D. Glenn Martyn

Executive Director

D. Glenn Martyn began his professional career training dogs for TV and movies, obedience, show, field, police service, search and rescue, and tracking in 1965.

In 1972 Glenn earned a BA in psychology (with high honors) from the University of Montana, followed by graduate studies, and in 1986 a secondary level teaching certificate (psychology/biology). He owned and operated Firewind Training Kennels (Missoula, Montana), a full-service boarding and training kennel for 23 years (1976-1999).

In 1987, Glenn was instrumental in the establishment of PawsAbilities - Canine Partners for People with Disabilities. PawsAbilities has trained and placed Hearing and Mobility Service Dogs throughout the Western United States. He now directs the program.

Glenn has lectured at National Conferences on Service Dogs, dog problem-solving, and puppy aptitude testing. He has made presentations to assistance dog organizations, humane societies, sheriff's departments, search and rescue, and government organizations, covering such diverse topics as: canine genetics, breeding systems, puppy selection, search and rescue tactics, dog bite prevention, and analyzing/solving dog behavior problems.

In September 1999 Glenn joined the SFSPCA Hearing Dog Program as their Training Coordinator, supervising training and kennel staff operations. In July 2005 he was promoted to Director of the program, where he served until the Program's unexpected closure in the Spring of 2008.

Glenn is currently Director of Dog Training at Bergin University for Canine Studies at the Assistance Dog Institute, a California state-approved, degree granting University, located in Santa Rosa, California, and home of the Bergen University of Canine Studies. He has also been retained as a consultant by a variety of animal-related organizations, including several in Japan.

The Hearing Dog Program is excited to have Glenn at the helm of the new HDP to share his wisdom and experience!