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Robin MacFarlane: Owner, Training Director That’s My Dog! Inc.

The Story: Robin obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville after which she traveled to California to work toward a Master’s Degree in Marine Science. When she went broke attending school she began working as a Veterinary Technician part time. Her love for the medical aspect lead her to quit the Marine Biology program and work in the pet hospital industry for 7 years. In the early 90′s she began training dogs and a new passion was formed! A serious car accident in October of 1997 caused her to reconsider her life’s mission, so after recovery she attended National K9 School for Dog Trainers then launched That’s My Dog! in May of 1998. Since that time she has practiced her belief in continuing learning by studying with other accomplished canine professionals as well as attending workshops, seminars and other professional dog training academies.

Robin is now a sought after expert in her industry. Her work has taken her across North America and abroad teaching pet professionals, K9 handlers and pet owners alike. Her expertise regarding electronic training collars has helped thousands maximize their dog’s performance, increase off leash reliability and decrease behavior problems ranging from aggression to OCD disorders. Robin is known for her eye in reading dogs, her clear ability to explain and demonstrate techniques as well as her fair and patient instruction of both canine and human alike.

The Street Cred

In early 2011 Robin was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service by the Department of the Army for her assistance with military working dogs in North Afghanistan.

Since 1998 Robin has overseen or personally trained and handled more than 3000 pet dogs and puppies. She has taught over 50 national and international workshops, and has been hired by several police agencies to assist with their K9 Units. She is a published author in several trade periodicals and has produced two training DVDs.

Past Executive Director, Canine Political Action Corps

Past Director, IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals)

Past Conference Chair, IACP

American Kennel Club, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator #9431

American Red Cross Animal First Aid Instructor

Professional Member IACP (P#1046) & IACP CDT (Certified Dog Trainer)

Professional Member, National K9 Dog Trainers Association

Dogtra Company ProStaff Trainer & Consultant

Consultant PetSafe Company

Elizabeth McDonald

Elizabeth McDonald lives in Dubuque , IA. She worked with greyhounds in Dubuque before moving to Birmingham , AL in 1992 to run a greyhound kennel. She then returned to Dubuque in 1995 to work in the Surveillance department at Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino. In 1999 she brought her first dog, Ike, to Robin for Puppy Preschool at That’s My Dog! Always wanting to be around and helping with dogs Elizabeth was brought on board as the office manager. When not at That’s My Dog! Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband Bryan, daughter Mary, and their two dogs Lulu and Sugar. Elizabeth joined the staff of That’s My Dog! in June 2007.

Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson is from Rochester, MN. She has always felt a connection with animals, especially dogs. After high school, she received a 2 year Associates of Liberal Arts degree from Rochester Community and Technical Collage. Then, she decided to pursue her interest in dogs and attended National K9 School for Dog Trainers in the fall of 2008. She graduated from their Master Trainer program and became a Certified Professional Trainer. Kelly then started her own dog training business in Rochester. She continued her education by attending workshops and learned of That’s My Dog! Kelly attended the April 2010 E-cademy program and became certified in remote collar training. She enjoys spending time with her dog Ollie. Kelly joined the staff of That’s My Dog! June 2010.

Duane “Pete” Brown

Pete lives in Dickeyville, Wisconsin. He spent 30 years as a machinist @ A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing in Dubuque, Iowa, retiring in May 2009.

His love for dogs brought him to That’s My Dog! in August 2008 to take on a part time position caring for the boarding dogs. When the boarding kennel closed in August of 2011, Pete began helping in our Doggie Day School. He spends his mornings supervising puppy play time, teaching treadmill skills, taking fido for a walk and making sure everyone gets their individual love and attention! Pete’s patient and calm demeanor is an asset to our staff and the dog’s love seeing him each day.

In addition to his passion for his Harley, Pete enjoys spending time with his wife Gina, stepdaughter Skyla, sons Jacob and Jesse, his Miniature Australian Shepherd Zoe and Lily the kitty.

Bob Allison

Bob lives with his parents and three brothers in Dubuque, Iowa and is a junior at Hempstead High School. His family got their first yellow lab puppy, Sugar, in 2011 and brought her to puppy preschool. Through coming to That’s My Dog for training they heard about a job opening in the doggie day school and he began working here at the end of summer 2012.

In his free time Bob loves to spend time outside hunting or fishing. He also loves reading, playing guitar, and spending time with his church youth group.

 Maddie MacFarlane

Robin’s daughter, Maddie, has been around That’s My Dog since the beginning.  She graduated from the trainer’s school program in the summer of 2009.  Maddie has attended and been a part of dozens of dog training workshops and has enjoyed working closely with her mom throughout the years. She now helps with the daily training and daycare dog work. Maddie also works as the head photographer for the Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey team.

Maddie is a senior in High School and will be attending University in the fall of 2013, hoping to graduate with a major in business and a minor in photography.

 TMD staff are members of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Visit the IACP site.

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