Honolulu, HI
Tomoko Nakagawa
Tomoko Nakagawa started Napilialoha (which means "beloved companion" in Hawaiian) with the sole purpose of trying to find ways to make dogs and dog owners enjoy their time together more. The revelation came when she started raising a dog that had spent the first years of his life in a puppy mill. Fear, aggression, and frustration towards people and other dogs was something that took time to overcome, but looking back it changed both our lives. She has been working with Karen Hashimoto (Kolohe K-9, LLC) since 2010 and also as a volunteer trainer at the Hawaiian Humane Society, but having to deal with her own dog's aggression steered her towards Grisha Stewart's Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT). She became CBATI (Certified BAT Instructor) in 2014.
Training Philosophy
Tomoko Nakagawa emphasizes communication, trust, patience and observation as the key principles to successful training. She strives to solve problems by applying force-free methods based on trust and clear communications with your dog, and then letting him or her tell us what's up.
Services
- Private Sessions
- Walk & Train
- Group Classes (referrals only)
- Helping Dogs Thrive: Workshop with Lori Stevens
Certifications
- CBATI (Certified BAT Instructor)
Specializations
- Rehabilitation of Fear, Reactivity and Aggression
- Behavior Modification
- Basic Obedience
- Prep for Vet / Grooming Visit
- Puppy Training
Training Methods
- Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT)
Customer Reviews
Darcey Iwashita: My dog Bodhi and I have been working with Tomoko for over a year, and she has been incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and encouraging during our appointments, through email, and on our dog walking outings with her pup, Kolohe.
Stacie Beaman: It is with great confidence that I recommend Tomoko Nakagawa for her dog training and walking services. Tomoko is truly the dog whisperer. Her experience and knowledge working with animals and their humans is exemplary.
Sheila Pagliaro: I adopted Duffy, my 3 year old mixed terrier from the Humane Society. He was great in the house and got along really well with with my other dog. When out for a walk he became a different dog. He reacted to everything by barking and lunging and becoming uncontrollable. Nothing I did seemed to help. Going for walks became a nightmare for both of us. Working with other trainers did not help. We finally started working with Tomoko. She is the calmest person I know. She taught me that my anxiety was just making things worse.
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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.
