
I knew in my soul that there had to be a better way.
Hello.
Pronouns: She/Her
My name is Beth Berkobien and I have been training dogs and doing behavioral work for 20 yrs. I grew up on a quarter horse farm in Wisconsin, showing quarter horses in various events including: Barrel racing, western pleasure and hunter under saddle. Growing up, my dad trained field trial labs using ecollars and punishment. I remember watching wiggly, happy high drive dogs come out to work and then return to their kennels, shut down and terrified…I knew in my soul that there had to be a better way. I originally wanted to be a vet, but blood makes me a bit squeamish. So, much to my parents dismay, I changed tracks and decided to get a masters degree in Animal Behavior, but because my parents felt that was essentially under-water basket weaving, I also got an MBA. When I graduated UW- Madison, I spent the first few years building my skills in basic manners and obedience, titling my Rottweiler in obedience getting his Companion Dog Excellent.
I began behavior work in 2006, specializing in the reactive dog. Since then I have continued my education and honing my approach, using only science-based methods that truly get results. I specialize in the rescue dog, because they often come to new families holding trauma and PTSD that is often misunderstood.
I live in Downtown Dallas with my husband, Richard, and 5 pups (Professor - Rescued Chihuahua/Terrier mix, Hazel - Rescued Cairn Terrier, Lucy - Rescued Texas Terrier, Edmond - Llewellyn English Setter, Fiona - LLewellyn English Setter) that all came with issues. I also support various local and national rescues.
My work is dedicated to the dogs that have enhanced my life, taught me lessons and shaped my dog training career:
Annabelle - Rescued Aussie mix - 2008 to Oct 2016 - Rescued at 2 yrs old - Cancer
Schmog - Rescued English Setter - June 2006 to June 2017 - rescued at 5 wks - Back injury
Hospice Fosters - Bones (15 yrs old), Bubba (14 yrs old) and Peppa Pig (11 yrs old)
BizBee - Rescued Deaf English Setter - 2004 to November 2019 - Rescued at 11 yrs old - Old age
Dutchess - Rescued Blind English Setter - 2008 to Sept 25, 2020 - Rescued at 10 yrs old - Mast Cell Stage 2
Contessa - Rescued Deaf English Setter - May 9, 2009 - June 7, 2022 - Rescued at 10 years old - Old age
Education, Certifications & Memberships
Education and Certifications:
MS - Animal Behavior - UW Madison
CSAP-BC (Certified Separation Anxiety Professional Behavior Consultant) - Julie Naismith SA Pro Trainer Course
FDM (Family Dog Mediator) - L.E.G.S Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course
AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy Official Mentor Trainer
Memberships:
Continuing Education:
Aggression in Dogs Master Course - Mike Shikashio (completed 2021)
Animal Emotions Course - Karolina Westlund (2021)
Talking to Clients about Behavior Euthanasia - Trish McMillan and Sue Alexander (2022)
The Aggression in Dogs Conference - 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
PETPro Mentorship Program - 2023
Relaxation Protocol Course for Professionals - Pet Harmony - Completed 2024
Unlocking Resilience - Dr. Kristina Spaulding (in progress - 2025)


