Dogs might be considered man's best friend, but long-time Polk County resident Bob Sokoloskis might just as easily be considered a dog's best friend. He's spent most of his life making pets' lives - and their owners' lives - easier through obedience and socialization training.
As a young boy, it didn't take Sokoloskis long to realize his passion for working with animals. He was involved in organizations such as 4-H and activities such as farm animal training. That beginning is what led him to a long career with many four-legged companions in Central Florida.
While in college, Sokoloskis began an animal-care business. It allowed him to provide care for animals in the homes where they lived, so owners could be away without having to board the animals or worry about their safety and well-being.
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Bob Sokoloskis conducts dog obedience class at the Humane Society of Polk County in Winter Haven.
Paul Crate / News Chief |
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A second part to business included a transportation vehicle Sokoloskis called an "animal ambulance."
"It was mostly for handling sick and injured animals," Sokoloskis says. "Because when they are hurting, they can be dangerous."
He said a lot of the animals he picked up were taken to the Humane Society and to veterinarian offices.
"My knowledge was more about how to handle the animals," Sokoloskis says. "That's why I started the ambulance service. I would go and pick up animals that had been hit and were on the side of the road."
During the time he ran the animal-care service, Sokoloskis also volunteered to assist as an investigator in animal abuse cases. While not getting involved in the actual police work, Sokoloskis said he received calls when his skills and background could offer value to the case.
Though he spent nearly 10 years in that role, it wasn't what led him to become a dog trainer. Until then, his only experience with dog training was taking his brother's dog through an obedience class.
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Dogs wait with their owners to learn commands at a canine obedience class taught by Bob Sokoloskis.
Paul Crate / News Chief |
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"An elderly woman was having trouble with her dog and asked me to help," Sokoloskis says of his first experience as a private trainer. "I referred her to someone else, but when that didn't work out she came back to me again."
Sokoloskis and the woman worked out an agreement for the training service, and it wasn't long before it became more than a one-time occurrence.
One of the best rewards Sokoloskis says he valued was improving the relationship between dogs and their owners.
"I love helping people develop that relationship with their dog so they have an understanding of what the problem is, where it is and why (it exists)," Sokoloskis says. "When I leave, they are happier and better understand the dog. Having that repeat
enjoyment over and over again is what makes it (worthwhile)."
It is more than just a few obedience commands that help Sokoloskis achieve success. His methods involve a deeper look at the interactions between pets and their owners.
"You have to understand animals and where they are coming from, because you can't sit down and have a conversation with them," he says. "It's a process and a way of living - not just for the dog, but for the owner as well. It involves a permanent change of ways, which doesn't happen in five minutes."
According to Sokoloskis, communication is key.
"The more you can be in touch with the dog's needs, the easier it is to teach it."
Sokoloskis's newest venture - currently in its ninth year - is called Dogs in Sync. It takes a unique approach to obedience commands by allowing the dogs to perform not only as a team but also to music.
There currently are nine members, and all are volunteers. The members do change over time, but four current members were part of the original team.
"We're not a group that goes in and just asks if they want to pet the dogs," Sokoloskis says. "We entertain."
The team practices weekly and performs approximately two shows per month, and all proceeds are donated to the Humane Society of Polk County.
But in all the training that he does for pet owners, Sokoloskis says his ultimate goal is for those he helps to achieve understanding.
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Sokoloskis and Jennifer Norrell sift through a box of leashes and choke chains to equip dog owners for canine obedience classes at the Humane Society of Polk County complex in Winter Haven.
Paul Crate / News Chief |
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"My philosophy is to help as many people as possible enjoy their pets," Sokoloskis says. "It's a great feeling to see someone (who had) come in feeling very chaotic, leave with better control through an understanding of what was happening and why."
In addition to offering private obedience training, consultation and socialization training, Sokoloskis is a dog trainer with the Humane Society of Polk County. He has more than 30 years of experience specializing in pet training. He also has two dogs of his own - a Yorkie and a border collie. He can be contacted directly by phoning 863-676-2798.
