Board-certified applied animal behaviorist
Why is my dog behaving like this?Because they're trying to tell you something.I will teach you to listen.
Science-based behavior solutions for fearful, reactive, and anxious dogs. Serving the Antelope Valley and available nationwide by Zoom.
19+
years experience
MS
Tufts veterinary school
1 of 2
CAABs in LA County
Top
Sniffspot force-free trainer
Understanding Behavior. Changing the Conversation.
Dogs are always communicating with us. Through posture, facial expression, movement, and behavior, they are constantly telling us how they feel about the world around them. We just have to know how to listen.
My work focuses on understanding why a dog is behaving the way they are, helping both dog and human change the conversation that is happening between them. Rather than suppressing behavior through aversive tools or intimidation, we work to change the underlying emotional response to your dog's various "triggers" by building new associations that allow the dog to feel safer and more confident in the world.
I first got into this work because of my own dog, Cashew. She guarded high-value chews and would have "Cujo" moments, exploding in what I later learned was fear-driven defensive aggression, if approached while she was sleeping or deep in thought. I was given poor advice that increased her fear rather than helping her feel safe. Instead of finding another professional, I decided to become one and returned to school to study animal behavior and learning.
For every dog I work with, my first step is to determine the function of their current behavior: why do they do this, and what do they get out of it? From there, we find the best way to modify their behavior while still meeting that underlying need.
A big part of my work is teaching you how to read your dog. Most people just haven't learned what to look for, but once you can read those signals, you can step in before things escalate instead of reacting after they already have.
I use humane, science-based training methods including counter-conditioning, desensitization, and positive reinforcement. I do not use choke chains, prong collars, or electronic collars. I do not rely on fear or intimidation. My goal for your dog isn't a dog that's too afraid to misbehave; it's a dog that behaves well because they feel confident and safe.
Root cause, not symptoms
Many trainers rely on suppressing behaviors. I identify the emotional driver of the behavior and help the dog change their association toward that trigger.
Science, not dominance
Counter-conditioning, desensitization, and positive reinforcement — methods backed by behavioral research, not popular myth.
You learn too
80% of training your dog is training you. I teach you to read body language so you can respond before problems escalate.
“Jody made us feel successful immediately. The first session we saw progress.”
— Kim & Andy, adopted Penny from the pound
“Jody helped our big mastador (and me) work on some of his reactivity issues. I feel confident with the tools she provided and will continue to work with him on them. She's kind and our pup adored her.”
— Dhani R.
Services
How we work together
Start here
Behavior consultation
60–90 minutes. We discuss your dog's history, I observe their behavior, and I develop a customized plan. You'll receive a detailed follow-up with my assessment, management strategies, and step-by-step exercises.
“In just 8 sessions he's now able to calmly pass other dogs and even walk side by side knowing he's not allowed to greet them while on leash.”
— Heather B., about her golden retriever
“After just four sessions with Jody, the difference is night and day — our dog is walking beautifully on a leash, he's doing great with our son, and he's filing his own nails now on a nailboard!”
— Kristen K., recently adopted dog
Common challenges I help families navigate:
About Jody
I hold an MS in animal behavior from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and I am one of just two board-certified applied animal behaviorists (ACAAB) in Los Angeles County.
I have over 19 years of professional experience, 15 of which have focused on more challenging behaviors. I've been the behavior manager of two mid-sized humane societies and was head training instructor at the Academy of Pet Careers — the only full-time, hands-on trade school in the US dedicated exclusively to force-free training. After earning my ACAAB certification in 2021, I returned to private practice where I help families understand and navigate mild to complex behavior challenges. I also teach basic skills and manners, including puppy-start-right programs.
I was voted top force-free trainer in St. Charles and St. Louis for two consecutive years.
“He was a pretty unruly puppy, but you helped us teach him how to be a polite member of our family.”
— Sean, about Louis the GSD
“Jody helped us with our Lab/pit mix when we thought all hope was lost. She gave us the tools to be able to work with our not so friendly dog. We are so grateful to her.”
— Tabatha D.
“Your advice was the best we received and has helped enormously.”
— Pauline, about McKenzie's behavior
“It shows how much knowledge you have. My family praised Gzelle for how behaved she was.”
— Veronica
Ready to change the conversation?
Get StartedWed, Thu, Sat, Sun — 11am–6pm, by appointment only
Jody@NutzAboutMutz.com · Contact form
Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Acton & Santa Clarita · Nationwide by Zoom · Policies
© 2026 Nutz About Mutz · Jody Epstein, MS, ACAAB, CDBC, FFCP · Board-Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist