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
Jessie and Marnie were incredible!!! We have a 6.5 year old schnoodle and a nearly 3 year old cockapoo that both had some pretty some severe guarding and reactionary behaviors and they are both like new dogs! Previously, our schnoodle was constantly guarding me from anything and everything that entered our home, which we could no longer ignore since we have a baby on the way. Jessie and Marnie were able to put his mind at ease through pattern games and behavior adjustments, and I don't think he has ever been calmer or happier. Then for our cockapoo, he had some pretty severe resource guarding issues when it came to pretty much any small object. Again, Jessie and Marnie were able to identify the root cause of his anxiety and behavior and adjust it for him to no longer feel the need lash out aggressively at us or our other dog over these objects. I truly cannot thank and recommend them enough for their help - it is like we have two new happy dogs!!! Also, it helped that our dogs were absolutely IN LOVE with both of them because they are so kind to the dogs through the whole process.
Annie Kelty
Jessie was a great instructor to work with and took the time to answer specific questions about our puppy Willie. We will recommend working with her and Tucker Pup’s to our friends!
Katherine Stone
