I grew up on a cattle farm in Virginia. I have owned and trained our family dogs since I was 8. I have worked in the restaurant industry for the last 10 years—both as a Franchisee and for the Corporate office where I trained franchise owners and their teams. I have always loved working with animals, and now I get to help families build a better relationship with their dogs!

Daniel's first love of canines came at an early age while growing up with German Shepherds, He completed 31 years of military service before embarking on this current journey. Throughout the years he has had many canine companions with his favorite being a dachshund called Hardy In the 18 years he had with Hardy, his favorite time was seeing the pure excitement of his little buddy when he came home from work. As time went on, he developed strong bonds with his adopted pack Monty (Golden Retriever) and Princess (Black Labrador) both of whom provided much love and companionship. Currently, his pack includes his wife Rachel and business partners Louie (Mini Dachshund), Lola (Mini Dachshund), Sophie (Lab mix), and Lucy (Shepherd Mix). He is excited to provide assistance in strengthening bonds between parents and their canine(s) through good manners and respectful boundaries.

At the age of 10, Rachel's first experience in training dogs began with a strong-willed Chow-Chow named Bear. During her 22-year career in the military and a 15-year career in corporate America, there wasn't a time she didn't lovingly have a canine or 2 or 5, at her side. Her children grew up with Sidney (a rescue mix) Monty and Princess. She was able to enjoy her time with Monty and Princess for more than 17 years and misses them dearly, although this journey, keeps their memory close to her heart. Her current pack includes her husband Daniel and 4 business partners, Louie, Lola, Sophie and Lucy. It is her goal to give back to the community by way of improving relationships between handlers and their canine(s) or parents and their fur-babies.

Sophie is part owner and a serious somewhat lazy Labrador mix. She joined the team after needing a partner in crime for Lucy. She came from a loving family who could no longer care for her and fit right into our pack with much sassiness and stubborn attitude. She is also quite loving and if you look into her eyes, it’s almost as if you can see into her soul.

Lucy is part owner and a fun-loving German Shephard mix, that showed up to the Van De Mark home one summer afternoon. After failed attempts to find from where she came, it was decided that joining the pack was the best choice. She enjoys lots of exercise, dog TV, and time spent chewing on bones.

Louie and Lola are miniature long-haired dachshunds who have been part of the Van De Mark team for over a decade. Louie's favorite past time is laying in your lap. He rarely discriminates between shapes and sizes as long as it provides warmth. He is semi-retired while enjoying board meetings that involve long nap times and occasional treats. Lola, in her decidedly full retirement, prefers to search for the best naptime hiding spots. She very much enjoys her meals but enjoys instigating the neighborhood canine chats even more.

I grew up in the Houston area in a house full of animals. While attending Sam Houston State University I began training with Dog Training Elite as a Service Dog client. During this time I quickly realized just how much joy there was in seeing the tremendous progress my own dog made throughout the program. My unruly and dog reactive shelter pup turned into a well mannered service dog…the training was life changing for me. Upon graduating from SHSU with my BFA in Media Production I decided that I wanted to help others have the opportunity to experience this program by becoming a Trainer with DTE. I know first hand just how amazing this company is. I have always worked in the service industry and enjoy helping people connect with their furry friends in order to bring out their best in all that they can do. I currently reside with my cat, who thinks he runs the world, and my sweet service dog “Fish”. I love that I get to do this life changing work every day!