About Us - Meet Our Team

I absolutely will never use, and do not advocate, the use of electronic shock collars! - a good dog trainer, behaviorist or experienced handler would never need one.
John M. Rubin

We're Hiring! More Info

John's Natural Dog Training Company was established in 1991. John Rubin, and his wife Bonnie, incorporated their company in 1995 establishing Natural Pet Systems, Inc. as the parent company. John has been training dogs for over 20 years and has extensive equine experience as well.

John's desire to help owners better communicate with their canine companions drove him to build John's Natural Dog Training around his philosophy of a "natural" approach to communicating, handling, and training. All owners can benefit from utilizing John's methods without using fear, treats, or gimmicks like clickers, gentle leaders or cans with coins in them. We do NOT use, and never will advocate the use of pain compliance (electronic shock collars aka e-collars) nor physical abuse in the form of what is commonly know as "alpha dominance" techniques. A good trainer, behaviorist or handler would never need to utilize these methods.

We currently employ three full-time dog trainers and two part-time trainers. Our trainers are all employed by JNDTC and are not independent contractors. All employees utilize our natural methods and are committed to providing excellent customer service. We encourage you to visit any of our dog training classes whenever you wish.

Many dog trainers claim to be certified. (see article on Choosing the Right Dog Trainer) There is no governing board or "certification" requirement in the State of California for dog trainers. Most "certified" dog trainers simply join an association, like joining a club, study a curriculum written by other members, and then take a test - usually on-line. They pay a fee for their membership, and to keep their certification current. They are not regulated nor are they monitored by any agency. Membership does not ensure that the "certified" trainers employ similar methods nor does it guarantee the skill, competence, or experience of the trainer. In our opinion, this can create as many bad dog trainers as good. It can also lead owners into a false sense of security when hiring a trainer.

We are members of the IACP (International Association of Professional Dog Trainers), and the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), as we believe membership encourages ongoing education, and helps towards our common goal of developing better dog trainers using more humane methods.  But we will most likely not seek certification until it is mandated by a regulatory agency. We have been in business longer than the CCPDT, and the APDT have been in existence. We are always seeking more education and new ideas - especially in the areas of canine psychology. Our trainers are sent several times a year to industry conferences and training seminars. We believe many organizations are headed in the right direction and we respect their efforts. But at this early stage, so much more needs to be done.

• We are Approved AKC CGC Evaluators. (see Canine Good Citizen)

• We are members of the BBB - San Diego Better Business Bureau

• We are members of the APDT**, and IACP***

• We are Adult Human CPR Certified and Canine CPR/First Aid Certified

Our distinctive approach to helping you train your dog, and end unwanted behavior, offers you the best chance of "naturally" bonding with your dog with fewer frustrations. We teach you to utilize your dog's natural instincts and loving cooperative nature throughout the training process. Our experience and intense knowledge of canine behavior allows us to share with owners the most effective ways to live with their K9 companions.

We base our expertise and knowledge on our experience. After 20 years, and training tens of thousands of dogs, we consider ourselves to be one of the best in the business. But, we learn more every day, and from every dog. We promise we will never stop our quest to know more! Your dog is important to us - your satisfaction with our services is too! Please call us for more information. We are here to help.

An expert differs from the specialist in that a specialist has to be able to solve a problem and an expert has to know its solution. Our trainer are both - they can solve your problems because they know the solutions!

Our  Team

John Rubin - President John's Natural Dog Training Company - John Rubin and his wife Bonnie, incorporated their company in 1995 establishing Natural Pet Systems, Inc. as the parent company. John has been training dogs for over 20 years and has extensive equine experience as well. His background includes studying under Pat Parelli's Natural Horsemanship program which led him to develop his unique dog training methods.   Pat educates his clients about "horsinality". John and his trainers educate our clients about "doginality". Each dog has it's own temperament as well as emotional and physical needs. Their instinctual "drives"  often define their "doginality". John and his trainers help you to learn where your dog is coming from so you can better understand what is needed to aid your dog in the training, bonding and shaping process.   John's desire to help owners better communicate with their canine companions inspired him to establish John's Natural Dog Training around his philosophy of a "natural" approach to communicating, handling, and training. All owners can benefit from utilizing John's methods without using fear, treats, or gimmicks. John continues his education by attending Canine Professionals seminars and by collaborating with local area professionals in related fields. He has obtained numerous AKC Obedience titles with his own dogs as well as those of many of his clients. Praise, Positive Reinforcement & Clear Communication = Understanding and Success!	John Rubin - President of Natural Pet Systems, Inc.  and Head Trainer of JNDTC with Dupree the Karelian Bear Dog
Jessica McCloskey - In-Home Specialist/Customer Care Manager - Jessica is John and Bonnie's daughter and has been working with and training dogs from a very early age. She has worked for several local Veterinarians , was a Customer Service Manager at PetSmart and worked in the staffing industry before returning to JNDTC. Jessica's extensive involvement in the development and growth of John's Natural Dog Training has been invaluable.   Her knowledge of canine psychology and behavior is extensive. Her clients appreciate her attention to detail, her ability to teach and convey our training philosophy and her customer service. Jessica also provides doggie daycare and pet sitting services to a limited area in San Diego. She is able to provide daily training, socialization and behavior modification to these clients as her schedule permits.
Denelle Smalley - In-Home Specialist/Lead Trainer - Denelle joined JNDTC over 4 years ago. Initially starting as a group class specialist, it was soon apparent her clients wanted her services for In-Home training. Her in-depth knowledge in canine obedience, pet care and dedication to excellent customer service are much sought after as her referrals from previous and current clients is outstanding. Denelle's patience and instructing ability is well touted and much appreciated.   Denelle is a certified Vet Tech, has completed several Dog Therapy programs and certification and is currently completing her studies in Pet Physical Rehabilitation.   Denelle is responsible for training new employees and preparing them for group class instruction.
Elizabeth Cammack - Group Class Specialist - Elizabeth is a graduate of The Triple Crown Academy for Dog Trainers where she completed an extensive program which covered all aspects of canine behavior, psychology and learning including;   basic and advanced pet obedience behavior modification agility kennel and breeding management personal protection police schutzhund tracking She is also working with our affiliate, Camp4 Dogs Doggie Daycare -  www.camp4dogs.com. Elizabeth has an excellent reputation as a top-notch dog trainer and our customers are very excited to be working with her.