Jessie Sanfillippo, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Dog Trainer
My Role at Tucker Pup's
I train dogs in classes, private lessons, and Turnkey Training. In addition, I am a Canine Good Citizen evaluator with the American Kennel Club.Certifications and Education
- I earned my CTP certification at the Karen Pryor Academy, one of the leading schools for people to become dog trainers.
- I also earned my CPDT-KA certification (Certified Pet Dog Trainer).
- I graduated from Elmhurst University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology.
Work Experience
I originally started at Tucker Pup's as a dog handler, and worked my way up from Staff Trainer to Staff Supervisor, then eventually dog trainer. I trained dogs in our Dropoff Training, Puppy Socials, and Stay and Train programs before moving to classes and private lessons.Why I Became a Dog Trainer
Before working at Tucker Pup's, I had my first introduction to positive reinforcement training at the Shedd Aquarium. At the Shedd, I volunteered, interned, and eventually held multiple temporary positions in the marine mammals department, which included rescue dogs! While assisting in the training of beluga whales and dolphins was an absolute dream, it was the rescue dogs that were the most inspiring. All of the dogs at Shedd were surrendered to Chicago shelters for various behavior issues. Watching the Shedd trainers transform these pups with troubled pasts into literal show dogs was life-changing. This experience helped solidify my belief that all dogs are trainable and can be transformed into well-behaved members of the family.My Dog
I have a pit bull / Lab mix named Wade. Together, we want to spread the joy and bond created through positive reinforcement training with as many people and their dogs in our community as possible. I believe that training can and should always be fun for both dog and human.Testimonials
Great job by Jessie. We were really happy with the experience and the size of the group.
- Rachel Pospisil
Bones has been doing SO WELL on walks since going through Dropoff Training with Jessie. It's made super long walks possible because it's so much more enjoyable thanks to her help. And Bones has been LOVING those. He did discover birds (ha!) but we've been working on that with the techniques Jessie armed us with, and he's making progress.
He is also great with other dogs approaching. Every once in a while, especially when the other dog is excited, we need to take a step back. But he has been so wonderful. He even sits sometimes and just waits for the other dog to pass like the most polite boy there ever was!
We've done some polite greetings with other dogs as well, and he does really well with that, too! We're still working on more consistent polite greetings with other humans, but we're making progress. As long as we are in more familiar areas (our home, elevator, the block around our place) he does really well. Even when humans are using that super high-pitched voice he loves.
We've had a couple of excited approaches from people where we have to walk away, so we're continuing to work on that. BUT, he's mastered polite greetings with our friends and family for sure! They are all blown away at how much he's learned!
Thank you SO MUCH. We really appreciate how you've helped us become better owners for Bones. :)
Thank you!!
- Cassidy and Bill Lacy
Jessie was a great instructor. We didn't know what to expect going in with our newly adopted dog, but she was very patient and did great with all of the dogs in the class. She was always positive and encouraging when our dog didn't get the skill down on the first try. She made us feel more confident in the training skills we will continue to use at home/in public to help our dog learn basic obedience. She even offered basic tips on how to work with introducing our dog and cats.
Thank you Jessie & Tucker Pup's!
- Laura Kroncke
Jessie's Upcoming Training Events
Upcoming Classes:
Puppy Manners
Starting Mon, Apr 6, 2026
5:30 pm
Tucker Pup's Training Center
Intermediate Manners
Starting Mon, Apr 13, 2026
6:45 pm
Tucker Pup's Training Center
