ASSOCIATION NEWS
Jiovany Alcaide and Taylor Barconey
Michael Shikashio
New Orleans dog trainers , Michael Shikashio tapped as keynote speakers at Daytona Beach conference
After grappling with a global pandemic that has gripped the world for the past two years , the Association of Professional Dog Trainers is dipping its collective toe back into the waters of hosting an in-person conference this fall . That ’ s right , find your favorite flip flops and bathing suit , because the 29th APDT / CAPDT Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held Oct . 19-21 in
Daytona Beach , Florida .
“ We can ’ t wait to see you on the white sands of Dayton Beach , Florida ,” APDT Chair Fanna Easter said . “ Get ready for sun , fun , ocean waves , lots of learning , seeing old friends , and making new friends in person . Come relax and rejuvenate with amazing speakers and bring your swimsuit !”
This year , the conference will again be jointly hosted with our North American counterparts , the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers ( CAPDT ). The opening keynote speakers will be as spicy as their New Orleans establishment , Smart Bitch Modern Dog Training , which is co-owned by
Jiovany ‘ Jio ’ Alcaide , CPDT-KA , IAABC-ADT , and Taylor Barconey , CPDT-KA , IAABC-ADT . Their keynote topic will be “ Professionalism Bites : Being Authentic Online to Promote Your Business .”
A native of New Orleans , Taylor Barconey grew interested in dog training as she wrapped up her college career at Xavier University in Louisiana with her degree in psychology . As the owner of two Patterdale Terriers named Suri and Sachi , Taylor decided to mix her love of dogs and psychology to become a dog trainer . She began working at Camp Bow Wow in 2016 , and by the next year , she had become an accredited dog trainer through the day care facility , and then received her CPDT-KA certification in 2018 .
In the meantime , less than eight hours away in Nashville , Tennessee , Jio Alcaide was getting her bachelor ’ s degree in Theater from Middle Tennessee State University . As a reward for graduating , Jio got a Jack Russell terrier / Dachshund cross puppy she named Beetlejuice and made the big move to New Orleans . Fascinated with training , she began her official training journey at Camp Bow Wow , where she met Taylor . Jio received her CPDT- KA certification in 2018 , and then she and Taylor created Smart Bitch Modern Dog Training in January 2019 . Besides Beetlejuice , Jio also has a Doberman Pinscher named Powerline and a cat .
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