About Us
JW Dog Training is a nationwide virtual dog training and behavior consulting business specializing in complex cases such as reactivity, separation anxiety, aggression, and fear. We also offer a limited number of in-person sessions in Alexandria and Springfield, Virginia, for clients in our local community.
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Our philosophy is simple: training should build trust, reduce stress, and create real-life results. We focus on both dogs and their humans, empowering guardians with the tools and confidence they need to keep progress going long after sessions end.
What sets us apart is our team of certified dog trainers and behavior consultants, each with unique specialties—from cooperative care for grooming and vet visits, to advanced separation anxiety protocols. We collaborate to match every client with the trainer best suited for their goals.
At JW Dog Training, we value transparency, compassion, and expertise. We provide realistic timelines, celebrate progress, and never rely on punishment or quick fixes. With us, you’ll find trusted guidance, positive reinforcement-based solutions, and a clear path to a better life with your dog.
Meet the Trainers
Juliana DeWillems
Juliana (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of JW Dog Training. She has been training dogs since 2014 after she graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy.
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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.
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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.
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Qualifications:
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Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
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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
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Author, Manage It! Hacks for Improving Your Dog's Behavior
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Areas of Expertise: Fear, Reactivity, Aggression, Anxiety, Puppies, Basic Manners, Adolescents, Dog-Cat Introductions, Dog-Dog Aggression, Virtual Training
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Services Offered: Speaking Engagements, Media Inquiries
Not currently taking new training clients
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.
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Qualifications:
Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (Accredited)
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Fear Free Certified Trainer
Dynamic Dog Practitioner
Areas of expertise: Pain & Gait Assessments, Fear, Anxiety, Reactivity, Aggression, Newly Adopted Dogs, Dog Body Language, Enrichment
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Services Offered: In-person training in Springfield, VA, Virtual Training
Jen Shearer
Jen (she/her) was a devoted cat person until she rescued her first dog, Della Rae. The two quickly became inseparable, and as a first-time dog owner, Jen failed to recognize that Della’s reactivity, fear of novel experiences, and hypervigilance foretold a lengthy training journey ahead.
Together, they plunged into the confusing and unregulated dog training industry and experienced both highs and lows. Della stumped many trainers, yet undeterred, Jen discovered her calling in mastering advanced behavior concepts and supporting behaviorally complex dogs.
Jen specializes in delivering a smooth and enjoyable learning experience for stressed-out guardians of dogs with "big feelings." Committed to empowering pet parents and demystifying the dog training industry, Jen draws on over 15 years of experience teaching dance to students of all ages to foster a holistic approach to family training and growth.
Qualifications:
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
Areas of Expertise: Reactivity, Fear, Anxiety, Dog to Dog Aggression, Newly Adopted Dogs, Basic Manners, Socialization, Enrichment
Services Offered: In-person training in Springfield, VA, Alexandria, VA, National Harbor, MD, & Clinton, MD, 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.
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Qualifications:
Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Areas of Expertise: Separation Anxiety, Fear, Anxiety, Reactivity, Aggression, Adolescent dogs, Puppies, Enrichment
Services Offered: Virtual training
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.
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Qualifications:
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Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
Areas of Expertise: Cooperative Care (Grooming & Vet Training), Reactivity, Fear, Anxiety, Aggression, Puppies, Family Dog Manners, Socialization, Husbandry Care, Dog-Cat Introductions, Newly Adopted Dog, Enrichment
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Services Offered: Virtual Training
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
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Services Offered: Not currently taking new clients
