Where Leadership, Connection and Calm Begin
~Training for dogs. Transformation for humans. Leadership for teams. ~
PAWS™ Method
Presence* Awareness* Wisdom* Structure
A transformational framework for communication, leadership and emotional intelligence.
Calm is Taught. Balance Is Built.
Most families don't need to learn more commands. They need structure, clarity and calm leadership. The PAWS ™ Method helps families raise regulated, responsive dogs by focusing on the nervous system behind the behavior - not just obedience.
At Golden Touch, we guide families through a proven training framework that builds connection, emotional regulation, and real- world reliability for both dogs and humans.
Based in Virginia. * Working with families nationwide through structured mentorship and training programs.
Global Participation
Families and Professionals Around the World
Because the Golden Touch Institute operates through remote learning and mentorship, participants are able to join from wherever they live.
Families work with us from across the United States, and trainers, behavior professionals and dog owners from other countries are also able to participate through the Institute's online learning environment and Zoom mentorship sessions.
This allows the PAWS ™ Method to be practiced within each participant's real- life environment while still receiving thoughtful guidance and support.
Bilingual Support
Mentorship and Institute participation are available in both English and Spanish. John Fano provides bilingual support for Spanish- speaking families and professionals, allowing participants to fully engage with the learning process regardless of language preference.
La Mentoría y la participcaión en el Instituto están dispondibles en inglés y en español. John Fano ofrece apoyo bilingue para familias y profesionales de hable hispana, lo que permite a los participantes participar plenamente en el proceso de aprendizaje independientemente de su preferencia de idioma.
The Moment Many Families Realize Something Needs To Change
When daily life with your dog starts to feel chaotic, you may recognize moments like these:
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Your puppy comes out of the crate and immediately grabs shoes, rugs or anything within reach
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Walking your dog feels like being pulled down the street rather than walking together.
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Your puppy suddenly shifts from calm to wild biting or zoomies.
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The crate becomes a cycle of barking, whining, or frantic scratching.
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Your dog settles only after complete exhaustion but never seems able to relax on their own.
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Family members are trying their best, but everyone handles the dog differently.
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Your dog behaves well for one person but ignores another.
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You find yourself wondering whether you are being too strict - or not strict enough.
Many families come to us after trying advice from videos, friends or trainers that seem to contradict each other.
At that point, most people are not looking for another trick.
They are looking for clarity and structure.
Trusted By Families Nationwide
Meet the Founders
Founder
Jennifer Fano
Jennifer Fano is the author and course creator of the PAWS™ Programs — a life-changing blend of professional dog training, personal transformation coaching, and the heartfelt connection between dogs and humans.
A certified NLP Practitioner, Life & Success Coach, professional service dog trainer, and passionate ethical breeder of Golden Retrievers and Welsh Springer Spaniels, Jennifer has spent her life studying what creates lasting trust, calm, and communication. Through her programs, she offers something different — something deeper than obedience: a path to relationship.
Jennifer’s love for this work began long before her professional career — it started in childhood. She grew up in a family that raised Golden Retrievers, and from her earliest memories, these dogs shaped her world. Enoch was her constant companion; they explored the woods together and camped out in a backyard tent. Crumpet, the most loving dog she had ever known, became the first dog Jennifer ever trained. It was before the days of the internet, so everything she learned came from instinct, intuition, and connection. Crumpet ignited a passion for dog training that has followed her throughout her life.
Once Jennifer and her husband moved to Virginia and finally had enough land to welcome dogs again, it felt like coming home. With the unwavering support of her loving husband, John — who has always encouraged her to follow her heart — Jennifer stepped fully into her purpose.
Jennifer’s love for this work isn’t just professional — it’s personal. She has been happily married to John for over 30 years and is the proud mother of two daughters and a joyful grandmother. Together, they live in beautiful central Virginia, surrounded by nature, dogs, and the rhythm of a life built on connection.
Through her company, Golden Touch Inc., Jennifer supports both dogs and people through major life transitions, emotional growth, and real-world success. Whether guiding a young dog through early crate training or helping a family rediscover peace through calm leadership, she brings a grounded, intuitive presence to every moment.
At the core of all she offers is the PAWS™ philosophy — Presence, Awareness, Wisdom, and Structure. These principles flow through her 8-Week Coaching Program, her Puppy Boot Camp, and every lesson she teaches. Unlike traditional training models that rely on correction or control, PAWS™ builds connection from the inside out.
Jennifer’s work has helped countless families, dogs, and individuals experience more confidence, clarity, and calm — both on and off the leash. Her approach is rooted in love, backed by science, and guided by a quiet belief:
“True transformation begins with connection.”
Co Founder
John Fano
John Fano is the co-founder of Golden Touch Inc. and a core visionary behind the PAWS™ Programs. With a background rooted in leadership, service, and calm problem-solving, John brings a grounded strength to every aspect of the work he and Jennifer do together.
Where Jennifer offers intuitive insight, emotional leadership, and deep dog-human connection, John brings clarity, structure, and a stabilizing presence — creating a powerful partnership that supports families, companies, dogs, and teams.
John’s professional experience spans decades of leadership roles where communication, integrity, and accountability were essential. His natural ability to stay calm under pressure, break down complex situations, and offer clear, solution-focused guidance has made him a trusted mentor to colleagues, clients, and families alike.
But John’s contribution to Golden Touch goes far beyond leadership. He embodies the very heart of the PAWS™ philosophy:
• Presence — John leads with steadiness and awareness, creating safety for people and dogs.
• Awareness — He notices the small details that matter — shifts in energy, unspoken needs, and opportunities for growth.
• Wisdom — His practical insight helps families navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.
• Structure — John brings organization, accountability, and follow-through to every project and program.
For more than 30 years, John has been Jennifer’s partner in every sense — not only in marriage but in vision, purpose, and the belief that transformation begins with connection. Together, they’ve raised two daughters, welcomed grandchildren, and built a life rooted in service, compassion, and meaningful impact.
At Golden Touch Inc., John supports program development, corporate training, leadership coaching, and behind-the-scenes strategy. His perspective bridges the gap between human personal development and the practical skills families need to create calm, confident relationships with their dogs.
Those who work with John describe him as quiet but steady, deeply compassionate, a natural encourager, and a leader who guides with humility and integrity.
Whether he is supporting corporate teams through the PAWS™ Leadership Framework, helping families understand their dog’s behavior, or providing strength behind Jennifer’s programs, John shows up with the same consistent core: calm, clarity, and connection.
Together, he and Jennifer share a unified mission: to help families, individuals, and companies experience a more grounded, peaceful, connected way of living — both with their dogs and with each other.