The Chicago Team
Brice Cavanaugh
Since 1993, Brice has been training dogs to very high levels of obedience, with awards, medals of distinction, and numerous top three finishes in each competition entered. A former Marine K9 Handler, Brice protected dozens of dignitaries through the use of dog teams that he trained, coordinated and deployed.
While Brice’s true passion is dogs, a close second is clear communication to those that are trying to get the most out of their canine companion. Brice’s thorough, thoughtful and straightforward approach simplifies training and helps bring balance back in to the home. Not only does Brice teach dogs and their owners, he is also sought after for speaking engagements, workshops and seminars, writing articles, and outside of the dog world, consulting for businesses, and now resides in the Chicago metropolitan area.
- Professional Member, International Association of Canine Professionals #P-2054
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator #9280
- Board of Directors, Canine Political Action Corps
- Board of Directors, National Tactical Police Dog Association
- Member, American Dog Owners Association
- Pet CPR Certified, American Red Cross
Maryann Napolitano
Maryann’s love of dogs started with her growing up with dogs and later became a passion when she attended her first formal dog training sessions. Cujo, a Cane Corso, was the first dog that she trained, followed by Cortez, a Dutch Shepherd, and in her efforts to get the most out of her personal dogs, Maryann found a great sense of pride in helping to bridge the communication gap between humans and dogs. Her personable and energetic presence has been welcomed by her canine students as well as their human counterparts, making her a joy to work with! Maryann is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), and teaches private lessons, group lessons and provides demonstrations and evaluations throughout the Greater Chicago Area!
Tom McMurchie
Tom was born and raised in Carpentersville, IL where he developed a love for animals at an early age, where as a youth, he would manage to bring home every stray animal that he came across. In high school, Tom worked for a local pet store where he learned hands on animal behavior, handling and care. his love and passion for dogs continued to grow as he grew, and Tom spent most of his free time in the reading of countless books, with his quest being the best that he could be to help rehabilitate and rescue dogs. There was never any doubt in Tom’s mind that his lovde would be his life!
In 2002, Tom graduated from Dundee Crown HS and left the same week for Basic Training in the United States Army at Fort Jackson, SC. After training, Tom served his first year in South Korea, then was deployed on three separate occasions in Iraq, while he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX. While in TX, Tom attended the Triple Crown School for Dog Trainers. In 2007, he graduated the Canine Behavior and Training Specialist Program, which is the basis for Tom’s formal training. Tom has continued his education in the hands-on of working with dogs, from basic obedience to behavior modification with dogs scheduled for euthenasia, saving dogs along the way!
Tom received an Honorable Discharge on June 15th, 2009, and joined Team Dog! at that time! Tom has three dogs: “Tara”, a 4 year old Belgian Malinois, “Frenzy”, a 2.5 year old German Shepherd Dog, and “Aeros”, a 7 month old Belgian Malinois puppy!
