About Doggone Connection

The "Doggone Connection" is the place where we realize that the dog is the teacher and we are the student. In that awareness is where learning occurs. It is a place where we humble our self to be still and listen with an open heart and mind to appreciate that much of the dog's behavior is a reflection of our own behavior.  The purpose of our program is to help people understand normal dog behavior and  modify annoying behavior to enjoy a relationship of mutual trust, respect and affection with their dog (and all animals).  The Doggone Connection eliminates the consideration of abandonment or relinquishment. A Spoken letter from a dog by Wolfgang Edelmayer

"The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched -
they must be felt with the heart ."
~ Helen Keller

Facilitators with more than 40 years of combined experience offer understanding, flexibility, and individual attention to provide a wide range of services to help others reach this "Doggone Connection" including:

• Companion Dog Training
• Puppy Training and Socialization
• Problem Behavior Consulting
• Private Consulting 
• Pregnancy/Baby/Dog Safety Counseling
• Speaking Engagements

Meet the Trainers:

Warren G. Patitz, BA.RN. has a degree in religious studies from Ohio Wesleyan University, a nursing degree from I.U.P.U.I. in Indianapolis and is a professional member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) . He was introduced to "dog training" as a competitive sport in 1980, and later realized that the real exercise was not winning competitions but rather understanding the human relationship with dogs and the opportunity of stewardship toward all animals. Warren has been facilitating training instruction in the Indianapolis area for more than 25 years.

Warren has great respect and admiration for his friends and co-trainers, Eileen, Tom, Christine, Becky, Wes, and Meg  who add an exciting and knowledgeable dimension to the program.

Eileen Udry, PhD, has a doctoral degree in human performance and learning.  She completed the "DOGS" course at the nationally recognized Purdue Animal Behavior Clinic and is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers  APDT   http://www.apdt.com/ .  In addition to assisting with Doggone Connection behavior training classes, Eileen works with a statewide organization, ICAAN, Indiana Canine Assistant & Adolescent Network http://www.icaan.net/ that trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

Tom Fitton, MS. is an interested student of furniture construction and design. Tom completed the "DOGS" course at the nationally recognized Purdue Animal Behavior Clinic and has assisted with dog training classes through several local shelters and training facilities.

Christina Curtis is a fraudulent account specialist at BMG Music Service. She is a four year volunteer at Indianapolis Animal Control and is committed rescuer of mainly herding breed dogs and enjoys disc dog competition with her son, Chandler. Meet the Curtis family.

Becky Schneider, RD is the dietitian and cook at her daughter's preschool as well as a personal chef.  Becky completed the "DOGS" course at the nationally recognized Purdue Animal Behavior Clinic in addition to attending the Animal Arts Academy for dog grooming.  Becky is an instrumental volunteer/facilitator with the famous, "Walk A Hound, Lose a Pound" program http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPS/ACCD/PR/2005/05-06-01.htm  .

Wes Anderson, BSEE, BS Math, MS Statistics.  Wes is a statistician in clinical operations at Eli Lilly And Company and founder of the Lilly Pet Owners Club.  He completed the course on dog cognition "The Cognitive Dog" from the psychology department extension of Harvard University.  His studies include canine training and behavior modification through workshops, videos and books.  He is a sponsor at the Wolf Park Research Center in Battleground, Indiana and Professional Member of the Association for Pet Dog Trainers APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) . Interests include:  obedience competition, clicker training, working with assistance dogs for the disabled (ICAAN program), pet therapy, behavior rehabilitation of shelter and rescue dogs and scientific research on dog behavior and cognition. He is working toward his CPDT certification.

Meg M. Zachwieja, BS, PT is a physical therapist who has worked with family dogs since childhood when she participated in “obedience” training.  Her own “special” dogs have been her teachers and because of this experience she maintains a special affection for the “difficult” dogs and a respect for the humans living with them.  Meg is active in the rescue community, as well.  Working with the Doggone Connection team is expanding Meg's knowledge of dog training.  Meg particularly enjoys making dog training and human-canine interaction fun. The more fun the better!