Training and Behavior Modification

Getting to the Bottom of Dogs with Behavior Issues

Does your dog struggle with challenging behavior issues that keep you feeling stuck, embarrassed, or nervous? I can help.

 

Training isn’t one-size-fits-all—every dog, family, and situation is unique. I guide pet parents toward  lasting solutions by asking the right questions and addressing what’s often overlooked. With my comprehensive programs, you and your dog get the support you need to feel confident in real life scenarios. 
In person, virtual, and online classes available. 

 

NEW!  Reactivity Roadmap

An online course and instructor led bybrid class for pet parents of reactive dogs

If your dog is reactive on leash to people or other dogs, anxious, fearful, over aroused, hyper vigilant, or just plain distracted on walks, this course is for you.

 

Starts July 1st 

Dog Training in Key West, FL

Private Lessons, Home School programs, and Group Classes for dog training & behavior modification 

In Home Service Areas

Serving clients in Key West & north to Big Coppitt Key

For clients in the Keys outside of this range, contact me for hybrid options (part virtual, part in person).

I Help With

Leash Reactivity

For dogs who bark, lunge, growl, or otherwise act like maniacs on leash in public

Dog to Dog Aggression

 Dogs displaying aggression towards other dogs, or intra household aggression cases

Resource Guarding

Dogs who guard food, toys, space, or stolen items from people or other dogs

Shy/Fearful Behaviors

Dogs who are fearful and/or worried about other people, dogs, or environments

Newly Adopted Dogs

Newly adopted dogs, or dogs in foster care needing support before placement

Puppy and Adolescent Stages

Puppy development through adolescence and all the challenges that come along with them

Get My Free Guide!

Simple strategies that can make a big difference

Training Consultation $195

A 1.5 hour training consultation designed to assess your dog and help you get started on the right track. You’ll walk away having a better understanding of your dog’s behavior, skills to begin practicing, and targeted recommendations that you can begin implementing for immediate behavior change. 

Virtual or In Person Depending on Location

Suitable For:

Puppy development

Adolescent dogs

Newly adopted dogs

 

A consultation is required to begin any training program 

Behavior Consultation $245

Dogs with behavior challenges need more than just training. A 2 hour behavior consultation is designed to unpack your dog’s behavior, giving you a solid understanding of the what/why/how. We’ll  go over strategies to prevent the unwanted behavior(s) from occurring, and teach targeted training exercises that will make the most impact. We’ll also explore relationship dynamics, enrichment, and your routine to ensure you feel confident in meeting your dog’s individual needs for comprehensive behavior change. At the end of the consultation, I can recommend the training program that would best suit your needs.

Virtual or In Person Depending on Location

Suitable For:

Behavior challenges such as leash reactivity, aggression, anxiety, shy/fearful dogs, and resource guarding

 

A consultation is required to begin any training program 

home school programs

Do you ever wish a trainer could come to your home and train your dog for you? There’s a solution for that – Home School programs.

Home School programs allow your dog to learn in the environment most comfortable for them, and one on one with me, leading to faster results in a shorter amount of time.

Designed to give your dog a big boost in their training and behavior, without the time committment on your end.

At the end of every week, we’ll work together in a Coaching session so I can show you how to get the same results.

Helpful for behavior challenges including leash reactivity, aggression, anxiety, fearful behaviors, and more

Ideal for newly adopted dogs or a new puppy in the home to get them started on the right track

3 WEEK PROGRAM ($1,350): 3 Home School sessions + 1 Coaching session per week = 12 sessions total. 

5 WEEK PROGRAM ($2,250): 3 Home School sessions + 1 Coaching session per week = 20 sessions total. 

Custom programs available

private lesson programs

Work with me one on one, and I’ll guide you through a custom training program that leads to real life results. You’ll learn how to work with your dog to get the results you want, along with a happier, more fulfilled relationship.

Programs include 3, 6, or 9 lessons, along with in between support to help you problem solve any issues that arise to stay on track.

For in person training in Key West, or virtually anywhere in the world.

Suitable for behavior challenges including leash reactivity, aggression, anxiety, fearful behaviors, and more

Suitable for newly adopted dogs, puppies, adolescent dogs, and manners in public

3 LESSON PROGRAM ($395): 3 private lessons + in between lesson support including video review & feedback, and one, 20 minute Zoom session.

6 LESSON PROGRAM ($750): 6 private lessons + in between lesson support including video review & feedback, and one, 20 minute Zoom session.

9 LESSON PROGRAM ($1,015): 9 private lessons + in between lesson support including video review & feedback, and two, 20 minute Zoom sessions.

Program Support: What’s Included

Support in between live training sessions is a crucial piece to helping you and your dog feel confident and avoid the guessing game of “wait, how do we do that again?”

 

  • In between lessons, I help you stay on track by helping you troubleshoot via phone, email, or text or Zoom
  • You’ll video your dog’s progress and send clips to me for feedback. I’ll give you targeted tips to help you advance your training or troubleshoot something gone wrong. 
  • I also provide training videos, resources, and other supplemental material for extra learning

What Clients Have to Say

After unsuccessful experiences with several different well-known dog training companies, my husband and I found ourselves with our young Great Dane in the veterinarian’s office, with me in tears. I explained that we loved Titan, but his behavior was so out of control our life with him had become a bit of a misery. It was at this point that we were recommended to Jessica Wheatcraft, a dog trainers’ trainer. At our initial consult, she listened carefully to our concerns while assessing our dog. After a series of thoughtful questions, she gave us feedback and suggestions. During our subsequent sessions, she worked with Titan teaching him that particular day’s lesson, had us demonstrate the technique, as well as shared the rationale for it. Any new issues or doggie challenges during the week, she problem solved. For us, receiving the notes detailing what we’re working on with a step by step plan on how to practice the targeted behaviors reinforced what was expected from our Great Dane and from us. Jessica was always punctual, professional, knowledgeable and supportive. (Even our dog loved her, unlike his former dog trainers!) Whether our lessons were in person or by video, the format was the same and equally effective. From that day on, our Raptor-like devil dog progressed from graduating as a Good Canine Companion to qualifying as a Service Dog in Brace and Stability work! People constantly compliment how well-behaved he is with people and other dogs.

Michael, Francesca and Titan Kelly
San Diego, CA

We worked with Jessica virtually, and she completely changed the way we work with and understand Olive. One of the most helpful parts of the process was being able to send videos between sessions and get thoughtful, practical feedback that we could apply right away. When we started, Olive could barely make it a block without reacting to other dogs or getting overwhelmed by her surroundings. Less than two months later, she was going on calm, relatively stress-free neighborhood walks. The difference in her confidence and comfort has been huge, and we feel much more confident as owners too. We’re incredibly grateful for Jessica, the care she puts into her work, and the strategies she taught us that we still use with Olive every day.

Whitney, Henry & Olive
Oakland, CA

We began working with Jessica on reactivity issues with our newly adopted dog, Dunkin, while she was living in Germany and we were in the Florida Keys. At first, I was skeptical about how effective virtual training could be, but finding someone locally with her level of expertise simply wasn’t possible. We decided to give it a try and we started seeing improvements almost immediately. Jessica’s approach is anything but cookie-cutter. She took the time to understand Dunkin’s unique challenges and tailored her methods specifically to him. Together, we monitored his progress and adjusted techniques as needed along the way. We’re now fortunate that Jessica has moved back to the States and lives nearby, so she’s able to work with Dunkin in person, he absolutely adores her. I cannot recommend Jessica highly enough for anyone dealing with a reactive dog. Whether working virtually or in person, she is an exceptional trainer.

Karen with Dunkin
Key West, FL

 Interested in Virtual Training?

My virtual 1:1 Coaching gives you expert guidance from the comfort of your home—no stressful travel, no rigid scheduling. With years of experience and countless cases, I can gather key insights by reviewing videos of your dog, allowing us to tailor solutions to your unique situation. My live training and expert coaching ensure you and your dog can build skills in real time, and you’ll receive ongoing support via phone calls, emails, and texts, so you’re never left figuring things out on your own. This is a judgment-free space where I meet you where you are at, ask the right questions, uncover what’s missing, and help you and your dog move forward with confidence.

How virtual training works

  • We meet weekly (or bimonthly) for a live training lesson designed for hands on training with you and your dog over Zoom
  • You’ll receive the same expert coaching and immediate feedback during training, just as you would in person
  • In between lessons, I help you stay on track by helping you troubleshoot via phone, email, or text
  • Video review of your dog’s progress, or areas where you are getting stuck, is included with every training program
  • I also provide training videos and lesson plans so you know exactly what to focus on

Get Started Today!