About the Trainer

Just Rewards is owned by Wendy Hilton.  She attended the renowned San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers where she received her Certificate in Training and Counseling and graduated with honors as the valedictorian of her class.  The Academy, also known as the "Harvard for Dog Trainers," provides a comprehensive and leading edge education in all aspects of animal learning, dog behavior, and positive reinforcement training methodologies to those interested in becoming dog training and behavior professionals.  The program is led by Jean Donaldson, author of The Culture Clash and Dogs are from Neptune and widely sought after lecturer.  

Wendy was in the internship program at the SF SPCA and received a certificate of specialization in dog aggression.  She offers extensive behavior modification programs for dogs that are reactive toward other dogs. Using positive reinforcement methods, her clients have been able to achieve their goals and successfully maintain their dogs' behavior long term.

Wendy is an AKC Canine Good Citizen^TM evaluator and a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).  She is also an APDT Rally Judge and Representative.  Wendy has designed numerous classes and organized seminars to create and build the APDT Rally program in Northern California. Just Rewards currently hosts several APDT Rally competitions annually.

Wendy competes in Obedience and Rally with her dogs and has received numerous placements and awards of recognition for their achievements.

Prior to making dogs her full-time profession, Wendy spent over 12 years in the high tech corporate world.  She has a BA and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.  She founded the Northern California German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue Organization in 1998 and is currently serves on the Board of Directors.  Her specialty is rescued/rehomed dogs and high energy sporting breeds.  She is dedicated to helping all families train their dogs to be wonderful canine companions.