ABOUT JACLYNN
I have always had a slight obsession with all animals, but my first true training experience came in middle school when my family started raising guide dog puppies. After raising two puppies of my own and having one graduate, I realized the impact a single animal can have on another person’s life. I then went to UC Davis and earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. My time at UCD gave me a solid foundation of knowledge, as well as hands-on experience with many different species of domesticated animals. When I graduated in 2010, I got a job in the training department of a boarding and training facility and earned my Pet Obedience Instructor certification from Triple Crown Dog Training Academy. Over the course of the next six years, I worked with hundreds of dogs and their owners in board-and-train programs, group classes, and private lessons. I was able to work with all sizes, breeds, and ages of dogs. I dealt with everything from puppy and adult basic obedience, to more serious issues such as anxiety, fear, and aggression.
In early 2016, I decided I was ready for a change, and took a giant leap to start my own dog training company. After three wonderfully dog-filled 
years of working for myself, we took another big leap and made the move from Sacramento, CA to Poulsbo, WA- the new home of Sassafras Dog Training. My specialty is in-home private lessons and day trains, but I am always willing to try to customize a training plan that works best for the dogs and owners. I love the constant challenge in finding what works best for each individual dog, and helping owners apply these methods efficiently and successfully. The satisfaction of seeing the lives of an owner and dog change for the better is what keeps me going. Basically, I just love dogs, and I love helping people have well-behaved dogs!
ABOUT KALI
Kali is my canine wing woman. I got her in 2011 from the Nevada County Animal Shelter. Like many shelter dogs, she had so much potential but was far from perfect. After working her through a serious case of separation anxiety, as well as some serious health issues, she started helping me out with other dogs. Her job description varies from day to day, but her main jobs are to greet other dogs politely and calmly if we’re unsure of their behavior, be a fantastic demo dog, and, her personal favorite, to be a distraction dog (aka run around like crazy or play with toys to test client dogs on their ability to focus on their handler).
Kali’s favorite foods are everything except cucumbers and lettuce, and she loves sunbathing, chewing on antlers, long walks on the beach, and smelling dead fish at the river.
Every trainer needs a neutral, balanced dog. And for me, that dog is Kali.
ABOUT JESTER
Jester is the newest team member of Sassafras Dog Training. He joined us in 2019 at one-year-old after he was career-changed from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Jester was far too exuberant and easily distracted to be a guide dog, but it works perfectly for our little pack as he’s shaping up to be a great demo and distraction dog. Jester’s enthusiasm for working and learning is perfectly balanced with levels of goofiness only he could attain. There is nothing with 2-4 legs that this guy doesn’t want to be friends with! Jester will eventually fill Kali’s role when she’s ready to live the lush and relaxing life of retirement.