Helping humans and dogs thrive - TOGETHER
Relationship. Clarity. Fulfillment.
At Gold Ridge Cognitive Canines, we help dogs and their people build stronger partnerships through science-informed training, meaningful communication, and purposeful enrichment.
More Than Dog Training
Whether you're raising a puppy, addressing behavior challenges, pursuing service dog training, exploring dog sports, or simply looking to better understand your canine companion, we're here to help both ends of the leash thrive.
We believe lasting success comes from more than obedience alone. Through relationship, clarity, and biological fulfillment, we help dogs and humans build lives that are rewarding, resilient, and deeply connected.
HOW IT WORKS
Your Journey Starts Here
1. Discover
Schedule a Consultation:
Every dog and human team is unique. We'll discuss your goals, challenges, lifestyle, and your dog's individual needs to gain a clear understanding of where you are now and where you'd like to go.
2. Develop
Create Your Personalized Roadmap:
Together we'll identify your dog's strengths, motivations, and any unmet needs. We'll build a customized plan that may include training, enrichment, sports, service work, behavior support, nutrition, or lifestyle changes that help your dog thrive.
3. Thrive
Build a More Fulfilling Life Together:
By strengthening your relationship, improving communication, and meeting your dog's biological needs, we can reduce conflict, increase confidence, and create a partnership that flourishes both at home and in the real world.
THE FULFILLED DOG FRAMEWORK
The Foundation of Everything We Do:
Relationship
Build trust, connection, and partnership.
Clarity
Create understanding through effective communication.
Biological Fulfillment
Meet your dog's physical, emotional, cognitive, and instinctive needs.
When relationship, clarity, and biological fulfillment come together, dogs are better equipped to learn, adapt, and thrive.
WAYS TO WORK WITH US
Find the Right Path for You and Your Dog
🐶 Puppy Programs
🦮 Service Dog Training
🧠 Canine Cognition Assessments
🎓 Private Coaching
⚽ Sports & Enrichment
👥 Group Classes
🏡 Field Rentals
THE PROPERTY
A Place to Learn, Explore, and Grow
Located in the Sierra Foothills of Placer County, our private training field offers a unique environment for learning, enrichment, play, and community.
Features:
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Secure training field
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Real-world learning opportunities
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Sports equipment
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Small class sizes
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Beautiful outdoor setting
ABOUT THE TRAINER
Meet Carrie
Trainer. Educator. Canine Cognition Specialist.
Carrie Faber-Johnston, MS, CYNX-L, is the founder of Gold Ridge Cognitive Canines in Placer County, California.
She helps dogs and their people build stronger relationships through clarity, communication, and biological fulfillment.
Her work blends cognitive ethology, learning theory, and behavior science with a deep respect for the dog–human relationship.
She focuses on helping dogs become confident learners through play, engagement, and real-world understanding - not just obedience.
With over 15 years of experience in animal training and behavior work, Carrie’s background includes:
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Puppy development & early learning
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Service dog training
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Behavior modification
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Canine cognition & learning systems
She is a graduate of advanced professional programs including Bergin University, NePoPo® Silver & Gold Schools, L.E.G.S. Family Dog Mediation, and the Triple Helix Canine Professional Certification.
Carrie began her journey as a youth puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, raising seven puppies between the ages of 11 and 19. That experience sparked a lifelong dedication to understanding how dogs learn and communicate.
Today, she helps dogs and humans build clearer communication, stronger relationships, and more fulfilling lives together.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join Us
Current classes and events:
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Treibball
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Scent Detection
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Canine Soapbox
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Workshops
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Community Events
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Canine Cognition Assessments
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Evaluations (litter and individual)
Ready to Begin?
Whether you're raising a puppy, navigating behavior challenges, training a service dog, or looking for a new activity to enjoy with your dog, we're here to help.
Because the goal isn't just a well-trained dog.
It's a Fulfilled Dog.
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*Scent Detection*
($25 per dog, per class
June: 26 (6p)
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*Canine Soapbox*
(Service Dog/Survival Agility - Great for leash walking &
obedience with obstacles)
($25 per dog per class)
TBD
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*Social Responsibility*
(Better than Obedience)
($25 per dog)
June - 27 (6p)
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*GRC Club Meetups*
($25 per dog per class)
June - 24 (6p)
July - 22 (6p)
August - 26 (6p)
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*Canine Cognition Assessments*
($40 per dog)
June: 29, 30 (5:45)
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*Agility Fun*
($25 per dog per class)
June - 20 (6p)
*Canine Soapbox is a good alternative if in rotation instead of Agility!*
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*Canine Good Citizen Skills*
($25 per dog per class & Evaluation available for $20)
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*Treibball*
($25 per dog)
June: 25 (7p)
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2026 Group Classes
Must RSVP Text or Email
(all classes have the ability to schedule as a private one-on-one lesson)
Dates Closed
July 23 - Aug 2
Aug 9-21
All November
I hadn’t had a dog let alone a puppy in several years and my husband said no dog until you retire. I had no idea what a high energy dog was like until I got my mini labradoodle, Macy. I needed help with potty training and help with training and it’s a tough task at an older age. I promised myself I would have a good dog with training. A good foundation and a head start is the difference between having a good dog versus a great dog. When we made the decision to board and train with Carrie Faber she knew what it took to having a great dog. Carrie took my mini chocolate labradoodle puppy, Macy at 9 weeks and had her potty trained in one week. We wanted her to be able to use a bell to tell us when she needed to go out. I’m an older adult and just didn’t have the energy nor the patience to potty train her. Carrie didn’t disappoint or just stop there. She taught her basics commands as well in those two weeks: Sit, touch, heel crate training and more. We are so thankful for taking this route and would use Carrie again in a heart beat. Our Macy Mae is a little over a year old now and has become the greatest dog we have ever had. Thanks again, Carrie!
