Beccy Hughes (she/her)
Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant
Hello from the Great Smoky Mountains!
I’ve worn many hats as a trainer who has worked with sea lions, cats, rats, birds, goats, and dogs. But when I started to experience behavior issues at home with my own dogs, I decided it was time to dive in to pet training and behavior.
If your pet’s behavior is a concern and you don’t know where to start, you don’t have to figure this out alone! I’ll be with you every step of the way.
From Sea Lions to Reactive Dogs
After I graduated from college, I went to work training California and South American sea lions. They taught me a lot about the timing and mechanics of training, and how to meet the needs of an exotic animal.
In my next position, I had the chance to work with many domestic species in a theatrical setting. Here we worked on advanced tricks that were performed in front of hundreds of people every day. The rescue animals I worked with were capable of amazing things!
When reactivity and behavior issues popped up in my own household, I started my journey with the Victoria Stillwell Academy, joined PETPro, and have been working to establish harmonious pet households ever since!
When I’m not working with dogs, you’ll probably find me in my back yard with my dogs Tigerlily and Sully, puttering with some enrichment for my goats, Hot Fudge and Sundae.
Certifications & Credentials
- Bachelor of Science – Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University
- Victoria Stillwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT)
JUST FOR FUN
Q & A
Q: What’s one ordinary fact about you?
A: Chicken tenders and mac and cheese is my go to food choice.
Q: Tell us a memorable training experience!
A: Not specifically a training experience…but the time I tripped on stage in front of 100s of people and the whole audience reacted at the same time. I had to then reset the prop for the dog to do AGAIN because I messed it up when I fell.
Q: What’s one super cool fact about you?
A: I used to run a lot. I’ve completed two full marathons and 5 half marathons.
Q: Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?
A: I’ve learned how to crochet, and sometimes do that. I live near The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy hiking while looking for fungi and plants to take photos of.
