The Full Story

Back Bone Dog Training

Stronger bonds. Smarter care.

Mission

At Back Bone Dog, our mission is to extend compassion and understanding to both animals and their humans.
We are committed to keeping dogs in their homes and out of shelters by empowering owners with the knowledge and skills they need. Our goal is to ensure that every dog owner is as informed and capable as the trainers they rely on for guidance.

Who is Tabi?

I have been working with dogs and livestock from a very young age. I grew up in the farmlands of California, moving to Nevada and eventually settling in Utah at the age of 12. When we moved to Utah I was able to raise, train, and work hunting dogs with compulsive and aversive methods. Fast forward 12 more years and now I primarily use Positive Reinforcement and Fear-Free tactics. Before this, 6 years were dedicated to teaching preschool for special needs students.

Since 2018, I have been focused on training dogs rather than humans, after working in the shelter, I brought home my first real rescue dog, Gravy. She showed me that not all dogs can be trained the same way and prompted me to make the change from teacher to trainer.

Over my life, I have raised puppies, fostered dogs, worked in dog behavioral facilities, volunteered and worked for shelters, gotten vet tech experience, ran classes, and found my secret talent to be hosting dog play groups.

As an educator, I highly recommend cooperative care and low-stress handling. I continue to further my education by attending classes, gaining certifications, and speaking with other science-backed dog trainers.

I currently live with my two herding dogs, Mars & Gravy. Mars has her CGC and helps reactive dogs learn all dogs aren't that bad while also hosting the occasional play date or hike. She is referred to as a Helper or Demo Dog and you will most likely get the chance to meet her. Gravy is still learning but has come an incredibly long way from always needing a muzzle in public spaces to now not even needing it at the vet.

I am a Certified Dog Trainer through Zoom Room, I hold a Fear Free Shelter Certificate, and have a CGC Evaluator license. I am currently preparing for my IAABC and a Behavior Degree.