Human clients don't just bring their dogs to training.
They bring their big feelings,
right alongside their dog's big feelings.
Since every dog you work with has a human holding the leash...
it's about time dog trainers learn how to work with those humans.
A program for canine pros who...
Feel confident in handling the dogs, but less confident in handling their humans.
Can see professional burnout looming in the distance, or already feel overtaken by it.
Crave support and community within an industry that can be incredibly isolating.
Recognize how dog training education leaves out the human end of the leash.
When dog trainers have person-centered challenges:
- Clients that treat training like therapy
- A million unrealistic expectations of dogs (and of dog training)
- Lack of follow through, even when people are paying for help
- Conversations that are necessary, but challenging
- Professional burnout lurking on the horizon
They need person-centered solutions:
- Creating a strong, safe relationship that supports change
- Infusing education about expectations into your work
- Understanding the stages of human behavior change
- Communication skills to guide difficult conversations
- Preventing and healing from burnout using your mindset and values
If this is what you need...
Join the Waitlist
Miranda Hitchcock, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA,
"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. This 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 for strategies to help them stay in the game long-term and do right by their clients."
Hi, I'm Jess!
And I'm NOT a dog trainer.
Yup. The animals I know how to work with... are humans.
I've been a licensed therapist since 2015, and am a former professor of counseling psychology. I also happen to have spent the last 10 years immersed in the dog world as an overwhelmed first time dog mom just trying to support my reactive dog (and cope with my own emotions about him, too.)
I know what you go through as a dog trainer…
because I go through the same things as a therapist.
And I know what your stressed-out human clients need from you…
because I was one of them.
So in 2021, I decided to blend my two worlds to help dogs by helping humans. I now offer emotional support services to dog guardians, and teach trainers how to approach their relationships with clients and with themselves from the perspective of a counselor.
LEARN TO HANDLE THE HUMAN END OF THE LEASH WITH:
EDUCATION
Lifetime access to self-paced video modules on key concepts, and downloadable worksheets for homework to deepen your understanding of the material.
CONSULTATION
Eight weeks of live coaching calls with your cohort of like-minded pros to get support around tough (human) cases and discuss how to apply what you're learning.
APPLICATION
The Human Side Guide© is a resource you'll create as you learn, giving you a custom blueprint to make your training business truly person-centered.
COMMUNITY
Connect and chat with other canine professionals that care about people, ask questions in between consult sessions, and submit your Human Side Guide© plans for review.
Continuing ed meant to change the way you work with dogs
(because it'll change the way you work with people.)
Fall 2025 Waitlist
Alyssa Schafer, Tri-Dog Solutions
"The Person Centered Dog Training Course was an absolute game changer for my business!
Taking a step back from the dog training itself and learning how to relate and connect to owners gave me insight into changing my programs across the board. Not only does Jess discuss ways to help clients really grasp what you’re offering, she also offers ways for us as trainers to prevent burn out, help us problem solve, and overall ground ourselves to better help our businesses, our team, and our clients. Highly recommend!"
Person-Centered Dog Training explores...
Connection & Engagement
Coping & Communication
Mindset & Expectations
Balance & Burnout
But I don't want you to just learn a bunch of concepts.
I want your training to transform.
The Human Side Guide© is a resource unlike any other for trainers. While I'll teach you all the best ways I know to be more person-centered, you're going to decide what makes sense to use in your training business.
Just like your approach to training dogs is uniquely yours, the way you work with human clients should be, too.
Think of the guide as a blueprint you're drafting that evolves as you progress through the program.
This guide ensures you’re not just absorbing information, but making sure you actually apply the concepts that are most relevant for you.
Chris Corbalis, Roaming Rovers
"The amount of knowledge and support before during and after the program has been nothing short of magical.
With the guidance of Jess’s PCDT program, I know I have the necessary tools to take care of myself so I can continue to take care of my clients and their pups. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to build a better relationship with themselves and their clients."