Russell Barnes is an honors graduate of Animal Behavior College, a certified professional dog trainer, and a Fear Free Certified Professional who has worked under the direction of board certified veterinary behaviorist. He has been working with dogs for 20 years, both professionally and as a volunteer. He is also a Pet Partners therapy dog handler, who was voted the San Francisco East Bay’s Best Private Trainer in Bay Woof magazine’s 2018 Beast of the Bay Awards. He also holds professional memberships with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Pet Professional Guild and Humane Dog Training Advocates. He also regularly provides mentorships for aspiring trainers through Animal Behavior College and as an international Faculty Advisor for the Victoria Stilwell Academy.
Training Philosophy
Russell Barnes believes in using evidence-based, positive reinforcement training methods, empowering you and your dog to navigate real-world situations without the need for physical force, fear or aversive training tools. He focuses on teaching the “why” behind the “how” of dog training concepts, enabling you to become a better advocate for a valued member of your family.
Services
Russell Barnes offers a variety of services, including private lessons, group classes, workshops and seminars, speaking engagements, and product recommendations. He also offers distance learning for owners who live outside of his in-person service area. His private lessons are fully customized to meet the specific needs of your dog and lifestyle. He also offers behavior modification, problem solving, puppy training, basic manners, specialty training, husbandry training, matchmaking, and group classes. His group classes are currently unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
- ABCDT
- FFCP
- Aggression in Dogs Master Course
- Pet First Aid and CPR
- Pet Partners Therapy Dog Handler
- AKC CGC Evaluator
Specializations
Russell Barnes specializes in behavior modification, including leash reactivity, resource guarding, dog-dog aggression, dog-human aggression, and fear of the vet, groomer, objects or noises. He also specializes in puppy training, basic manners, and specialty training, including volunteering as a therapy dog team, teaching tricks for fun, competing in agility competitions and learning how to track scents.
Training Methods
Russell Barnes uses positive reinforcement training methods, which are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning. He uses a variety of training tools, including food lures, clickers, and verbal cues. He also uses a variety of training techniques, including capturing, luring, and shaping.
Customer Reviews
Maureen, mom to Hubert:
“Rusty is a genius at understanding the psychology behind a dog’s behavior. He’s success oriented and believes in positive reinforcement, and he breaks every action down so it makes sense—why Hubert is reacting a certain way and how I can help him work through it or respond differently. Rusty is that rare find who is so perfectly suited for his profession—he’s absolutely phenomenal at what he does.”
Media Appearances
Russell Barnes was voted the San Francisco East Bay’s Best Private Trainer in Bay Woof magazine’s 2018 Beast of the Bay Awards.
