Meet Your Team
When you work with us, you have more than just your own personal trainer; you have the whole team! Each member of the team has extensive education, highly honed skill sets, and the ability to work with clients compassionately and effectively. We are constantly striving to ensure our clients receive the support they need to accomplish their goals.
Jennifer Pratt, CTC, CSAT, SA Pro, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is the founder of Wag the Dog and Company. She is a graduate of Jean Donaldson's prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers where she earned her certificate in training and counseling (CTC) and honored to be on their speaker roster for conferences and seminars.
Jennifer is also a graduate of two renowned trainers and authors widely-recognized as the authorities in effective science based treatment protocols for separation anxiety and isolation distress, Malena DeMartini's Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer program (CSAT) and Julie Naismith's Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer program (SA Pro).
Additionally, she is certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (CDBC), the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), is a Fear Free certified professional, and is a presenter for Stop the 77 programs aimed at educating families on how to prevent dog bites.
As a formally educated, multi-credentialed professional, Jennifer is trusted and referred to by veterinarians and training colleagues alike. Jennifer is dedicated to helping guardians live the life they want to lead with their beloved companions by sharing her knowledge of how dogs learn and what really gets them motivated in life in a way that is not only effective but fun for both ends of the leash!
Learn more about Jennifer's certifications and education. Eddie is her in-house canine teacher and the "company" in Wag the Dog.
Jennifer is also a graduate of two renowned trainers and authors widely-recognized as the authorities in effective science based treatment protocols for separation anxiety and isolation distress, Malena DeMartini's Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer program (CSAT) and Julie Naismith's Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer program (SA Pro).
Additionally, she is certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (CDBC), the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), is a Fear Free certified professional, and is a presenter for Stop the 77 programs aimed at educating families on how to prevent dog bites.
As a formally educated, multi-credentialed professional, Jennifer is trusted and referred to by veterinarians and training colleagues alike. Jennifer is dedicated to helping guardians live the life they want to lead with their beloved companions by sharing her knowledge of how dogs learn and what really gets them motivated in life in a way that is not only effective but fun for both ends of the leash!
Learn more about Jennifer's certifications and education. Eddie is her in-house canine teacher and the "company" in Wag the Dog.
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Victoria Hohlfeld, IAABC-ADT, SA Pro, is our WTD support center aka personal cheerleader! Every family that works with us here at Wag the Dog and Company gets to know Victoria from her warm guidance and support during all stages with us.
Victoria is an Accredited Dog Trainer certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC-ADT). Additionally, she is a Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer (SA Pro) through Julie Naismith's program, a Fear Free certified professional, and a graduate of the Fear Free Shelter Program. Victoria works one-on-one with families with newly adopted puppies, adolescents, and adults in need of guidance with basic family dog socialization and manners. |
Additionally, she is our team leader for our online courses and our expert 'stranger' for our dogs fearful of unfamiliar people. Victoria is passionate about learning all she can of humane, science-based dog training techniques which led her to continue her education as a student of the esteemed Academy for Dog Trainers.
Prior to joining Wag the Dog and Company in 2020, she worked for eight years managing a rescue and adoption program working with pit bull type dogs where she dedicated herself to working with families under the mottos of ‘when you know better, you do better’ and ‘dog training is something we should be doing with our dogs, not to them’.
In her spare time, she manages support programming for a local dog related non-profit organization and volunteers for the ASPCA & HSUS as a responder, working with dogs rescued from cruelty cases. Victoria lives with her husband and two fur kids, Tank and Penny!
Training Philosophy
Committed to humane training methods based in modern behavioral science.
We do not use nor endorse aversive techniques, choke collars, pinch collars, electronic collars, intimidation or physical force of any kind.
We do not use nor endorse aversive techniques, choke collars, pinch collars, electronic collars, intimidation or physical force of any kind.
Humane science-based training works because it:
- Utilizes your dog’s natural motivation for food, play, toys and life rewards
- Keeps your dog eager to keep trying to learn
- Increases the companion-guardian bond
- Has no scary side effects, because there is absolutely no fallout if you do it wrong!
Consumer Protection Warning
Dog training is unregulated. There are no standards of care or minimum education requirements. We strongly encourage all those seeking help with their companion to get references and research the methods the trainer is using.
Dogs, no matter which breed, do not need a heavy hand or harsh punishments to learn what we want them to do. They are our friends and part of our family. They are living beings with functioning brains whose potential for learning is awe inspiring. We owe them a life without pain and fear.
Need more help navigating the Wild West World of dog training?
Check out these links how to protect yourself and your dog.