Meet Your Team
Each trainer at Wag the Dog and Company was hand-selected by founder, Jennifer Pratt, based on their extensive education, highly honed skill sets, and ability to work with clients compassionately and effectively.
When you work with us, you have more than just your own personal trainer; you have the whole team! We are constantly striving to ensure our clients receive the support they need to accomplish their goals.
When you work with us, you have more than just your own personal trainer; you have the whole team! We are constantly striving to ensure our clients receive the support they need to accomplish their goals.
Eddie, I and Mary Lou 2016 with MilPAWkee Pet Photography.
Jennifer Pratt, CTC, CSAT, 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).
Jennifer is also a graduate of renowned trainer and author, Malena DeMartini's Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) program which is widely-recognized as the authority in effective science based treatment protocols for separation anxiety and isolation distress.
Additionally, she is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and is a presenter for Stop the 77 programs aimed at educating families on how to prevent dog bites.
Jennifer is dedicated to helping guardians build relationships 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!
Mary Lou and Eddie are her in-house canine teachers and the "company" in Wag the Dog.
Jennifer is also a graduate of renowned trainer and author, Malena DeMartini's Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) program which is widely-recognized as the authority in effective science based treatment protocols for separation anxiety and isolation distress.
Additionally, she is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and is a presenter for Stop the 77 programs aimed at educating families on how to prevent dog bites.
Jennifer is dedicated to helping guardians build relationships 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!
Mary Lou and Eddie are her in-house canine teachers and the "company" in Wag the Dog.
Hannah Cappellini, CTC is an honors graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers and holds a degree in Psychology from Marquette University. Prior to joining Wag the Dog and Company in 2017, she had three years of professional experience working with dogs of all sizes and backgrounds in a daycare setting
Hannah is passionate about increasing her knowledge of humane, science-based dog training techniques and believes that all dogs deserve lives filled with enrichment, love, and fun! In her spare time, she can be found hanging out with her own dog, Lennox.
Hannah is passionate about increasing her knowledge of humane, science-based dog training techniques and believes that all dogs deserve lives filled with enrichment, love, and fun! In her spare time, she can be found hanging out with her own dog, Lennox.
Jennifer Henschel, CTC is an honors graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers. She also studied at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where she earned a Zoology degree. In addition to coursework, Jen has sought volunteer and internship experiences in order to learn more about animal behavior and training. In this capacity, she has worked for Oceans of Fun at the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Dane County Humane Society, and Wolf Park in Indiana.
Jen is committed to continuing education and best practices in dog training. Her goal is to promote joyful relationships between dogs and their people using safe, dog- and human-friendly methods.
When not working for Wag the Dog and Company, Jen enjoys hanging out with her German Shepherd, Luca, and trying out fun canine sports.
Jen is committed to continuing education and best practices in dog training. Her goal is to promote joyful relationships between dogs and their people using safe, dog- and human-friendly methods.
When not working for Wag the Dog and Company, Jen enjoys hanging out with her German Shepherd, Luca, and trying out fun canine sports.
Veronica Rodriguez graduated from Carroll University with Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behavior and Criminal Justice, as well as a minor in Psychology. She has experience interning at the St. Joseph County Humane Society and completed a semester-long research project studying the spider monkeys at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
Veronica has always had a passion for animals and is excited to continue her education on all things dog. Working training dogs and teaching owners science-based and humane training techniques has always been a lifelong goal of hers.
She believes all breeds of dog deserve the same love and acceptance from us. Her free time is often spent playing fetch with her canine companion, Prince.
Veronica has always had a passion for animals and is excited to continue her education on all things dog. Working training dogs and teaching owners science-based and humane training techniques has always been a lifelong goal of hers.
She believes all breeds of dog deserve the same love and acceptance from us. Her free time is often spent playing fetch with her canine companion, Prince.
Training Philosophy
Committed to humane training methods based in modern behavioral science.
Humane science-based training works because it:
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!
We do not use nor endorse aversive techniques, choke collars, pinch collars, electronic collars, intimidation or physical force of any kind.
Consumer Protection Warning
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.
How to Choose a Dog Trainer LINK By Zazie Todd, PhD Companion Animal Psychology
Position Statements on Dog Training LINK - By The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
How to Choose a Dog Trainer LINK- By The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
How to Choose a Dog Trainer LINK By Zazie Todd, PhD Companion Animal Psychology
Position Statements on Dog Training LINK - By The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
How to Choose a Dog Trainer LINK- By The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)