Jaime Caponetta, ABCDT, ACDBC

Do you have a puppy and can’t remember the last time you slept for more than 3 hours in a row? - Have you put vacation plans on hold because you have no one who can take care of your fearful or reactive dog? Are you too embarrassed to take your dog for a walk because of the “measures” you need to take to keep your dog from making a scene while they see other dogs, people, bikes, cars or kids? Or maybe your pups separation anxiety is so bad you can’t leave the house at all. Still social distancing because you can’t have guests over without taking on a huge risk that someone might get bit? Have dog siblings that just don’t get along and you’re constantly on edge trying to make sure a fight doesn’t break out? Are you tired of cleaning up pee or poop every time you turn around? Tired of telling your dog to “drop it” or “no!” Or “stop barking” or “go lay down!”? – just TIRED in general?

I hear you. I’m sure it feels like you made a horrible mistake by getting this dog. Maybe you've even considered rehoming them or that you’ll never get a handle on this and you’ll forever be a prisoner in your own home. But I’ve got fabulous news, my friend. There IS an answer to all of your problems, and I’m here to help you fix it - for good! 

I’m Jaime Caponetta, IAABC Certified Canine Behavior Consultant and the proud owner of Pawsome University. My most important title, however, is “Mom.” I have 2 small boys and 3 amazing rescue dogs, who I consider to be my actual children. Let me introduce you to the Pawsome University Family!

Me & MCSPCA Alum, Giraffe!
​Photo: Asbury Park Press

John

If you're looking for the jack of all trades, well here he is! John has 8 years of experience working in Animal Welfare. Not only was he the Manager of the Animal Care team at the Monmouth County SPCA, but he played an important role in combating Animal Cruelty in Monmouth County as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer from 2015 - 2020 before leaving to join PU full time.  Before dedicating his life to animals, John served his community as an EMT-B and a Dispatcher..  

John just has a way about him that makes the most timid or rambunctious of dogs feel calm, cool and collected. While Pawsome University is a Full-Time job, John is still very active within the Animal Welfare world. John is also an Instructor for the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, where his courses typically focus on Animal Cruelty and Animal Sheltering. ​

Pudge

Pudgalina, aka Pudge, is the first dog my then boyfriend (now husband) John and I adopted as a couple. Our first baby. We physically plucked her out of filth and garbage, from the 2016 Howell Dog Hoarding Case. She was one of 276 dogs to survive. She got her name from the big belly she had as a puppy, stuffed with intestinal worms from the hoarding house. She’s a chi mix, smart as a whip but extremely fearful and reactive at times. She taught me patience when working with fear and reactivity.

Oaklee

Oaklee came to us on a transport from South Carolina, pulled from a kill shelter at the last minute. Our big, silly boy seemed like an easy addition to the family, until 2 weeks passed. We came home to a completely destroyed house.. enter Separation Anxiety. As we got to know Oak, it became very apparent that someone abused him. To this day he cowers to fast hand movements.

But just like pudge, this boy was sent to me for a reason. Since his arrival in 2018, he has changed who I am as a trainer, and  more importantly, as a parent. He helped me understand anxiety, and how sometimes life can be so cruel, but it's ok to forgive and trust again. He is now a Therapy Dog for the SPCA and my right hand man for all trainings that involve dog reactive dogs.

​Through our work together, he’s changed so many lives for the better, and I could never repay him for that.

​

Tishi

Tishi was a true foster failure. This little old lady needed a place to stay for a bit till she found long term placement. One day led into the next and she never did leave. She was already home. She is the purest example of a Pit mix. Her sweet, loving and loyal nature is absolutely heartwarming.

We don't know much about her, but what we do know is that she was left outside and used for breeding. When she joined our family, she had an extremely high prey drive (sorry, pudge!) and really didn't know how to live in a house. She too suffered from horrible separation anxiety, of similar severrity as Oaklee's.

​Fast forward to 2022, and she holds her composure when our barn cat teases her, she adores her human baby brothers, and spends most of her days relaxing on the couch, separation anxiety fully managed.

​She’s the addition we didn’t know we needed!

Back to my story! I hated the job I had accepted right out of college and realized I needed to figure out what I truly wanted to do with my life. I always loved dogs for as long as I could remember. My family rescued a pittie when I was 16, and she was the light of my life. She introduced me to the world of rescue and the need for competent and compassionate pet professionals. I knew then, I was going to become a dog trainer and help more abused animals find their forever homes. I harnessed that inner child, and went all in on my dreams.

So I left that cushy job and cut my teeth at Camp Bow Wow in Eatontown, NJ. Soon after, I started working as an Animal Care Attendant at the Monmouth County SPCA. This quickly became my favorite job of all time! There was never a day I woke up not wanting to go to work. This is where I learned invaluable information and gained on the job experience that you can’t get anywhere else. I also met my husband here, so that was a plus too! While I worked at the SPCA, I simultaneously worked on getting my dog training certification through Animal Behavior College.

A year later, I started Pawsome Walks, my first company that focuses on pet care with a high standard of care. I continued to gain experience and knowledge, eventually earning the certification of Canine Behavior Consultant from the IAABC. that’s when we started Pawsome University, a positive reinforcement behavior modification training company!

Right around this time, we were experiencing Oaklee’s horrible separation anxiety issues. I became dedicated to helping dog parents like me (and their dogs!) truly get to the bottom of their dog issues without having to resort to aversive, negative training and long refuted dominance theory. 

I think of myself as a hybrid therapist/detective for your dog.
I look at the whole picture – not just what’s happening through your eyes or what you think is going on. Where other trainers practice behavior suppression techniques, I work with you to identify the root of the problem and change the behavior pattern on that root level.
 
A huge variety of factors contribute to behavioral issues – genetics, past trauma, upbringing, training history, routine (or lack there of), diet, insecurities and fears, environment, missed or traumatizing developmental milestones – and I will crack the code and figure out what is preventing your pup and you from bridging the gap in your relationship - and actually FIX the problem, for good.

I am most known for my one-on-one work with my virtual clients (Ranked #1 Remote Dog Trainer in the USA - 2022 by Sniffspot). I'm quick and efficient at getting to the bottom of what’s going on at home without even needing to see your dog and come up with a behavior modification plan that is fun, fear-free, and works for EVERYONE involved.

Are you ready to have the relationship you always wanted with your dog? Let’s get started! 

Book Now!

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John & Jaime have been featured in several articles, podcasts, and radio segments. Check those out here!