LES FLORES

*BREAKING NEWS*
Les and Vrijheid's Aaron recently placed 7th at the 1st Dutch Shepherd World Championship in Holland, on September 21, 2008. This was Les' 6th time competing Internationally with three different breeds of dog. Something that has never been done in the Sport of Schutzhund!   Great job, guys!

Les Flores is a medically retired California Police K9 Officer with over 28 years training dogs in the areas of K9, narcotic detection, Schutzhund, SAR, AKC obedience, and show. He has competitively trained and trialed numerous breeds including
German Shepherds, Malinois, Dobermans, Dutch
Shepherds, Pit Bull, Rottweilers, and mutts.

Some of his impressive accomplishments include winning over 150 Police K9 competition trophies with his dog “P.J.”, Winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places at DVG America National Championships as well as participating in the 2001 and 2002 DHV Meisterschaft (respectively) and the 100 year DVG Anniversary with his GSD, Ziggo v.d. Fassanerie, and winning the 2004 DVG America  Championship as well as participating at the Meisterschaft and World Malinois Championships held in Germany and Austria (respectively) of the same year with “Nicodemus les Ombres Valeureux.”

In addition to his competitive training and handling, perhaps what Les is best known for in the Schutzhund community is his trial helper program development which is currently the foundation of helper programs being used and developed internationally as well as in major National Schutzhund organizations in the United States. He is currently assisting the United Schutzhund Clubs of America helper program to promote safe, consistent, reliable, trial helpers among its membership.

Les’ unique ability to teach both green and experienced helpers safe protection work through technique is unsurpassed. After eight years of service, he recently retired from DVG America office of National OFS (national training director). Before his retirement, Les certified over 200 helpers nation wide and has given countless helper, handler, and drive training seminars internationally.

DARA HUNT FLORES

Dara’s professional background is based in communications. While serving in the US ARMY, she worked in the Pentagon providing secure communications and technical support for government agencies such as The White House, Air Force One, JCS, CIA, DEA, and NSA. After being honorably discharged, she provided ground control support for Air Force Satellite programs including GPS, NATO, DSP and also assisted in launching a communications satellite from the cargo hold of Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-44 -- DSP Launch). From there, she worked for a government contractor testing software to assist in mission control functions.

Dara has been training dogs for over 20 years in

the areas of companion dog obedience, Schutzhund dog sport, and canine behavior modification. She has trained with over fourteen celebrity dog trainers and has a strong knowledge of varying techniques, styles, and theories.

Dara is a ghost writer for topics including olympic competition, Schutzhund drive training, competition problem solving techniques, canine athlete massage, and working dog recuperation that have been published multiple periodicals including Stars and Stripes (US ARMY Newspaper), DVG America Magazine, USCA Magazine and online newsletters. She also co-wrote "Schutzhund Handler Trial Tips" with Les Flores to help Schutzhund enthusiasts do their best on trial day.