Vince Conrad

Owner & Trainer

Hi, I am Vince. As a youth in rural western Pennsylvania, I learned the special level of trust and bonding that occurs between a well-trained dog and its handler while training and working hunting dogs. When you and your dog understand each other, your relationship is able to reach new levels of confidence and joy that were previously unattainable.

I have always loved dogs but put that interest on hold to obtain an advanced degree in chemistry. As an Analytical Chemist, I developed the problem-solving and customer-services skills necessary to provide innovative and reliable support to energy industry professionals that were experiencing unique operational and environmental issues. Taking the time to understand my client’s needs, communicating clear goals, and accepting accountability for the quality of my team’s services resulted in client relationships/friendships that lasted for decades.

After retiring in 2021, I began to search for a new challenge. The opportunity to obtain a Dog Training Elite franchise, has allowed me to apply the soft skills developed over a 38-year career to a life-long passion, working with dogs and their owners. I am delighted that DTE encourages the owner to actively participate in the training so they acquire the skills necessary to continue to build upon their relationship long after the training is complete. DTE’s emphasis on community service through service and therapy dog training as well as their non-profit Malinois Foundation provided an additional incentive to partner with DTE.

When not working, I can be seen on morning runs with Tess, gardening with Tammy, hunting, woodworking, and finding new ways to spoil grandson, Francis.

Pittsburgh is home Tammy and me. We have lived in the Pittsburgh suburb of McMurray for over 35 years, raising a family that included two wonderful children and a number of unforgettable dogs including the current duo, Tessie, a hyperactive German Shorthaired Pointer and Ollie, a contrary, but loveable, long-haired Dachshund. We are excited to be able to use our DTE franchise to give back to the community that has been so good to us.

Tammy Conrad

Owner & Office Administrator

Hi, I am Tammy. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania a few miles from Vince.

After college, I spent a year working in New York city before returning home to take a position in banking.

After moving to Pittsburgh, I left the workforce to become a full-time mom to our two children. I was very active in the Peters Township School District, volunteering in classrooms and holding numerous positions in the Parent Teacher Association, including President. My children’s departure for college, left me with time to continue community service, mentoring community youth that had incurred a minor criminal offense and organizing fund raising events for the Peters Township library.

It is hard for me to imaging a day without having our dogs in our lives. They provide so much unconditional love and they never fail to make me laugh every day. In addition to spending time with our dogs, I enjoy walking and caring for my flower gardens.

I am very pleased to be able to continue my involvement in the community through our Dog Training Elite franchise. We look forward to helping you develop an unforgettable relationship with your four-legged companions.

Tessie

Training Partner

Hi, I am Tessie, a 1-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer. I was born on a farm in western Kentucky and moved to Pittsburgh when I was 11 months old. I am learning new things every day to help me adapt to city life. I have learned the boundaries of our property, to run on a leash without causing Vince to fall, to sit politely while my leash is attached and the door is opened for me to go outside, that counter surfing is not permitted, to curb my barking, and to control my enthusiasm for chasing squirrels, rabbits, birds and other critters. Well, to be honest, I am still working on the last one but I am a GSP after all.

My favorite activities are eating, running, snoozing next to the fireplace, and stalking/chasing critters off our property. I enjoy learning new tricks from Vince. I am still learning new things every day but would love to show you and your dogs what I have learned so far. Hope to meet you all soon.