About ABTA 

The ABTA, Inc. team is a highly skilled professional staff of dedicated trainers who are experts in all levels of obedience and problem solving. With over 500 trainers, we have the depth of knowledge and experience to help you, the conscientious dog owner, with any problem or request you may have. ABTA is the largest obedience training company in North America, but we've never forgotten that we are only as good as our last client. We are recommended by veterinarians, pet stores, groomers, breeders, and most importantly, our satisfied clients.

Steven Appelbaum with Buford, Raven, and Hannah Steven Appelbaum
President and CEO
Steve has been training dogs professionally for over 23 years. During that time, he has trained over 9,000 dogs on a one-to-one basis. Steve's specialty is problem solving and obedience. In addition, he has trained dogs to perform in television and motion pictures. Steve started his training business in 1980 by posting homemade flyers on supermarket bulletin boards. Today, Appelbaum's company, Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc. (ABTA), is the largest training company in North America, employing over 500 trainers in forty-seven states and five Canadian provinces. Steve is also the President/Interim Director of Animal Behavior College (ABC), a school for professional trainers. ABC currently has over 400 students, 600 graduates, and offers training throughout North America. Steve is a member of the APDT, CVMA, AAHA, PJAC, HSUS, ASPCA, and an honorary friend of the SCVMA. He is also on the IACP Board of Directors. Appelbaum has written articles for Off Lead Magazine and his first book will be published in December 2003.

 

Debbie KendrickDebbie Kendrick with Alia
Vice President of Animal Behavior College
Debbie has over twenty-one years' experience as a professional trainer. She is also a master in forging relationships with other organizations in the pet industry, including manufacturers, retailers, and humane societies.  She is recognized as a top-level obedience instructor and lecturer.  Debbie has trained over 7,500 dogs, including her own, an obedience trial champion and winner of the Top Dog Award at the Southern California Dog Obedience Trials.  She has also demonstrated her skills at the world famous Sea World Amusement Park in San Diego, California.  Debbie has been with ABTA since 1988 and is a trainer that other professionals frequently consult for advice.

Experience the ABTA difference
Call 24 Hours a Day (800) 795-DAWG (3294)
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