Relationship-based behavioral dog training

About The Family Dog

I help families raise confident, calm dogs through a behavior-first, relationship-based approach. I've worked with puppies through seniors, rescues with big feelings, reactivity, anxiety, inter-species conflict, and bite histories. My goal is a safer, happier home for both humans and dogs.

• Experienced with rescue transitions and behavior issues (reactivity, anxiety, conflict)
• Relationship-building and trust as the foundation for change
• Flexible scheduling — in-person within 40 minutes of Reston, VA, or remote

Services

I offer flexible, relationship-based dog training for families in and around Reston, Virginia. Whether you're dealing with reactivity, anxiety, puppy development, or household manners, I provide both remote and in-person options tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle.

Training Philosophy

My goal is to help families build calmer, safer, and more connected lives with their dogs. Training is not just about commands—it's about understanding who your dog is, what they need, and how you can work together.

• Behavior-first, relationship-based: We look at the full picture of your dog's emotions, environment, history, and needs—not just the “problem behavior”. Every visit begins with a full assessment of your dog, your dog's behaviors, likes and dislikes, what is going well, what isn't, how you typically interact, and a review of your current schedule.
• Science-informed and compassionate: I draw from modern behavior science and real-world experience to create humane, effective plans tailored to each dog, which considers your capabilities and your schedule.
• Skills that fit real life: We focus on skills your dog can use every day—calmness, focus, recall, impulse control, and safe interactions with people and other animals. We also work on increasing novel experiences for you and your dog, so that your relationship strengthens, and your dog gains confidence.
• Teamwork with the family: You're a core part of the process. I coach you as much as I train your dog so that the progress sticks.

Meet Jessica, Your Trainer

I started working with dogs at age seven and continued animal care for other people through my teen and college years. I then adopted my own dogs, a black lab with infinite energy and smarts, and a pit-mix with one of the roughest starts to life. After a season as a structural engineer, I returned to my lifelong passion—working professionally with dogs, using the knowledge I've gained along the way. I’ve collaborated with behaviorists, obedience trainers, hunting trainers, and teams who raise guide and service dogs. I’ve helped dogs with extreme separation axiety, bite histories, inter-dog conflict, and adjustment at home. My approach is relationship-first, focused on building trust so dogs can learn and thrive.

Get in Touch

I’m here to help you and your dog build a calmer, happier life together. Reach out anytime to schedule training, ask questions, or discuss your dog’s unique needs.