Rebecca Lindeman’s dog training experience began more than four decades ago when she rose to prominence as a neighborhood dog walker.
“I wasn’t allowed to have a dog, so (I) started walking the neighbors’ dogs. When they saw that I could walk the dogs without them pulling on the leash, more neighbors asked me to walk their dogs,” the Somerset resident said.
Over the years, she and her business partner have forged themselves into training canines in ways that are as impressive as they are varied.
Lindeman’s love of nature led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fishery and wildlife biology at Frostburg State University as a non-traditional student. After graduation, Lindeman worked at Deep Creek Park in Maryland and the Pennsylvania State Park System, including stints at Prince Gallitzin State Park and the Laurel Hill State Park Complex, which includes Laurel Hill, Laurel Ridge, and Laurel Ridge State Parks. Kooser.
Seven years into her career, she began experiencing severe pain and mobility problems.
“He was also hyper sleepy, almost narcoleptic. I was diagnosed with blood sugar problems, which were soon corrected, but also fibromyalgia, connective tissue disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease characterized by dry mouth and eyes,” Lindeman said.
“Sjorgen can also affect lung tissue. When I have a cold, it feels like I have a sunburn inside of me. A cold that lasts five days for most people lasts five weeks.”
She had enrolled in studies to become a veterinary technologist, but was unable to complete certification because she couldn’t work with large animals.
“I started veterinary school because I had lost a dog to something preventable and I wanted to help prevent someone else from suffering that loss,” she said.
Thanks to physical therapy, Lindeman said, her symptoms and pain are generally under control.
“I used to be unable to walk two blocks without using a cane. Steve Podratsky of Western Pennsylvania Sports Medicine has helped me tremendously,” he said, adding that Daisy, one of his Rottweilers, is his service dog.
Following these diagnoses, Lindeman went back to his roots, launching Lindeman Pet Services in 2005, then K-10 Pet Services with business partner Bob Larson in 2018. K-10 Pet Services is an American Kennel family dog training facility. Club.
In the last 16 years, he estimates they have trained 700 dogs, dogs ranging in size from a miniature dachshund to a Saint Bernard. Clients reside in Maryland and Allegheny, Cambria and Somerset counties in Pennsylvania.
He is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, through which he is currently seeking certification.
The most popular offerings from K-10 Pet Services are the STAR Puppy and Basic Obedience classes.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Lindeman and Larson sometimes traveled to clients’ homes to conduct trainings. Due to his immune system and the pandemic, K-10 Pet Services is currently only offering puppy training, behavior modification and scent work classes in a building built on his property.
“Puppy classes are held during the most influential phase of a dog’s learning curve. It is unfortunate that due to the pandemic, puppies adopted over the last 18 months have missed out on this important training,” Larson said.
Canine Good Citizen Training and Agility Training have been put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Larson and Lindeman said they hope to resume them.
K-10 Pet Services also offers day and night care services for dogs, including four outdoor kennels, three outdoor play areas, and a newly constructed indoor playroom and kennels.
Lindeman credits Larson with expanding his business to K-10 Pet Services LLC.
They met under tragic circumstances when Larson was part of the search and rescue team looking for Lindeman’s father, Edwin Vogel, who died in 2017.
“His knowledge and background allow me to offer my services like a real business,” Lindeman said. “Also, there are times when I wake up not knowing if my body will cooperate with me. It helps me train large aggressive dogs. This business couldn’t function without Bob.”
“He encouraged me to organize the business as an LLC. I think the most amazing things can happen in the wake of tragedies.”
Their skills and knowledge complement each other. Lindeman brings knowledge of dog behavior and training skills, while Larson brings business knowledge and experience in search and rescue operations.
“We come from different perspectives on how to train. We are not ‘one size fits all’. Even puppies from the same litters can learn differently,” Larson said. “We can suggest alternative training methods.”
Larson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife from Pennsylvania State University, is Ogle Township’s emergency management coordinator, as well as a volunteer firefighter, EMT and search and rescue team member. He also works as a security guard, EMT, and search and rescue instructor.
His experience has allowed K-10 Pet Services to add scent training to their available classes.
“Olfactory training is on its way. It is necessary for search and rescue dogs, and can also be worn to participate in competitions,” Larson said.
Four basic search skills are taught. Two, the container search and interior search, help prepare the dogs to search for explosives and narcotics. The exterior search and the buried search prepare the dogs to search for animals and humans, living and dead.
“Three of our training couples, including Rebecca and Daisy, have received awards in fragrance competitions,” Larson said.
With the help of neighbors and friends, Lindeman also continues to rebuild his life.
After her marriage ended in 2017, she began renovating her house, starting with her bathroom, then the living room and kitchen. Along the way, she was helped by members of a local United Methodist Men’s group, including Jim Weaver, Jerry Yoder and Carter Lehman.
“They helped with what I couldn’t do. But I did the painting. She felt good. She empowered me during a difficult time,” Lindeman said.
They also encouraged her to install solar panels with the help of Solar Samaritans, a group led by Eric Walker and affiliated with Somerset First United Methodist Church.
“We do one or two installation projects a year, and knowing Rebecca and her family, we agreed to help,” Walker said.
“Now I only pay for access to electric services, usually around $10 a month. I have met the best people in my own backyard. I have an incredible support system,” Lindeman said.
That support system also includes Lindeman’s daughter and son-in-law, Angel and Cayce Borden, and their grandchildren, Forest, Henry and June.
Whenever he can, Lindeman takes Daisy and her brother, Horatio, to Nashville, Tennessee, for a visit.
For additional information on K-10 Pet Services, visit k10petservices.com or email rebecca@k10petservices.com.