We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful REBECCA PASKO. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with REBECCA below.

REBECCA, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

After nearly a decade of building my dog training business in Miami—where I had a strong client base, reputation, and deep community ties—I made the life-changing decision to move back to my hometown in Michigan. The catalyst? My 18-month-old child.

I wanted to raise my family closer to our roots, but it meant starting from scratch in every way. In Michigan, I had zero business presence, no local reputation, and no guarantees. It wasn’t just about restarting—I also had to trust someone else to run what I had built in Miami. I trained and empowered one of my team members to take over operations there, stepping away from the day-to-day in a market I’d nurtured for years.

Launching a new branch of Happy With Dogs in a completely different region—with no safety net—was terrifying. But it’s also been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve rebuilt with intention, reconnected with my community, and proven to myself that with the right heart and hustle, you really can start again.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Rebecca Pasko, and I’m the founder of Happy With Dogs, a premium dog training company with locations in Miami, FL and now, proudly, Michigan—my hometown. I’ve been working professionally with dogs for over two decades, but my journey into this field started long before that. As a Marine Corps veteran, I’ve always been driven by service, structure, and transformation. Helping dogs and their humans build better lives together has become the heart of everything I do.

What began as a small solo venture has grown into a multi-location business known for its warm, effective, and personalized approach. We specialize in results-driven dog training that blends structure with compassion. Our services include in-home private lessons, immersive training retreats (where dogs live in a trainer’s home), virtual coaching, and in-home programs where we train the dog for the client during the week. We also offer programs for service dogs, emotional support animals, and veteran support through our C-PAWW partnership.

What sets us apart is our dedication to making real-life transformation possible—not just for the dogs, but for their entire families. We don’t just train the dog. We empower the humans. That means tailored training plans, thoughtful follow-up, and real support that doesn’t stop when the lesson ends.

One thing I’m incredibly proud of is the team we’ve built—trainers who lead with heart, integrity, and deep knowledge. Another is how many clients say, “This changed our lives.” That’s what drives me.

To anyone new learning about our brand, here’s what I want you to know:
We’re here to help you enjoy life with your dog again. Whether you’re struggling with behavior issues, overwhelmed with a new puppy, or looking for off-leash freedom, we’ll meet you where you’re at and guide you forward—judgment-free, with real results.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely—without hesitation. Working with dogs is in my blood. I genuinely love what I do, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Early on, I considered going to school for veterinary services, and while I have so much respect for that field, I know now I made the right choice. Dog training gives me the freedom, creativity, and deep connection with both dogs and people that I was truly seeking. I get to transform lives, build relationships, and help families in a way that lights me up every single day.

It’s not just a job—it’s a calling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

Happy With Dogs was built with pure grit—blood, sweat, and a whole lot of tears. I didn’t have investors or outside funding. Every dollar came straight out of my own pocket.

In the early days, especially as I started expanding—renting spaces, hiring staff, and investing in systems—there were plenty of months where I, as the owner, didn’t take a paycheck. I poured everything back into the business to make sure my team and the dogs in our care had what they needed. If I could have gone back in time, I would have done somethings differently.

It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and how to run lean without losing the heart of what we do. That foundation is what makes us strong today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happywithdogs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happy.with.dogs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happywithdogsMiami/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/happywithdogs