In 1999, Scott brought home his first German Shepherd Rottweiler mix puppy, Zach. As soon as he started his first puppy class, he just couldn't get enough and wanted to learn more and more. 

As Zach became adolescent, he entered a fear stage, which is very normal in adolescent dogs. He exhibited this fear by barking at people. Scott sought help to stop this unwanted behavior.

At the time, many training methods suggested using corrective training tools and tactics to stop the barking. Unknowingly, this created a bigger problem and a bigger fear of people. The use of these techniques deteriorated their relationship and Zach became increasingly avoidant of Scott and still continued barking and lunging at people. It was then Scott knew there had to be a better way. 

Scott began this journey by traveling around the United States attending conferences and working with behavior specialists. He learned about new positive reinforcement techniques, clicker training and behavior modification. 

In 2001, he brought everything he learned back to the Des Moines Metro area. He started teaching classes at the ARL and local vet clinics. He also began teaching agility out of his backyard. 

He opened his first facility in 2003, launching one of the Metro’s very first daycare programs. Just five years later, he expanded into an 8,000-square-foot space and introduced year-round agility training.

Scott continued to travel to various conferences and continued to learn more about the science of dog training. He would bring this knowledge back to better serve his clients and their dogs alike. 

Not only was he known in the Des Moines area, he became well respected around the country. After Hurricane Katrina, Scott flew down to help with the dogs that there labeled too dangerous to handle. During this trip, he earned the nickname "the dog whisperer". 

Due to his success in Louisiana, he was invited down to Texas by The Humane Society of the United States to help with transferring primates to a different facility after an animal sanctuary was shut down. 

Though Scott is no longer with us, his presence is still deeply felt in our community. Known for his unwavering positivity, he coined the phrase "Have the BEST day ever!" which reflected the joy and energy he brought to every interaction. To this day, whenever his name is mentioned, past clients light up with praise and gratitude, remembering how he helped them and their dogs.

His passion was always to improve the quality of life for both dogs and their humans by offering a kinder, more humane path forward built on trust, understanding, and connection. His legacy lives on in the people he inspired, the dogs he helped, and the values that continue to guide our work.

Renee's Journey

Renee’s love for dogs began early; volunteering at her local shelter at just 9 years old and earning the “Pets Choice Award”  for her kindness and love of animals by 12.  After high school, she pursued professional dog training through Animal Behavior College, where her externship led her to Canine Craze. Though her background was rooted in traditional methods, joining Canine Craze challenged her to embrace positive reinforcement training, a decision that transformed her career and her philosophy as a trainer.

In 2009, Renee and Scott married, blending their lives and their vision for Canine Craze. Together they launched the Train & Play program in 2013, redefining what dog daycare could be for their community. That same year, Renee also became Lead Trainer for Puppy Jake Foundation, where she continues to train service dogs for lives of purpose and partnership with Veterans.

Since Scott's passing in 2016, Renee has carried forward his vision every day. She has expanded Canine Craze with programs like Dog Perfect, the Craze Trained Club, Fear Free Training partnering with local veterinarians, and an entire library of online training resources. All with one goal in mind, helping people better understand their dogs, learn to meet them where the are, and build stronger, lasting relationships through learning, enrichment, and community. 

Today, Renee continues to lead Canine Craze with the same mission and dedication. Additionally, her passion now includes training the next generation of trainers, both at Canine Craze and through her work with Puppy Jake Foundation.