Darcy Lynn Jones

History
Darcy Jones, CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator, Lead Trainer and Owner of Djify LLC, has owned dogs all her life and considers them an essential part of her family. During her college years and time in the Army, it wasn’t feasible to own a dog, so she volunteered at the Humane Society in whichever state she lived and did her best to be around animals even while working as a full-time engineer. Like many owners, she knew how a “good” dog was supposed to act, but had no idea what to do when she adopted her first “bad” dog in 2013. Her new puppy was shy of strangers, barked at everything, was terrified of other dogs, and everything they tried to do for her failed to make anything better. Then one day, she was startled by a man carrying a sheet of plywood and before they could react, she moved to nip him on the butt! Thank goodness he also owned dogs, so he was very understanding and let it go, but Darcy was terrified–what if this escalated? What if she hurt someone? She could get put down!

So, being a good engineer, she began reading and researching. She found a rescue organization who worked with “troubled” dogs and had licensed behaviorists on staff. She sat down with them and her “bad” dog to create a game plan and found a new calling. Their approach was based on actual peer-reviewed studies, real scientific testing, and could be used across the entire animal kingdom! Her left-brain was hooked! She immediately joined their Student-Trainer program where she volunteered her time and worked directly with the foster dogs in behavior rehabilitation under the tutelage of trained and certified staff. She started shadowing the training classes they offered to the community, took foster dogs into her home, and before she knew it, she was teaching paying clients in both group classes and one-on-one sessions.

And what about her “bad” dog? It turned out she was actually a very good dog who just had needs Darcy wasn’t educated enough to meet. She took her to classes, developed a training program, and put in the time. Now her “bad” dog is certified with the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen. She also holds 3 Trick Dog titles and they have new long-term goals far beyond “don’t bite people.” Now that Darcy knows how to communicate with her, help her navigate the world, and she has trust and faith in Darcy, she no longer fears taking her on walks, runs, or hikes. She still has her challenges, but Darcy knows they are things they are able to manage, address, and overcome.

As Darcy’s trainer-mentor once said, “Ideally, if we train the people right, we will train ourselves out of a job.” Darcy believes this is the future and founded Djify LLC with that goal in mind. She hopes to be able to give you the tools to build the bond with your canine, understand the world from their point of view, and effectively communicate, lead, and achieve your goals with your dog right beside you the entire way. Training is a journey. Let’s get started!

Training Philosophy
Djify LLC believes in a positive, force-free approach to dog training using the latest studies in canine cognition, classical conditioning, and operant conditioning. Their targeted training programs will teach you how to communicate effectively with your pet, understand the basics of canine communication, and how to identify and address the root cause of canine behavior.

Services
Djify LLC offers a variety of training programs for dogs of all ages and breeds, including:

• Puppy Socialization (under 5 months): This class is recommended twice per week and will explore more environments as your puppy’s vaccinations make them safe to venture out. New clients will need to attend one 60-minute seminar on basic canine cognition and the goals of puppy socialization.
• Basic Training (Dogs > 5 months): This class is a 6-week program which occurs one day per week and ends with a test showing off your dog’s new skills. Students will be required to attend one 90-minute seminar on the basics of operant conditioning and how we train dogs the right way (according to science)!
• Intermediate Training (Graduates of Basic Training): This 6-week program occurs one day per week and culminates with a test showing off your dog’s new skills. All students will be required to attend one 60-minute seminar on canine cognition and leash handling skills.
• Recall 1 (Graduates of Basic Training): This 6-week course occurs once per week and builds on the foundations of emergency recall taught in Basic Training. Each week will challenge you and your dog to strengthen their emergency recall capabilities in environments of increasing distraction.
• Introduction to Nosework (Graduates of Basic Training or By Trainer Approval): This class will teach your dog to use their nose, build confidence, and teach you to watch, trust, and read your dog as they lead the way. This also becomes a new, fun game you can play with your dog inside when the weather doesn’t allow for physical exertion. (If you can’t tire the body, tire the mind!) Especially recommended for our shy or fearful canine friends.
• Private In-Home Sessions: Djify LLC is happy to come to you and work one-on-one with you and your dog. You set the goals and they’ll help develop the right training plan for your family.
• Other Classes Available Based on Interest and Availability – Including AKC Titles!:
  • Introduction to Tricks – learn spin, weave between legs, sit pretty, play dead, and other fun tricks!
  • Advanced Training – learn to use a clicker to capture and shape behaviors
  • AKC Certifications: Including Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU), AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, and AKC Trick Dog Program
  • Private In-Home Training or Behavior-Specific Training – you choose the training!
• Seminars Available Based on Interest – Contact Us and Let us Know!:
  • Doorbell desensitization
  • Mat/Place training
  • Sit for Greetings
  • Handling / Grooming desensitization
  • Accepting Nail Trims
  • Don’t Bite the Vet!
  • Muzzle Training

Currently NOT Offered

• Dog Walking (except as part of class)
• Board and Train
• Boarding
• Grooming
• Drop-in Care Visits
• Poo Pick-up Services
• Bite Training of any kind
• Service Dog Training
• Therapy Dog Training

Certifications
Darcy Jones is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and an AKC CGC Evaluator.

Specializations
Djify LLC specializes in positive reinforcement dog training, including puppy socialization, basic obedience, intermediate training, recall training, and nosework. They also offer AKC certifications, including Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU), AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, and AKC Trick Dog Program.

Training Methods
Djify LLC uses a positive, force-free approach to dog training, based on the latest studies in canine cognition, classical conditioning, and operant conditioning. They believe in building a bond between the dog and their owner through trust, confidence, and mutual respect.