Waialua, HI
Kyoko N. Johnson
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Instructor™ (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!
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
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.
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.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
