About Us
Meet Jamie, the founder of Sits and Sniffs Dog Training
Jamie began her dog training journey in 2020, and her philosophy is that dog training should be a positive, collaborative, and communicative experience for both handler and dog. She strongly believes in pursuing the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) strategy with any type of dog training, using humane and effective tactics that are likely to be successful in achieving a training or behavior change objective. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) states that, “research supports the efficacy of reward-based training to address unwanted and challenging behaviors. There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary,” and Jamie wholeheartedly aligns herself with this position. Not only is it unnecessary, aversive or fear-based training is often not effective in achieving real, long-term learning. Here at Sits and Sniffs we do not use punishment or other aversive training tactics. Instead, we use reward-based training, we shape and capture desired behaviors, and we use incompatible behaviors and management to reduce the occurrence of undesired behaviors. Jamie specializes in K9 Nose Work® training, in addition to basic manners and obedience training. She aims to help her clients not only reduce the occurrence of undesired or challenging behaviors, but also to help them understand the underlying cause of them. She believes that understanding the two-way communication between human and dog provides for a happier, more connected, and more peaceful life for both. Her goal is to keep dog training fun and to set both dog and handler up for success.
Education
Jamie's Dog Family
Artemis (German Shepherd, 4 years) has successfully earned titles from NACSW at the following levels: Odor Recognition Test (ORT), Nose Work 1, and Nose Work 2. She has also earned a 2nd place pronounced ribbon for her NW1 container search. She is trialing at the Nose Work 3 level. (Pictured below, second from left)
Honeybear (German Shepherd, 1 year) is preparing for her ORT as well as learning basic life skills. (Pictured below, bottom right)
Frank the Tank (Pit Bull, 4 months) is learning that humans are not chew toys as well as basic obedience training. (Pictured below, top-left.
