Dog Training in Gainesville – About Me – NORTH FLORIDA K9 BEHAVIOR CENTER

About Me...

Jon C Wedemeyer ISCP.Dipl.Canine.Prac, MCMA

I have always loved dogs, much more than most people I suppose, with probably just a few exceptions.

My family got our first dog when I was in kindergarten, and for me, it was love at first sight. Jacques was a tiny, black, curly, ball-of-fur poodle puppy, and he stole my heart. We were inseparable, and I got to really know him by playing with him and just watching him learn and figure things out.

Jacques taught me so much about how dogs think, and it's because of him that I've always had a strong bond with dogs and have understood them. I get dogs... and have always been able to read them and communicate back to them very clearly, often without saying a word, just body language, a look, a gesture, or a touch.

Does this mean I am some sort of "Dog Whisperer?" The answer to that is an emphatic NO! That is the stuff bad TV shows, YouTube videos, and books are made of. Dog training is never about the trainer; it is always about the dogs and their people.

Beware of anybody that touts themselves as a "Dog Whisperer" as they are typically trying to brand themselves and are usually more in it for the money than the dog. A lot of these people have no formal training or background in canine psychology or behavior. Always remember that working with dogs is never about dominance, intimidation, submission, or any verbal or physical abuse... EVER! I find some of these shows and YouTube videos pretty shocking, and I actually can't believe what I've seen some of these "Dog Whisperers" do to these poor animals! They end up misleading everyone in how best to communicate, train and work with our canine companions.

Plus the fact, dogs don't whisper... They always communicate very clearly and expect the same from us. I've never trusted people that whisper, and I don't think dogs do either.

MY TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
I am a dog "Listener" - I listen to my dogs. Dogs speak with their bodies, their eyes, and their vocalizations. Dogs really do speak, but only to those who know how to listen. You just have to know dog well enough understand what they are saying to you. I observe them, read what they are telling me, and then communicate very clearly back to them.

I always use Positive Reinforcement and Rewards-Based methods in all my training. Behavior Modification is always done using scientifically proven methods to modify, reshape or extinguish the unwanted behavior. I believe in being patient, compassionate, helping the dog to reshape its behavior at a comfortable pace for the dog, and doing it with confidence. That is where training you - the person - to train your dog, comes into my training philosophy.

My primary job is to understand your dog's issues or training needs, establish the goals we want to achieve, set up a treatment plan and teach you how to follow that plan and reach your goals with your dog. We are in this together as a team, and my philosophy is, it is always about the dog first.

EXPERIENCE
In 2012 my experience and relationship with dogs turned professional when I began assisting an acupuncture vet by handling her canine patients while she treated them with acupuncture needles. That means I got to hold down all sizes, shapes and breeds of dogs, and keep them calm, while she stuck more and more needles in them. I had to keep them down while they "cooked" with the needles in them, then until we took needles out and counted to make sure we had them all. It would typically take about 45 minutes in all, and I had to keep the dog from moving, getting up, or shaking off any needles the whole time. It was a fantastic experience, which enabled me to further understand dogs' body language, their signals, and how to read and communicate with them. I was never bitten (only snapped at when a nerve was tweaked) by a client dog (or cat), and I think we only ever lost two or three needles, and I think that was a horse client!

Since July 2014, I have volunteered at the Humane Society and other rescues in Gainesville, working with their dogs on many different levels. That, too, has been a fantastic experience, and I have learned how to help calm these stressed-out, frightened, and sometimes aggressive dogs. With rescue dogs, I try to build/re-build their trust in humans and bond again, which is so necessary to help and train them.

In 2016, after receiving my diploma in Canine Psychology and Behavior from the International School for Canine Psychology and Behavior (ISCP) in England, I opened North Florida K9 Behavior Center in Gainesville, FL. Since that time I have worked with almost 2,000 dogs and counting throughout the North Florida area and I am doing Zoom and Phone consults all over the country.

FORMAL TRAINING
I was formally trained in Canine Psychology and Behavior at the International School for Canine Psychology and Behavior (ISCP) in England, one of the leading schools for canine practitioners in Europe. As a proud graduate, I am certified and was awarded a diploma in Canine Psychology and Behavior. Being a graduate of the ISCP also means that I have an army of over 200 fellow canine behavior consultants to collaborate with and can share ideas, new scientific information, and case studies with.

I recently completed the Certificate Course in Canine Emotion and Cognition at Duke University, a truly fantastic course that studied the latest science-based research into canine emotion and cognition. (HINT: Science shows they are so much more intelligent than you think!) Next, I will be obtaining training and behavior certifications through the Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI) and becoming a Karen Pryor KPCTP and will continue my formal education and certifications from there.

Whatever the issues you are having with your pet, from annoying to dangerous or anywhere in-between, I will be glad to discuss your case with you! Please call, email, or go to the "CONTACT US" page on this website and fill out the short contact form.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Jon Wedemeyer