Once you set your eyes on Bourbon, a gigantic harlequin Great Dane with floppy ears, unique markings, and loose skin flowing down his legs into creases, you will instantly fall in love! Bourbon became a one-year-old charmer in August of this year.

Bourbon’s Paw-Rent, McKenzie Pack, is a powerhouse who has been riding horses since she was four years old. She started training horses when she was 13. Her first horse was a five-year-old thoroughbred, and the horse taught McKenzie the importance of patience in establishing control.

Now McKenzie trains dogs, and patience, as it turns out, is the key ingredient required in her current position of dog instructor. Anyone who has attempted to train their own dog can understand that!

McKenzie started working at Pet Paradise, where she became a certified dog trainer. Her first pupil was her own Bourbon, and she has taught Bourbon well. He walks with grace and confidence. When McKenzie asks Bourbon to sit, he bows forward, which is surely a part of his charm. 

McKenzie applies the training skills she has learned with horses and with Bourbon as well as her formal training at Pet Paradise to help many dog owners achieve better control of and relationships with their dogs. She has achieved a notable reputation for her kind yet firm instruction.

You may notice McKenzie on a nightly bike ride with Bourbon. “His trot reminds me of a camel,” McKenzie says. McKenzie and Bourbon have added Shade, a beautiful black German Shepherd, to their home. Shade  serves as McKenzie’s personal service dog. 

McKenzie didn’t stray far from horses, however. The only difference is these big canine boys just get to live indoors with her.