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 MENTAL HEALTH

for dog people

When your dog's big feelings trigger yours, start here.

 Simple, therapist-created tools for the hard moments of dog ownership.

Get Your Free Emotional First Aid Kit

Support for the human end of the leash.

 

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

Whether you’re a dog guardian or professional, you’ll find support here through education, coaching, and community. 

BOOK A CONSULT CALL
Hi!

I'M JESS & THIS IS DIO.

Read our story  ➝

I know what it’s like to love a dog who changes your life in ways you didn’t expect.

I'm a licensed professional counselor, and my dog Dio taught me that dog training isn't enough when you're struggling with what your dog's behavior brings up in you.

I created Handlers & Humans to bring therapy-informed education, coaching, and community to dog guardians and the professionals who support them, because before I built it for you... I needed it for me.

"I'm a first time owner to a reactive dog, and I wasn't sure if I'd be served by traditional dog training or mainstream therapy. Jess is the perfect combination of both. She gave me the perspective and tools I needed to start loving dog ownership.  I wish I started with her sooner."

 
Virginia + Tater

1:1 Coaching

"There's a ton of continuing education on working with dogs, but the human-centered training is minimal at best. Jess provided tools for working with people, including ways to actually help clients succeed. Even more importantly, she addressed techniques for surviving being a helping professional beyond the basics of self-care. I highly recommend Handlers & Humans for anyone looking to stay in the game long-term and do right by their clients."

 
Miranda Hitchcock, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA

Person-Centered Dog Training Course

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This is the training your dog sends you to.

Coaching, education, and community... all informed by mental health best practice.

Find your (dog) people.

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Cope with your canine.

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With you on the dog walk.

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Care for yourself while you care for your dog.

Join the newsletter for real-life reflections on loving dogs, plus a weekly practice that supports both of you.