MEET OUR TRAINING STAFF

 

Jess Nohr, Training Manager
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)

 

Jess’ journey with Bark+Boarding began in 2019 when she started working as a Pet Care Concierge. Growing up with dogs, she’s always had a natural affinity for them, but it was her time at B+B that reignited her passion and curiosity about dog behavior. Eager to learn more, she pursued certification through the Karen Pryor Academy, solidifying her commitment to positive reinforcement training.

Her true joy lies in teaching our Staff and dog owners about canine communication and behavior. Jess believes that training should be a joyful journey, a means to strengthen the bond between owners and their dogs.

Her goal is to break the notion that training is a chore; rather, it's an opportunity to build a profound connection with your four-legged friend. Jess is passionate about teaching people to provide appropriate outlets for their dogs, allowing them to engage in natural behaviors.

What she finds most rewarding is witnessing the "aha" moments—when both dogs and their owners grasp the intricacies of the training process. Outside of training sessions, Jess shares her life with two huskies, JoJo and Luca. Together they enjoy trail walks, romps at the dog park and baking (JoJo and Luca are the BEST taste testers around!)

Louis Johnson
Trainer

Louis’ journey into dog training sprouted from a foundation in therapy dog work. Louis' genuine kindness and unwavering care make him the go-to trainer for dogs seeking not just instruction but a heartfelt connection.

Louis’ approach is personalized for each pup's unique personality. Drawing inspiration from his own dynamic duo – Roman, the energetic Bichon Chihuahua mix, and Chanel, the super-friendly lab and “Official Greeter of B+B” – Louis tailors his training methods to embrace the diversity of canine personalities.

Louis believes the most rewarding aspect of his job is witnessing the transformation in owners as their pups find confidence and happiness. From initial uncertainty to complete trust, Louis's training is a journey that fosters not only well-behaved dogs but also a true sense of joy in his canine companions.

Akshay Harkhani
Structured Daycare Staff + Daycare Supervisor

1. What's your favorite dog breed and why? My favorite dog breed is a Golden Retriever because I think they are extremely beautiful, very friendly, really playful.

2.If you were a dog, what breed do you think you'd be, and why? I'd be a golden retriever, because I think we share similar qualities like how friendly we are, always happy and goofy at times. I feel like that is me. 

3. What's your favorite part of being part of the Structured Daycare team? My favorite part of being part of the Structured Daycare team is that you get to see all the "misfit" dogs that have behavioral issues mature into these confident, playful dogs. It Is quite motivating to see that. 

4. Tell us about your pets at home. Do you have any four-legged friends? I have two cats: Mooncake is the older one, she is 6 years. she is a long haired domestic house cat. Pennylane is the younger one, she is 5 years, she is a short haired domestic house cat. They are both rescues from Kenya which is where I am from. 

5. If you could communicate with dogs for a day, what would you ask them? I would ask dogs why do they eat their own or other dogs/animals poop.  HA!

Hope Capo
Structured Daycare Staff

  1. What's your favorite dog breed and why? All of them. Every dog has their own traits 

  2. If you were a dog, what breed do you think you'd be, and why? A golden retriever. I’m loyal but I also don’t take things seriously (when it’s not needed).

  3. Tell us about your pets at home. Do you have any four-legged friends? I have a lab mix named Ace who is almost 2, he’s a sweetheart. And I also have a Terrier mix named Issa. She is about 6 months.  

  4. What's your secret talent that not many people know about? I can do a backflip!

  5. What's your favorite part of being part of the Structured Daycare team? Getting more one-on-one time with dogs and getting to know their personalities better. 

Jimena Etchebarne-Bourdin
Structured Daycare Staff

  1. What's your favorite dog breed and why? I honestly don’t have a favorite dog breed, but if I had to choose it would be a rescue. That’s my favorite dog breed:) Any and all rescues. 

  2. What's your go-to trick to make a dog's day extra special? If I see a dog having some trouble in daycare, for example they’re a bit shy or anxious, I make sure to give them one on one attention, cuddles and kisses, and try to make them feel more comfortable. I make sure they know they’re safe and that we love them:) 

  3. If you were a dog, what breed do you think you'd be, and why? A boxer for sure. I have lots of energy, I’m goofy and I love kids. I love being active and social. I’m also pretty clumsy!

  4. What's your favorite part of being part of the Structured Daycare team? My favorite part is seeing the change in dogs. The part where our hard work actually pays off and that particular dog’s behavior is improving. That’s the beauty of being in structured daycare: making a difference in a dogs life. 

  5. Tell us about your pets at home. Do you have any four-legged friends? I have four mutts. All rescues, and one is handicapped. He had parvo when I got him at 9 weeks old and then lost his ability to walk 2 weeks after that. But he’s my miracle baby:) And him and his siblings are my world. I have two boys and two girls: Jack, Jude, Roxie and Tabaré. They’re all bilingual and they each have a different personality. Tabaré is the oldest and the one who keeps everyone in line. Jack is my special needs baby and he LOVES to cuddle. Jude is the most playful one of all and Roxie is so gentle and loving. I adore them to pieces:)