Jessica Wheatcraft, CDBC

Hi, I'm Jessica

I'm a behavior consultant, professional trainer, podcast host, speaker, teacher, and self proclaimed dog nerd.

I am enthusiastic about working with both ends of the leash, and teaching dogs and humans how to live better lives, together.

2 + decades with dogs and people

My Journey

2001 • HOW SHELTER DOGS CHANGED MY LIFE

It started as mandatory

In order to graduate high school it was required that every student do 10 hours of community service. I chose my local shelter, Animal Friends of the Valley. It was there that I first witnessed the plight of shelter dogs, and was inspired to help however I could, volunteering long past the required time.

After high school I also volunteered for the Prison Pup Program at the California Institute for Women, keeping the dogs in my home on weekends to generalize their training to the real world.
Top Photo: Adoption Event, 2001
Bottom Photo: Service Dog in Training, 2003

2006 • PROFESSIONAL PATH

Certification & Growth

I adopt a pit bull mix and this connects me to volunteer with Pit Bull Rescue San Diego. Whether it was fostering, running adoption events, or going on the local news channel with the pet of the week, I was there. I eventually moved into the Training Director position where I helped assess dogs at the local shelters for our program, and support our foster parents.

I also met the person who helped me pursue dog training as a profession, Nan Arthur, CDBC, CPDT, KPA-CTP. She changed the trajectory of my life, and we worked together for 7 years.

2007-2013

Learning to work a variety of cases

Under Nan's guidance, I learned how to work with all types of behaviors, from puppy development to aggression. I worked one on one with families, taught group classes, and participated in seminars at our facility. I became a mentor for Animal Behavior College and guided over 25 students to earn their dog training certifications.

I continued my work in shelters by teaching volunteers at Rancho Coastal Humane Society on dog behavior and training. I was also the lead trainer for the Pit Crew program at the county shelter where we supported pit bull type dogs towards successful adoptions.
Top Photo: Petey from the Pit Crew, 2012
Bottom Photo: I adopt Milo from the Pit Crew, 2014

2013-2021

I start my own company

Always wanting to grow and challenge myself, I decide to start my own company, Synergy Dog Training in 2013. I begin to specialize in leash reactivity, and design services and classes to better support my clients and help them succeed in the real world with their dogs. My business grew faster than I knew what to do with, and in 2018 I expanded my team to include other trainers. I loved mentoring my team and helping them feel confident in their skill set so they could grow as professionals.

I continued to support local shelters and rescues with assessments and behavior help. I served as the trade show manager for IAABC, representing the organization at the major dog behavior and training conferences around the country.

2022 - PRESENT

I teach other dog professionals

I continue growing my training business and manage all of the operations while supporting my team and our clients. At the same time I begin to teach other professionals, both online and in person. I speak at conferences including IAABC and Aggression in Dogs, and serve as a guest presenter for organizations including FDSA, Brain and Behaviour, and Shelter Behavior Integrations. I later step away from my role as Director of Behavior and Training at my company to allow for time and space to pursue other endeavors.

In 2023 I launch The Leash Reactivity Mentorship for Professionals, and in 2025 I start my podcast, Rethinking Reactivity. I teach workshops for shelter volunteers and staff on dog behavior, addressing challenging behaviors in the shelter environment, and dog to dog introductions.
I also teach workshops on understanding and addressing leash reactivity for both pet parents and dog professionals.
Top Photo: Volunteer Workshop 2024
Bottom Photo: SDHS workshop 2026

My Training Philosophy

I believe that every dog is an individual, and meeting their unique needs is a core component of my work. My training is rooted in positive reinforcement - for both ends of the leash - because attached to every dog is a person, often times with a strained relationship with their dog. I collaborate with my human clients to find personalized solutions that are creative, humane, fun and effective, allowing them to live happier and more fulfilled lives with their dog.

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