Meet Your Trainer

“Dogs can think for themselves, so you should guide them to make the right choices.” - Victoria Stilwell

Welcome to The Brainy Bark Dog Training!

At The Brainy Bark Dog Training, we believe that learning isn’t just for humans—dogs are lifelong learners, too! My name is Tina Caruso, and as the founder of The Brainy Bark, I’ve combined my passion for teaching with my love for dogs to create a positive, effective approach to training for dogs and their handlers.

Before becoming a professional dog trainer, I spent many years as a teacher, helping both students and teachers grow and thrive in the classroom. I loved the challenge of unlocking each student’s potential, fostering their strengths, and finding creative ways to overcome obstacles. As a former school Principal, my focus on introducing positive behavior strategies for teachers to use in the classroom has now turned to helping dog handlers use those same principles in teaching their four-legged family members appropriate manners in every situation.

Once my future was clear, I sought a professional qualification and studied for a year with the Victoria Stilwell Academy, achieving my formal qualification in October 2024. I was determined to approach dog training just as I had teaching and learning in the classroom - to base my practice on science driven methods that focused on the learner. While my learners have now moved from students and teachers to dogs and their parents, my approach has remained similar. Positive learning environments and methods produce not only results, but happier, less stressed students, who enjoy learning.

Just like children, every dog has a unique personality, learning style, and potential. I understood that the same principles I used to help my students succeed—patience, consistency, and a focus on positive reinforcement—were just as effective when working with dogs. This discovery sparked a new chapter in my career, blending my teaching expertise with my lifelong passion for animals.

At The Brainy Bark, we focus on building strong, trusting relationships between dogs and their parents. Whether you’re looking to tackle behavioral challenges, teach basic manners, or advance to more complex skills, our programs are designed to make training a rewarding experience for both ends of the leash.  Our VSA Certified trainer will help you create a happy and fulfilling relationship with your dog that will last a lifetime.

Through personalized training plans and evidence-based methods, we aim to create confident dogs and empowered owners. With my background in education, I bring a unique perspective to dog training, ensuring every session is tailored to your dog’s specific needs, while keeping the process fun and engaging.

Thank you for visiting The Brainy Bark Dog Training! I’m excited to help you and your pup on your journey toward a stress-free and rewarding relationship. Let’s get started on this learning journey together!

Ready to begin? Contact us today to schedule your first session!