Asheville, NC Staff
David Kabler, Jr’s love for dogs began in his youth, inspiring him to found Kabler School For Dogs in 1995. A certified Master Trainer and graduate of the prestigious National K9 School For Dog Trainers, David sharpened his skills at Augusta K9 Services, Tarheel K9 Academy, and numerous K9 seminars. With over 25 years of experience, he has transformed thousands of puppies into confident, well-mannered adults, earning the trust of countless owners through his innovative, family-focused training.
David’s philosophy blends traditional dog training with positive, reward-based methods, tailoring each session to a dog’s unique temperament. His expertly designed courses at our Asheville, NC, and Columbia, SC campuses teach voice commands, hand signals, and leash cues for seamless communication. From Puppy Preschool and Private Lesson Courses to Residency Board & Train, David’s programs deliver tangible results that strengthen dog-owner bonds. A passionate competitor, David and his Belgian Malinois, Storm, excelled at the 2025 United States Mondio Ring Association National Championships, achieving a qualifying score. He and Storm also compete in Dock Diving, showcasing their dynamic skills in high-energy, dog based sports. Since 1995, David’s vision has made Kabler a leader in dog training.
Candy Breisecher brings over 25 years of diverse experience in the dog industry, from veterinary care to kennel management, making her a cornerstone of Kabler School For Dogs. Her lifelong passion for dogs drove her to earn her professional dog trainer certification from Animal Behavior College in 2016, followed by a specialized Service Dog Trainer certification in 2023. As a dedicated mentor for Animal Behavior College, Candy guides aspiring trainers to graduation, sharing her wealth of knowledge to shape the next generation of canine professionals.
At our Asheville, NC campus Candy oversees the daily operations of our Residency Board & Train and Private Training programs. Her approach blends positive, reward-based techniques with a deep understanding of canine behavior, tailoring sessions to each dog’s unique needs. From teaching essential commands to shaping service dogs, Candy’s expertise ensures lasting results that strengthen dog-owner bonds. Her compassion and insight shine in every session, whether guiding a nervous pup or a family companion, even in the heat of summer training.
Nick Lentz’s passion for dogs began in his childhood, raising spirited Huskies in the heart of Wisconsin. By age 15, he was honing his skills at Pine Edge Retrievers, a respected local hunting dog training facility, where he spent nine formative years mastering obedience and retriever training techniques. With over 15 years in the dog industry, Nick has become a true expert in canine management, care, and training, blending intuition with proven methods to create lasting results.
After earning a degree from Madison Media Institute in video and motion graphics, Nick brought his creative problem-solving and attention to detail to the world of dog training. Since joining Kabler School For Dogs, he has fully embraced our tailored, positive, reward-based training philosophy. As the lead trainer in our Residency Board & Train program, Nick crafts personalized plans that transform dogs of all breeds into confident, well-mannered companions. He also shines in our Private Training program, guiding owners and dogs to seamless communication through the Kabler training approach. Nick’s ability to connect with dogs and their owners stems from his deep understanding of canine behavior and his patient, engaging approach. Whether shaping a retriever’s focus or helping a family dog master new skills, his sessions are fun, effective, and inspiring.
Bennett Chess has been a dog lover his entire life, with a heart set on forging joyful, lasting bonds between dogs and their humans. His passion for canine companionship isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Bennett’s journey in dog training began humbly as a kennel technician at a dog school, where he immersed himself in the art of reading canine body language and understanding behavior. Those early days cleaning kennels and observing dogs laid the foundation for his expertise, sparking a dream to become a professional trainer.
After relocating to the vibrant community of Asheville, NC, Bennett joined Kabler School For Dogs, starting as a Kennel Assistant. His dedication, keen insight, and natural connection with dogs quickly set him apart. Through hard work and a relentless drive to learn, Bennett rose through the ranks to become a skilled trainer in our renowned Primary Obedience program. Today, he also leads our beloved Puppy Preschool and Swim Safety courses, bringing energy and expertise to every session at our Asheville campus. His Swim Safety courses ensure dogs splash safely, teaching owners how to protect their pups around water. Whether guiding a rambunctious puppy or refining an adult dog’s obedience, Bennett’s patience and enthusiasm create a fun, rewarding experience that leaves tails wagging and owners smiling.
Beyond the classroom, Bennett is a devoted dog dad, spending his free time training his own dogs in scent work and Service Dog skills. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of canine behavior make him a favorite among our graduates, who rave about his ability to transform their dogs into confident, well-mannered companions.
Mars Attard has been surrounded by dogs her entire life, sparking a lifelong love that grew into a calling for professional training. From a young age, she practiced basic obedience with her family’s dogs, fueling a passion that deepened with time. With over seven years of hands-on experience in kennels and doggy daycares, Mars discovered her unique talent for communicating with dogs, reading their behaviors, and fostering trust. Her specialty lies in helping owners build stronger, more meaningful connections with their dogs through clear, effective communication.
At Kabler School For Dogs’ Asheville campus, Mars brings her enthusiasm and expertise to our training programs, using positive, reward-based methods to tailor sessions to each dog’s personality. Whether teaching commands or deepening bonds in our Private Training programs, she creates joyful, lasting results, in lively and engaging training sessions.
Caretaking for the Residency training guests at Kabler School for Dogs is an ideal job for kennel staffer Rick Reason, combining two of his lifelong passions: making art and spending time in the company of dogs. He has worked as an animal caretaker at a Long Island Animal Hospital, volunteered in dog rescue efforts and dog therapy to nursing homes, and competed in dog agility. While working as an illustrator/portrait painter in Hollywood and New York, Rick created award-winning art for the ASPCA, Canine Companions for Independence, and other humane organizations. His dog portraits have hung in the AKC Museum of the Dog and in private collections from coast to coast. Rick is currently at work enhancing our campus with a growing portrait gallery of oil paintings featuring many of our esteemed four-legged alumni.