We at Breakthrough Dog Training invite you to meet the incredible team of dog trainers who are at the heart of our mission to create harmonious bonds between pets and their owners. These dedicated professionals bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and innovative training techniques that transform both canine behavior and owner confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a playful puppy or a stubborn senior dog, understanding the humans behind the training can inspire trust and highlight the value of expert guidance. Join us as we introduce you to the trainers who are committed to making every dog’s life—and every dog owner’s experience—a little brighter and more manageable. Dive in to discover how their unique skills and heartfelt dedication can make a world of difference in your pet’s life.
Meet Eli Vega
I started my journey in dog training in 2006 when Max came into our life.
You see, at the time Kimberly and I weren’t married and shared custody of Max, and he would go back and forth between our apartments.
One day, at 10 weeks of age, Max and I were playing and he growled at me.
I was a Pit Bull novice and I immediately wanted to take him back
But Kimberly said, “NO! We will train him and work with him and teach him.”
That started my journey into dog training. I bought books and took puppy classes and did everything I could to learn all I could on the subject. I fell in love with the process of teaching, but I felt that I had hit my limit.
I reached out to a professional dog trainer for help. I knew what the stigma of pit bulls was and I didn’t want to give anyone an excuse to fear my dog. So we trained him well, and then people started asking for advice on how to train their dogs.
Training with my friends helped me take my knowledge to the next level. I was no longer training simply for obedience, we were training for behavior and building a stronger bond. It was a natural marriage between my love for my dog and my love for psychology and behavior modification.
In 2011 my wife and I decided that it was time for me to leave my 9-5 and pursue a career in dog training. I dedicated my life to learning from as many mentors as I could.
Training dogs that challenged me on a regular basis and having some of the best dog minds on speed dial to walk me through some of the more challenging dogs I had. I am so grateful for all the knowledge and wisdom that many of these dog training giants poured into me.
I’m excited for the families and lives I get to impact on this new journey. Dogs have so many lessons to teach us. As we train our dogs, we learn a lot about ourselves.
Let me help you get started on your own journey with your hairy friends. Pure breeds and mutts, puppies and old dogs
Meet Andrew Rey
I have always been amazed how law enforcement dogs are able to search and find the smallest of things with great accuracy. Then during my Navy career, I found myself in the fortuitous position of training Military Working Dogs. I had the opportunity to learn how to train dogs to do the very thing which had so impressed me.
While in the Navy, I trained explosive detector and drug detector dogs alike. It was an honor knowing that the dogs I trained would save the lives of fellow sailors, marines, soldiers and airmen. Additionally, I truly enjoyed getting to know the individual dogs, how they learned differently and how they each had different motivating factors. Specifically, I worked with and came to love a 2.5-year-old German Shepherd named Otto. He searched like his life depended on it and was all about his reward, which was usually playtime. Most of the other dogs on the team only wanted the ball and didn’t care about the handler. But not Otto, he wanted to interact with me which deepened our bond. Otto has taught me that most dogs desire to form a bond with someone. Dogs are extremely social creatures.
Otto and I are now both old Navy Vets. We find ourselves with the distinct opportunity to take our experiences and help others improve their canine and human relationships. Being on the Breakthrough Dog Training & Behavior team, we continue to learn and grow more every day. We aim to see more loving and caring relationships between dogs and their humans.
Meet Grace- info coming soon
Meet Kirsten- info coming soon