Once upon a time, there was a young girl who didn’t grow up with dogs, and in fact, she didn’t even “like” them because they often scared her. Eventually, she grew up and married someone who adored dogs, and before she knew it, she had an American Eskimo puppy named Keanu. The rest is history.
Well…almost. A lot happened in between puppies ambling into her life. This is the story of Aimee Jarosz, Certified Behavior Consultant and owner of Dog’s Best Friend Training. Her affinity for dogs that developed into the boundless love she has for them today started with a volunteering role at Dog’s Best Friend in 1996. Back then, it was owned by Patricia McConnell, a globally known top dog training expert, who founded the company in 1988.
After a year of volunteering, Patricia brought on Aimee as a trainer and soon developed into a training director.
“She was an amazing mentor and teacher, and I really owe so much of what I know about dogs and business to her,” Aimee reflects.
Since taking over the business in 2007, Aimee says she has worked with an amazing team of trainers who all “do what they do for the love of dogs.” But a lot has changed in the dog training world. While some training methods once thought to be outdated have made a resurgence, Dog’s Best Friend is all about positive reinforcement training and “humane methods of training and behavior modification,” as Aimee describes it.
Of course, technology has changed quite a bit since Aimee started with the company 30 years ago. “We didn’t even have computers!” she says, adding that she’s learned a lot about social media and expanding the company’s reach. The true challenge was when the pandemic arrived.
“We had to pivot like most businesses, and I had to quickly learn how to offer online versions of classes and do more behavior consultations remotely,” she says.
Additionally, she explained that the dogs themselves have changed over the years. “Years ago, most dogs were from breeders, from families whose pet dog had a litter, or from local humane societies. Now, rescue networks for dogs are extensive, and I would say that a majority of the dogs we see are dogs who are rescued, many of whom are brought here from down South,” shared Aimee.
As a result, since many of these dogs were previously strays or simply lived in homes where they didn’t have the best beginning in life, they, from a behavioral standpoint, need more support.
“We really want to help our clients with these dogs so that they can make as smooth a transition into their homes and lives as possible,” Aimee says.
Dog’s Best Friend currently offers several group training classes, including Puppy, Basic Training, Manners, Agility, Tricks, and Scent Work, along with specialty classes. They also work privately with clients on behavior issues like aggression and anxiety.
Aimee sums up her philosophy, saying, “I love helping dogs stay in homes and having healthy, happy lives where their needs are getting met.”