Dogs are endlessly amazing and are true gifts to humans.
I have been deeply passionate about dogs since I was a child. My longtime dream to work with dogs on a full-time basis never seemed attainable. I used to be a professional designer and thankfully I got burnt-out. I went back to college and became a certified dog trainer and I haven’t looked back since.
My credentials: Certified trainer, licensed walker and a graduate of Animal Behavior College.
Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
Apprenticeship: I was fortunate to be mentored by the elite trainer, Tammy Quirin, from the Dept. of Homeland Security’s Law Enforcement K9 Division. About Tammy Quirin
With Tammy, I have assisted in bomb detection dog training exercises for the Dept. of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, TSA, and law enforcement agencies.
I am a certified CPR, First Aid and trauma responder for dogs.
My Methods
The best way to describe my training methods is a hybrid of Positive Reinforcement and Balanced. Dog training is so fascinating that I am constantly reading, watching and seeking related information. Mostly, I use positive reinforcement training, but I also keep educating myself on other techniques. Every dog and client are different, so each case needs a custom approach to their needs, desires and expectations. My technique is to start with the softest method possible and go from there. I would much rather have a wide training knowledge and different tools to solve problems.
Other Experience
For several years, I volunteered for the Peninsula Humane Society (4 yrs), I was a dog behavior training assistant, as well as, manager for the pet therapy program at different public libraries helping children read. Plus I volunteered for Greyhound Friends for Life rescue (2 yrs).
Previous Profession
For man years I was an art director and graphic designer. As soon as I could hold a crayon, I drew constantly. Creativity was always a part of me whether drawing, photographing or designing. My degree, B.S. in Graphic Design and Illustration, from SJSU, lead me on an amazing career journey. My career allowed me to live in many wonderful places, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, London UK and Edinburgh Scotland. Some of my clients were Sony PlayStation, Ubisoft, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, People, NME, MixMag, Q music, Marie Claire, Mademoiselle, and Bon Appétit.
How I Got This Way
I am continually evolving, learning, living… Past experiences have made me more understanding and strong. For example, I lived in NYC during 9/11 and can honestly say it was hell and PTSD is real. From my life’s many different experiences I learned I am the type of person who would run towards a “fire” to help someone rather than to stand idle or run away. Some day I will share all my stories like when I was hit by a car in San Francisco, hospitalized for a month. You can call me multifaceted, once a pageant princess, auto attendant, SF Zoo employee, assistant to a major Hollywood musician, I’m an award winning designer, I’ve had offices in Time’s Square and Trafalgar Square, was once an assistant cookie designer on Bloomberg’s private island, rode motorcycles on the street and on dirt, and I have raced a Ford Shelby Cobra GT350. Now I am the happiest I have ever been and I attribute it to my life and career with dogs!
Janell’s Happy Dogs is registered with the City and County of San Francisco and the State of California.
Insured by Petcare Insurance.
