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, certified in pet CPR emergency first aid, and 15 years of experience working with dogs.

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 new 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. I also volunteered for Greyhound Friends for Life rescue (2 yrs).

Previous Profession

For many years I was an art director and graphic designer. 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, and growing. My past experiences have shaped me into someone both deeply compassionate and resilient. Living in New York City during 9/11 was terrifying and taught me firsthand that PTSD is real. Through life’s many challenges, I learned that I am the kind of person who runs toward the fire to help, rather than standing idle or turning away.

I am multifaceted: once a pageant princess, auto attendant, San Francisco Zoo employee, assistant to a major Hollywood musician, and an award-winning designer. I’ve worked out of offices in Times Square and Trafalgar Square, and lived in several cities in the US and abroad. Each chapter demanded adaptability, intuition, discipline, and calm under pressure.

Working with dogs brings all of those skills together in the most meaningful way. Dogs require presence, patience, confidence, and empathy—especially when they are fearful, overstimulated, or misunderstood. They don’t respond to ego or urgency, only to clarity and trust. Helping dogs feel safe, balanced, and understood allows me to use everything I’ve learned while living in alignment with my values.

Today, I am the happiest I have ever been, because working with dogs isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.

Janell’s Happy Dogs is registered with the City and County of San Francisco and the State of California.

Insured by Petcare Insurance.

 

 

CHUBB insurance