Scott Mueller was born in 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio. As a young boy, Scott had a newspaper route where he encountered two dog enthusiasts and developed a fascination with the training concept. In 1974, Scott realized his calling; a year later, he moved his family to Columbus, Ohio, to launch The National K-9 Training Center, later renamed The National K-9 Learning Center.
In 1977, Scott pioneered the training of the first support dog to aid the late Sandy Maze who suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. Scott co-founded the non-profit organization, “Support Dogs for the Handicapped, Inc.” Dogs were trained to aid individuals who were physically challenged with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, and paralysis.
These support dogs helped their owners become more self-sufficient and independent.They were taught to retrieve objects, to assist with wheelchairs and doors, to provide physical support and stability, and to perform other physical necessities to make life easier for their humans. Less than six years later, Scott’s program merged with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), based in California.
In 1979, Scott founded the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers, which has trained more than 1,600 students from across the United States and from over 40 foreign countries. “I felt that through the school, I could reach more dog owners. Teaching others the art of dog training makes a difference in the lives of millions of dogs throughout the world.I’m proud of my graduates carrying the torch,” Scott said.
During the 1990s, Scott created a comprehensive puppy preschool program. He has written Mueller's Official Puppy Owner's Manual, which is distributed by professional trainers and veterinarians across the country, as well as Mueller's Essential Guide to Puppy Development for the K-9 professional, which is scheduled for publication during the summer of 2010.
