more About me!

my Story

Hello!
I'm JC, MSc

I LOVE what I do, but getting here wasn't an easy path!

As a former inner city paramedic and firefighter, I’ve been through a lot of shit.

I’ve been shot, stabbed, found myself in a burning building as it collapsed down on me (luckily not all at the same time!)… you name it, it’s probably happened. When I returned home, I was drained and exhausted, but I wouldn’t be alone.

My Pug, Tickles, saved me.

She would help me laugh and heal in a way that nothing else could and I realized the healing powers of our four-legged friends. I thought I rescued her, but in turn, she would rescue me. Well played, Tickles. Well played.

So if Tickles did that for me... then that could happen for other humans and dogs, too, right?

And that’s when my love for rescue began. I started rescuing dogs, who just needed another chance and trained them to be ESA’s for veterans who suffered from PTS, trauma, anxiety, and so much more. I partnered with, and started, the Colorado Chapter of Pets for Vets Non-Profit and for a while joined in their mission to train rescues to be ESA’s and companions for vets.

But I knew that I wanted to do more. Inspired by my love of my Marine veteran dad, and after a lot of sleepless nights, I decided to take the next step and begin to train Service Dogs for veterans on my own. So many rescue dogs have a lot of love to give and so many humans need healing and companions and this was a way for me to help them both. I like to think of it as both parties receiving a new lease on life persay. They get to "rescue" each other.

My dogs have changed my life, particularly Tickles the Pug and my shit-show pitbull Shenzi (whom I refer to as the S.S. Shenz - Shit Show Shenzi). Each have taught me so much. Even my current rescue dog, who is also my Service Dog, El Jefe.

To honor Tickles the Pug and how she changed my life, I decided to capture the peace she brought me into my logo. She brought calm to the chaos that was my life and inspired me start the journey to helping the veteran community around me.

Shenzi was where the cue “get your shit together” originated. It was a quick way to get her attention, particularly for my pitbull who was so desensitized to typical cues that she would just ignore them (me too, girl, me too!).

Since that first cue, I have learned more and created new techniques that allow my unique training style to come out. I’m not only able to work with families and their dogs, but I am also extremely passionate about being able to work with animal shelters and rescues to give those dogs a chance at their best life.

I’m dedicated to learning and honing my skills to help dogs and their families have a healthy relationship with each other. Combine that with a love of learning about dogs and their behaviors, that translates to I’m going to seminars researching and creating new techniques, and more. Put simply, I am a dog behavior geek. Or nerd. Whichever you prefer.

Animal Behavior Science Masters Program
Grisha Stewart Academy
Victoria Stilwell Academy - DBC
ABMA Annual Conference
The Lemonade Conference
Aggression in Dogs Conference
Spirit Dog Training - Aggression in Dogs
Dog-Human Aggression - Michael Shikashio
Dog-Dog Aggression - Michael Shikashio
Holistic Approach to Dog Reactivity - Dante Camacho
Common Behavior Challenges : Reactivity - Grisha Stewart
Stress and Anxiety in Dogs - Anders Hallgren
Building Canine Confidence w/ Movement - Lori Stevens
T.Touch and B.A.T Dog Resiliance - Katrien Lismont
The Antecedent Iceberg: Embracing Natural Integration of Ethology & Behavior - Kim Brophey

Training & Education

I've been in the industry for over 20 years now!

A Critical Comparison of 7 Dog Training Methods for Fear in Dogs - Grisha Stewart
Barking Mad: BAT & Other Techniques for Frustration - Grisha Stewart
B.A.T - Grisha Stewart, Joey Iverson
B.A.T 101: Socialization for Aggression, Frustration, and Fear - Grisha Stewart
ACE: Understanding Dog Needs - Sarah Fisher
Ahimsa Dog Training: Problem Solving & Manners
Deaf Dogs: Your Route to Training Success - Terrie Hayward
Learning the Ropes: All Things Leash Handling - Michael Shikashio
Enrichment and Decompression - Leslie McDevitt
Dog Language Panel Part 1/Part 2 - Kathy Sdao, Chirag Patel, Grisha Stewart
Why Animals Need Trainers Who Adhere to LIMA Principle - Susan Friedman
Survival Skills: Coping w/Dog Reactivity in Real Life - Grisha Stewart

MicroSigns Dog Body Language - Katrien Lismont
Noise Phobia: Helping Dogs w/ Sound Sensitivities - Karolina Westlund
Recognizing and Understanding Pain in Dogs - Dr. Hannah Capon
Predation Substitute Training - Simone Müller
Rocket Recall - Simone Müller
Resource Guarding: Dogs Who Growl or Bite - Diane Garrod
Seperation Anxiety: Deciphering the Behavior - Terrie Hayward
Seperation Anxiety in Shelters, Rescues, and Newly Adopted Dogs - Malena DeMartini
Stationing for the Win: Platform Training for Behavior - Jamie Popper
The Wolf in Your Living Room: Primitave Breeds - Molly Sumridge
Canine Enrichment and Affective State - Shay Kelly
Train Your Nervous System: Applying the Science of Pain, Stress, Trauma, and Social Connection - Sukie Baxter

Every year I attend continuing education credit courses, expos, and conferences. I believe that science is always evolving, there are always new techniques to be learned and my skillset should always evolve with it.

My Mission:

Is to give you and your dog the tools you need for you both to live your best lives.

To give those dogs who would never get a second glance, a chance at a home,
a family, and a life outside of the shelter.

To educate people about the benefits of ethical, humane, and positive reinforcement training.

*George here approves of this message!

Here’s what I do and don’t do:

I DO:

Positive Reinforcement training (+R) because science backs this!
Work to build trust and confidence for both you and your pet
Teach you how to communicate with your pet and understand their needs

I DON’T:

Work with shock (Don’t ask.)
Work with prong collars (Not happening.)
Train using an alpha or dominance style technique (It’s archaic and frankly useless.)