Problem Behavior Counseling Staff

 Jeri Lynn Vosburgh

At the age of nine, I dreamed of owning a dog farm; all shapes and sizes.  Today, although I don't "farm" dogs, I do spend most of my time surrounded by them.  Whether it's training your furry friend, volunteering as Santa’s elf at the holiday rescue fundraiser, or spending time with my five four-legged "kids", animals are a huge part of my life.

Dogs can bring smiles to our faces, their presence can improve our health, (literally), and they can save lives, (emotionally as well as physically), when properly trained.  On the other hand, badly behaving dogs are a nuisance, sometimes dangerous to other animals and to humans, and far too many of them become "throw aways".  My goal is to help your dog become one of the "smile-makers".

Dog obedience is not a job to me; it's part of who I am.   I can, and do, work with all kinds of dogs and puppies, big or small, rescue and pure bred.  My goal is to provide you with training that lasts, to equip you with skills to deal with not only your present dog, but any others that you may add to your family for years to come.

Jeri Lynn lectures several times per month at Positive Approach on the subject of gaining better control and leadership without using punishment. See the Well Mannered Dog Seminar schedule on the WORKSHOPS and SEMINARS page for times and dates.

Jean Whitehead

I’ve been one of the evening class instructors and behavior counselors here for 15 years. Recently I’ve started working in the daytime activities at Positive Approach as well. In addition to teaching classes here, I have a degree in exotic animal training and management, spent decades as a zookeeper/animal trainer, work with Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue and Evergreen Golden Retriever Rescue; in general I’m just kooky about critters and the people who love them.

 Currently my home includes three large dogs, a cat, my son and parents. I know what it is to have dogs be a challenge, work through it and end up with a successful household of pets and a variety of people.  My dogs have done therapy work, conformation, agility, obedience and even a little field work; however their most important “job” is to be family members, hanging out in the house with us and attending many events with my son and I. They have also helped socialize and teach house manners to a variety of rescue dogs.

For many years I’ve worked with individual families and their dogs, I’ve also done private training with cats and parrots. I really enjoy working one-on-one with people and their pets. I firmly believe in the “train, don’t complain” philosophy. I look forward to getting to know you, your goals for your dog and developing a training plan that will build a healthy, happy relationship for you and your canine family.

Suzi Moore R.V.T., CPDT (Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Pet Dog Trainer) has been working professionally in the animal field for over 25 years. As a graduate of the Exotic Animal Training & Management Program at Moorpark College in Moorpark, CA she has applied her training skills to a wide variety of animals including dolphins, tigers, a leopard, monkeys, and exotic birds as well as house cats and lots and lots of dogs. (Although her greatest challenge to date remains her pre-teen daughter!)

She established Positive Approach Training Programs in 1995 and enjoyed seeing it flourish to help thousands of owners and their dogs before passing the torch to Jeri Lynn Vosburgh as the new owner in 2011. She has lectured to audiences including veterinary organizations, individual clinics, several humane societies, the Annual Animal Law Workshops sponsored by the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, and of course, her favorite audience - the general public.