Trainers
Val Cornwell, Lead Trainer
Val Cornwell has been a trusted professional dog trainer in the Inland Empire for over 25 years, helping dogs and their owners build lasting, positive relationships. Her passion for dogs—and her commitment to keeping them happy and thriving in their homes—has been the driving force behind her successful training career.
Although Val previously enjoyed a career in the legal field, her lifelong love for dogs and dedication to their well-being led her to follow her true calling. She graduated from Animal Behavior College’s dog trainer program in 1998 and went on to gain valuable experience as an independent contract trainer for Petco in both Riverside and San Bernardino.
In 2004, Val founded Dances with Dogs Training Center, where she has since helped countless dogs of all breeds and temperaments succeed through positive, effective training methods. Her programs are designed to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners while delivering real, lasting results.
Val’s commitment to the community is equally impressive. After years of volunteering with the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, she launched affordable group training classes at their facility. Since 2005, Dances with Dogs Training Center has proudly served as the Humane Society’s exclusive training provider.
Today, Val offers a wide range of services, including group classes, private in-home training, behavior modification consultations, puppy programs, and Canine Good Citizen preparation and testing. She also gives back by mentoring future trainers through Animal Behavior College.
Val continues to serve on the Humane Society’s Board of Directors, a role she has held for over 15 years. She lives in Highland with her beloved rescue dog, Zara, a Papillon, and seven cats—all cherished “foster fails.”
With decades of experience, a compassionate approach, and a proven track record, Val is dedicated to helping every dog—and every owner—live their best life together.
Kathy Barnes, Assistant Trainer
Kathy Barnes has been a professional dog trainer for over 16 years. She has always had a love for animals, especially dogs. As a child, she often brought home strays, saying, “Look what followed me home.”
She attended and graduated from the Animal Behavior College dog trainer program. During that time, she completed her externship with Val at Dances with Dogs Training Center and loved the program so much that she never left.
In addition to training dogs, Kathy has assisted and taught people with disabilities for the past 30 years. She also participated with Val in conducting the F.E.T.C.H. program at the San Bernardino County Juvenile Detention Center, helping teach residents the proper care and training of dogs from 2015 to 2017.
Kathy supports the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley and volunteers at the many fundraising events they hold each year. She lives in Riverside County with her rescue dogs and cats.