CREDENTIALS/ABOUT

I, Rebecca Letson, opened Rebecca’s Canine Academy in 2000.   I hold both an AAS and BT degree from SUNY Cobleskill in Animal Sciences.   Post graduate work includes a Masters Degree (MAT) from Cornell University in Agricultural Education/Animal Sciences.    My education is ongoing as the field of canine training and behavior is deeply rooted in continuing advancements in learning theory and science.    You may read more about me and  my methods under training philosophy.

Professionally I am a member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), a national organization for dog trainers as well as a  Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the AKC (American Kennel Club).

I belong to many canine organizations that support and promote canine sporting events.    I am a founding member, vice president, and training director for Schutzengel Working Dog Club here in the greater Binghamton NY area.    Our club hosts weekly training in Schutzhund and offers two trials a year.   Schutzengel WDC is a member club of United Schutzhund Clubs of  America.    

I am a member of the Working Riesenschnauzer Federation which hosts FCI style conformation shows and IPO working trials and is a member club of the American Working Dog Federation.

I am a member of the Giant Schnauzer Club of America, this AKC member club hosts regional and national events in conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and herding.  

As a canine competitor I have trialed at local, regional, and national level events and enjoy a multitude of canine sporting disciplines.  While my main passions include Schutzhund, Agility, Tracking, and Obedience I also enjoy competing in Rally, Conformation, and have found a fondness for Herding as well.

My current competition dog (born March 2009) is in training preparing for future events.   Hemi, is a giant schnauzer, and this young girl shows some great potential.  Hemi  is currently pointed in AKC and UKC conformation and will make her performance debut in spring of 2011.

 I have been blessed to have owned many great dogs of various breeds and owe much thanks to all that they gave me.   All the dogs that have shared their life with me have taught me so much, it truly is an honor to mention my special friends.

In Loving Memory, Kramer, my standard poodle.  Kramer you helped me start my career working with me for many years right at my side and introduced me to competitive sports.  You are the King of dogs, so regal, so smart, and a great training partner.   Hugs to you my very special boy.

In Loving Memory, Benson, my courageous and loyal giant schnauzer.    Your photo now greets all that arrive to the training facility proudly displayed on my business sign.   We shared so many adventures and achieved so much together.   You were my protector, friend, and very talented sport dog.   Love, always, my boy!

In Loving Memory, Jack, the one of a kind miniature schnauzer.   Jack you touched so many lives and you truly had the opportunity to be loved by many.   Jack was 100% dog and lived to eat, bark, run, play, get in trouble, and then spend time giving those that were lucky to know him special Jack hugs.    This dog LOVED his family and close friends.    Jack, you live strong in my memories and heart.

Training Philosophy and Methods

All programs at Rebecca’s Canine Academy are carefully structured and under constant review to provide clients with a top notch experience.   My dog training programs are deeply rooted in sound scientific and psychological theory (operant and classical conditioning) combined with an understanding of canine ethology.   There are no gimmicks in dog training, no quick and dirty fixes, no battle of wills, no conflict and there is a zero tolerance policy for physical abuse.    Dog training IS about respect, teaching, and shaping behaviors that are desired.  

  I take much pride in that all my curriculums build behavior in dogs one step at a time allowing for complete understanding of task as well as allowing both dogs and their handlers a fun filled experience.   My training programs are reinforcement based as clearly behavior is  shaped and built upon reinforcement.   It is highly important to me to see each dog and handler team learn together without conflict.    Each canine client is treated with the highest level of respect and with my extensive training in education, I am able to tailor learning to match the learning style that works best for that dog and human team.     From the first lesson to the highest achievements students are instructed on how to clearly communicate with their dogs.  

Whether your goal is to have a well behaved family pet or you have the highest goals to compete and win at national and international levels my training programs are proven to help you reach your goals.     If you are considering training with me, I invite you to attend one of my sessions in progress for observation and you will see for yourself that my programs do produce a winning combination.