We believe in strengthening the relationship and the human animal bond through mutual respect, clear communication, positive reinforcement and safe training techniques. We believe that the relationship between you and your pet is the foundation to training and success. We want you to be your dog's best friend.
​
Reward based and positive reinforcement training techniques are based on the scientific learning theory of classical and operant conditioning. Positive reinforcement promotes safe, motivating and effective results which are easy and enjoyable by both human and dog. Animals that are encouraged and rewarded feel more confident during training, enjoy it more and learn to happily to work with you while producing
consistent and reliable results. Yes, it works on all animals, breeds and personalities (even humans).
​
Animal welfare and safety is always our top priority so we do not train or handle animals with outdated methods such as intimidation, pain, fear, dominance, force or physical punishment. These methods can create long lasting side effects in animals such as stress, fear, frustration, aggression, anxiety, learned helplessness, slowed learning, lack of trust and damage the bond.
​
Aversive techniques are not needed in order to change behavior, teach new ones or achieve result.
We are proud to use humane, modern, force free and scientifically proven training techniques.
​
Hope for Canines, LLC adheres to Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and The Karen Pryor Academy and Pet professional Guild (PPG) Code of Ethics.
Professional Certified Dog Trainer, Johanna Fiskback (JoJo) has more than 25 years of professional expertise in animal training & behavior, working as a certified trainer, registered veterinary technician, zookeeper, marine mammal trainer and in the field of equine pleasure and sport.
JoJo grew up in Sweden around a variety of animals and her passion for animals and behavior was noted at an early age. JoJo has devoted most of her life to learning and caring about animals. In her younger days she enjoyed training her birds and rabbits for fun, as well as her passion for horses and riding, she competed in show jumping, assisted with schooling and worked with race horses.
​
In 2002, Johanna began training animals professionally while working as a dolphin trainer in Hawaii. After a few years of working in zoo and marine life setting, Johanna followed her dream of of a career in veterinary field.
She started working as a veterinary technician in 2005 and have experience with companion animal practice, exotic, large animal, emergency, shelter medicine and behavior speciality.
​
Johanna is the owner and trainer of Hope for Canines, started in 2012, and inspired by her own dog Hope, as well as the frequent need for private training and behavior services at the veterinary office.
​
Although fascinated by all behavior and training related topics, she has a special interest in fear and aggression, early development and the human animal bond.
​
Johanna strongly believes that learning is an ongoing process, and she is frequently attending professional seminars, conferences and workshops related to animal training, behavior, health and welfare to improve, deepen her knowledge and stay updated and well informed.
She is currently working towards the rigorous Veterinary Technician Specialty in Behavior (VTS-Behavior) and CPDT certifications.
​
​
​
​
​
​
Giovanna is an 8 year old female Australian Shepherd.
She is a fabulous partner, hard working and with a great sense of humor. She enjoys most things in life, especially herding goats and chickens, freestyle, hiking, going to the beach, learning new things and helping out at home.
She is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen, Certified Community and
Urban Canine as well as a Certified Therapy Dog.
She frequently assist with training sessions and is a wonderful teacher to many pets.
​
​
​
Hope is an 14 year old female Parson Russell Terrier/Chihuahua, adopted as a stray at six months. Hope was lacking early socialization and stability and she struggled with a variety behavior problems: dog to dog aggression, leash reactivity, resource guarding, fear of stranger, separation anxiety.
​
Today, Hope is a well adjusted dog. She completed the Karen Pryor Dog Training Academy with Johanna, and is a AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen, Advanced Community & Urban Canine as well as a Certified International Therapy Dog.
​
Hope loves tricks and agility, hiking, running at the beach and exploring the world with her nose.
Hope has assisted Johanna in training sessions and enjoys visiting schools and nursing homes as a therapy dog. Nowadays, Hope lives a mostly retired life due to medical reasons.
​
​
​
Tala is a 4 year old Australian Shepherd. Wicked smart, sassy and abundantly versatile. Tala is currently in training and what a fun project she is.
​
Her favorite sport is agility and enjoy helping out, performing tricks and solving things around the home.
​
Tala is a Certified Therapy Dog (TDI). Her handler's next goal is getting her CGC certifications.
Understanding Arousal-Wild or worried &
Early puppy development-Suzanne Clothier, 2019
Fear Free Certification Program, VetFolio, Level 1, 2, 3. Noise Aversion, Nutraceutical, Behavioral Medicine-Sharon Campbell, DVM. 2016-2019.
Leash Walking Connected by Emily Larlham, 2018.
Concept Training: Let's gets started by Ken Ramirez, Karen Pryor Academy, 2017.
Connection, Cooperation & Control™ Level 1, by Suzanne Clothier, 2017.
Clicker Expo, Karen Pryor Academy, 2016, 2017.
Practical Behavior Information for Veterinary Practitioners by Dr. Ian Dunbar, 2017
​
Better Veterinary Visits Course. Karen Pryor Academy, 2016.
​
Dr. Sophia Yin's Low Stress Handling Silver Certification for Dogs & Cats, 2016.
Smart Reinforcement Course by Ken Ramirez, Karen Pryor Academy, 2016.
Dog Sport Essentials Course.
Karen Pryor Academy, 2016.
How To Work With Aggression Cases A-Z, Michael Shikashio, 2016.
​
The Professional's System For Decoding & Applying Canine Behavior Science,
Applied Animal Behavior Academy, 2016.
The John Rogerson Dog Training & Behavior Course. India 2015.
​
Raising Great & Successful Puppies.
Avidog Breeder College, 2015.
UC Davis Behavior Services - Veterinary Behavior Technician Internship, UC Davis, 2014.
Canine Freestyle Course by Michelle Pouliot.
Karen Pryor Academy, 2014.
Karen Pryor Dog Trainer Academy (Animal Training & Behavior) Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP). Graduated with Distinction, 2013.
Puppy Start Right Foundation Course by Kenneth & Debbie Martin, Karen Pryor Academy, 2013.
​
Shelter Training & Enrichment Course.
Karen Pryor Academy, 2013.
​
Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer, 2012.
​
Veterinary Technology (Associate of Applied Science Degree). Foothill College, 2010.
​
Small Breeds & Behavior, Veterinary Technology.
St. Petersburg College, 2007.
Environmental Science (Bachelor's Degree ***Cum Laude). Hawaii Pacific University, 2006.
​
Honolulu Zoo, Oahu, Hawaii, Veterinary Technician & Chimpanzee Internship, 2006.
​
Dolphin Quest, Oahu, Hawaii, Marine Mammal Trainer Internship, 2004.
​
Fear Free Pets Member
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
Pet Professional Guild-Force Free Pet Professionals (PPG)
Association for Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (SVBT)
California Registered Veterinary Technicians Association (CARVTA)
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Therapy Dog International (TDI)
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, American Kennel Club (AKC)