Now offering dog training services

From shelter rescues to service dogs—I’m now offering personalized training support. Available for in-person sessions in the East Bay or virtual strategy calls wherever you are.

Click to see services

a black long haired dog wearing a blue service dog harness laying down on the ground looking at the camera

a black long haired dog wearing a blue service dog vest laying on the bus floor

An asian person with short hair wearing sunglasses, smiling kneeling on one knee next to a black long haired dog wearing a blue service dog vest

Puppy Raising Servcie Dogs

My journey in dog training began with puppy raising for The Service Dog Connection, where I am currently raising Marvel, whom I welcomed at six months old after he spent his first two months with an experienced puppy raiser. This is my first time puppy raising, and it has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Through daily training, structure, and care, I’ve learned what it means to support a dog’s development with intention and patience. I love this work and can see myself raising more service dog prospects in the future—and someday, when the time is right, training my own service dog.

Volunteer Shelter Dog Trainer/mentor

I have also volunteered at Berkeley Animal Care Services for over four years, a place that has shaped me just as much as it has shaped the dogs. When I first started, I was quiet and kept to myself, but over time I found my voice and confidence through advocating for the animals in my care. The people there became a second family—united by dedication, compassion, and a shared commitment to animal welfare. I’ve worked my way up the volunteer color ladder to handle more behaviorally challenging dogs and now serve as a mentor, training and supporting new volunteers as they begin their own journeys.

This work is rooted in love, but it is also shaped by grief. I’ve seen what prolonged kennel environments can do to dogs, and I’ve seen how transformative foster homes and consistent care can be. I carry with me the stories of dogs who were mistreated, abandoned, or lost because people could not—or would not—care for them. I will never stop advocating for these animals. While I know I cannot save them all, I honor every dog I’ve met, especially those I could not help, by continuing to show up and do the work.

an asian person with short hair and sunglasses sitting on a bench taking a selfie with a large black pit bull mix dog sitting and smiling at the camera

a yellow name badge reads "Reina-Kaiden Howell Mentor BACS"

a person with dark glasses and a sun hat sitting on a bench taking a selfie with a brown pit bull with white markings wearing a light blue adopt me vest

An asian person with short hair taking a selfie with a german shephard standing looking at the camera wearing a festive red holiday bandana

An asian person wearing a sun hat and glasses taking a selfie on a bench with a black pitbul with cropped ears and a white chest, looking at teh person smiling with their mouth open and tongue out

I also create video content focused on dog training, shelter advocacy, and everyday life with dogs. In the past, I’ve made longer-form videos on YouTube and short-form content on TikTok and Instagram, using video as a way to educate, advocate, and make animal welfare more visible and accessible. My work can be found at @lightning_at_BACS on social platforms and reinahowell21 on YouTube.

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