Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Pasko.
Rebecca, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up on a livestock farm in Howell, Michigan. I have been around animals and livestock since birth. At the age of 8, my family and I joined a club called 4-H. This organization introduced me to the wonderful world of dogs. My experience in 4-H inspired me to invest time and money into anything I could find related to dogs.
I donated my evenings and weekends to volunteer and learn from the best dog professionals in the industry. I started competing in AKC dog sports such as agility, rally, obedience, and conformation. I attended seminars and workshops to learn about anything related to canine behavior and training. The more I trained, the more I realized that this was what I loved most in life.
In 2008 I made a life-changing decision to join the United States Marine Corps. It was during this time I was able to tour Afghanistan and Djibouti, Africa. While in the Marine Corps I excelled in my position as an ordnance technician on CH-53 Helicopters, and in addition to knowledge about weapons systems I trained and became Air Crew on helicopter missions.
During my time in Afghanistan, I tested into the Marine Corps Female Engagement team, where we would conduct peacekeeping missions with women of Afghanistan. In 2012 I knew something in my life was missing and left active duty.
Immediately I found an internship with a dog training company that specializes in training dogs for off-leash obedience and solving problem behaviors. After the internship, I was hired on as a full-time dog trainer. It was during my time in the military town of Jacksonville, North Carolina that I was able to train service dogs for veterans. I was able to impact other veterans lives by training and donating service dogs for veterans with PTSD and mobility problems.
In 2014 I moved to Mesa, Arizona and opened Cadence K9. While running my business I also decided to attend Arizona State University studying Business Technology and was even able to launch my first technology-based start-up company.
During my time in Arizona, I was able to continuously expand my knowledge base by learning from the best in the industry (something I still do consistently). My training style started to develop into something unique. I stress the bond and relationship with dogs and owners while also obtaining serious results. Helping dogs labeled as untrainable, as well as those with anxiety and problem behaviors became a specialty.
In Summer 2016 I made the cross-county leap to Miami, Florida. I am attending Florida International University studying Management Information Systems. Cadence K9 Miami opened doors in 2016, and our programs are saving the lives of dogs that would ordinarily be euthanized.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road, back when I started training on my own I took in a dog that had aggression issues that were over my head. As a young and inexperienced trainer, I didn’t yet have the skills needed to successfully or safely train it. I was able to notify the owners of the fact that this dog needed training from someone more experienced than I was and I referred the dog to another trainer.
This experience significantly affected how I do business. It taught me not to be embarrassed if I do not know an answer. Instead of risking getting bitten, or not adequately training the dog, I was able to experience the benefits of honesty and integrity for the sake of my clients, their dogs, and myself.
Running a business is A LOT of work. Managing life, in general, is hard sometimes. I recognize that both my personal growth and happiness affect the business.
For the first few years of Cadence K9, I felt like a robot waking up at 7 am and working without a break until 11 pm. I noticed the toll it took on my overall life and business when I didn’t get the recovery I needed. Now, time to read, learn and grow takes priority in my life. I find balance is crucial to success.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cadence K9 – what should we know?
Our mission is to help dog owners enjoy life with their dog by their side by providing real-world dog training, and we thrive on training for happy, confident dogs. Cadence K9 specializes in training dogs to become respectable members of society, and in the rehabilitation of dogs with problem behaviors. We have fun and fulfilling relationships with our dogs but also have reliably trained dogs in any situation. This is why we use the term “real-world” dog training.
We place importance on our core values for those we hire, partner with, and work for. These include honesty, integrity, personal growth, open-mindedness, gratitude, commitment to mastery, and a sincere love of dogs.
Continuing education is a passion for us and we believe applied knowledge is power. My staff and I continuously attend training and specialty seminars and are at the forefront of dog-training techniques and research. We are proud to be professionals in this industry. Cadence K9 is continuously growing, learning and most importantly, saving the lives of dogs.
We Offer Boot Camp programs for puppies, on leash obedience, off leash obedience, service dog training, therapy dog training, and train and rehabilitate dogs with problem behaviors. We also instruct owners on how to train their dogs using in-home lessons, lessons at our facility and group classes.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have so many people in my life that supported and still support me today. I have found that only surrounding myself with supportive and good people have made my life more enjoyable.
I have to thank my parents foremost for supporting me while I was young. If they hadn’t been willing to drive me to three dog meetings a week, and financial support for the purchase of our puppies I would not have been able to be properly introduced to canines. They drove me almost every weekend to dog shows. Now I understand why they were probably thrilled when I got my license. Without supportive parents, I would not have been exposed to the world of dogs.
I also have to thank all the role models that taught me and encouraged me to handle dogs at such an early age. Without my early instructors donating their time, I wouldn’t have been able to bond with and train my dog while so young.
My 4-H leaders and the organization, in general, taught me many life skills such as responsibility and personal growth that allowed me to succeed. The organization empowered me to become the best person I can be. The Marine corps taught me the much-needed discipline and structure that I needed to mold my life. The military also opened my eyes to discover different cultures and countries.
Pricing:
- Positive Puppy bootcamp (Let us jump start your training) $2100
- On-Leash Bootcamp (2 weeks) $2500
- In-Home Lesson $125
Contact Info:
- Address: 21401 SW 127th Ave
- Website: www.cadencek9.com
- Phone: (305)735-9311
- Email: miami@cadencek9.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadencek9/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cadencek9/
- Other: http://www.youtube.com/c/CadenceK9sMiami
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