About Here We Go Dog Training, LLC

Life skills rather than obedience for its own sake

Here We Go Dog Training, LLC works in the Madison area and describes its specialty as "teaching dogs the life skills they need to be excellent companions and partners." The about page explains why it frames things that way: "Having a dog who makes your home a friendlier place and your outings more enjoyable takes more than obedience; it takes a confident, well socialized pup who understands how to be a dog out in the world."

Two ways to work together

The home page names two services. Explore & Learn hands the sessions to the trainer – "Let Jessie handle the sessions! Treat your dog to grand days out with a personalized training program." Private Training keeps the owner in the room – "Learn alongside your dog! Work one-on-one with Jessie in private sessions tailored to you and your dog." The about page describes two structured tracks for returning clients, "especially those with puppies and adolescent dogs": "your Explorer will get enrichment, exercise, and time to be a dog in the world; your Scholar may work on walking nicely on leash, greeting politely, and being an all-around good citizen."

Method

The stated approach is rewards-based and deliberately playful: "we employ rewards-based training, which is all about teaching learners what to do humanely and kindly. Here We Go deliberately incorporates playful interaction into all teaching and learning so your dog does not merely do as you ask, but enjoys making good choices in response to cues. We like a dog who is motivated to behave well!" The stated priority is "clear interspecies communication and building a strong relationship between you and your dog."

The trainer

The about page says Jessie Gurd "has been training dogs professionally since 2016 and taught humans of all ages for over 10 years," and that she previously "worked at Dog's Best Friend Training as a lead trainer for puppy, family dog obedience, agility, parkour, tricks, and play skills classes." Her stated specialties are "building play skills for training and emotional wellbeing, and working with smart, active dogs who require quick thinking and lots of creativity." The credentials listed are Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), certified parkour instructor and title evaluator through the International Dog Parkour Association, Karen Pryor Academy Puppy Start Right instructor, and membership of Force-Free Trainers of Wisconsin; the site also notes she "is proud to serve as the Dane County 4-H Dog Project Behavior and Veterinarian Director."

Stance

The home page carries an explicit statement of values: "I am committed to making the Madison dog world a more inclusive and safer space. Here We Go Dog Training supports our LGBTQ+ friends and community members and knows that Black Lives Matter."