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Our Trainers
Heather Morris Heather Morris is the founder of Spot On Training. She has been working professionally in the pet industry since moving to the Washington, DC metro area in 2003. Heather was fortunate enough to combine her passion for food (a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America) as well as her love of dogs to create a unique business selling organic dog treats to local boutiques in the area. It wasn't long before her love of active, healthy dogs and her devotion to being the “best” in her field opened up a new career pathway. Heather is a member of:
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is the first national certification for dog trainers. Heather carries a strong sense of pride in this accomplishment and nationally recognized certification and honor. Like all honors, certification in professional dog training carries responsibilities like continuing education, maintaining a code of ethics, and upholding the highest standard of training. She is also active in animal rescue helping local organizations by planning fundraising events, consulting, providing educational presentations and has written articles on dog training for metro publications. Heather and her husband live on Capitol Hill with their two Dalmatians, Lottie and Chiazzo. Her experience level, both educationally and personally includes working with reactive dogs, canine nutrition, and holistic health. She also has interest in dog play and communication. Her unique experience running a dog daycare has provided invaluable insight and education in how dogs play and communicate with one another and humans alike. An all time favorite play activity is watching dogs enjoy the beach running the surf, digging for treasure, and swimming in the ocean. And when she's not working with dogs, she has a hobby interest in dolphin training. Jamie Eaton Jamie Eaton is a trainer with Spot On Training. Jamie moved to Washington D.C. from Kansas in 1998 to attend graduate school at The George Washington Elliott School of International Affairs. She subsequently spent a decade in that field. Looking for a change, she chose a career in dog training after her rescue dog Bryn became highly reactive. As many of you know, it's not easy having a reactive dog in an urban environment, and she became inspired to do everything she could to make Bryn's life as stress-free as possible. As a result, she began studying with the Animal Behavior College in 2009 and then completed an apprenticeship with Kissable Canine prior to joining their team of trainers. Jamie lost her Bryn in August 2010 to a rare immunological disorder, but she continues to inspire her on a daily basis. In addition to her work with Kissable Canine, Jamie is a volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. She has also studied with renown positive trainer Pat Miller at her Peaceable Paws Academy and is a graduate of her Level 1 Canine Behavior and Training Intern Academy. She has an interest in TTouch and is working toward her certification. Jamie is also studying for the only nationally recognized dog training certification sponsored by the Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Jamie is a member of:
In her free time, Jamie is enjoying spending time with her recently adopted Newfoundland, Uka. They take daily walks in and around Arlington and are frequent visitors at local dog parks. Ashley Valm Ashley Valm is a trainer with Spot On Training. Ashley began training dogs through the Washington Humane Society's Shelter Training and Enrichment program, where she helped adoptable dogs learn behaviors that would help them get adopted and stay in their new homes. She continues to volunteer with WHS on a weekly basis. Ashley joined Spot on Training in 2010. She teaches group classes at the studio, helps dog owners with private sessions, presents one-night seminars on a variety of topics. Ashley is a member of:
Ashley and her husband live on Capitol Hill with their two dogs, Mattie and Tater. Ashley has a special interest in working with rescue and shelter dogs, as well as finding new ways to make training fun and interesting for owners and their dogs! Jackie Cook Jackie Cook is the Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Manager with Metro Mutts, as well as a part time trainer with Spot On Training. Jackie has always loved dogs and grew up with a household of animals, but did not venture into the pet industry professionally until 2002 when she started dog walking for a local company in Los Angeles where she was living at the time. Initially this job was thought to be a fun hiatus from working in the sometime stressful world of non-profits, but it was actually a great start to an education in dog behavior that still continues today. Working with such a large variety of dogs (and their different issues) everyday really piqued her interest to learn more, but it wasn't until 2007 when she was back in Washington, DC and adopted a puppy that she really motivated to make working with dogs her career. Jackie then began working for an Arlington based pet care company where she managed a large team of dog walkers and also started as an apprentice in their dog training department. This apprenticeship later turned into an Assistant Trainer position and the opportunity to teach group classes, while also reading tons of books on dog behavior and attending various seminars including two APDT conferences. Jackie then joined Metro Mutts in February of 2011 when she was hired to create and launch the dog walking service line. Because of Jackie's training background, the walking service has a focus on reinforcing good manners such as polite greetings, loose leash walking and asking a dog to sit before being leashed or crossing the street. Metro Mutts and Spot On Training have many shared clients who love knowing all the work they do in private sessions or group classes can be maintained with their dog walker. Jackie's special area of interest is reactive dog classes since her own dog is well behaved and lovable, but has issues with confidence and being around other dogs. Despite this, she still finds a way for him to enjoy a wonderful life full of long walks, doggie playdates with friends, daily retrieving games in the park and when the weather allows, hiking and swimming adventures. Jackie is a member of:
She's currently studying to take the CPDT-KA certification exam next year. She also enjoys writing articles on both dog and cat behavior and has been featured in several local publications including the Hill Rag. Jackie is long time resident of Capitol Hill and shares her life and home with husband Maurice, Boxer/Lab mix Hank and Grandido the cat. |
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