After earning his B.S. degree at the University of Maryland, and enjoying a successful career in information technology, Rick said goodbye to the corporate world to pursue his dream of becoming a professional dog trainer. Rick was accepted into the Canine Dimensions certification program where he studied under nationally known trainer and dog behavior expert Phil Guida, helping to rehabilitate homeless dogs at some of the nation's busiest animal shelters. After serving his internship at Canine Dimensions and graduating with high distinction, he became a professional member of both of the largest dog trainers' associations in the U.S. – the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).