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About the Instructor |
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“If you don’t train your dog, your dog will train you!”
My name is Rebecca Watford and I have been training dogs since 1991 when I attended my first obedience class with a mixed breed dog. Even though the dog was already six years old, the results from working with her were impressive. The bond between owner and dog was made stronger through training. After receiving first place in the graduation exercise, I was hooked!
In 1998 I started competing in obedience, and a few years later added agility. My dogs have earned the Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) obedience title, Agility Excellent (AX) and Agility Excellent Jumpers (AXJ) agility titles. They received first placements in many of these events. All of my dogs have earned their Canine good citizen certificates and two of my Dobermans have also passed their Working Aptitude Certificate (WAC). These fun and challenging sports benefit the dog both physically and mentally since many breeds were bred to be active and work with their owners.
A Pet Therapy dog is a frequent request of students. It takes a special dog and a committed owner to form a pet therapy team. I trained two of my past Doberman Pinschers to be certified therapy dogs and my Toy Fox Terrier has just begun making visits. Over the years, I have visited patients in local hospitals and nursing homes and it is a very rewarding experience. Spending a few minutes with someone who hasn’t been able to own a dog in years and seeing the smile on their face is worth every bit of training.
I began teaching in the year 1999. As a member of Five Flags dog training club, I have served as Training Director, instructor, and board member. Over the years I have acquired a wide range of skills by working with many breeds of dogs and their owners. I am a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, and Five Flags Dog Training Club.
Assistant Instructor: I Recently added a very talented assistant instructor, Teresa Harris. She has several years of experience working with rescue and shelter dogs. She has earned a Canine Good Citizen certificate on two of her rescued Pit Bull Terriers and plans to pursue Rally obedience. . |
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BEST PAW FORWARD, LLC
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