Training by Jacqueline, LLC

Training by Jacqueline, LLC Providing expert dog training & behavior services for Brighton, Michigan and surrounding areas since 2013. Multi-certified & insured.

Virtual & hybrid services offered for long-distance clients! Force-free, science based training that happens in the comfort of your own home. All breeds and ages welcome! Helping with many different behaviors: basic obedience, puppy, CGC prep, stranger danger, dog reactivity/aggression, veterinarian check-ups, fear, food or toy guarding, leash manners, marking, barking, tricks, etc.!

This summer, I welcomed sweet Kya to the training roster. She had B I G opinions with unknown humans and sometimes dogs....
09/24/2025

This summer, I welcomed sweet Kya to the training roster. She had B I G opinions with unknown humans and sometimes dogs. Like any pet parent, Chloe had been trying so hard to help Kya but needed the expert support to develop a training plan specific to her, and her needs.

Fast forward to this week where I came for our last lesson in our initial program…and everyone was giddy with her progress report 🥹 I am SO proud of this duo.

“Jacqueline has been absolutely incredible with my fearful and reactive pup! I went into training thinking that my dog might be beyond help, but after 3 sessions the progress exceeded anything I could have imagined! We are able to take her out and about, welcome company into our home, and enjoy so many things that I never thought possible!
I can’t recommend Jacqueline enough :)”

Thank you so much for the kind review, team Kya 🫶🏼

⚠️ heads up: this is turning out to be a very very busy season (thank you!!). I am booking into the end of the year already.

🩵If you are a current or former client, you can reach out to check in on your lesson credits, and openings!

🤍 new/prospective clients: I’m booking for late oct/early nov depending on your availability!

Happy Fall, trainees 🍁🍂🎃

There is a part of this career that I wish I didn’t have to experience…which is often (sadly) job security. It’s being c...
09/19/2025

There is a part of this career that I wish I didn’t have to experience…which is often (sadly) job security. It’s being called in for the aftermath of what happens when dogs end up in the wrong hands.

The dog training field is UNREGULATED. This means anyone can wake up tomorrow, declare they are now a trainer, and give you advice that they’ve made up on the go or advice that we used 20 YEARS ago (sigh). They can take your money, and subject your dog to the most inhumane and unnecessary treatment.

Being certified requires…REQUIRES…that I continue to take classes. I’m also required to provide 3 references (from another colleague, a veterinarian, and a client) along with case studies where I go through top to bottom detailing a case, my decisions, reasoning, and the evidence to support it. Not all certifications ask this. Look into the certs a trainer lists.

Here are some red flags to watch for when deciding on a trainer:

🚩tells you NOT to contact them when they have your dog
🚩provides no updates
🚩 took an online certification that doesn’t require them to re-certify or to ever take classes again (or maybe they’ve just never certified ever)
🚩lists having dogs since they were a child as part of their experience (I’d also have 30 years experience if I used that parameter 😂)
🚩unwilling to work with other colleagues in the field, or refer you to others when they are out of their scope of expertise

Last…while reviews are super helpful to read through….remember that sometimes there are unethical trainers that will require a review or ask for a review in exchange for services.

Need more help to figure out a trainer’s methodology?
💡”what will you do when my dog does the right thing?”
💡”what will you do if my dog doesn’t do what you ask?”
💡”what items do you use for training?”
💡”if you can’t help my dog, will you tell me when I should seek additional help or support?”
💡”what classes or certificates have you completed in the last 6 months?”
💡”can you tell me what you specialize in?”

Protect yourself. Protect your dog.

Have a great weekend, trainees!

📸: Malachi 💚

“Take me to the Sniff Spot, training lady!” -Stella
09/18/2025

“Take me to the Sniff Spot, training lady!” -Stella

It’s CATURDAY 😸We are snuggled in working on the fall training schedule, and learning from Dr. Mikel Delgado on all thin...
09/13/2025

It’s CATURDAY 😸

We are snuggled in working on the fall training schedule, and learning from Dr. Mikel Delgado on all things cat consulting! I’ve taken a few cat behavior cases over the years, and will be starting to offer more regular feline-based services next year in addition to my usual canine work! Stay tuned 🐾

Very very thankful to have my 3 kitties to help me through my deep grief. I miss Porter every second of every day, and it has not been easy but we are managing this new normal. 🌈

What are you up to with your pets this weekend? Please share or tag me 🐾

We are so lucky to be surrounded by dogs in our lifetime. They remind us that the little things matter. How exciting it ...
09/11/2025

We are so lucky to be surrounded by dogs in our lifetime.

They remind us that the little things matter. How exciting it is to just be outside. That even the smallest treat feels like winning the lotto.

They ground us when the world feels heavy. They challenge us to be better humans by watching how they live, adjusting to their needs, and doing our best to seek insight….because they can never tell us directly how they feel.

We are better because of them. For each dog that we cross, whether on a street, or the ones we share our every day routines with.

And we are reminded to slow down, and face our pain when we have to say goodbye. Because just being a part of their lifetime…it will always be worth the heartache.

💔

To my friend Burt,

Thank you. Thank you for being the very best, and teaching all of us how to see the world through your eyes. Your silliness, sweetness, and adorable face will always be missed. As with every dog I get to work with, I will take your teachings and use them for the good of all dogs in everything I do.

And to the humans who have moved mountains for this boys love and care, thank you for trusting me to guide you through all of his seasons of life…and for letting me be a part of his circle.

🌈 Be free my friend. My boy and so many others have a spot saved for you.

Happy International Dog Day to two of the very best to ever exist. 🤍I wouldn’t be who I am without you both. 💔🌈
08/27/2025

Happy International Dog Day to two of the very best to ever exist. 🤍

I wouldn’t be who I am without you both. 💔🌈

It’s been a really hard first week without my boy in my life, but I’m so so grateful to the family, friends, and clients...
08/25/2025

It’s been a really hard first week without my boy in my life, but I’m so so grateful to the family, friends, and clients who took so much time to reach out or be with me. Whether it was demanding I’d eat just a little more…or saying “I’m so sorry, but I can’t even look at you or I’ll cry too”…it meant the world to know Porter was so loved even from afar, and that everyone understands what a profound loss this is. 💔

This week was spent with my little nephew, my family, colleagues at their first nosework trial, and just sitting in the silence figuring out how to adjust to this new normal.

I took the week away..really having been away for more like 2 weeks when we were navigating this last stage of his life. Today I’ll be working all day to get back to my very full inbox, and getting lessons rescheduled. Thank you all for your patience and kindness.

Take time with your dog today to love them while they’re here. 🌈 dog years don’t wait for anyone.

💔My sweet boy was released from his pain and failing body this week. I am both devastated, and at peace, for having the ...
08/20/2025

💔

My sweet boy was released from his pain and failing body this week. I am both devastated, and at peace, for having the immense honor to spend the last 10 1/2 years with him. A third of my life that was expanded beyond measure because of everything he was, and everything I learned from him. The dog that wasn’t supposed to make it out of rescue because of his behavior. The dog that showed us all that sometimes you need the right help to flourish.

The last photo was our very first night together. Puma had just passed away in September, and in December my mom gently approached me about “just fostering”. She showed me the most sad photo of a dog with reindeer antlers…the only one who was cat friendly..and by January he was home. I pretended for a long time that I didn’t love him…feeling still so raw from such a traumatic goodbye with Puma. But he knew. The whole world knew. He was always going to stay. So thank you, mom. 🤍

My grief is coming in cruel waves…learning to live without him. Every decision I made in daily life completely revolved around him. I’m really honestly feeling lost and will be for a while.

Someday I will honor him and find another, but that time is very (very) far in the future. I appreciate not getting messages or tags showing me dogs that are available or asking me to take others. That’s probably the most painful thing to even consider right now. Thanks for understanding 💔

🖤I love you, P. You were the very best.

Hi Boba 🩷🧋This tiny girl is re-learning potty training, integrating with her new kitten siblings, and how to maybe not e...
08/14/2025

Hi Boba 🩷🧋

This tiny girl is re-learning potty training, integrating with her new kitten siblings, and how to maybe not eat anything that’s on the counters and tables 🤣

We had a really nice session tonight where we “triaged” what we originally started with for a training plan and how we are going to modify it to work even better.

Want to sign up for a personalized lesson plan for you & your dog(s)? Need a refresher lesson or want to enroll your dog in “Homeschool” to help them get the training and attention they need without worrying about carving out time in your busy schedule?

Email me 🙂 [email protected]

⭐️Multi-certified & Insured
⭐️13+ years in the field
⭐️Recommended by Veterinarians & Veterinary Behaviorists

Have a dog with aggression but not ready for lessons? Sign up for the Real Life Solutions Course for Dog Guardians:

https://aggressivedog.thinkific.com/courses/RealLifeSolutions?ref=e33dfd

08/14/2025

Think professional dog trainers are expensive?
Try hiring a bad one...

Back in the day people would watch Cesar Milan on TV and the next day hang up a Dog Training sign. Today, they scan Tiktok and Instagram for ideas and call themselves a dog trainer.

When looking for a trainer look for their education.
Are they just following a video or do they have the knowledge and understanding to create a step by step behavior plan for YOUR DOG?
If they only understand step one or step 5 rather than the entire process how will this help you in the long run?

There are many ways to become a dog trainer from certifications, degrees, mentorships and apprenticeships.
But just one day saying hey, I need money so I'm going to train because I saw it on Instagram just isn't cutting it.

Ask about education.
Ask about credentials.
Ask about insurance.
Ask about first aid training.
Ask about their process and where they learned it.
Ask how they will set you and your dog up for success.
Ask if they use tools.
Ask how they maintain safety for you, your dog and themselves.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Pause and ask questions.

Being desperate is not a good reason to hire a person selling snake oil or potentially a dangerous trainer that could get hurt in your home (and sue you) , injure your dog or get you hurt

Great trainers don't take all cases! We can't specialize in everything so we refer out. Great trainers ask you questions and may refer you elsewhere.

Be careful out there. Dog training is currently unregulated and unfortunately many dogs and humans have been injured.

If you can't hire a professional trainer ask a professional trainer or veterinarian if they would refer to the trainer you wish to hire. They may have some alternatives for you if cost is the issue.
Some professional trainers offer low cost/free webinars and sliding scale rates.

Unsure where to look for a trainer?

Check the Karen Pryor Academy, IAABC, Academy for Dog Trainers, ABTC, Victoria Stillwell Academy lists of certified trainers.
Ask your local Fear Free or Low Stress Certified Vet staff.
Sometimes you can get great feedback at dog shows or dog trials if you ask for trainer information.

Address

Brighton, MI

Telephone

+17346452438

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CPDT-KA certified. Force-free, science based training that happens in the comfort of your own home. All breeds and ages welcome! Helping you with many different behaviors: basic obedience, puppy, CGC prep, stranger danger, dog reactivity/aggression, veterinarian check-ups, fear, food or toy guarding, leash manners, marking, barking, tricks, etc.! Serving South East Michigan.