Train Your Dog with BBSP Inc
Vania
We are going to school to learn how to train a dog. Learning commands in how to signal to a dog what we as human request of them to do. However, I have found all that we learn does not always go into practice.
Every dog is different in their behavior and understanding. I as a professional dog trainer, to be successful must level my mind and objectives to the one dog I have before me. Find the emotional connection between human and dog. This is a vital recognition that needs to be made by me the dog trainer.
Yes, I can teach any dog the basic commands, SIT STAY DOWN COME. But what about the unseen?
I am asking my dog to think and accordingly to act or react. This is only possible if I am breaking down the steps of learning to successfully reach the end goal.
Many people falter in this area because the time is not calculated into learning step by step to advancing and when needed to return to the basic concept when things don’t click the way we want the dog to execute the command.
Proofing each step to advance to the end goal is key.
Proofing the end command to the ending goal becomes imperative.
If the dog has mastered the end goal only then am I satisfied with the result.
Only when the dog has fully mastered the end goal can I feel satisfied with the results. Complex tasks require detailed planning and dedicated time to train. If the task proves too challenging, we must pause, simplify further, and ensure the dog trusts me as their guide through the process. At no point should the dog feel like they’ve failed. Failure is part of the journey to success! Every session should conclude on a positive note, celebrating even the effort, to reinforce progress and build confidence.
Kira- Sultana
Kira-Sultana, Vania's devoted service dog, also works as a demonstration dog during training sessions. Over the years, she has reached remarkable achievements, including three championships and two runner-up spots in military support at the Mentor Headlands 4th of July parade.
Our Partners
Meet Rachal Mendoza
Rachal Mendoza, Owner and Head Trainer of Cor Canis LLC, is a skilled Canine Training & Behavior Specialist dedicated to helping dogs and their families build safer, stronger, and more trusting relationships.
A graduate of the Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, Rachal has extensive hands-on experience in canine behavior, learning theory, rehabilitation, and advanced behavior modification. She specializes in working with dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, reactivity, and resource guarding, creating individualized training plans designed to address the cause of the behavior—not just the symptom.
Her approach is rooted in structure, clarity, consistency, and compassion. By building confidence, emotional stability, impulse control, and trust, Rachal helps dogs become more dependable companions while giving families the tools they need for lasting success.
As a military veteran, Rachal is also deeply committed to serving her community. Alongside her therapy dog, Gremlin, she supports fellow veterans through Valor Court and participates in meaningful community outreach.
At the heart of Rachal’s work is a simple goal: to help dogs feel safer, families feel more confident, and the bond between them grow stronger.
Strengthening the Human–Canine Bond
United by a shared passion for canine behavior, education, and community service, Vania Mahon and Rachal Mendoza are dedicated to helping dogs and their handlers build lasting partnerships founded on trust, respect, and clear communication.
Together, they combine their experience in behavior modification, service dog development, therapy dog training, and family companion education to create individualized training programs tailored to each dog's unique needs. Their philosophy is rooted in structure, consistency, fairness, and compassionate leadership, empowering dogs to become confident, reliable companions while equipping handlers with the skills to lead successfully.
Whether working with families, service dog teams, therapy dog teams, or dogs with complex behavioral challenges, Vania and Rachal are committed to providing thoughtful guidance, practical solutions, and unwavering support throughout every stage of the training journey.
Their mission extends beyond teaching obedience—they are dedicated to transforming lives by strengthening the human-canine bond, building confidence on both ends of the leash, and creating partnerships that thrive for years to come.
Director of Development & Community Engagement
Christy Keating is an elementary substitute teacher with Strongsville City Schools who is passionate about serving her community through education and volunteerism. Alongside her five-year-old Golden Retriever and certified therapy dog, Romulus, she volunteers with Hopkins Hounds, bringing comfort, companionship, and smiles to those they visit. Christy has also served as lead team parent for Strongsville High School Football, former president of the Waterford Warriors Swim Club of Ohio, and volunteered with the Berea Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). She looks forward to helping support Brave Buddy Therapy Dogs by working on fundraising efforts that will help expand the organization's mission and impact throughout the community.
For donation information or partnership opportunities, please contact: christy_keating@yahoo.com
