Jess Feliciano
Certified Trainer and Counselor (CTC)
Through the Academy For Dog Trainers
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Through the Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
Through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
What do all these credentials mean?
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. The IAABC is an independent organization which requires their certified members to complete a lengthy assessment and application which includes detailed case studies, an exam, and written references. Once certified, members must acquire 36 continuing eduction hours every 2 years in order to keep their title. Jess was the first CDBC in south Florida and still remains part of only a select few.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainers. The CCPDT is an independent organization which requires their certified members to take a lengthy exam under the surveillance of a testing facility, along with written references from veterinarians, clients, and colleagues. Once certified, members must acquire 32 continuing education hours every 3 years in order to keep their title.
Certified Trainer and Counselor (CTC) through the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers which is owned and taught by the very well known trainer and author, Jean Donaldson. This required a 6 week, full time course at her facility, and an examination before graduation. Jess excelled in this program and graduated with HONORS.
What is Jess' Story?
Jess started out her career by volunteering at a local, crowded shelter in NJ in 2004. She was immediately drawn to the aggressive and fearful dogs – the ones who sat in their cages because no one wanted to touch them. She wondered why the dogs acted that way and how she could change their behavior to make them more adoptable. From there, a passion grew.
Jess has continued to work as both a staff member and a volunteer at a number of different shelters and rescue groups in NJ and FL. In addition, she's worked in the veterinary field as a nurse since 2006. The combination of these two careers has allowed her to gain experience working with THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of dogs of various breeds and personalities.
Her private training career started in 2006 where she continued her passion for working with aggressive and fearful dogs, particularly ones who were at risk of being euthanized. Although she loves all dogs (and all animals in fact, as she's vegan!) she holds a special place for nationally blacklisted breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Wolf Hybrids, Pit Bulls, Akitas, Dobermans, Chow Chows, etc. These misunderstood dogs are the ones who need an advocate the most!
When she moved to FL in 2008, she turned her home into a small "rehab" for aggressive dogs that she personally adopted. Dogs with bite histories, dogs deemed unadoptable or dangerous, dogs on death row in "bite quarantine," dogs who were let down by other trainers, and dogs who only had Jess as their last hope. Not only does she provide them with a safe home environment for the rest of their lives while changing their behavior, but she also goes above and beyond by reaching goals where the dogs become happy and relaxed even in public settings. Some have gone on to earn their Canine Good Citizen titles. And others, even on to Rally and Competitive Obedience! You can read their touching stories on the "staff" page.
Jess is driven to help dogs and humans coexist through humane dog training and behavior modification. And for those who live with a "RotNDog" - Jess completely understands what it's like, as she has and will always live with these troubled dogs. It's nice to have a dog trainer who has gone through the same thing that you may be experiencing.
WHAT ELSE HAS JESS BEEN INVOLVED WITH?
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Worked extensively as a speciality Veterinary nurse in an Emergency and Critical Care center for several years.
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Mentors other trainers, both experienced and inexperienced.
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Trains other professionals in the field on reading body language, humane restraint, and safe handling skills.
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Writes articles for various organizations, publications, and books.
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Trains the dogs of multiple veterinarians.
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Lectures on various behavior and training topics to both the public and to other dog professionals.
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Supplies behavior and training information for local groups to use in educating their staff and adopters.
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Participates in short TV segments on both dog behavior and health.
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Has performed behavior evaluations on THOUSANDS of dogs entering the shelter system.
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Implements various enrichment programs for shelter dogs.
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Worked as a behavior technician for a veterinary behaviorist.
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Has worked as a veterinary nurse in a number of departments including opthalmology, dermatology, internal medicine, oncology, emergency, intensive care, and general practice.
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Worked in open admission animal shelters including one of the largest in the southeast.
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Has saved countless dogs from death by changing their behavior.
