Andy has been training since 1985 and has been instrumental in creating a program for developing young dogs into top competitors.
After a college education, and despite his parent’s best wishes, Andy turned to dog training. His roots are at Handjem where with Mike Lardy he developed a young dog program that is still current and relevant today. At Handjem, Andy was fortunate to train and handle some great dogs; dogs such as Big River Bon Amie, Candlewoods Super Tanker, Gusto Lost Control, Candlewoods Tanks A lot, Hattie Macbunn and Honest Abe. These great dogs and countless others have helped to shape and define Andy’s career.
In 1993 Andy and his wife Kari created Autumn Run. With the support and loyal assistance of Paul Sletten, Jess Bentley, Seth Steenburgan, and Ray Voight, Andy has trained a national derby champion, multiple top 10 derby dogs, and nearly 50 champions, making Autumn Run one of the premier professional kennels today.
For nearly 3 decades and still learning, Andy credits much of his success to many of his mentors. Pat Burns, Mike Lardy, Judy Aycock, Hugh Arthur, Jerry Patopea, Leslie Rae Carnes, and Delma Hazzard are just a few of Andy’s blessings that have enriched his training career.
Andy is joined by his wife Kari and assistant Craig Cook. Craig has had many years experience with Jim Van Engen of Right Start Kennels. Together they make a formidable team dedicated to the full development and enhancement of each dog that they train.