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), is Fear Free certified professional, a supporting member of IAABC 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! 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 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), is Fear Free certified professional, a supporting member of IAABC 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! 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 is our go-to social media gal sharing our client successes and team leader for our online courses. She is a student of the Academy for Dog Trainers and a graduate of the Fear Free Shelter Program.
Victoria is passionate about learning all she can of humane, science-based dog training techniques. She believes that when you know better, you do better and wants to help teach families to do better for their dogs. She believes training is something we should be doing with our dogs, not to them. 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. |
In her spare time, she manages Owner Support Programming for a local non-profit organization. She also volunteers for the ASPCA as a responder, working with dogs rescued from cruelty cases. Victoria lives with her two favorite men, her husband Kyle and furry son, Tank.
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.
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!
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.
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)