Kyoko Johnson has been training dogs and their people in Hawaii since 2008. Her love of dogs came from volunteering for various dog rescue organizations and shelters on the island.
Training Philosophy
Kyoko’s approach to training and behavior modification emphasizes positive reinforcement, positive association and effective communication.
Services
Kyoko offers a variety of dog training services, including:
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Conservation Detection Dog Training & Consulting:
Kyoko trains dogs to detect endangered species, invasive species, and diseases. She can assist with proof-of-concept projects, pilot projects, dog handler training, research study design, data summarization, and report writing.
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Pet Dog Training & Behavior:
Kyoko offers private lessons for dog owners who need assistance resolving behavioral challenges or for those who want to start their new pup on the right paw. She can address common behaviors such as jumping, nipping, over-excitement, destructive chewing, digging, basic obedience, come and leave it, potty training, fear of dogs, people, or inanimate objects, aggression, and on-leash reactivity.
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K9 Nose Work® Classes:
Kyoko offers classes for dogs of all ages and breeds to learn the fun and mentally stimulating activity of K9 Nose Work. She also hosts nose work trials and seminars.
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Events:
Kyoko regularly hosts educational dog training events geared for dog owners as well as dog trainers and professionals.
Certifications
Kyoko holds the following certifications:
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers – Certified & Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- National Association of Canine Scent Work – Certified Nose Work InstructorTM (CNWI), Odor Recognition Test Certifying Official, Trial Certifying Official in Training (2024)
- Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
- In Situ Foundation – Certified Bio-Dog Trainer (CBDT)
- American Society of Canine Trainers – Conservation K9 Team Certification (2021-2022)
Specializations
Kyoko specializes in:
- Conservation Detection Dog Training
- Bio-Medical Detection Dog Training
- Nose Work / Scent Work
- Training & Behavior for Pet Dogs
Training Methods
Kyoko’s training methods emphasize positive reinforcement, positive association, and effective communication.
Customer Reviews
Danielle C. and Kona:
“What is the secret to tiring out a 9-month-old rambunctious Siberian Husky named Kona? It is as simple as two words: Nose Work. [In class] Kona cannot wait for his turn to search and even tries to sneak in a couple of extra searches. Kyoko makes nose work class fun yet challenging. On our way home, Kona is already fast asleep – worn out mentally and physically from the numerous searches. Kona is a tired but happy Husky.”
Christine V. and Mugsy:
“Thank you for holding these wonderful classes! I’ve been doing nose work with Mugsy regularly and he loves it! He gets so excited!”
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Social Media Links
Kyoko’s social media links are provided on her website’s ABOUT page: Follow her conservation dog adventures on Instagram Facebook and TikTok.
Media Appearances
Kyoko has been featured in various media outlets, including:
- Vice News
- All About Birds
- Earth Island Journal
- Hawaii News Now
- The Wildlife Society
- Island Dog Magazine
- Honolulu Magazine
- The Garden Island
- Pet Hui
- Star Advertiser
- Hana Hou!
