Helping dog professionals expand their knowledge via online courses and in person seminars 🐶
Hey 👋
A heads up that I will be closing this page, so I can streamline my content on my personal page and my Instagram account. If you’re not friends with me on FB, send me a request (look for my profile with the same pic as below).
Thank you for your support! ☺️
Consulting with Stranger Directed Aggression Cases
July 10th, 5pm PT
For dogs who struggle being around new people while displaying barking, lunging, or biting behaviors, how do you set up your initial meeting? What information do you need to know to make that consultation a success?
Join me to learn:
✅ Effective information gathering so you know exactly which questions to ask BEFORE your consultation
✅ What information is most relevant, and how you can set yourself up for success when meeting the dog for the first time
✅ Safety first - identifying risk factors to keep you safe
✅ Strategic antecedent arrangements designed to help the dog stay under threshold
✅ How to begin working with the dog and client right away (in person) with a focus on operant behaviors including course circles
✅ Video examples from various cases
🌟 CEUs: 1.5 for CCPDT and IAABC!
🌟 Every participant will have access to the recording
🌟 $24.99
Click here to sign up: https://jessicawheatcraft.thrivecart.com/stranger-directed-aggression/
OR link in bio
Bowie, can you get any cuter? 😍
I really enjoy working with dogs who exhibit Stranger Directed Aggression. I love finding how I can build that dog's comfort level with me, getting to a point where I get to see the side of them that their families love so much. Getting to be a part of their "inner circle" as I like to say.
Yet the getting there part is tricky. For dogs who struggle being around new people while displaying barking, lunging, or biting behaviors, how do you set up your initial meeting? What information do you need to know to make that consultation (and beyond) a success?
Join me to learn:
🌟 Effective information gathering so you know exactly which questions to ask BEFORE your consultation
🌟 What information is most relevant, and how you can set yourself up for success when meeting the dog for the first time
🌟 Safety first - identifying risk factors to keep you safe
🌟 Strategic antecedent arrangements designed to help the dog stay under threshold
🌟 How to begin working with the dog and client right away (in person)
🌟 Video examples with various cases
Click here to learn more, or sign up: https://jessicawheatcraft.thrivecart.com/stranger-directed-aggression/
OR, link in bio
Empower Hour
Topic for June: Stranger Danger Dogs
You're called in to help with a dog who exhibits apprehension, fear, or even aggression towards new people. How do you work with the dog and their human when the dog struggles with your very presence?
Where do you feel unsure about working with these types of cases?
How can you set both yourself, and the dog, up for success?
What are safety considerations you need to keep in mind?
What questions can I answer for you?
Let's Talk!
Sign Up Here (or link in bio): https://jessicawheatcraft.thrivecart.com/empower-hour-june-2023/
When you’re out practicing with a dog that is reactive on leash, the ability to switch between behaviors and reinforcement strategies depending on what you come across is key to success.
And that’s not easy! Being in public with a reactive dog can feel like walking through a minefield, and you have to think and act quickly.
In this clip I demonstrate how feeding to the mouth vs tossing a treat forward on the ground facilitates more of the behavior I want.
I’m also doing 2 behaviors at once here - polite leash walking + strategies for leash reactivity as we come across dogs. And I change criteria quickly as I observe the dog’s body language.
Notice my nasty treat hand covered in food 🤣 Oh my. It did hinder my ability to toss one treat at a time because it was sticky. That’s real life though, and handling isn’t going to be perfect every time.
⭐️ New Blog Post ⭐️
This is something I’ve been meaning to write about for a long time!
I’d love to hear about your experiences bringing a new dog home, and what that meant to you - comment 👇!
https://www.jessicawheatcraft.com/what-i-wish-people-knew-before-bringing-a-dog-home/
Or link in bio 😊
What’s in my newsletter? Pretty much everything that’s too long for social media 😉
✔️ Educational opportunities
✔️ Podcast & book recommendations
✔️ Hacks for living as a dog trainer
✔️ Micro blogs
✔️ A deeper dive into training and behavior topics
✔️ Time management tips
✔️ Tips for client relations
✔️ And more!
Sign up here: https://jessicawheatcraft.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=59919ddf37be8132b57e08763&id=2d32fddb75&fbclid=IwAR1yStFXVyRVGtgK-autuuW0nVMFoiEXEQaJVYAuy3Q-97k5dA8c0_g3YAg&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
Or link in bio 😊
Aside from dog behavior and training, my other love in life is horses, specifically Mustangs. Waylon is from the Stone Cabin herd in Nevada.
I’d like to take this opportunity to raise more awareness about Mustangs. There are tens of thousands of them in holding pens waiting to be adopted. I personally prefer Mustangs over other types - there’s something so unique about how they perceive the world and how they bond to you once you gain their trust.
They are versatile, hardy, and give you their heart.
Depending on the herd, there are many different “types” - of course every horse is an individual, but there are commonalities in herds due to genetics.
Waylon is my first Mustang, and he changed my life by opening up my eyes to what incredible horses they are. I don’t think I’ll ever own anything else ❤️
You can learn more about Mustangs here:
BLM: https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/adoptions-and-sales
Mustang Discovery Ride: https://www.mustangdiscovery.com/
Mustang Heritage Foundation: https://mustangheritagefoundation.org/
*sound on!*
I’ve been using course circles with some of my “stranger danger” clients (dogs who are worried or aggressive towards new people) with great success. In this unedited clip, the dog is going around the course as usual, except I go from sitting to standing. This is typically a big trigger for a dog like him, but there are a few things already in place that set him up for success:
⭐️ Second visit with me (has had some time to feel comfortable in my presence)
⭐️ At another location besides his home (reduced territorial behavior for this particular dog)
⭐️ Learned the course circle easily and has done several rounds
The longer I work with dogs with aggressive behaviors, the more I see how important movement is. Stationing or mat training are helpful, but movement and predictability even more so.
He was able to notice me stand, and go right back to doing what he was doing 👏
Topic for May: Assessing Leash Reactive Dogs
Let’s say you have a consultation with a client with a leash reactive dog, and you want to ensure you are asking the right questions and gathering the most pertinent information.
Where do you feel unsure about assessing leash reactivity?
What information would help you feel more confident walking into that type of consultation?
I want to hear from you!
To learn more or sign up, click here: https://jessicawheatcraft.thrivecart.com/empower-hour-may-2023/
When I’m working on decreasing proximity with reactive dogs I love using a circle or pattern for the dogs to follow. You can find one already in the environment (such as this fountain) or create your own using gear such as platforms, cavaletti poles, and a snuffle mat (varied activities keeps things interesting). Circles are helpful because:
⭐️ They create predictability for both dog and handler
⭐️ The dogs are not face to face
⭐️ You can adjust the size of the circle to be larger or smaller depending on your needs (if you’re making your own)
⭐️ Dogs love this approach - it’s fun for them to use their bodies + their minds in training.
Music: Dayspring
Musician: Firefl!es
Site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoplw2Cc3xc
“If you were being completely honest with me, how would you describe your feelings lately?”
Building open communication with clients so they feel comfortable sharing how they feel about their dog's behavior/training program/current state is such an important part of our job. I love the suggestions in this article - there are some great takeaways for clients and relationships in general.
"How are you?" is an overused phrase that leads to meaningless small talk, says happiness and relationship expert Stephanie Harrison. Ask these questions instead if you want to get a genuine response.
Next Monday! Still Time to Sign Up 😁
Empower Hour
You Ask, I'll Answer
Last Monday of Every Month
Monday, April 24th 5-6pm Pacific
Free to all attendees
What's Empower Hour? Each month I pick a topic, and then take submissions from YOU. 1-2 submissions will be chosen, and we'll deep dive together - gaining clarity on where you feel unsure, and going over information, resources, and strategies to help you feel more confident tackling that scenario in the future. Participation is open to EVERYONE! There's no need to submit a question if you want to listen in.
Topic for April: Home School Programs
Also known as Day Training programs, Home School programs are similar to board and trains, except the dog stays home and gets to learn in and around the environment they feel most comfortable in (and also where most training and behavior challenges occur).
Are you not currently offering Home School programs and want to learn more?
Do you currently offer them but wonder if you could be doing it better?
How do you know if a client is a good candidate?
What information would make you feel more confident about Home School programs? I want to hear from you!
To learn more, or to sign up: https://jessicawheatcraft.thrivecart.com/empower-hour-april/
Empower Hour
You Ask, I'll Answer
Last Monday of Every Month
Monday, April 24th 5-6pm Pacific
Free to all attendees
What's Empower Hour? Each month I pick a topic, and then take submissions from YOU. 1-2 submissions will be chosen, and we'll deep dive together - gaining clarity on where you feel unsure, and going over information, resources, and strategies to help you feel more confident tackling that scenario in the future. Participation is open to EVERYONE! There's no need to submit a question if you want to listen in.
Topic for April: Home School Programs
Also known as Day Training programs, Home School programs are similar to board and trains, except the dog stays home and gets to learn in and around the environment they feel most comfortable in (and also where most training and behavior challenges occur).
Are you not currently offering Home School programs and want to learn more?
Do you currently offer them but wonder if you could be doing it better?
How do you know if a client is a good candidate?
What information would make you feel more confident about Home School programs? I want to hear from you!
To learn more, or to sign up: https://jessicawheatcraft.thrivecart.com/empower-hour-april/
Life as a Dog Trainer Newsletter, delivered to your inbox very other Monday!
Filled with tips & resources to help make your life as a dog trainer the best that it can be.
To subscribe: https://jessicawheatcraft.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=59919ddf37be8132b57e08763&id=2d32fddb75
To see the first issue: https://mailchi.mp/jessicawheatcraft.com/life-as-a-dog-trainer-newsletter.
Or, click on bio link :)
⭐️ Point of Success ⭐️
I have a new case that includes a significant amount of alert barking from inside the home, where one dog triggers the other, and it creates chaos. Doesn’t matter how far they are from the door, if they are separated, redirected, reinforced heavily etc. Barking ensues. They bark at car doors closing, people and dogs going by, neighbors, and seemingly nothing.
I like these cases because it forces me to reconsider the point of success and find another solution for building desirable behaviors. The place where the dogs don’t bark as much? Out front. When you take the barrier of the front windows and doors away, they respond differently. And this gives me the space (literally and figuratively) to present triggers in a way that the dogs can remain under threshold and still learn alternate behaviors together.
I’ll gradually move it back into the house as they are successful.
There’s always a point of success, we just have to find it.
I'm excited to be presenting 2 webinars for the Italian dog training organization, The Tosaken Gold. While I'd love to say I speak Italian (how dreamy!) I'm fortunate that they will be providing a translator for me :)
April 4th at 1pm PT Dog to Human Aggression
✅ Strategies for building rapport with dogs who exhibit human aggression
✅ Safety first - effective information gathering and identifying risk factors to keep you safe
✅ Creative antecedent arrangements to set both you and the dog up for success
✅ Building guest routines so your clients can expand their dog's access to new people
✅ Real case study examples
April 11th at 1pm PT Dog to Dog Aggression in the Same Home
✅ Effective information gathering to understanding the antecedents and risk factors in inter dog aggression cases
✅ Management is your friend - tools for managing multiple dogs safely
✅ Strategies for repairing relationships between dogs
✅ Skill building for a more harmonious household
✅ Real case study examples
€30 Single webinar
€50 Both webinars
To register, click here: https://www.thetosaken.it/store/product/doppio-webinar-con-jessica-wheatcraft
I am SO excited to announce my 2 day workshop, Unpacking Leash Reactivity, is now available for sign ups! In collaboration with Rancho Coastal Humane Society, we are bringing an immersive, comprehensive workshop designed to help dog professionals address leash reactivity from start to finish.
April 27th and 28th, 9am-5pm in San Marcos, CA
Live class portion with 6 working spots available
IAABC, CCPDT, KPA CEUs pending
Early bird discounts until 3/16!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unpacking-leash-reactivity-tickets-543163375277
If you have a few extra minutes today, here is a simple way to spread more kindness 💛
+forhumans
Happy Friday! I hope you find joy in simple things today 💕
Music: Zurna
Musician: Sapajou
Site: https://soundcloud.com/sapajoubeats/sapajou-zurna-1
🛹 Skater Haters, Part 1 🛹
Are there any dogs who are reactive towards skateboards in your caseload? I recently wrapped up a training program with a dog who was reactive towards people, dogs, bikes, scooters, and especially skateboards. I’m documenting my approach via a 4 part video series.
In this video, I’m introducing foundation behaviors (disengaging from distractions + offered eye contact, both taught ahead of time) with the skateboard for the first time. I purposefully have him off leash so he can choose me or the skateboard. I also keep the skateboard relatively uninteresting at first, so that during these early stages of training it’s easy for him to ignore it.
If you want to see the entirety of our time together, follow me as I release the other videos 🤗
⭐️ New Blog Post ⭐️
If you’ve ever worked with me, you know that I can’t sum up how I address leash reactivity via one method or even in one sentence. I’ve put a lot of thought into my process, and what it all includes - and a large part of that is the client end too. Success in treating leash reactivity (or any behavior issue) is not about me getting the dog to respond differently and calling it a day. It’s about taking a comprehensive approach that includes both the dog and the owner, and giving the owner the tools to feel confident to successfully work with their dog on their own.
I outline all of the components I use with every client in my blog. Click here: https://www.jessicawheatcraft.com/framework-for-treating-leash-reactivity/. I’d love to hear your thoughts, or answer any questions, so feel free to comment below!
I’m a dog trainer and *gasp* I walk one of my dogs on a retractable leash. Here’s why:
🐶 Scout responds to my verbal cues, even when he’s several feet away. He has zero history of aggression towards people or dogs. We always walk in suburban areas, or a park. If we go someplace urban with heavy foot traffic, I put him on a standard leash.
🐶 Scout’s pace is much faster than my three legged dog, Finn. I always walk them together (Finn is more confident with Scout around), and Finn prefers to walk behind me, next to me, or occasionally running ahead.
🐶 Finn is a vulnerable dog - he’s hands down the most skittish dog I’ve ever come across, and that combined with him being a tripod means I need to give him extra consideration to ensure he doesn’t feel trapped during walks, or injure himself by getting tangled in a leash. I also need to ensure he can move his body freely, as it isn’t easy making sharp turns or sudden stops on 3 legs. By having Scout up ahead on a retractable, Finn is safer, and we can all move along in peace.
These types of decisions consider the whole picture, with a variety of safety considerations in mind. Is it possible that an accident could happen on a retractable? Sure. But I’ve weighed the risks and for us, the benefits of using one far outweighs not using one.
How about you - have you ever found a situation in which a retractable leash made the most sense? Comment below!
Toolbox Tuesday 🧰
Starter Muzzles
Starter muzzles are low cost muzzles that I keep on hand for initial stages of training with a client. They are helpful for:
✅ Demonstrating muzzle training exercises during an initial consultation
✅ Getting a dog comfortable with a muzzle as a custom one is being made to order, or if the right sized muzzle has not been found yet - no need to wait to train!
✅ Getting a dog more comfortable with a less restrictive muzzle to start (typically one with a large hole in the front, but not bite proof for obvious reasons) for easy treat delivery, eventually moving to a more secure muzzle.
❌ A starter muzzle is typically NOT used for immediate safety or management (especially silicone ones that aren't bite proof), but purely as a way to get the dog started with muzzle training.
I like this basket muzzle from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Muzzles-Prevent-Drinking-13-5-14-5/dp/B073Z22VZZ/ref=sr_1_36?crid=12LH623R21RY0&keywords=basket%2Bmuzzle&qid=1669681988&sprefix=basket%2Bmuzzl%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-36&th=1, as it’s a softer material and low cost at $20. I find dogs acclimate more quickly to the silicone material than they do with harder ones such as the Baskerville muzzle.
Hello and THANK YOU for joining me on my page! I'm Jessica, and I am both a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). I have worked with pet dogs and their families for 15 years, with a focus on behavior consulting for the past 10 years. I am passionate about helping humans and dogs live better lives together 💜
I feel there's no better way to help more dogs and humans then by guiding fellow dog professionals to expand their knowledge and skill set. I offer a variety of services including case coaching, webinars, online courses, and in person seminars. I’ll also be posting a wide variety of helpful information here on this page. I look forward to connecting with you!
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