Best Paw Forward Instructor Qualificatioins

About the Instructor and assistants

“If you don’t train your dog, your dog will train you!”

Instructor:

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. I recently began training and competing with my first toy dog (Toy Fox Terrier “Flirt”) 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 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 Instructors:

We have a few assistant Instructors, Melissa, Glenn and Teresa. Each of these ladies has several years of experience with a variety of dogs including Pit Bulls and toy breeds. Assistant Instructors are valuable in helping the class run smooth by allowing personal, extra attention to the students.

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Glen Hoffman pictured here with her dogs. (yes she has 6!) Glen is a student of Best Paw Forward and in 2010 became a very valuable assistant. She has a thorough knowledge of dog behavior and excellent timing. She is a welcome addition to the Best Paw Forward family.

Melissa Keyser pictured left with her Pit Bull “Kain”. This photo was taken at their very first obedience competition where Melissa and Kain won the Rally Novice A class 3 straight times earning her RN title. This was her first time ever competing and did a fantastic job. This was no surprise to me, because I could see what a special trainer she was from the start. She is very dog savvy, has excellent timing and I am lucky to have her assisting in Best Paw Forward classes.

Photo by Michael Loftis Photography

Teresa Harris pictured with her rescued Pit Bull “Frankie”. Teresa earned her Rally Novice title in three straight tries. Teresa and Frankie won 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places at their first show! Teresa is an avid Pit Bull enthusiast and does a lot of rescue. She is one of the breed’s biggest ambassadors.