Workshop with
Michael Shikashio

About
Jessica Fritschi
Owner and Head Trainer

My career with animals began in 2008 when I graduated Medaille College and subsequently passed my licensing boards to practice veterinary technology in NYS. I landed a job immediately as a vet tech in North Tonawanda, where I am still employed to this day. Veterinary medicine holds a special place in my heart. Through vet med I realized that I wasnโt โjust an animal person.โ I built relationships not only with the dogs and cats who came in for veterinary care, but with the people attached to those animals as well.
My experience for the last 15 years as a veterinary technician has given me the opportunity to develop advanced skills in handling animals and interpreting body language. Studying animal behavior and mentorships with other behavior professionals helped me to achieve my certifications through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. In 2015 I returned to school and received my second degree, this time in Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation.
It has been an incredible journey, meeting so many dogs and cats and the wonderful people who care for them. I am so lucky to have a career that allows me to educate people on what I am most passionate about: the humane treatment of animals, developing relationships built on trust, and saving lives โ human and non-human animal alike.
What we do
Our Services

Group Training Classes
Start your puppy off on the right paw with puppy pre-k class and continue through House Dog Obedience Levels into our Canine Good Citizen class to give your dog a set of skills that they can use throughout their entire life. Or bounce around and check out our K9 Nose Work or other Specialty Classes to learn new skills and have more fun with your dog.

Private Lessons
Perfect for training your dog with one-on-one attention through in-facility, in-home or virtual lessons via Zoom.

Stay and train
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to not only keep dogs safe and happy in the training environment but to also equip owners with the skills needed to facilitate socially responsible dog ownership.
our
Assistant Trainers

Marissa Coffman
Marissa has been caring for people and their pets for the last 8 years. She is a Medaille College graduate and works as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Marissa has developed a love for animal behavior and training during her time working in the animal field and assisting Jessica with her Puppy and Obedience classes and she is currently working towards her own certification as a professional dog trainer. Currently Marissa teaches the 10:30 am puppy class with our other trainer, Jill. Marissa shares her life with her three dogs; Luna, Gryffin and Yogi as well as multiple cats and a husband!

Jill Bugbee
Jill is a Canisius College graduate with a masterโs degree in education. Half of dog training is educating the pup parents and the other half is training the pups. Her background in education has provided her the teaching techniques to work with humans, so she now is focusing on gaining knowledge of positive training methods and working towards her certification as a professional dog trainer. Growing up, her family always had dogs which sparked her passion and love for them. Jill always knew that she wanted a career working with dogs. In addition to caring for her own pup, Lucius, Jill volunteers at the Niagara County SPCA and teaches the 10:30am puppy class with Marissa. She lives with her husband and two teenage children.