Education & Experience

Certifications & Memberships

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Professional Member of Association of Professional Dog Trainers since 2007
BA Sociology, UCLA

Education:

The Aggression in Dogs Conference – RI (October, 2022)
Recall Games, Raising Canine Webinars (May, 2022)
The Aggression in Dogs Conference (October, 2021)
Association of Professional Dog Trainers Virtual Conference (October, 2020)
Clicker Expo, Seattle (January 9-12, 2020)
Karen Pryor Professional Dog Training Academy (completed February, 2019)
Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundation Course (completed January 12, 2017)
Clicker Expo, Burlingame (January 25-27, 2013).
Clicker Expo, Newport Beach, (January 21-23, 2011)
Dog-Dog Group Dynamics, Marin Humane Society with Sue Sternberg (July 24-25, 2010)
Canine Behavior Academy I, Marin Humane Society with Trish King , (January 30-May 1, 2010)
Association of Pet Dog Trainers National Conference, Oakland (Oct. 2009)
“Help! My Dog is Making Me Crazy! – SFSPCA by Jean Donaldson (September 14, 2005)

Training Experience

Private Training Consultations – (2009- Present)
Oakland Animal Services Dog Volunteer (2019)
Dog Sports – Agility – CPE, USDAA and AKC (2010-2016)
Trainer – Recreational Agility, Kamp K9, Castro Valley (Sept-Oct 2009)
Trainer Assistant – Recreational Agility – MetroDog, Richmond with Elissa Cline (Aug.-Dec. 2009)
Volunteered as Good Manners Dog Coach – East Bay SPCA, Oakland (Feb. 2006-May 2008)
Trainer Assistant – Puppy Kindergarten, Bully Basics, Recreational Agility, Beginning Obedience – East Bay SPCA (2008)

Janis accomplished something we didn’t think was possible: retraining our 7-year-old Vizsla!

March 10, 2020

Janis demonstrated a very gentle, patient and intuitive approach with our dog, Zola. She was patient, kind, and encouraging with us. Her positive reinforcement methods were critical in our successful retraining efforts. We highly recommend Janis!

Janis accomplished something we didn’t think was possible: retraining our 7-year-old Vizsla, Zola. Years ago, we participated in puppy training, but were not consistent with the training. During off-leash trail walks she was selective on her recall. She also had developed a bad habit of approaching people without our permission. We also allowed her to jump on us and others upon entering our house.

Janis’ training method of initially working alone with our dog, then transitioning the training to us, made it much easier for us and Zola. She introduced Zola to commands and the training regimen. Subsequently, this allowed us to focus on our communication and body language in addition to Zola responding to our commands. This method proved to be very important to our success.

After only a few weeks we saw a dramatic improvement in Zola’s response to commands, due to Janis’ unique skills and abilities as a dog trainer.

Michele and Gary

Miracle turn-around from unruly to well-behaved pup!

January 4, 2020

We have a 2 year old Aussie mix, with lots of energy, spirit and a huge heart. He loves to run off leash, learns quickly, and loves any dog or person that will play with him. But he was developing a strong leash aggression, growling and lunging out at dogs and we were quickly getting in over our heads, especially as he grew to 60 pounds of pure muscle. He was jumping on our guests, and demanding maximum attention from every visitor. We were embarrassed to have visitors over, or take him out in public on a leash.

Janis stepped in with a plan to help us, and restore order to our home, social life, and walks. She worked with our dog a few times each week for a month in day training sessions to build the foundation with him, followed by a weekly session and written instructions for us to improve our bond and refresh and grow positive behaviors. Janis’s techniques worked like a charm, and with only a couple of 10 minute focused sessions a day on our part with him, he became the loyal, well behaved dog we had wished for! A real turn-around, and all of our close friends and visitors have noticed how much better his is on walks, and happier, more settled in our home. We are thrilled with the results, and so proud of our pup!

Cathy

Great help learning how to be a good first-time dog owner!

December 30, 2019

I recently adopted a 1 year old rescue – the first dog I have had in adulthood. My pup was sweet but had some behavior issues, having started her life as a “street dog”. Additionally, I did not know how to train a dog – let alone a rescue. Janis was a fantastic trainer –; both for me and my dog. She was patient and made the experience very enjoyable. I learned a lot and gained the confidence to help my dog continue to develop positive behaviors. Thanks to Janis, my dog and I got off on the right “paw” and are having a great time together. I recommend Janis most highly!

Jenny