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ABOUT

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 Jessica 

    

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Taylor

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gina

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bethany

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We are SO GLAD you are here! 

I started Pups with a Purpose to combine my passion for helping people with obsession with helping dogs. Dogs can do INCREDIBLE things and I want to help you and your pup find their purpose in life. I look forward on guiding you on this dog training journey. 

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                                                                                 -Jessica Owner & Head Trainer

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  • BA in Psychology (Emphasis in School Psychology) -University of Nebraska at Omaha

Jessica filled her course schedule with classes focused in motivation, learning, and cognitive development. In these classes, she cultivated her passion for making the world a better place for kids. Today, Jessica uses what she learned in these courses to guide dogs and their people on a path to helping others and changing the world.

  • Alliance of Therapy Dogs - Member & Tester/Observer

Jessica is an active member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs since February 2019, completing weekly therapy visits to hospitals, schools, assisted living centers and more with my personal dog Stanley. In July of 2019, Jessica became a Tester/Observer for ATD which allows her to test and register potential members! 

  • Active Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals 

Jessica is a proud member of the International Association of Canine Professionals since 2019. She has recently taken an active role by being a part of IACP's first Therapy Dog Committee. 

  • A Forever Student! 

Jessica continues her education of psychology, learning theory, and dog training skills through workshops, seminars, and certificates each year to bring the most up to date training techniques to clients! There is always something to learn! 

I originally got into dog training when I started struggling with my two dogs.  I adopted Nala in 2018, her and Boss had started fighting about 4 weeks after her adoption. I had sought out training to hopefully fix this awful situation that had been created.  I went through various local trainers before finding harmony between my pack. I soon fell in love with dog training and how the process can change the lives of the dog and people.  A year later Boss and I got into therapy work and that made me realize even more that this is the path I want to go down!

                                                                       - Taylor Head Trainer

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  • Professional Groomer 

For over 5 years, Taylor worked under a number of top rated groomers in the Omaha area. During her time grooming, she became an expert on dog body language while making dogs feel safe and comfortable during stressful situations. She has handled and groomed thousands of dogs!

  • Alliance of Therapy Dogs -  Member & Tester/Observer 

Taylor is an active member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs since March 2020 with her dog Boss. Together, they complete regular therapy visits to hospitals, schools, assisted living centers. Taylor and Boss bring joy and light to those they visit. Boss is a fan favorite at assisted living centers due to he happy, go-lucky personality. Taylor is also a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs, which allows her to test and certify Therapy Dog Teams for ATD. 

  • Ongoing Education 

Starting in 2019, Taylor has studied under various dog trainers across the country to bring a wide range of skills and techniques into her training sessions. She is well versed in providing enrichment and biological fulfillment for those high energy furry friends through play, sports like activities, and more! 

                           

I have been and devout animal lover my entire life!  In 2013 I began volunteering for a local rescue taking on many roles. I loved being able to help find dogs their forever homes; however, soon realized that no matter how many dogs were being adopted out there were just as many coming in. Dogs were, and still are being relinquished to shelters or re-homed for various reasons, but one of the main reasons is due to lack of training. To make a larger impact, I knew a different approach was needed, which was helping to keep dogs in their homes by empowering, educating, and providing their owners with the tools and knowledge to train their dogs. I am excited to give my clients the knowledge and tools they need to successfully communicate and build a beautiful life with their dogs. 

                                                                               - Gina Head Trainer & Puppy Specialist

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  • Head Trainer - 2014 - 2021

Gina's professional dog training career began in 2014 when she studied under a local dog trainer through an apprenticeship program. Here she gained the skills and knowledge on how to help dogs and their owners to live a happy and peaceful life together. She went on to become a Head Trainer with a midwest based dog training company. During her time there, she worked with dogs that had behavior issues that ranged anywhere from basic to serious. Her job consisted of conducting both private sessions and group classes. She also assisted in board & trains, pack walks, workshops, and apprenticeship programs.

  • Volunteer and Board Member at Helping Hands for Animals - 2013 - 2015

In 2013 she began volunteering for a local rescue where she spent her time walking dogs, taking the dogs to adoption events, coordinating adoptions, and organizing fundraisers. She also was in charge of handling the dog introductions and following up with new adopters to ensure that life with their new pup was going well. Gina is still an active volunteer at various Dog Rescues and Shelters across the Midwest giving her time to consult on dog behavior, training, and dogs transitioning home.  

  • Active Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals 

Gina is a proud member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. 

                           

I have been a life long animal lover and advocate. I have been involved in the dog training world from 2016 when I sought out training to help my personal dogs live a peaceful life together after some in pack fighting. Since then, I have worked for various trainers through apprenticeships, assisting with classes and private sessions. After assisting with another local puppy class, I was drawn to being able to help these new pups build a healthy relationship with their new Pup Parents! I joined the Pups with a Purpose Team in 2021 to help build the Purposeful Puppy Classes! I enjoy helping puppies and their people prepare for a wonderful life together! 

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                                                                               - Bethany, Puppy Specialist 

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