at Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole, MA. Upon graduation in 2002, I worked in a grooming salon and a German Shepherd breeding/training/boarding kennel. It was at this time that I welcomed a 6 year old Dalmatian into my home, Sydney.
Sydney was my first competition dog, titling in AKC Obedience and Rally. When Sydney retired from competing, I welcomed a new Dalmatian puppy named Shane. Shane became my "do it all" dog and we titled, competed, and trained in a wide array of activities such as AKC/UKC Obedience and Rally, IGP, Weight Pull, Agility, Dock Diving, Dryland Mushing, Barn Hunt, Lure Coursing, and Tracking. He was even a working hunting dog retrieving birds and treeing squirrels and raccoons. Upon Sydney's passing, I brought home a young rescue Dalmatian named Ocean. Even though Ocean was more happy to be napping under a blanket than working, we did put in a little work to earn titles and compete in UKC Rally Obedience and Weight Pull.
I am now training a young Belgian Malinois named Lenny in IGP. I look forward to building us as a team in the sport, and continuing to use to my knowledge of training and motivation to work with owners and their dogs on their training goals.
(508) 566-7208