Meet Our Trainers

Rheanna Miller, ABCDT, CPDT-KA
Coordinator of School for Dogs

Rheanna joined the School for Dogs as a trainer in 2018. She specializes in basic manners, loose leash walking, fixing problem behaviors and, as an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, preparing dogs to pass this rigorous test. She knows that all dogs and guardians are different, so she modifies her training plans to fit the needs of the dog in front of her at the time. Training sessions should be bonding time (and enjoyable!) for both dog and guardian, and Rheanna makes sure to steer her lessons in that direction.

Rheanna was certified through the Animal Behavior College dog training program and is certified in Pet CPR. She earned her CPDT-KA certification in 2021. She has two dogs of her own: an 8-year-old Boxer/Lab mix named Simba who she has had since a puppy, and a Rottweiler named Grady who came from the Richmond SPCA in 2019.

Emma Bailey
Behavior and Training Associate

Emma started her journey with the Richmond SPCA as an adoptions counselor and transferred to the School for Dogs in 2019. She believes that a mutually beneficial relationship between a dog and his guardian is built through positive reinforcement and understanding the specific needs of each dog.

Emma recently began her studies at The Academy for Dog Trainers, where she aims to acquire her Certification in Training and Counseling. She spends much of her time with her brother’s dog Floyd, who helps her practice her new skills. Emma plans to continue gaining experience and education as she pursues her career in the training field.

Jacob Burnheimer
Behavior and Training Associate

Jacob believes each dog has a different set of skills and strengths that are unique to that dog’s personality. He likes to use each dog’s individual skills and strengths to help with training, rather than prescribing the same routine to each dog he works with. Jacob is currently pursuing his PCT-A (Professional Canine Trainer – Accredited) certification through the Pet Professional Guild.  

Jacob has three adopted pets at home: a 9-year-old hound dog named Floyd, and two Richmond SPCA alumni, a 4-year-old black cat named Frankie and 1-year-old Gracie, a Maine Coon mix.