Two Charged After Abuse Allegations Shut Down Las Vegas Dog Training Business

A Las Vegas dog training facility has been shut down following a criminal investigation into allegations of animal cruelty. Police reports indicate that dozens of dogs were subjected to training methods that investigators described as “not reasonable” and causing “unjustifiable suffering.”

Criminal Charges and Arrests

Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged abuse at Working Dogs of Nevada:

• John Johnstone, 38: Faces multiple felony counts of animal cruelty.
• Tabitha Berube, 32: Charged with one count of felony animal cruelty. According to the arrest report, Berube is accused of observing the abusive conduct and failing to intervene.

Details of the Alleged Abuse

The investigation was triggered after several videos surfaced showing the handling of dogs inside the facility. According to an arrest report obtained by KTNV, specific incidents included:

• Dottie: A dog who was allegedly lifted by a leash until her feet left the ground and then swung during training.
• Jeb: A dog subjected to repeated activations of an electronic collar while resisting commands.
• Astro: A dog found with injuries to its neck, though investigators did not specify a definitive cause for these injuries.

As a result of the investigation, police removed 35 dogs from the facility.

Key Takeaways

• Facility: Working Dogs of Nevada (now shut down).
• Total Dogs Removed: 35.
• Primary Charges: Felony animal cruelty.
• Catalyst: Video evidence of abusive training methods.

Choosing Safe Dog Training

This case highlights the importance of researching training philosophies before enrolling a pet. Experts recommend looking for trainers who prioritize positive reinforcement over “heavy handed” methods. For example, some local Las Vegas services, such as Southern Nevada Dog Training, explicitly state they do not employ shock collars and focus on firm instruction and positive reinforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the dogs at Working Dogs of Nevada?
Police removed 35 dogs from the facility during the investigation.

What are the legal consequences for the owners?
John Johnstone faces multiple felony animal cruelty charges, and Tabitha Berube faces one felony count of animal cruelty.