ABOUT US
Hi there, my name is Jamie! I am a long time animal advocate who has been absolutely captivated by the way our pets think and behave since I was a little girl. From my first shepherd mix "Babe" to my childhood golden retriever "Cassie," my goal was always to understand their world and communicate with them the best I could. This drive led me to dive into every available book on the subject, and eventually propelled me to earn a BS in Zoology from Michigan State University.
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As time went on, my passion grew to include a wide range of species. I spent time as a zookeeper and wildlife educator, crafting unique training plans for a variety of creatures — from eagles and bobcats to frogs and turtles. I firmly stand by positive reinforcement as an incredibly effective training approach, one that resonates across all animals and all breeds. Today my focus has shifted from wildlife to dogs, with a specialization and focus on resource guarding and cooperative care exercises. I am a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine through The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT®), have thousands of hours of experience over the last 10 years, and have been certified through Fear Free Pets. Now, I'm thrilled to be here, ready and excited to assist you in embarking on your own training journey with your cherished pet. I can't wait to connect with you!
We're passionate about dog training, and we are proud to have earned the title of CBCC-KA through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Click the image to learn more about what hiring a certified behavior consultant means for you and your pet.
KODA'S STORY
Koda Pop, as he was affectionately called, was originally adopted from a rescue as a young pup. His original family noticed severe behavioral issues as he grew, and by around 3 months old, he had already displayed aggressive behaviors and resource guarding tendencies at home. Despite extensive training over almost a year, they determined he was not the right fit for their home. I recognized his potential, however, and took on the challenge fully aware of the obstacles ahead of us.
Little did I know the journey we would embark upon. In the following five years, he achieved remarkable progress in overcoming his inner challenges. While he was never perfect, our deep connection gave us the strength to face difficulties together. The dog who used to snap and lunge at us over toys was willingly presenting me with highly valued items. Where previously we needed multiple people to restrain and a muzzle to manage nail trims, he later willingly participated in grooming and veterinary procedures. He even earned the impressive title of Trick Dog Champion from Do More With Your Dog – a noteworthy accomplishment indeed!
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Around the age of five, his mental state began to deteriorate. His resource guarding resurfaced, accompanied by inappropriate urination, counter theft, and heightened aggression toward other pets and people. We intensified training and management, but Koda struggled. Acting on veterinary advice, we started on a medication plan to alleviate his anxiety. While some treatments showed promise, others didn't help like we had hoped. And still, Koda continued to struggle.
Finally, the day came when Koda was no longer a safe dog to be around. It's impossible to describe how heart-wrenching this realization was for me. While he was an incredible companion and my closest friend most of the time, his darker moments revealed a side of him I struggled to recognize. He was plagued by fear and defensiveness, clearly waging an unseen battle within his mind. We made the painful decision to say goodbye to him in March of 2023, shortly after his sixth birthday. Remembering him still brings tears to my eyes, and I miss him immensely. However, he taught me so many invaluable lessons about life, trust, and love. His impact has led me to help so many other animals, and his legacy lives on through my work in the Greater Lansing area today.
