Jacksonville, FL
SJ Dog Training LLC provides private, in-person dog training as well as private virtual dog training. The services include puppy training and socialization, basic manners training, cooperative care training, behavior problem solutions, and more.
All training plans are fully customized to meet the needs of each individual client and dog. Stephanie has been training animals professionally since 2015. Her training career began with three California sea lions and an African fish eagle at a zoo and aquarium accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America.
During her time with the sea lions, she was involved in the birth, successful hand-raising, and training of the first marine mammal ever to be born in the state of Arizona. Upon moving to Florida, Stephanie cared for and trained Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. She then transitioned to training service dogs for veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST.
As part of a military family herself, Stephanie found fulfillment in giving back and assisting veterans who have sacrificed so much. Stephanie is excited to bring the experience she has gained from training multiple species to guardians and their dogs. Her goal is to help clients build a better relationship with their dogs by aiding them in understanding behavior and learning how to effectively communicate and train their dogs using positive reinforcement.
Stephanie is dedicated to her professional development and continuing education. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology with an emphasis in animal biology. Additionally, she has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course by world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio.
Stephanie is also a Professional Level Member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. She attends Karen Pryor Academy’s Clicker Expo annually, along with studying other books, seminars, lectures, discussion groups, and materials from top animal trainers worldwide.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
