My name is Jessica Smith, I’m a Certified Dog Trainer and Body Language Specialist with 7 years experience as a professional dog walker and trainer. I have a Degree in Zoology and have furthered my studies with The School of Canine Science, The Dog Training College and The Ian Dunbar Academy. This section if for your to get to know me, so you can get a feel for if we’re a good fit!

My mission is to help dog owners build strong, thoughtful connections with their dogs by understanding their behaviour, communication, and unique personalities. Rooted in my background as a zoologist, I bring a deep respect for animals and a curiosity for how they navigate the world. Through training, I aim to guide owners toward more meaningful interactions with their dogs — not through pressure, but through mutual understanding. I show up every day to support the humans behind the leash, and I’m driven by the moments when it all just clicks between them.

I help dog owners become more confident, relaxed, and attuned to their dogs through understanding and practice — not pressure. My goal is for them to build trust and responsiveness by learning how to motivate rather than control, and to interact with their dogs in a way that’s gentle, grounded, and clear.

For the dogs, I aim to create a training experience that builds optimism, confidence, and agency. I want them to feel safe to express themselves, make good decisions, and move through the world at their own pace — knowing they’re being listened to.

True transformation happens when both the human and the dog start to understand each other better. That’s when the relationship really clicks, and things get easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

My Core Values:

1. Empathy & Curiosity
I meet both humans and dogs with curiosity, not judgment. Every dog-human relationship is unique, and I aim to understand first before offering advice. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all training — I tailor everything based on what you and your dog actually need.

2. Safe Spaces for Growth
I want training to feel calm, kind, and pressure-free — for both ends of the lead. That means no harsh punishments, no guilt trips, and no pretending to have it all figured out. Just support, encouragement, and small steps forward.

3. Collaboration Over Command
I don’t tell people what to do — I work with them. I’ll always offer honest guidance, but I want owners to feel involved in the process and confident in their choices.

4. Positive Reinforcement Always
I believe dogs (and people) learn best through encouragement, not correction. My work is grounded in positive reinforcement, thoughtful communication, and building trust.

5. Lightness, Laughter & Learning
Training should be fun! I aim to bring a relaxed, sometimes silly vibe to my sessions so people feel free to ask questions, be themselves, and actually enjoy the journey with their dog.

And lastly, I have an Irish Setter, Ernie, who is a gentle, giant goofball. He has been by my side helping me teach dogs how to exist happily in a busy suburb for 6 years now. We made it through the years of puppyhood and adolescence and came out the other side as a good team and have enjoyed a life full of fun and freedom! This is what I want for my clients and I work hard to help people achieve that.