Dr. Dog's Den

DR. DENNIS FETKO

DR. DOG^sm

 NAME:  Dennis Christopher Fetko

 ADDRESS:  PO Box 28176, San Diego, CA  92198

VOICE: 858-485-7433  
 
Email: drdog@drdog.com   
Web: http://www.drdog.com

 BORN:  Passaic, New Jersey, USA

  EDUCATION 

·        Honors Graduate, College Preparatory Course, Clifton High School, Clifton, NJ, USA, 1964.

·        Undergraduate - University of Maryland, Fort Campbell, KY, 1967; Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA, 1969.

·        Graduate - Master of Arts, Human Behavior, La Jolla University, La Jolla, CA, USA, 1980. 

    Doctor of Philosophy, La Jolla University, La Jolla, CA, USA, 1981, Human Behavior/Behavioral Psychology.  Doctoral dissertation topic: Pet Facilitated Therapy.

·        Extensive management, business and leadership training in the U.S. Army, General Motors Corp., Meridian Securities Corp., The Ethical Hypnosis Society, Success Motivation Institute, and Hanover Corp.

·        Instructor, Goshin-Do and Shorin-Ryu Karate, Fudo­shin-Ryu Ju-Jitsu, and Aikido, NJ, USA, since 1960.

·        Instructor, skin and scuba diving, NJ, USA, 1962.

·        US Army Advanced Infantry Training, Fort Dix, NJ, 1964.

·        US Army Parachutist School, Fort Benning, GA, USA, 1964.

·        Registered Representative, National Association of Securities Dealers, USA, 1968.

·        New Jersey Life and Health Insurance license, USA, 1970.

·        Numerous college/vocational level animal behavior, obedience, tracking, protection and handling courses.

·        Wolf Handling with Veterinary Perspectives, Dr. Mark Johnson, Wildlife Veterinary Resources, USA, 1999.

·        American Red Cross Pet First Aid, 1999.

·        Continuing - American College of Forensic Examiners; Animal Behavior Society; Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; University of California; Cornell University; Tufts University; The Delta Society; Animal Behavior Consultants; Zoological Society of San Diego; Seminars and contact with humane, animal and management authorities; literature; more.

·        Ongoing research and work in training and applied behavioral therapies with personal, client, shelter and captive animals; in management and personnel organization, motivation and communication; and in media. Ongoing international applied animal behavior, training and consulting practice.

INSTRUCTOR-LECTURER-CONSULTANT

·        Saudi Arabian National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development and National Wildlife Research Center

·        New Zealand Hydatids and Dog Control Institute; New Zealand Institute of Animal Control Officers; New Zealand Companion Animal Conference; Auckland Animal Control Services Limited; Wellington, Dunedin, Westbury and Canterbury, NZ Dog Control agencies.

·        Australian Urban Animal Management National Conference.

·        Brazilian Animal Welfare Congress, and the South American Small Animal Veterinarians.

·        U.S. National Animal Control Association, American Dog Owners Association, American Humane Association, Animal Protection Institute of America, Humane Society of the U.S., Society of Animal Welfare Administra­tors.

·        Zoological Society of San Diego, Zoological Society of London, American Cancer Society, La Jolla Cancer Research Found­ation, Veterans Hospital, Children's Hospital and Health Center.

·        California Animal Control Directors Association; California Veterinary Medical Association; California Rescue Dog Association; Oregon Animal Control Council; Kentucky Humane Society; Kentucky, Nevada, Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, and Alaska Animal Control Associations.

·        University of California; San Diego State University; Colorado State University; Tufts University; Chapman University; National University; Palomar College; Mesa College; San Diego City Schools; Poway Unified School District.

·        San Diego County Department of Animal Control, Los Angeles Animal Care and Control, Children's Hospital and Health Center's Canine Care Therapy Program, Canine Companions for Independence, Greyhound Pets of America, Operation Greyhound, San Diego Dogs For The Deaf, Ramona Guide Dog Project, various Noise Abatement Bureaus.

·        California Wolf Center, Julian Center for Science and Education, Julian, CA, USA.

·        National, state and local veterinary, civic, law enforcement, humane/animal control, business, and kennel groups.

WORK EXPERIENCE

·        1956-1960: Kennel/shelter volunteer worker, animal handler, bather, brusher and walker.

·        1960-1962: Apprentice dog trainer - behavior, socialization, obedience, tracking, and protection.

·        1962-Present: Professional practice in all aspects of animal training, applied behavior modification, captive breeding, counseling, reintroduction, management, and animal facilitated therapy programs; full-time since 1976.  Resident and visitor animal therapy programs, law enforcement and guide/service dogs, captive exotics.

·        1964-1967: Airborne Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist and Division Operations Specialist (MOS: 11B4P), 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY; Patrol Leader, Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols, 1st Airborne Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Ahn Khay, Republic of Vietnam. 

·        1967-1968: Assistant manager and contributing editor, "Art's Guide To San Juan" tourist magazine, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

·        1968-1974: Owner/instructor, Cedar Grove Goshin Dojo (Karate and Ju-Jitsu); dog training and animal behavior.

·        1968-Present: Public speaker; animal handler and instructor; technical demonstrations for public and private groups; animal training and behavior; staff training.

·        1969-1970: Field Representative, General Motors Acceptance Corp.; dog training and behavior.

·        1970-1975: Sales Manager, Vulcan Corp.; securities dealer and insurance analyst, Meridian Securities; investment advisor, insurance and financial analyst; manager and staff trainer; Registered Representative, National Association of Securities Dealers, dog training and behavior.

·        1976-Present: Training animal control, humane, search and rescue, zoological, wildlife, conservation, naturalist and law enforcement personnel in animal behavior, handling, training, bite prevention, and safe handling; consultant to zoos, guide/service dog, and exotic wildlife breeding and management programs; dog training and behavior; temperament evaluations. Police and guard dog training.

·        1984: City of San Diego Dispute Resolutions Officer.

·        1989: Director, National Wildlife Research Center, Taif, Saudi Arabia. Managed an international team breeding, managing, transporting and reintroducing endangered mammals and avians; advised Saudi Arabia National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development and King Khalid Wild­life Research Center on personnel training, procedures, and management; drafted and implemented Saudi Arabian Ranger training; worked with officials to have ranges respected by local and nomadic populations; advised Princes on equine training and husbandry; set up wolf and other canine programs; worked with Palace guard dogs and handlers.

·        1979-Present: Extensive local, national and international television and radio experience. Host of weekly nationally syndicated radio show "Dr. Dog Talking Animals."

·        1990-Present: Evaluator and consultant for Children's Hospital and Health Center of San Diego's Canine Care Therapy Program. 

·        1996-Present: Zoological Society of San Diego Exhibits and Collections Committee.

·        1999-2000: Director, California Wolf Center.

MEDIA EXPERIENCE 

Radio: Hosts U.S. nationally syndicated talk show, "Dr. Dog Talking Animals" since 1994; WJNO-AM1230, Palm Beach, FL; WFTL-AM1420, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; WRC-AM980, Silver Springs, MD; KAST-AM1370, Astoria, OR; WHAS-AM840, Louisville, KY; KNWZ-AM1270, Palm Desert, CA; KSDO-AM1130, San Diego, CA; KVSD/KCEO-AM1000, Carlsbad, CA; KABC-AM790, Los Angeles, CA; KFMB-AM760, San Diego, CA; WDVR-FM89.7, Sergeantsville, NJ; WGR-AM550, Buffalo, NY; KGIL-AM1260, Los Angeles, CA; KFIG-AM1430, Fresno, CA; WRC-AM980, Washington, DC; KESQ-AM920, Palm Desert, CA; KFRB-FM91.3, Bakersfield, CA; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Modesto, CA; New Zealand national radio.

Television:  The Learning Channel, international segment; ABC U.S. national television, "20/20" program; PM Magazine; KFMB-8 San Diego, CA, USA; KGTV-10 San Diego, CA; KNSD-7/39 San Diego, CA; KUSI-9/51 San Diego, CA; regional cable stations; San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Zealand national television.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Extensive experience in and out of court. Qualified as an expert witness in animal behavior in many cases. Member, American College of Forensic Examiners. References available upon request.

COMMENDATIONS

Civilian

Numerous awards, tributes, plaques, letters, and trophies from various medical, scholastic, professional, fraternal, humane, animal, guide/service dog, law enforcement and civic organizations including New Zealand Animal Control Services, New Zealand Institute of Animal Control Officers; Saudi Arabia National Commission For Wildlife Conservation and Development; England, Australia, and France; U.S. National Animal Control Association, California Animal Control Directors' Association; San Diego County Department of Animal Control, Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control, San Diego City Schools, Greyhound Pets of America, Children's Hospital and Health Center. One officer credited my methods with nearly ending dog bites against children in his city.

Military:  Bronze Star With "V" Device for Valor in combat; Air Medal for multiple combat landings in enemy territory; Army Commendation Medal for Merit; National Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Ribbon; Vietnam Service Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; Parachutist's Badge; Expert Badges; Secret clearance; letters of commendation and achievement.

MEMBERSHIPS

American College of Forensic Examiners; former Director, American Dog Owners' Association; American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; American Legion; Animal Behavior Society; former Advisor, Animal Protection Institute of America; California Rifle and Pistol Association; Children's Hospital and Health Center's Canine Care Therapy Committee; The Delta Society; Gun Owners of America; The International Executive Guild's Who's Who; International Primate Protection League; International Who's Who of Entrepreneurs; former Advisor, La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation; Law Enforcement Alliance of America; MENSA; National Animal Control Associa­tion; National Rifle Association; Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association; Scientists' Center for Animal Welfare; Second Amendment Foundation; World Wildlife Fund; Zoological Society of San Diego Exhibits and Collections Committee.

AUTHOR 

·        Dog Bite Safety video and manual used by law enforcement, humane, animal control, kennel, educational, veterinary, postal, utility and boarding facilities here and abroad.

·        Operations Manual for the Saudi Arabian National Wildlife Research Center.

·        Audio and video cassette series covering canine and feline behavior, learning, socialization, training and behavior modification techniques.

·        Training and animal behavior articles in DOG WORLD Magazine; OFF LEAD Magazine; NACA NEWS Magazine; THE LATHAM LETTER Newsletter; ANIMAL BEHAVIOR CONSULTANTS Newsletter; and several publications by humane societies, animal organizations and animal departments internationally.

·        Canine personality and temperament evaluations and operational procedures for Children's Hospital's Canine Care Therapy Program and numerous Departments of Animal Control and Humane Societies nationally and internationally.

·        Hundreds of popular, topical, informative television and radio commentaries.

 TESTIMONIALS

INTERNATIONAL

AUSTRALIA: 
*   "I was overawed by the quality of your presentations…you have my greatest respect. We need you again."  
*  "Thank you very much for your support in making our 1999 National Urban Animal Management conference such a success. That was the best conference we have ever put on. Animal Management Officers, very tough judges of expertise, said: 'After God made Fetko, He rested.' Your performance was about as good as it gets……we might prevail on you to get back here to do it all again."  
*  "We had a de-briefing session for all attendees and the staff were as one in their praise for your informative sessions, practical hints, common sense, empathy, and downright entertainment value!"  
*  "Thank you very much for speaking at the Urban Animal Management Conference on the Gold Coast in Australia last week. I learnt a lot from you. You confirmed some things I had been wondering about but hadn't yet seen in the literature."

BRAZIL: "Thank you for your outstanding contribution to the National Animal Welfare Congress…Your professionalism, attitude and conduct make you most welcome here."

CANADA:  "Delightful blend of humor and science...one of the most entertaining and kindest people I know...much of his work is done quietly, without recognition or remuneration."     

ENGLAND: "Your advice proved first class. I wish I had been able to ask you years ago, you made our behaviourist's response then foolish now. I really value the opinion of one whose superior intelligence I respect and whose integrity I am sure of."

FRANCE: "You have exceeded all expectations."

ISRAEL: "I have received the tape and it sounds wonderful…I have shared it with our behavioral clinicians and they will contact you to tighten cooperation. I think that what you are doing is very important to our society and I would do anything possible to cooperate with you for those important goals."

NEW ZEALAND: "Thank you sincerely for your outstanding contribution to the success of the conference…dynamic academic knowledge, street-wise appeal and humor mixed with practical experience, motivating and inspiring all…The Best Dog Control Conference ever held in New Zealand directly attributable to your presentations…all who criticized the money to bring you made a special ef­fort to thank me and stressed the benefits from your vast knowledge…you're THE BEST presenter ever to address a conference in our field in this country."  
*  "We gained valuable information from dynamic Dr. Fetko…outstanding, informative, motivating, and thoroughly enjoyable."  
*  "Another great New Zealand Institute of Animal Control Officers conference thanks to the best ever keynote speaker. Due to your wealth of information and the number of relevant topics not yet covered, we would be honored if you would accept this invitation to attend our year 2000 conference as keynote speaker."  
*  "I saw Dr Fetko on 'Good Morning' TV and really enjoyed watching Brian Neeson showing his intolerance and what seemed to me to be sheer stupidity. I have never met anyone who commands such world-class communication techniques as yourself, and, after having read briefly the bio on your site, I am pleased that I can now say that I met you."  
*  "It has only been 2 days since the Conference ended, but I'm already suffering 'Fetko' withdrawal symptoms! It was so wonderful hearing you speak and learning new things…Even more inspiring was listening to someone as passionate about topics as I was, and really being reminded of it."  
*  "The animals have always been my inspiration, and they continue to be, and after listening to you I realized how much more there was to learn, and always will be. The mind is totally open again and I am once again craving information. It's a great feeling."  
*  "I would love to come and visit San Diego and be able to learn as much from you as I can, and then, in turn, be able to inspire and instruct people as you so passionately did last week. I look forward to keeping in contact with you and being able to visit in the near future."  *  "Your presentations at the NZACO conference were brilliant! My husband and I totally enjoyed them and even sweet-talked my parents to baby- and animal-sit an extra day so we could attend your Saturday session. The amount of information you passed to those of us who listened and took notes is going to carry us a long way and benefit of a lot of critters. You have my total respect and admiration."  
*  "I know you love your home, but when you consider moving, consider New Zealand. We need your knowledge. Okay, I'm pushing my luck, so I'll have to settle with badgering you for information and distribute it myself."  
*  "I've finally got a chance to write this letter for you. I hope it does the trick and gets you to all the places you need to be. I hope the profound effect you had on me, after listening to you speak, has come across in the letter and will incite others to invite you to speak."  
*  "I have visited your website. I am impressed with the credentials. You should be proud of your achievements. It's a shame that you live in America and not over here. The officers from Queensland will be following up with their Councils to try and get you over here and do another Presentation."  
*  "We had a conference de-briefing session for all attendees and the staff were as one in their praise for your informative sessions, practical hints, common sense, empathy and downright entertainment value! Your video will be the centrepiece of a staff library we are setting up at work (and I will be ordering more for the College library where the ACO course is running). Thanks again and kind regards."  
*  "Thank you for perseveringly talking to us on Friday morning despite your pain. That said a whole lot to me about your commitment to animal management officers and their safety."

SAUDI ARABIA: "We hold you in great esteem."

NATIONAL

ANIMAL PROTECTION INSTITUTE OF AMERICA: "You lived up to all expectations and superlatives…the greatest crowd-pleaser and meeting-starter alive…combines savvy and street smarts with the radiant intelligence of a born great teacher."

DOG FANCY Magazine: "Top-notch, scientifically sound information presented in an entertaining and sometimes hilarious manner...entertains and educates...excellent information."

NATIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL ASSOCIATION: "Once again and as usual, you were the highest rated instructor at the academy."

STATE

CALIFORNIA ANIMAL CONTROL DIRECTORS' ASSOCIATION: "…such positive feedback…you are a mainstay of our training and it is a real tribute to your professionalism that hard-to-please Directors request your participation again and again."

OREGON ANIMAL CONTROL COUNCIL: "America's #1 authority on the latest in animal behavior and handling…takes lofty concepts and puts them to work in the field and shelter." "The best I have listened to…I wish commissioners could hear this…
practical…rejuvenating."

KENTUCKY HUMANE SOCIETY: "Extremely informative and entertaining. Your work with staff has proved invaluable." "Captivates his audience…if every city had Dr. Dog, animal behavior problems would not exist."

ALASKA ANIMAL CONTROL ASSOCIATION: "Your seminars rekindled my enthusiasm…you have made a difference…your video impressed even the most hardened veterans."

KENTUCKY ANIMAL CONTROL ASSOCIATION: "Your session was the highlight of the meeting. All feedback very positive…old veteran to new trainee, all wanted more."

GEORGIA ANIMAL CONTROL ASSOCIATION: "Immensely informative, entertaining and knowledgeable. Most professional."

CALIFORNIA RESCUE DOG ASSOCIATION: "You have a keen insight into the finer points of canine behavior. It is not often that training methods are analyzed from the dog's viewpoint. Your special knowledge is greatly appreciated."

REGIONAL

COWLITZ COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY: "It was a privilege to have you here…very impressed by your message."

EVERETT ANIMAL CONTROL: "The knowledge you imparted will greatly contribute to the safe handling of dog problems in our community. Your materials represent some of the most creditable that I have reviewed."

GREATER BURLINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY: "Thank you for the tremendous, informative and ingenious workshop and the knowledge you shared in your terrific presentation! The entire conference was worth the trip just to hear you."

SHASTA COUNTY SHERIFF: "All of us learned a great deal and feel fortunate to have been able to attend."

CITY OF BELLFLOWER: "You have made a great impact upon me and the thousands of school students I have shared your techniques with…it works! I have seen a remarkable decrease in dog bites…many injuries and lives will be spared by your research."

SAN DIEGO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CONTROL: "Your insights into animal behavior have proven invaluable. Thank you for your professional training skills and over­whelming knowledge of animals and animal behavior."

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO: "…very impressed with your high professionalism, knowledge and skill in animal behavior
…expertise with elephants and cheetahs…impressive understanding of domestic and wild species…high standards of professionalism and integrity."

SAN DIEGO POLICE DEPARTMENT: "…interesting and informative…We will all benefit…I sincerely thank you."

GREYHOUND PETS OF AMERICA: "Thanks to your selflessness, Woofstock '97 was a tremendous success. We greatly appreciate your generosity with your time and your talent."

CALIFORNIA WOLF CENTER: "Thank you so much for the best program we have had at the Wolf Center! Everyone on the staff told me it was excellent…made them want to go out and see the wolves! I was riveted, and it takes a lot to keep me seated!"

SCHOOLS

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, CANADA: "Just excellent!"

MURDOCH UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA: "You answered many questions about the direction of animal behaviour…I have approached many groups regarding a lecture tour."

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA: "Thank you for a really fine program. I hope you'll come again."

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO: "The students thoroughly enjoyed your talk, and the insight into the real world of applied animal behavior you provided went a long way in clarifying the theoretical and ethical issues about which they could only read."

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY: "You embody a unique combination of expertise and common sense. Would that there were more trainers who think as you do."

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY: "Your lecture was really informative and we all learned new and valuable facts. We hope you will consider returning."

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY: "Keep up the good work on bite prevention."

TUFTS UNIVERSITY: "I found your approach to be a good one. I will continue to refer cases and look forward to interactions with you."

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY: "…magnetized my students and myself…I have had many lecturers but none has ever compared to this man who galvanizes his audiences…his mixtures of facts with humor are riveting."

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY: "Your gifts of insight, compassion and unrivaled speaking excellence have added enormous dimensions to my students' learning."

FRANCIS PARKER SCHOOL: "You truly captivated both audiences, adult and child alike…they were riveted on you and hanging on your every word. Yours was clearly one of our most well-received assemblies." "You were wonderful and we have heard nothing but positive feedback from children, staff and parents alike."

SPEAKING  TESTIMONIALS

"Once again and as usual, you were the highest rated instructor at the 1993 National Animal Control Association's training academy."     NATIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL ASSOCIATION

"You lived up to all expectations and superlatives and then some....the greatest crowd-handler and meeting-starter alive....combines savvy and street smarts with the radiant intelligence of a born great teacher.  Once you spoke, all were in a great mood and the whole weekend went very well indeed."      ANIMAL PROTECTION INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

"Noted behaviorist and lecturer Dennis Fetko, Ph.D., outlines solutions to the most common complaints....an alternative to surrender....keeps the dog with the family....author of many articles and audio and video cassette training tapes....qualified in criminal and civil courts as an expert....every city should have Dr. Dog."     HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

"Thank you for your  Stress Management expertise...a valuable, helpful experience...I received many favorable comments afterwards."     AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 

"I listened to one of your workshops.  It was outstanding. It should be set up to televise! Great interaction!"    HSUS ANIMAL CARE EXPO '96

"...top-notch, scientifically sound information presented in an entertaining and sometimes hilarious manner...entertains and educates...excellent information."     DOG FANCY Magazine

STATE 

"La Jolla University is approved to operate as a degree-granting institution in California pursuant to California Education Code Section 94310(a)....their curriculum was consistent in quality with that of accredited institutions and that the achievement of students was comparable to that of students from accredited institutions."      CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR POSTSECONDARY AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION