Mental health for dog people.

Because dogs are only helped through humans.

Handlers & Humans is a mental health resource for the people who love, live with, and work with complex dogs—created by a therapist who’s been there, with a reactive dog of her own.

Whether you’re navigating big feelings as a dog guardian or canine professional, Handlers & Humans can help.

Let's Talk!

Our journey went from reactive to resilient...

Jess Adam is a coach for dog people. She blends her professional background as a licensed therapist with her lived experience as a dog mom to a lovable, anxious, and reactive lab-pit mix named Dio.

Inspired by a difficult and emotional training journey with Dio, Jess created services to support fellow dog lovers through issues such as..

The emotional toll of complex dog behavior or chronic health issues
Rehoming, behavioral euthanasia, and the grief, guilt, or uncertainty that can come with those decisions
Rebuilding connection—between dogs and humans, and within human relationships impacted by dog stress
Handler or trainer coping and confidence, especially after incidents or setbacks
Navigating social judgment, stigma, and advocating for complex dogs
Burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional strain for canine professionals
Client dynamics, boundaries, and building a sustainable, values-driven business as a dog pro

If it's related to dogs and emotionally hard, ethically complicated, or simply a lot—you've found the right place to support you.

Kelli & Cosmo

Coping With Canines Program

"Handlers & Humans helped me change the way I think about our training journey.

Since working with Jess, my negative emotions about my dog aren’t as extreme.

When we have bad days, I am better able to recognize that our journey is not linear and I can accept the ups and downs of our training journey. I also appreciate our good moments even more.

Jess makes you feel understood and seen in a way that the rest of the world never does when you have a reactive dog.

My life has changed in that I have more hope for the future with my dog."

Miranda Hitchcock,

CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA

Person-Centered Dog Training

"There's a ton of information and continuing education on techniques for working with dogs, but most of the human-centered training is minimal at best. The Person-Centered Dog Training Course provided a ton of tools that are useful for dog pros who are working with people, including ways to actually help clients succeed.

Even more importantly, the course addressed techniques for surviving being a "helping professional" that go beyond the basics of self care.

I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to stay in the game long-term and do right by their clients."

Virginia & Tater

Individual Guardian Coaching

"I'm a first time dog owner to a reactive dog, and I found Jess at a time when I wasn't sure if I'd be served by traditional dog training or mainstream therapy.

She's the perfect combination of both.

Jess gave me the perspective and tools I needed to start loving dog ownership.

I didn't want to waste our best years weighed down with resentment and Jess has completely turned things around for us.

My only regret is not starting sooner."