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Certified dog trainer
Becky Pesicka
Becky Pesicka

San Luis Obispo, CA

Name: Becky Pesicka

History:
Becky has been training professionally since 2011. In that time she has garnered several training certifications and established herself as a reputable and skilled trainer, specializing in behavior modification. Always eager to learn more, Becky is constantly looking at the latest research and training techniques available in the field. Having trained and temperament tested thousands of dogs, she is an expert in dog body language and behavior, making her the ideal trainer to work with your pet. She has helped people all over the United States and internationally as well.
Her experience includes shelter work, private training, aggression, nutrition, petsitting, dog walking, horse care, and everything in between. She has consulted for other trainers on new class curriculum and given numerous lectures. In 2014 she re-established the agility program at the Pasadena Humane Society while writing the curriculum and training the staff. She is also on the forefront of many new dog sports, including being one of the first 100 Treibball trainers certified in the US. Becky has also trained with the founders of Nose Work and became a Certified Nose Work Instructor in 2015.
She is also an AKC Scent Work judge and NACSW Certifying Official (CO) in training. In 2023 Becky completed her Professional Canine Nutrition course through the Feed Real Institute and earned her CPCN (Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist).
Becky is a Los Angeles area native and has been training professionally in the La Crescenta/Pasadena area since 2011. In 2015 she moved her training business to San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of CA. She currently lives with her husband Michael, two kids Morgan and Oliver, and dog Darla.

Training Philosophy:
Becky believes that training should be fun, for both handler and dog, because research has shown that it's better for the dogs and facilitates faster learning. Positive methods, rewards, consistency, accurate timing, games, and defined rules are among her keys to success.

Services:
Dogtastic Training offers a variety of services, including:

  • Obedience Classes: Basic Obedience, Advanced Training Class, Bark-a-holics, Tricks Class, Bark-a-holics Practice Group
  • Nose Work Classes: Intro to Nose Work, Intro to Odor, Continuing Nose Work 1, Advancing Nose Work, Nose Work Seminars, Virtual Intro to Nose Work
  • Private Lessons: In-home Training, Skype, Email or Phone Lessons or Consultations, Puppy Packages
  • Seminars: A variety of seminars, or can modify an existing seminar for your club or conference's needs. Common seminar topics include Introduction to Nutrition, Building Confidence for All Dogs, Canine Body Language, Preparing for a New Dog, Helping your Canine get Along with your Baby, Nose Work, and more.
  • Nutrition Consults: Becky also offers nutrition consults to go over your dog's diet and offer solutions for a better diet, or to make sure what you are feeding is balanced.

Certifications:
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI)
AKC Scent Work Judge
NACSW COT (Certifying Official in Training)
One of the first 100 Certified American Treibball Trainers (CATT)
AKC Approved Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator
Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer
Certified in Pet First Aid & CPR
Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN)

Specializations:
Behavior modification, private training, obedience training, and Nose Work.

Training Methods:
Positive methods, rewards, consistency, accurate timing, games, and defined rules.

Customer Reviews:
- Tiffany & lab mix Diggity: We were about to take steps to re-home our dog, but thankfully we met Becky!
Becky was really patient in listening to our story about dog barking and watching her behavior. She then assessed what was needed and taught us how to manage Diggity. We've learned how to teach our dog to be calmer in the house and not bark and pull on walks.
After boarding for a few days with Becky, our dog came back much calmer and could sit and wait during dinner instead of jumping on us and biting.

Social Media Links:
Facebook: facebook.com/dogtastictraining
Twitter: @BeDogtastic
Instagram: @Dogtastictraining
Blog: dogtastictraining.tumblr.com

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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