Testimonials
Below, you will find testimonials from happy RotNDog Training & Behavior clients, veterinarians, and colleagues. This page is continually updated, so keep checking back for more! You may be on this page one day, too!
Lily
I don't know whether to begin with what a wonder Lily-Belle has become or what a miracle worker Jess was. I contacted Jess about two weeks after I adopted Lily and discovered that not only was she afraid of every bike rider, walker, dog, and mail carrier to cross her path, she would bark for hours straight if anyone besides me or my husband entered our home. Though she was only 8 pounds, Lily was terrorizing all our neighbors and even some days us. Jess began by setting a model of patience during our initial visit, and her calm manner immediately taught me that a barking dog isn't the end of the world. From there the real work began. Teaching Lily to sit, stay and face her fears was easy for Jess, but training the humans in our family to keep consistent and even have some fun in the training sessions was where Jess really shone. I'm honored that she became Lily's first friend, and that I had the opportunity to learn about how to make Lily feel safe, secure, and even brave. I would recommend Jess to anyone who feels like the dog who came home from the shelter was more than they bargained for. She turned our family around and gave me the best friend anyone could ever hope for. ~ Sarah of Hollywood
Chaos
When we brought Chaos (a 10 month old American Bulldog) into our household, we had to introduce him to our 13 year old Lab mix. Luckily, a lady at the Florida Humane Society had recommended our trainer, Jess. She came to our home to meet our family and help us work with our bully breed so he would warm up to our Lab. "Leave it" is a commend that we use often and it comes in handy. But the best advice was, one for Sparky, one for Chaos... whether it be small treats, or a bit of special attention, or walks. This allowed Chaos to know whatever Sparky got he got as well and that he would not be missing out on anything. Jess was a pleasure to meet, loving with our animals, and let us know we could contact her at any time with questions or concerns. I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs a trainer for their animals. ~ Kelly of Coconut Creek
MVC PUP E Program
I had the pleasure to meet Jess when she was assisting Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta, at a Miami Veterinary Specialty Clinic. I shadowed them for a few Saturdays, seeing behavior cases in dogs and cats, both in the office as well as on a few house calls. These cases were usually patients with behavior problems that were of a more severe or advanced nature, which the referring veterinarian could not treat and needed the expertise of a veterinary behaviorist. It quickly became apparent that Jess was extremely knowledgeable about training pets and “speaking” the language of dogs. I was impressed with how Jess was able to begin to train the patients so quietly, even as Dr. Radosta was speaking with the clients, without in anyway disturbing Dr. Radosta’s conversation with the clients. Jess would further spend time with the clients before the appointment ended, teaching the clients the behavior modification techniques that Dr. Radosta wanted the owners to implement.
Observing how Jess worked with Dr. Radosta left a lasting impression, so much so that when I decided to start a non-profit program to teach veterinarians and other persons who are veterinary affiliated about positive reinforcement dog training, I reached out to Jess. She readily volunteered to assist even though this meant driving from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami on a weekly basis for several weeks. In the end, many of the rescue dogs that participated in the program received their good citizen certifications, making them more adoptable. As a result of working with Jess during this Positive Reinforcement training program for the veterinary community, I was able to further see Jess’ skills in action, not only in training the basics, sit, stay, down, loose leash walking, etc., but also in assessing and making recommendations for dogs with behavior issues (biting, etc.). She is very astute when it comes to “speaking” or reading the body language of dogs, which allows her to render a very accurate assessment of the pet’s response and behavior issues, and properly recommend specific modification therapies to assist the pet.
Not only is Jess a Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer, but she is also a veterinary technician. Thus, she also possesses medical knowledge about the anatomy, physiology and general health of pets, which is important, because sometimes behavior issues have a medical basis. Even Dr. Radosta commented to me that Jess’ training as a veterinary technician puts her above the average pet trainer. Because of her high standards for maintaining her Positive Reinforcement training skills, her 100% commitment to positive reinforcement pet training, her medical training as a veterinary technician and her experience with Veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Radosta, I refer cases to Jess with confidence that if a patient needs medical consultation by myself or referral to a veterinary behaviorist for evaluation for medical treatment (behavior medications), Jess will refer the patient back to me for additional work up.
I highly recommend Jess. Her kind and gentle soft spoken nature combined with her experience, including working with difficult cases with a veterinary behaviorist, expertise and insights about pet behavior make her an excellent Positive Reinforcement trainer, for people and pets! In addition to her professionalism, diligence and expertise in Positive Reinforcement Pet Training, Jess has a very philanthropic heart and a great love for animals and desire to heal them in body and spirit. Her own pets are rescues, and not just rescues, but rescues that were tagged as fearful or aggressive. With her diligent, loving and patient efforts, they have become amazing pets. Jess will be happy to share her videos of herself training them for different show events! As you watch these videos, you can appreciate that both Jess and her dogs are enjoying the experience, demonstrating one of the major pluses of Positive Reinforcement Training, that it enhances the human-pet bond! ~ Dr. Ashby, founder of the Miami Veterinary Coalition for the Prevention of Unwanted Pet Euthanasias
Walter
Soon after losing my beloved 12 yr old lab, I found myself with a new puppy, Walter. It may have been too soon, because I was a wreck! I've had dogs all my life but this was my first puppy since becoming an empty nester and having a lot of time to focus on just him. I met Jess at Seiler Animal Hospital and she talked me into bringing Walter to Puppy Kindergarten. She explained to me why it was important for Walter to be socialized. This was a new world for me...kindergarten ? socializing ? oh my! What I learned from Jess turned out to be not only important for Walter, but also for myself. A good dog trainer has to train the humans too! I had a lot of fears about dogs interacting... Jess showed me videos on what to look for when dogs are together: how to differentiate between doggie playing and doggie fighting. Jess even came to the dog park with me the first time I went. Walter also had some food aggression issues when he got a yummy bone, and Jess told me how to handle them so it wouldn't happen again. It has never happened since. Walter is now a wonderful, happy and well adjusted puppy. Working with Jess has given him a good start in becoming a great dog. Oh... and it sure is nice to have a dog who knows the basic commands. Walter actually sits when meeting new people! ~ Jane of Fort Lauderdale
Optimus Prime
I took my 12 week, Olde English Bulldog to Jess to try to break through that natural stubbornness Bulldogs are famous for. Not only did he learn more than I thought was possible for such a young puppy but I learned so much myself too. I recommend anyone with a young puppy to take Puppy Kindergarten, the whole family learns so much about the basics of raising a puppy. Jess is great with the dogs and provides a great learning environment that is filled with the utmost patience but a friendly and firm hand. ~ Zach of Fort Lauderdale
Marley & Ziggy
Jess was a HUGE help to us as we struggled with some very atypical negative behavior (biting, fighting, isolation, jealousy) between our two Boston Terriers, Marley (7) and Ziggy (4). What we learned from Jess in one session helped us to understand why it was happening and what to do to correct it. With Jess' guidance we were able to very quickly change the situation, correct the behavior and help Marley and Ziggy return to their normally loving and playful relationship!! Thank you Jess! You are our
dog whisperer!!! ~ Mindy of Fort Lauderdale
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue
Jess plays an integral role in laying the foundation to ensure a life-time of love and commitment between a family and their dogs. The Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, rescues homeless pets from shelter euthanasia. As in most cases, we do not know any history on the dogs. It's difficult to give advise to an adopter about a behavior problem because if we tell them the wrong thing, it could lead to them giving up. Obviously, the last thing we want is for a family to give up their dog - so we always send our adopters to Jess. Whether it's house training, barking, dog fights, cat aggression or barking... she always seems to have the magic touch! Our adopters tell us that they feel she truly cares and is providing ongoing support, even after training sessions. We certainly know she really cares, too! Jess volunteers in the life saving efforts of these animals by creating literature to be reviewed and distributed during the adoption, which helps families take their first step in the right direction with their new dog. Additionally, she is on-call for our foster homes if they experience a behavior problem that they are unable to work through. With Jess' expertise, we are able rehabilitate dogs, who were abused, neglected, unwanted and destined to die, and make them cat-cuddling, frisbee-catching, face-licking, grateful family members! ~ Deven, Lead Adoption Coordinator with Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue
Kira
Thank you so much for the help with Kira's aggression issues. Your instruction and techniques were the break-through we needed to help control Kira's seemingly random acts of aggression towards other dogs. You showed us how to recognize her insecurity in certain situations and the signs that preempt her outbursts, and we've been extremely successfully at avoiding those situations altogether. Additionally, your work with us and reward based training have developed the basic commands that allow us to exercise verbal control of Kira, even in situations where she is visibly uncomfortable and insecure. We are now more confident than ever, and much more educated. ~ Jamesen of Hollywood
Chase
We started puppy kindergarten class when my sheltie, Chase, was 11 weeks old. The first couple of classes he was so shy around the other puppies he hid under my skirt! But by the last few classes he was Mr. Social, welcoming all the attendees to "his" class! Jess was a wonderful instructor, giving us the basics of training and understaning dog behaviors - a great start to having a well-behaved dog! I had never attended puppy kindergarten with puppies I've had in the past but highly recommend it now! ~ Stephanie of Fort Lauderdale
Jonas
I am writing this to say how eternally grateful Dave and I are to have you in our sphere of life's coaches and as a result of your thoughtful, intelligent and professional approach in responding to our cry for help Jonas is a happier little man and we now better understand our role in helping him to be able to live in this beautiful urban ever changing Fort Lauderdale environment. ~ Wendy of Fort Lauderdale
NYC Pets For Life
I have learned a great deal from Jess about dog training. She has guided me, with repeatedly good results, in developing training plans for dogs and their guardians, and in the process she has taught me a great deal about dog psychology. Jess is an excellent trainer with a vast understanding of dog behavior. ~ Matt, Dog Training Assistant with HSUS' NYC Pets for Life
Dixi
Before: Dixi, our dog-aggressive American Dingo (Carolina dog), charged dogs behind fences on walks and required that I cross the road or leave the dog path if another dog was coming our way. On our sailboat, she barked at boats that passed by, as if she were guarding us from pirate invasions.
The Process: For walks, Jess showed me how to get a better “read” on the dog’s building anxiety levels, move her to a comfortable distance away from the other dog, then teach her to look at me on cue, for which she was rewarded with a "cookie". Gradually, over time she could tolerate closer distances to increasingly ill-behaved dogs. Now, instead of approaching dogs with fear, dread, and aggression, she looks at me with that twinkle in her eye that asks “Cookie!?” She’s no socialite, but I can talk to a friend who also has a dog, so long as I put her on sit/stay and face her away from the other dog. She’s so relaxed now that she will even do a dog trick in front of other dogs, so long as they are either well behaved themselves or behind a fence.
For warding off passing boats, well, we are still working on it. She usually notices the coming dog/boat before we do, and starts barking. Her command is “enough” and if she stops barking and comes to me, she gets the cookie. If she doesn’t, she’s told “Too bad!! No cookie!” Sometimes the “too bad” marker turns on the light and she does the doggy equivalent of saying “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Can I have a cookie please?” We’re making progress. Rome wasn’t built in a day… She’ll get the idea eventually! ~ Teri of Hollywood ***Note the dog behind the fence!***
Heather's Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
If you think there is no hope for an animal in your life, you haven't met Jess yet. She LOVES a challenge and she is the consummate problem solver! Jess has the perfect balance of knowledge and compassion. Her methods are positive and her abilities are vast. Her skills bridge the communication gap that so many of us have with our companion animals. I recommend Jess with 100% confidence—she will give you the tools you need to live harmoniously with your best friend. ~ Heather, Pet Sitter & Dog Walker
Harry & Sally
We met Jess at a Justin Bartlett meeting they had on training and behavior. Jess was there to teach both seasoned and new rescue parents how to deal with behavior issues that might be prevalent with their dogs and puppies. We made a date for Jess to come up to the house to show us what we need to do in helping our "kids," Harry and Sally. We had barking and marking issues as well as attempts at teaching the command COME. Jess stayed with us and worked with us and gave us a lesson plan and program on what to do when these issues arise. Jess is calm, sweet and so so knowledgeable in what she does. We are using her again for a follow up! We highly recommend Jess for anyone who needs help in training their dogs and for PEOPLE like us who are training failures and way too soft with their "kids." ~ Jane and Peter of Delray
Tyler
The moment I met Tyler, I knew he was a very special dog. I wanted to provide him with a loving home that included structure and discipline. My vet had recommended Jess as a trainer and from our first session I knew it was a match made in heaven. Tyler loved her and responded to her warm, sweet and sincere energy. He already had the command “sit” down, but Jess helped him with recall, waiting at the door, and down. He is a very happy boy and loves play time with other dogs, but he doesn’t realize it isn’t appropriate at all times. Jess has provided me with the skills to teach Tyler how to ignore the other dogs until he has been given the okay to greet them. We still are continuing to work on this, but he gets better and better every day. With Jess’ help we hope to make Tyler a service dog and visit nursing homes and hospitals to bring Tyler’s unconditional love to adults and children in need. We couldn’t have picked a better person than Jess to help us and we look forward to the progress Tyler will make as he works with such a loving and wonderful trainer. ~ Nicole of Fort Lauderdale
Elisha
Fort Lauderdale finally has it's own dog whisperer by the name of Jessica. I rescued a Doberman that displayed aggression and I needed a trainer that understood working breeds. Jess really impressed me after I learned she adopted an aggressive Rottweiler scheduled to be put down at Miami Dade Animal Services and progressed to winning numerous awards with the dog in competitive obedience trials. My Doberman is perfection now and Jessica has also taught my new 12 week old Doberman behaviors using very clever techniques I would have never known. She should have her own local show! ~ Renee of Pompano Beach
Henry
When Henry, our rescued mix breed terrier came to us, he was housebroken... However, he did not have any basic obedience skills. With Jess' help he learned how to sit, (in less than 5 minutes), wait at the door to go out, and not to pull on his leash. He also learned to "leave it" when he encountered lizards, other dogs, roller bladers and squirrels on his daily walks in Birch State Park. We knew Henry had the potential of being a great dog and Jess helped unleash his abilities. Jess is an amazing trainer and we feel lucky to have found her. ~ Chris and Hilary of Fort Lauderdale