Jan Flanagan

1. Jan Flanagan Owner, K9 Tailshakers, Inc.

2. “A Spoiled Dog is a Happy Dog, a Trained and Spoiled Dog is an even Happier Dog! Your dog relies on you for structure and guidance not just being spoiled.” Jan Flanagan Growing up Jan worked at her family’s 3 generation business, Ralph’s Heating and Air Conditioning. Eventually Jan ventured out onto her own into the Advertising world working at companies such as McConnaughy Stein Schmidt Brown, DDB Needham, Chicago and Jovon Broadcasting as a Broadcast Business Coordinator and Traffic Manager. After boarding her own dogs when on business and vacations Jan knew….exactly what was missing as a boarding client. Jan began the venture of educating herself and exploring the world of boarding, training and daycare. Jan has researched and attended many seminars such as handling shy/fearful dogs, infectious diseases in the kennel, handling aggressive dogs, vaccination protocol, safe animal handling, sanitation and disinfecting and pre-entry evaluations. In addition Jan is Certified in Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR, Certified Pet Care Technician and is close to completing her Certification for becoming a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavioral College. K9 Tailshakers is not only a business it is Jan’s true love and passion. While, Jan prefers to stay “behind the scenes” she is still very much involved with the day to day operations of the facility..., still working in the kennel, daycares and at the front desk… “this is not a business I just leave to paid staff and volunteers to run, this is my life.” Jan works along side with carefully chosen team members. Jan notes “you can have all the book work and credentials in the world about animal behavior, although it takes a special person to truly have the ability to read, feel and understand each individual dog, not everyone has that natural ability.” On a more personal note, Jan has a big belief in helping rescue and has worked with many rescues including American Belgian Malinois Rescue, Dutch Shepherd Rescue, Doberman Rescue and National Animal Welfare Society. Jan also believes in volunteer work and not only helping dogs but our Veterans as well. Jan’s pack consists of 3 Belgian Malinois (Dozer, Ryker and Lucia) and a German Shepherd (Sadie.) Jan is currently fostering Belgian Malinois “Elwood” and NAWS dogs “Hope” (Pit Bull), “Shilo (GSD Mix) and Lexi (Hound Mix.)” Jan has high hopes that her son Ryan will become a veterinarian one day as she notices he shares her passion for animals. Jan’s personal hobbies…yes believe it or not outside of work involves…..dogs! She loves to train and spend time with her dogs when time allows. In down time Jan’s favorite thing to do is spend time with her son, family and dogs at her family cottage. Recently Jan and her son Ryan have been researching their passion for horses and hope to learn more about the care of and riding horses.

3. ‘Ryan”Ryan is Jan’s son and shares her passion for animals. Ryan is 4 years old and loves to help train dogs and ride horses. Ryan, like his pack, shares a love for the outdoors. Ryan also adores his family and loves to spend time at the cottage with his Aunts, Uncles, Grandma and Grandpa,

4. “Sadie” Sadie is a 13 year old German Shepherd and is the heart of Jan’s pack. Sadie has a bark that would scare the most fierce predator although has the biggest heart a dog could have. Sadie is a great family dog and is Jan’s son Ryan’s best pal. Sadie is kind and gentle and very caring although will also protect her family if needed. Sadie loves to go for walks in the woods as well as swim. She is a true lover of the outdoors!

5. “Dozer”Dozer is an 8yr old Belgian Malinois and is Jan’s favorite to work/train. Dozer holds a special place in Jan’s heart as he is her first Belgian Malinois. Jan has had Dozer from a pup and they share a unique and special bond. Dozer has his Canine Good Citizen and is a Certified Therapy Dog, although Dozer’s favorite thing to do is work in Personal Protection. Dozer is older now although whenever he is working/training in personal protection you can see where his true passions is and what makes him happiest.

6. “Lucia & Ryker”Lucia and Ryker are 4 yr old Belgian Malinois. Both are rescues from the American Belgian Malinois Club. Lucia and Ryker are like two peas in a pod both with typical Malinois temperaments. Lucia is currently training in K9 Nosework and Ryker is training in Protection work. Both dogs also participate in the Frankfort Fire Departments yearly event at Home Depot Safety Expo and this will be their 3rd year.

7. Ryan & Jan