An honor’s graduate of Animal Behavior College, a certified professional dog trainer, a Fear Free Certified Professional and an Associate Nosework Instructor who has trained under the direction of board certified veterinary behaviorists, Rusty has been working with dogs for more than 20 years, both professionally and as a volunteer. As a trainer, his goal is that people and their dogs learn how to become a more confident team through a relationship built on mutual trust and understanding.

A Pet Partners therapy dog handler and American Kennel Club CGC evaluator, who was voted the San Francisco East Bay’s Best Private Trainer in Bay Woof magazine’s 2018 Beast of the Bay Awards, Rusty also holds professional memberships with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Pet Professional Guild and Humane Dog Training Advocates. Rusty also regularly provides mentorships for aspiring trainers through Animal Behavior College and as an international Faculty Advisor for the Victoria Stilwell Academy.

As the owner and CEO of Pawgress, Rusty leads a team of trainers who provide dog walking, pet sitting and private and group dog training services across California. Rusty lives in Los Angeles with his 11-year old Bassador (Basset /Labrador mix), Sonny.