Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson
Training Apprentice

My Role at Tucker Pup's

I am a training apprentice, currently learning under our roster of amazing trainers and strengthening my mechanics while studying for my first certification as a professional dog trainer. As an apprentice, I teach puppy socials, assist in classes and with Dropoff Training, and deliver our Stay and Train program. I also shadow other trainers in private lessons.

Why I Became a Dog Trainer

I have felt a deep kinship with canines since I was a child and grew up with many dogs of my own. ONce I began to foster and rescue dogs as an adult, I began to feel called to become a trainer. Foster work taught me how rewarding working with dogs with fear-based issues can be, especially after months of rehabilitating a Puerto Rican street dog in my home who survived Hurricane Maria in 2017 without shelter. After the pandemic upended my prior career in the the entertainment industry, I finally felt the time was right to expand to a full career change on top of my involvement in rescue work.

Animal Experience

I worked as both a dog handler and receptionist at two different boarding facilities in Chicago prior to starting my training apprenticeship.

Before my career with pets began, I was devoted to the entertainment industry and worked in NYC as an actor, director, casting director, and talent rep. I also served as an undergraduate acting instructor for three years at Indiana University, and then moved on to directing performances in Chicago.

Certifications and Education

I am currently in the process of earning my CPDT-KA certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

I also plan to focusing on Behavior Modification for fear-based challenges such as dog-human aggression, dog-dog aggression, separation anxiety, and other compulsive behaviors.

I also hold a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Directing from Indiana University-Bloomington. Each day when working with dogs, I apply positive reinforcement, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills that I learned in many years of experience as a theatre practitioner.

My Pets

I have two incredible and quirky rescues - Emma (7) was found in a sealed box with her littermates on a beach in Puerto Rico, and Nelly (1) was left behind as an adolescent pup at my previous boarding facility when her owner passed away. Both teach me about forgiveness and resilience every day, and are my reasons for continuing to pursue this work.

Future Goals

To specialize in helping rescue dogs stay in their forever homes, especially through the use of behavioral modification methods.