Trainer Spotlight: Meet Rebecca-Eli

We’re excited to introduce one of our newest trainers, Rebecca-Eli, though they’re no stranger to Medical Mutts. Rebecca-Eli first joined us as a client, working alongside their dog, Tizzy, and has since grown into a talented trainer on our team.

From Client to Trainer

Rebecca-Eli’s introduction to training began when they started working with Tizzy. Originally named Oscar when he was with Medical Mutts, they renamed him Tizzy, a name chosen with meaning, as it represents Autism (Tizzy) and reflects their personal connection to disability studies.

Tizzy already had a solid training foundation, but Rebecca-Eli quickly discovered how much they loved expanding his skills, adding tricks, exploring dog sports, and diving into scent work. Together, they’ve built an impressive résumé, including scent competitions and agility training.

“Tizzy is such a cool dog,” Rebecca-Eli shares. “A little part of who I am definitely comes through him.”

A Blend of Academic and Practical Experience

Rebecca-Eli’s background goes far beyond training dogs. They hold a strong academic foundation in critical disability studies and have published research focused on autistic adults’ passions and interests. Their career path has always centered on creating greater understanding and support for people with disabilities, which makes service dog training a natural fit.

“Getting to do scent-based alert training combines so much of what I love: science, people, and dogs,” they explain.

Training Philosophy

Rebecca-Eli enjoys the challenge of figuring out what motivates each individual dog. Whether it’s a favorite toy, a special treat, or the thrill of the game, they love discovering how different personalities learn and thrive.

Their approach balances structure with creativity: “I like having a bit of an academic background to lean on, but also the flexibility to make training fun and engaging. Every dog is unique, and that’s what keeps it exciting.”

Beyond the Training Floor

When they’re not working with dogs, Rebecca-Eli’s interests are as rich and varied as their professional background. They enjoy knitting, exploring culture, and studying the world around us. And yes, they admit to having a sweet tooth and appreciate a good ice cream stop with Tizzy at their side.

Looking Ahead

Rebecca-Eli is most excited about continuing to grow with Medical Mutts, especially when it comes to scent work and helping dogs learn how to perform reliable, life-changing alerts.

“I love seeing a dog who isn’t sure at first start to understand and really shine. That transformation is so rewarding.”

We’re thrilled to have Rebecca-Eli on our training team. Their blend of academic expertise, compassion, and hands-on experience makes them an incredible asset to our clients and our dogs.