For nearly 20 years, Miami, Florida, transplant Howie Rodriguez owned and acted as Training Director at California K-9 Academy in Burbank, California before taking his skills to Miami. There, Howie Rodriguez led a staff dedicated to training dogs in a warm and loving atmosphere as opposed to a typical kennel environment. In addition to making the animals comfortable, Howie Rodriguez felt that being trained in such an environment made the dog’s transition home much easier. Howie Rodriguez and his staff carefully charted the animals’ progress in all areas, including socialization, housebreaking, and behavioral aspects. In addition, an on-call vet was available 24/7 should any of the dogs have required medical attention. Howie Rodriguez’s facility also provided vaccine and spaying or neutering services during training. Many well-known clients have used the services of Howie Rodriguez, including Bo Derek, Drew Barrymore, Kelly LeBrock, Janet Jackson, Steve Wynn, Howard Schultz, John Corbett, and Tom Petty.

When Howie Rodriguez retired from California K-9 Academy and moved to Miami, he selected Yaiza Magdalena to take his place as the new owner and director of operations. Howie Rodriguez feels confident that Yaiza, with whom he has worked for years, will continue in his footsteps to lead the company to new heights as he starts a new venture in Miami.

Howie Rodriguez started training dogs at the young age of 10. Before his final move to Miami, he served at The K-9 Command Dog training center in New York as a Kennel Attendant. When he reached his late teens he became National Training Director and Head Trainer and finally Partner of the company. As Partner, Howie Rodriguez spearheaded a plan that opened 32 new kennels across the country and he moved to the company’s headquarters in Kansas City to implement a major reorganization. Prior to landing in Miami, Howie Rodriguez explored the state of Florida when he opened two kennels called Continental K-9 Academy.

Currently a resident of Miami, Howie Rodriguez attended Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, where he studied biology. He serves as a board member of the Galapagos Conservancy and gives generously to the United Children’s Charity Fund, which is also known as the United Christian Children’s Fund. Howie Rodriguez enjoys flying single- and twin-engine planes and teaching scuba diving lessons in Miami. An avid reader, he lists public speaker and author Eckhart Tolle, who wrote The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, among his favorite writers. Howie Rodriguez currently trains dogs in his Miami location, competes in national championships, and acts as partner in a dog food company.