ABOUT

My Story

I’ve always shared a close connection with dogs, going so far as to treat them like members of my family.  However, my approach to training was flawed. For years I used correction methods.  These were the only methods I was familiar with and on the surface they worked just fine. Then one day I brought home a border collie puppy I named Ronan.  I enrolled him in the same obedience classes as my previous dogs, but Ronan reacted differently.  He became lethargic and hid his playful personality.  To put it simply, he shut down. I knew then I needed to do something different.  Thus began my dog training journey.  I developed an insatiable appetite for knowledge regarding:

    • Science based training methods
    • Dog behavior and psychology
    • Industry standards/best practices
    • And much more

I originally did this for my dogs, but it wasn’t long before people started asking me for advice regarding their own pets.  Next I began assisting classes covering subjects such as agility, obedience, and reactivity.  Anything I could put my foot into!  It was incredibly rewarding to see the dogs and their humans click and make progress on behavioral challenges. The smiles, the sparkle in their eyes, the happy body language…it was amazing!  I knew right then what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to give dogs and their owners the tools to build a better life together through fun, safe, and effective training methods. That’s why I founded Janine’s Super K9s Dog Training.

Ronan's Story

The name “Janine’s Super K9s” is in memory of Ronan, my Super Dog, pictured in the slideshow below. In agility, Ronan had a habit of leaping off contact obstacles.  The rules state the dog is supposed to stay on the obstacle until at least one paw has reached the area at the bottom.  Ronan had no time for this nonsense!  He was going to finish the course as quickly as possible.  I always threatened to put a Superman cape on him since he was so determined to leap tall obstacles in a single bound!  He may not have been the most skilled agility competitor, but he did every run like he did most things: with a big grin on his face.  This overwhelming joy and lust for life is exactly what I want to instill in my clients and their pets. I want to help them understand their dogs and to build strong relationships with them through engaging and inventive training methods.

Certifications

 

  

Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI)

Rather than drilling obedience, Control Unleashed addresses the emotion behind the behavior — because a dog that feels safe and understood doesn’t need to react in the first place. My CCUI certification means I’ve trained directly under the program’s creator, Leslie McDevitt, to bring you the most effective, up-to-date methods available.

 

 

Separation Anxiety Professional  (SAPro)

Helping your dog overcome the fear and distress of being left home alone. This training uses a science-based, force-free methodology to design a customized, gradual desensitization program tailored to your dogs unique needs. This program works to systematically build your dogs confidence and comfort with alone time at a pace the dog can handle. Separation anxiety training uses remote coaching and real-time monitoring tools to support owners and their dogs.

 

 

Predation Substitution Instruction Trainer (PSIT)
 

Predation Substitution Training uses force-free, science-based methods to help dogs with strong predatory instincts. Rather than suppressing a dog’s natural urge to chase, PST redirects hunting behaviors into safe, controlled, and engaging activities – working with your dog’s instincts rather than attempting to fight against them.

Through this training approach, I help clients understand what drives predatory behavior, transform chasing from a conflict to a cooperative activity, and use modern, reward-based methods and specially designed training games to achieve lasting results. This includes building a strong emergency cue to immediately interrupt predatory chasing and structuring walks so dogs are set up for focus and success.

 

 

Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)

I am certified through Do More With Your Dog!, the organization founded by Kyra Sundance, that pioneered the sport of trick dog titling. CTDIs are qualified to evaluate and title dogs at all levels of the Trick Dog program – from Novice through Elite – and to teach trick dog classes and workshops. I incorporate teaching tricks into many of my other programs to help build confidence and a sense of fun for both the dog and their handler.

 
 

 

Care With Consent Professional (CWCPro)

As a Care with Consent Professional, I have completed the rigorous Foundation Certification Program developed and taught by Sara McLoudrey of Decisive Moment Pet Consulting. Care With Consent is about tailoring care solutions for all types of dogs and their people, with a goal of developing and implementing creative training solutions fitted to the comfort and abilities of the individual dog’s needs – minimizing stress and fear during all types of care.

Unlike traditional cooperative care, Care with Consent embraces a practical, inclusive approach where trained restraint, muzzles, medications, and a comprehensive team approach all have a place. The focus is on ensuring that every dog – including those who struggle with handling, grooming, or veterinary visits – can experience care that incorporates agency, consent and predictability.

The ten month program included hands-on skills assessments, projects, group learning opportunities, and one-to-one sessions preparing me to implement Care with Consent with clients and their dogs in a way that meets the needs on both ends of the leash.