Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Drake.
Hi Jacqueline, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
During an internship in Louisiana, where I helped care for hundreds of dogs at a rescue, I met and bonded with a very special dog named Puma. Puma had a severe noise phobia to the extent that I was warned that if I was out walking with her, she likely wouldn’t go to the bathroom and may pass out from the fear of hearing any noise. A car backfiring, the start of a thunderstorm…you name it, and she was likely to begin panicking. Puma was a senior at 9 years old, and while she was well cared for, she was always overlooked by adopters because of her noise phobias and age. After spending a week with her and seeing her relax a bit more when we spent time together…I knew that I couldn’t leave her.
So, my story started in my early 20’s after adopting Puma. I knew I wanted to work with animals in some capacity…but I was still trying to figure out where I could help. That’s what originally landed me in New Orleans, and led to bringing home my first rescue dog who needed significant behavioral support. I started reading books to learn how to help her…and in the midst of my reading and working with her, I realized I had found my purpose (and passion!). Helping dogs in a world that is sometimes too big for them.
I’ve spent the last 14 years learning (and continuing to learn) from some of the best humans in the field of animal behavior. After losing Puma suddenly to cancer, I went on to foster (and then forever-foster) my dog Porter, who was a bit opposite on the spectrum of behavior. Instead of quiet panic, he had *loud* panic and for different reasons. He was scheduled to be euthanized for his behavior, and I was told this was his last chance…
We then spent the most amazing 10 years together. Porter was another important teacher in my life, whom I miss tremendously after losing him in August. I carry both Puma and Porter to every training session and every conversation I have with people and their dogs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the struggles in the field of training and behavior is the lack of regulation. Unlike some fields that have state licensing to practice (dental assistants, nurses, even cosmetologists), dog training lacks a unified body that ensures people are coming into this career with an education and credentials. Much of my casework often involves fixing what well-intended people have tried with their dogs due to the advice of people claiming to be trainers, or “behaviorists”. Numerous organizations try to help this issue by creating their own certifying body, but even after almost 15 years of doing this, we still often see methodologies used that have proven, through research, to cause more harm than good. The struggle always revolves around battling the misinformation that pet guardians are given.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Through my business, I offer personalized behavior consulting for dogs (and recently cats) in the Southeast Michigan area, or virtually! Having a pet with behavior struggles can be so overwhelming, and I find that it is so rewarding to help guide fellow guardians who are facing such significant behavior challenges. I have a large passion for dogs coming from shelters and rescues…and always emotionally melt when it comes to pit bulls (as evident by my two soul kids).
I find what sets me apart as a behavior consultant is that I try so hard to meet people where they are, and help them to achieve their goals in a way that doesn’t feel completely overwhelming or like a second job. We are all human and have so much going on at any given time, so I am really passionate about providing clear, doable advice that will help alleviate the struggles shared by each human and their pet. In the last few years, this has included the overall shift in our field of embracing dogs for what they are and what they need. Helping people to see that the societial “cookie-cutter” dog is not realistic has helped my clients to really see their dogs in a different light and lead them with more compassion.
Outside of my business work, I am a research student under Dr. Mindy Waite through Virginia Tech and will be graduating with my Master’s in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare after the completion of my current research project!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Most of my memories are entwined with animals of all kinds. Chinchillas, horses, birds, cats, and, of course, dogs. Reflecting on my career path and how much time I spent with animals as a kid…it certainly all makes sense!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trainingbyjacqueline.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainingbyjacqueline/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trainingbyjacqueline
