When Art Sylvia became ill toward the end of the 1990s, he wanted to train another generation to carry on his work, Taylor says. This worked well for the family, as Kelly and Gennaro Sylvia were still helping out as well. Kerwin initially discovered the school about a decade ago, when he wanted to train his Irish setter and a friend recommended Sylvia's school. As a salesman, you have to sell your product whether it's good or not. Along with obedience classes, the Saratoga School for Dogs also offers 50 kennels and runs in which dogs are boarded.
Every kennel is disinfected daily.
In response to the increasing public fear of large dogs and increased reporting of dog bites, following the January death of a San Francisco woman at the jaws of a Canary Island mastiff, Kerwin says he's had a significant increase in phone calls from people concerned about their dogs. Either they're worried the dogs may have some aggressive tendencies, he says, or they're worried because their dogs have nipped a few times in the past. Something good that he says has come out of the attacks is that owners now pay closer attention to their dogs' behavior, and are more likely to notice and correct any problems. Less serious, but nonetheless unacceptable, behaviors Kerwin teaches his clients to tackle with their dogs include elimination problems and excessive digging, chewing, jumping or barking. He also offers protection training and training that prepares dogs for exhibition in the show ring.