About
JW Dog Training & Behavior provides professional dog training and behavior support to the DMV area—primarily Arlington, VA and NW Washington, DC.
We use positive reinforcement training and science-based methods when working to change behavior, including clicker training, play, real life rewards, management, and more. We focus on building and reinforcing desirable behavior, while also implementing routines and management to decrease undesirable behavior.
Our coaching approach tailors to the individual client's needs, whether it is basic manners or a more complex behavior issue such as fear, anxiety, leash-reactivity, or aggression. We often work in conjunction with veterinary behaviorists to support dog owners through the behavior modification journey.
We aim to empower our clients to better understand their dogs’ behavior and communication, creating a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship. We also help guardians improve their training skills in order to more effectively work with their dogs—leading to better, longer lasting results.
Meet the Trainers
Juliana DeWillems
Juliana (she/her) is the Owner and Head Trainer at JW Dog Training. She has been training dogs since 2014 after she graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy.
Juliana enjoys applying her knowledge of canine behavior and the science of learning when working closely with pet parents to improve their dog's behavior. Watching the training plan strengthen the bond between owner and dog -- whether it's a puppy, adolescent, or adult dog-- is her favorite part of the job.
You can regularly catch Juliana on TV, radio, and online programs. She has shared her dog training expertise on WTOP and Good Day DC, and she was a regular guest on The Pet Show with Dr. Katy for many years. Juliana currently co-hosts the Live from The Ranch online broadcast with Ken Ramirez. She has also provided quarterly free seminars and webinars for dog owners through the non-profit Your Dog's Friend.
Qualifications:
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Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
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Certified Behavior Consultant Canine
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Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
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TAGTeach Level 1 Certified
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Faculty Member, Karen Pryor Academy
Areas of Expertise: Fear, Reactivity, Aggression, Anxiety, Puppies, Basic Manners, Adolescents, Dog-Cat Introductions, Dog-Dog Aggression, Virtual Training
Services Offered: Speaking Engagements, Media Inquiries
Not currently taking on new training clients
Kayleigh Sullivan
Kayleigh (she/her) has been training animals for over 10 years. For eight of those years Kayleigh has been training elephants using positive reinforcement-based training. Kayleigh graduated with a BA in Animal Sciences with a focus on Animal Behavior. She has experience working at veterinary clinics, volunteering at animal shelters in behavior departments, and many years working with exotic animals in sanctuary and zoo/aquarium settings. Kayleigh graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy in 2022.
Kayleigh believes that training is incredibly important to the welfare of any animal under human care no matter the species. Kayleigh enjoys teaching people how to efficiently communicate with their dog. She believes in having a clear level of communication in both directions to set you and your pup up for success.
Qualifications:
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Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
Areas of Expertise: Reactivity, Fear, Anxiety, Aggression, Puppies, Family Dog Manners, Socialization, Husbandry Care, Dog-Cat Introductions, Newly Adopted Dog, Enrichment
Services Offered: In-person training in NW Washington, DC, Chevy Chase, Virtual Training
Kat Heckert
Kat (she/her) became interested in behavior and training when she entered the animal shelter world. Kat has worked in the behavior department of two animal shelters and has provided training services to shelter volunteers, fosters, and adopters. In 2020, she decided to take the leap from animal sheltering to private training and discovered how rewarding it is to work so closely with owners and their dogs.
Kat is passionate about helping people connect with their dogs using positive reinforcement and force-free training methods. She loves to incorporate enrichment activities into her training plans and thinking of creative ways to approach challenging behaviors. She believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment for dogs and their owners to set everyone up for success.
Qualifications:
Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (Accredited)
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Fear Free Certified Trainer
Areas of expertise: Fear, Anxiety, Reactivity, Aggression, Newly Adopted Dogs, Puppies, Basic Manners, Dog Body Language, Enrichment
Services Offered: In-person training in Arlington, VA, Virtual Training
Yasmin Baylor
Yasmin (she/her) became interested in dog training and behavior when she adopted a behaviorally complex dog 8 years ago. Yasmin dove into the field of animal behavior first as a board member and training consultant for a local animal rescue and shelter, and then decided to become a professional dog trainer and fully pivot her career in 2020.
Years of experience have helped Yasmin to develop a style that is calm, confident, and patient. Teaching a family to better understand their dog, and watching as they build fulfilling relationships together is such a rewarding experience. Being part of that journey is the highlight of her career.
Yasmin’s home is full of joy and adventure, thanks to her bright young daughter Claire, her playful Stabyhoun Fenna, Pangea, her sweet senior cat, and Josh, her kind and supportive partner.
Qualifications:
Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Areas of Expertise: Separation Anxiety, Fear, Anxiety, Reactivity, Aggression, Adolescent dogs, Puppies, Enrichment
Services Offered: Virtual training
Cynthia Robertson-Gillette
Cynthia (she/her) graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy in 2017. Having grown up and lived with several dogs with behavioral issues, including fear and aggression, Cynthia learned first-hand what a difference training methods can have in making – or breaking – your relationship with your dog. Cynthia is passionate about teaching people how to deepen their connection and communication with their pet and improving both the owner and pet’s quality of life in doing so. She loves watching clients faces light up as they hit success points and learn how fun training can be.
Cynthia currently resides in Great Falls, VA, where she lives with her 1-year-old Goldendoodle, Knox. She hopes to become a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) in the near future.
Qualifications:
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Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed
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TAGTeach Level 1 Certified
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Cat and Dog First Aid & CPR Certified (American Red Cross)
Areas of Expertise: Puppies, Socialization, Adolescents, Basic Manners, Newly Adopted Dogs, Enrichment, Reactivity
Services Offered: Not currently taking new clients
Suzanne H.
Suzanne (she/her) has been professionally training dogs since 2015. She volunteered with a local animal shelter for several years, training dogs through their behavior department, leading dog playgroups, and teaching dog training classes to other volunteers. Previously, Suzanne ran a children’s tutoring program for two years. This helped hone her teaching skills and also recognize the importance of teaching learners using positive reinforcement-based methods. She completed a formal apprenticeship at a DC-area dog training company and then began her career as a professional trainer.
Suzanne believes training should be built on kindness and cooperation and that training should be fun for both dog and guardian. Suzanne shares her home with a delightful, hilarious, and energetic pit bull who makes sure Suzanne stays on her toes when it comes to training!
Qualifications
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
Fear Free Certified Trainer
TAGTeach Level 1 Certified
Areas of Expertise: Reactivity, Puppies, Fearful Dogs, Newly Adopted Dogs, Basic Manners
Services Offered: Not currently taking new clients
