News & Announcements
From Franklin Matters 6/15/2025
Service Dog Graduation Article and Video
Amie DuPlessis, new CNWI!
We are thrilled to announce that one of our instructors, Amie DuPlessis, ANWI, has just been granted her CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor) status by the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW®)! She currently has 4 rescue dogs enrolled in Nose Work training, two of whom are currently trialing at the NW1 level, and two who are preparing for their ORT (Odor Recognition Test). A passionate dog lover looking for a new challenge, Amie was bitten by the Nose Work bug after completing puppy classes at MasterPeace with her third dog, Cooper. Seeing the positive benefits that the sport afforded her dogs, she decided that she wanted to share that passion with others by becoming a Nose Work instructor. Her kind and gentle demeanor towards both dogs and handlers, as well as her keen eye, have proven to help teams flourish on their own Nose Work journey.
In addition to her teaching capacity at MasterPeace, she also works as a Relocation Operations Manager for a publicly traded real estate firm, as well as assisting those looking to buy or sell a home. In her spare time, she is an Adoption Coordinator with Paws and Claws New England, helping animals to find loving homes.
Look for more classes with Amie to be offered at MasterPeace soon!
Amie and Cooper, Vehicle search at a trial
Results of the Container Challenge
Sunday, December 8, 2024
50 Container Challenge
1st Place
Ina and Dory
Time: 00:45.63
2nd Place
Jill and Stormy
Time: 1:13.47
3rd Place
Leigh and Rhubarb
Time: 01:17.81
100 Container Challenge
Distractors used in the 100 Container Challenge were:
Tennis ball, banana, cranberry sauce, pound cake, cashews and applewood smoked ham.
1st Place
Amy and Leroy
Time: 03:31.75
2nd Place
Kathy and Clara
Time: 04:00.53
3rd Place
Ina and Ben
Time: 04:32.75
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
“Lead with love!” We believe the core elements to successful service dog training are love, trust, and seamless communication between the handler and their dog.
In honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passing on July 26, 1990, we are launching the full rollout of our Owner Trainer Service Dog Program at MasterPeace Dog Training. Our program is designed to empower and provide the necessary tools and guidance for successful service dog training.
Visit masterpeaceservicedog.com for more details and stay updated as we continue to add new resources and information.
What’s Included:
- Frequently Asked Questions: to address all your queries
- Sample Syllabus: to give you a sneak peek into the training journey
- “Schedule Now” Button: for an initial phone or video call consult to join the program
Join us in celebrating this significant milestone and embark on the path to training your own service dog. Together, we can achieve independence and enhance the quality of life!
Corey Jose Silva will be the instructor for this wonderful program. Learn why this means so much to Corey:
” I am thrilled to make a special announcement that is particularly close to my heart. This year, MasterPeace Dog Training is launching a Service Dog Program specifically designed for owner-trainers.
May 30 is “World MS” day, an international awareness day for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. One morning, I woke up with tingling in my hands, which eventually led to a temporary loss of control. This challenging experience ignited my dream of training a retriever to assist me as my “backup hands.” During my journey, I discovered the scarcity of resources available for owners who wish to train their own service dogs, despite it being entirely legal and reasonable under the ADA.
I am excited to introduce the MasterPeace Service Dog Program, the resource I once sought. MasterPeace Dog Training is uniquely positioned to support individuals from puppy kindergarten to specialized task training. Starting this July I will be offering a “Service Dog Task Foundations” class.”
Corey
Our program will also feature:
- Quarterly Service Dog 101 Workshops
- Public Access Training
- The “MasterPeace Public Access Test”
- And much more
Successful Nose Work Seminar
Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg recently presented an info-filled and thought-provoking Nose Work seminar on the Dog Driven Search Part 2 to a sold-out crowd at MasterPeace, courtesy of Dana Crevling (DogsofCourse.com) – and our 3 NW instructors were in attendance! Here are some photos from the weekend!
Left to right: Pam DeTore, CNWI, Dana Zinn, Sue Sternberg, Patty Sontag, CNWI, and Debbie Kiernan, CNWI
A sold-out crowd, with full attention on the presenters (lots of merchandise was available, too!)
Watching the demo teams
Kathleen and Demi, one of the demo teams, working on leash
Karen and Roady, another demo team, working off leash
Gifts to be grateful for by Esther Zimmerman
Thank you, Franklin Police Department!
We are humbled that the Franklin Police Department has gifted us with a plaque, along with a lovely letter from Thomas J. Lynch, Chief of Police, in recognition of the two years donated by Fran Masters to train Ben in basic and advanced obedience behaviors so that he could achieve his Therapy Dog certification. She has worked weekly with Officer Jamie Mucciarone and the lovely Golden Retriever, Ben Franklin, to help prepare this gentle dog to be Franklin’s Community Outreach dog. These two years have flown by, but our door will always be open to Jamie and Ben for more training or just a visit! Franklin is very lucky to have this team as part of the community to respond to any crisis or participate in community visits. Franklin Police Department’s forward thinking in this regard has caused other police departments in the state to follow suit with their own Community Outreach dogs—but none will be as handsome as our Ben!
