Carlisle dog trainer helps residents build better bond with pets

Jaime Yaukey

Business Name: Canine Compass LLC

Years in business: 6 months

Location: Carlisle

Contact: 717-756-9900 or caninecompasspa.com

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: I am a huge animal lover, and have been for as long as I have been on this Earth. Since I was young, I have always wanted to work with animals and better understand them. What is bothering them? Why are they acting out, why are they scared? There are so many questions, and though animals cannot speak to us to tell us the answer, if you watch closely enough, you will be able to find the answer based on body language, history, breed and more. I have seen too many pups at rescues waiting for a family willing to help them overcome their past traumas and fear, and it broke my heart knowing many families may not know where to start, which means the pup may never find a perfect fit for a home.

I wanted to be able to help give dogs the clarity that they deserve, and help owners realize that no dog is “unfixable.” It is very important to me to be able to help owners communicate better with their dogs and build a better bond—which is what led me to the field of dog training.

Dogs are truly a treasure. Whether a service dog that helps with day-to-day life, a cadaver dog that helps to solve mysteries, a detection dog to sniff out narcotics or just your favorite cuddle buddy, there is always a need for a dog in your life, and life is so much better when your best friend is trained to be the goodest of boys.

At the core of my personal philosophy, no pet or dog is “bad”—they are simply misunderstood and need extra guidance in the right direction to succeed. I have always believed that all animals need is a second chance to be the best they can be.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: After realizing that working with animals was my calling, there were many different ways I began my journey of working with them. First, I attended Penn State and obtained a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Next, I became a pet sitter in my local town, which helped me to learn about different breeds, ages, temperaments.

I loved meeting all the new pets and helping families, but I wanted to be able to do more for the families. I wanted to be able to help them decipher their dog’s mind and fix the issues they had been embarrassed to mention while I was pet sitting for them. This led me to dive deeper into the world of dog training.

After attending puppy classes with my own dogs and job shadowing a few trainers, I attended Highland K9 School for Dog Trainers, allowing me to gain the certification of master dog trainer.

While attending HK9, I studied and had hands-on experience teaching detection, dog sports, service and therapy dogs, obedience, off-leash training and more. I gained experience in behavior modification, including working with dogs who exhibit resource guarding, aggression and reactivity. In addition to behavior work, I have also taught a range of dog sports such as scentwork, rally obedience and dock diving, helping dogs and their handlers build skills, confidence and a stronger bond through activities.

Currently, I am settled in Cumberland County and have had the pleasure to help many families and their pups get the help they deserve. Each day is a new adventure.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: Canine Compass LLC offers private lessons, group classes, sporting training, wedding day handling, basic obedience, behavior modification and more. I am also able to train service and therapy dogs and conservation and detection dogs. If you do not know what path may be best for your pup, reach out—there is a service to help all dogs.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: One of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now is building connections in the community and spreading awareness about my dog training services. I know that word-of-mouth and personal referrals are powerful in this industry, so I’m focusing on finding the best ways to network with pet owners, local businesses and other professionals who work with dogs. I always have owners asking for referrals on groomers, day cares, pet bakeries, etc., so I am always wanting to find ways to network with all and any animal-themed business owners.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: I love Create-A-Palooza.