About Don Abney Born in Louisiana, Don recalls that his first dog was a wild dog that was caught in the swamps of Louisiana by his father on a hunting trip. The dog was named Skippy because of a slight limp he had when he was captured. After watching the dog being handled by his father, Don was taught how to handle the dog and teach it to do certain tricks. This was the very beginning of his dog-training career. As he grew older, the dog training was left behind for other interests and pursuits, but it was never abandoned. After serving in the military, he went on to pursue a career in electronics with the telephone company, and then a career in law enforcement. During these years, he would help others with the problems they were encountering with their dogs, and present instructions to on how to correct whatever problem they had encountered. The decision was made to offer his services to the public and thus began ABCANTRA (Abney's Canine Training) which continues in operation today. An Internet Web site, http: //www.abcantra.com, was designed to offer free information and help for dog owners. Listed below are some of the accomplishments Don has attained: -Master Trainer certification in obedience, tracking (human and game), search and rescue, detector dogs, and behavior modification since 1980. -Court-certified expert in the field of canine training and tracking, through the Criminal District Courts of New Orleans, Louisiana. - December 10, 1998, by Judge Julian Parker. -United Kennel Club (UKC) Junior Showmanship Judge. -United Kennel Club (UKC) all-breed Conformation Judge. -American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen evaluator. -Licensed by the Drug Enforcement Agency, as a researcher in the field of canine training. -Studies in dog psychology, animal behavior, breeding and genetics, canine nutrition, and health care. -Experienced in handling dangerous, vicious, and nuisance animals. -Founding member and trainer of Louisiana Search and Rescue Dogs, Inc. 1989-1996. -Retired reserve lieutenant, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office-Search and Rescue Division. -Author of The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, a book on the history, breeding, and care of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. -Owner, handler, and trainer of "Ladyhawke," the first registered Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog to be certified in search and rescue, and narcotics detection to be commissioned by law enforcement. -Recipient of the "Service Champion Award" for outstanding work in community service, presented by the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas. -Awarded "Excellence in Training" by Sigma Chemical Corporation. -Author of the Canine Tracking Guide, a book on how to train a dog to follow a track. -Certified breeder of registered Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs since 1985. (N.A.L.C.) -President of the American Catahoula Association - 1998-2004. -President of the Catahoula Owner, Breeder, and Research Association (COBRA), a United Kennel Club single-breed organization. -President of the Great Southern Kennel Club, a multi-breed United Kennel Club organization).