Regina R. Allen DVM graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, and worked in small animal and emergency medicine, and for the United States Department of Agriculture. While in practice, she worked with clients and their pets on behavioral problems, in addition to practicing medicine and surgery. Dr. Allen began teaching puppy classes while still in vet school, utilizing gentle, reward-based training techniques. She founded The Good Shepherd Dog Training in 2011 to fill a need for positive training classes in her local area. Her classes utilize clicker training and shaping with positive reinforcement to teach dogs desirable behaviors and self-control, making owner-dog communications a two-way street. This type of training teaches useful skills both for performance sports and for life. Dr. Allen is also a Certified Dog Trick Instructor, and a Full Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Dr. Allen breeds Toy Manchester Terriers under the Regal prefix, and shows her dogs in conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tricks, and musical freestyle.