About the Trainer

Carrie Faber-Johnston, MS, CYNX-L, is a passionate and highly educated canine professional committed to helping dogs and their humans live fulfilling lives—physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Her approach blends cognitive ethology, psychology, and a deep respect for the dog-human relationship. Carrie specializes in play-based, relationship-centered training that brings out the best in each dog through clarity, compassion, and science.

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Whether she’s working with sport dogs, service dogs, or family companions, Carrie emphasizes building trust and motivation through games, engagement, and emotional connection. Her unique "raise and learn" program is designed to support puppies and young dogs through critical early stages—focusing on socialization, house manners, confidence-building, and learning how to learn.

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Originally from Truckee, CA, Carrie raised seven puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind between the ages of 11 and 19. This early experience sparked a lifelong passion for canine education and communication. Now based in Newcastle, CA, she works with a wide range of breeds and behavior goals—always aiming to enhance the quality of life for both dogs and their people.

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Carrie holds multiple degrees and certifications, including a Master of Science in Human–Canine Life Sciences and certification in Family Dog Mediation®, Cynopraxic & LIMA Principles, and most recently, the Triple Helix Canine Professional Certification (2025) under Dr. Melanie Uhde. She is also a graduate of the prestigious NePoPo® Silver and Gold Schools and continually sharpens her skills through seminars, mentorships, and advanced training courses.

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She is an AKC Evaluator for Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog titles, and a proud professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

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Credentials: 

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2025 - Triple Helix Program - Dr. Melanie Uhde

2024 - L.E.G.S. Family Dog Moderator (Kim Brophy)

2024 - Cameron Ford's Canine Cognition

2023 - Master of Science Degree in Human-Canine Life Sciences 

2023 - Cynopraxic/Principles of LIMA Certificate

2022 - NePoPo® Gold School 

2021 - NePoPo® Silver School 

2020 - Canine Emotion & Cognition Certificate (Duke University)

2017 - Bachelor of Science Degree in Cynology (Canine Studies)

2015 - Associate of Science Degree in Assistance Dog Education 

2015 - Dogs Helping Veterans Certificate program 

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Other Achievements:

- Winner of highest tier for Youth Guide Dog for the Blind Scholarship

- Raised 7 Guide Dogs 

- Raising and Training animals for over 20 years

- Attended many workshops to continue education including Jay Jack's Play as the Way GRC Advanced, Larry Krohn Jay Jack and Joel Silverman Seminar, Cameron Ford's Canine Cognition Seminar 

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