About Jennifer Hack

    My purpose in being a trainer and canine behaviorist in Chicago is to understand the psychology of dogs, and improve the relationship between humans and their dogs, thereby improving their quality of life.  I have always been fascinated by the reciprocal relationship and communication between humans and dogs.  I believe a dog trainers worth is shown in their results, and I strive to always learn more and improve.   Dog training is truly a skill and a talent.  In addition to my understanding of a dog psychology and behavioral science, my experience and natural ability with dogs has helped me in my work.  My aim is to be constantly improving as a dog trainer and constantly working towards my goals. 

I do not do this for a hobby, I do not do this part-time for fun.  This is my career, my profession, and dogs are my life!

*Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)

*Background in Clinical Psychology

*Dog nutrition expert

*AKC Good Citizen Evaluator

* Has trained hundreds of dogs (hands-on) for clients, including to advanced off-leash reliability

 
    I live in on the Near North side of Chicago with my dogs.  I have owned many breeds of dogs.  I have two Belgian Malinois, one of whom is a personal protection dog and titled in Schutzhund III.  We have a great bond.  I am currently training my younger Mal in French Ring Sport.  The Belgian Malinois is not simply a pet, but a true working dog- training my own dogs is my hobby for fun.  I also have a Bullmastiff and an adorable Yorkie, both of whom are trained to an advanced level.  My favorite breed of dog is Pit Bulls, and I love working with them and rescuing/fostering them. 

    My personal favorite dog activity is street protection and competitive protection sports such as Schutzhund or French Ring Sport.  All working dogs, such as detection dogs, personal protection, SAR, SchH, therapy dogs, service dogs, or Police K9’s are a great example of how dogs can assist humans and be utilized for their unique skills and abilities.

    I am an advocate of animal welfare, and a vegetarian of 10 years.  Animal welfare is one of my strongly held values.  It ties in with my love of dogs, especially when I have had the chance to rescue needy cats and dogs, foster them, and find them homes.  I hope there will be less of a need for this in the future world, as more people act responsibly with animals.  I have two rescued cats who now live with my brother, one of whom I bottle fed as an orphan.  I grew up riding horses, and once considered being a horse trainer!  I have many great memories of riding and competing in shows with my Arabian.  Although I no currently no longer own a horse, I enjoy horseback riding for fun.  I also enjoy martial arts, music, social events, and reading as a hobby.

I also have a strong interest in holistic health, homeopathy, alternative remedies, and canine nutrition.  The key to good health and longevity is not contained in a pill, or in an innoculation, but within a healthy immune system.  So rather than tear dogs down with vaccines, we should build up their immune system. As the wise saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."   

    I grew up around dogs all my life, and my family was involved in showing dogs.  My grandparents taught me the first things I ever knew about dogs and how to treat them.  They aways treated them as beloved family pets for life.  Now in my grandfather's older age, his dog is his faithful companion and guardian.  They can still speak fondly about each and every dog the family has had over the years that passed away.  As a small child, I easily trained my childhood pet Terriers to do tricks like sit, down, speak, and roll over.  I remember going to dog training class, it must have been about 15 years ago.  Children did not participate, they were in the bleachers watching.  The trainer would go around to all the dogs and pat on her upper body, and once the dogs jumped up, they were sternly jerked with a choke chain.  He did not know it was wrong to jump.  As they yelped, I remember feeling this was unfair to all the dogs.  It was certainly not my best dog training experience, but I have since learned a lot.

"So how did you get into dog training?"  The simple answer is that I have always been into dogs!  But how did I begin it as a career?  While majoring in Clinical Psychology in college, and while working at a mental health clinic, I wanted a new side-job that involved my passion: dogs.  I began working for a holistic pet food company, where I realized my growing interest in both dog nutrition and dog training.  I began reading every dog training book and article I could get my hands on, and watching videos, and watching dog events.  Any good dog book, you name it, I've likely read it.  I had been planning a career in Psychology, but I decided to take that huge step and go for what I loved to do, and I began my career as a dog trainer.  While the books and "theory learning" can be somewhat helpful, dog training is hands-on!  Do not be fooled by a trainer who has certificates and degrees or got an online degree from a "dog training school" correspondence class, real skill is hands-on and only taught by the best.  I began in a place that gave me the opportunity to both work with a variety of dogs, and also observe the relationship between owners and their pets while I was instructing classes and private lessons on my own.  I loved working with the people, and helping them, as much as I enjoyed the dogs.  At the same time, outside of that position, I continued to gather more dog training skills and hands-on experience.  My most vital experience was from working with several accomplished dog trainers of both pets and working/sport dogs and police K9s.  I learning the correct techniques and problem solving that has been tried and tested on thousands of dogs. 

 Nowadays, I am currently working as a trainer/behaviorist at a great, highly experienced training facility in Chicago.

 -Jennifer N. Hack

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