Meet The Trainer

Rebecca Johnson

I have been a dog trainer since 2012. I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, and a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).  I regularly attend continuing education opportunities via dog training webinars, seminars, and workshops, to stay up to date on the most effective training games for my household and yours.

I graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Anthropology. While serving as a Primate Technician at the Duke Lemur Center, I developed a deeper interest in animal training and behavior, which ultimately led to my passion in dog training. 

Dogs are amazing teachers and I can thank my dogs, Bella and Hopper, for shaping me into the trainer I am today.

My first dog was Bella, a 5 year old corgi/border collie mix that I brought home from the local animal shelter.  She was incredibly sweet and snuggly.  She taught me that some dogs prefer human company over other dogs and that’s ok.  She made me a better trainer, as we worked together to increase her comfort walking past other dogs on walks.  She learned to look at me and stay close to my side while passing other dogs instead of barking and lunging on the leash. My experiences with Bella really enhanced my ability to help my clients’ dogs learn to walk nicely on leash.

My current dog is Hopper, a Cardigan Corgi that I brought home from a reputable breeder as a puppy.  Hopper is silly, joyful, and smart.  She has taught me that an active dog requires daily activity, enrichment, and training to be her best-behaved self!  Hopper was a land shark piranha puppy, so I can relate to your frustration, nipped fingers, and torn clothing if your puppy is currently going through that phase.  My experiences with Hopper strengthened my ability to help my clients navigate the energy and teeth that a young puppy brings to their lives.

 I love using my experiences with Bella, Hopper, and client dogs, along with regular dog trainer continuing education, to help people enjoy their furry best friends.  I have enjoyed the benefits of positive reinforcement training with Bella and Hopper and I want to share those with my clients and their dogs in Lubbock, Texas!

 My Training Philosophy

I utilize positive-reinforcement style training. This means, we teach your dog what to do. Your dog will offer the behaviors you reward more often. You could yell until you’re blue in the face, and your dog will know you’re not happy, but your dog still won’t know what to do instead. What do you want your dog to do instead?

ex: “My dog always runs out the front door.”

Ok, let’s teach your dog to go lay on his bed, or sit and stay by your side every time the door is opened.

We start out by rewarding behaviors with treats. You can get a lot of repetitions in quickly, because it doesn’t take very long to swallow a treat. Later, you can reward behaviors with real-life rewards (favorite toys, play, and verbal praise...to name a few). You wouldn't work for free "just to please your boss," so I don’t expect your dog to work for free, either. 

I align my science-based training methods with those recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. You can read why I don’t use pain, fear, or intimidation here: Humane Dog Training Position Statement. You can read why I don’t use dominance in training here: Dog Training Dominance Position Statement.