About Dayton Cummings

With nearly 30 years of hands-on dog-training experience, I bring a proven record of developing well-mannered family companions and high-level working dogs.

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My career began in Memphis, Tennessee, where I worked in a kennel and discovered my lifelong calling. After completing basic training, I pursued formal education at Starmark Academy, formerly known as TCA (Triple Crown Academy), in Texas — the largest dog-training facility in the world. Over two intensive years, I was immersed in practical instruction including behavior modification, basic and advanced obedience, agility, protection sports, narcotics detection, and tracking. Every skill was learned and tested in person, working with multiple dogs and real-world situations.

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Following graduation, I traveled nationwide to refine my methods, including many years of advanced study under my good friend and mentor, Master Trainer Jim Sears, in Illinois. I have trained and assisted dogs who have competed successfully at regional and national levels, performed helper work for three Schutzhund world-team dogs (one qualifying twice), and served as a decoy for French Ring and Mondioring.

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In addition to sport and competition work, I have partnered with law-enforcement agencies on narcotics detection, protection, and man-trailing operations, gaining extensive experience with both companion animals and professional working dogs.

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Today, I combine this depth of expertise with a results-driven approach tailored to each client, whether the goal is a reliable family pet or a top-performing working dog.