hi, i’m jess.

Dog trainer, former nurse, and founder of Space City Canine. I help dogs and their people build relationships through structured play and clear communication.

partnership over protocols

There are dozens of training approaches and methodologies, and each has its benefits and limitations. I believe in holistic training that respects the nervous system and meets both dog and human where they are.

My work is thoughtful, relational, and rooted in the knowledge that learning happens best when where trust and clarity are present. I specialize in high-energy, sensitive, or reactive dogs, and I love working with clients who are curious, thoughtful, and ready to do things differently.

If you’ve tried traditional training and it didn’t click, or if you’re just looking for a more collaborative, personalized way forward, you’re in the right place.

from pediatrics to puppies

My path into dog training started while I was still working as a pediatric ICU nurse. I volunteered at BARC, the county animal shelter, and fostered dogs who were on the euthanasia list simply due to overcrowding.

After a while I started noticing the same pattern again and again. Most dogs labeled “stubborn” or “problematic” were actually just confused, misunderstood, and often trying their best for a long time before they eventually shut down Instead of viewing behavior as broken when the math doesn’t add up, I learned how to work with dogs as social and emotional beings capable of amazing things.

After a year of study and a lot of hands-on practice, I knew I had to create a business that helped dogs and their people learn together through clarity, structure, and play.