Who are The Puppy Ladies?
We bring passion, education, and over two decades of experience to our work. The Puppy Ladies are Tallahassee’s puppy experts serving all of Leon County. We’re the only local trainers focused exclusively on puppies, offering a variety of services to fit your dog and your schedule.
We use the humane methods of positive reinforcement, grounded in the science of operant conditioning, for the quickest, most effective training results. Since choke chains, shock collars, and punishment can result in behavior problems, we use natural rewards like treats, praise, and play to motivate our clients’ puppies. Best of all, positive reinforcement works!
Jean Hewitt, CEO
20+ Years of experience / Certified Dog Trainer
A certified professional trainer since 1999 and the founder of The Puppy Ladies, Jean has offered a wealth of expert services to her clients and their dogs, including private training, group classes, basic and advanced obedience, temperament testing, assessments for rescue groups and private clients.
Jean founded Mind Your Manners Dog Training and Behavior early in her career. Inspired by her daughter’s observation that all well-behaved dogs begin as puppies, Jean focused her business on her true passion, working with the youngest of dogs to produce happy and confident canine ambassadors.
With a Masters Degree in elementary school education and science, Jean continues to study and practice the most current training methods, which she puts to work with her clients. She’s a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and regularly attends their annual conference.
Continued Education:
Pet Professional Guild Summit, November 2017 :
Why “Balanced Training” Can Lead To Mental Imbalance For Dogs
Dr. Karen Overall, DVM
The Evolution Of Science- Based Training From 1938-2010
Bob Bailey
Research on the Behavioral Difference between Puppies Obtained from Pet Stores and from Non-Commercial Breeders
Dr. Franklin D. Mcmillan, DVM
Canine Stereotypic Behavior: Research on Causes and Treatment
Dr. Nathanial Hall
Dog Bites in Children: A Behavioral Perspective
Dr. IIana Reisner, DVM
Ethical Dilemmas Working Session
Pat Miller, CDT
Puppy Programs
Dog Tec
Dogs & Storks - Preparing your dog for a newborn baby - March 2019
Dogs & Toddlers - March 2019
Dog-Dog Group Dynamics Healthy Interaction Vs Aggression - July 2013
Sue Stenberg
Bite-O-Meter Behavior Workshop - July 2013
Sue Sternberg
The Instructor Training Course for Professionals - May 2013
Sue Sternberg and Pia Silvani
Basic Canine Socialization Communication Human Directed Aggression Interdog Aggression Anxiety/Fears/Phobias - November 2012
Dr. Terry Curtis, DVM
An Up-to-the-Minute Update on Canine Communication - January 2012
Dr. Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAD
An Alternative to Rank-Based Training Methodologies - January 2012
Kathy Sdao, MA, AcAAB
Adolescent Dogs - March 2010
Ian Dunbar
Aggression Cover-to-Cover - October 2009
Dr. Sophia Yin DVM, MS
Feedback & Reviews
We have worked with hundreds of dog owners throughout our many years in business, below is a few of our many satisfied clients.
Jean is clearly very knowledgable about puppy training. It was a tremendously positive experience for both us and our two pups. We will certainly be continuing.
Pat Dudley
Puppy Owner
Great class for all levels of dogs. They know what they're talking about and have an awesome facility to get your dog acquainted with many of life's new experiences.
Daniel Nelson
Puppy Owner
The Puppy Ladies know what they are doing! They have given me so many great tips on how to train my puppy. They are patient with all the dogs and owners.
Carolyn Sanders
Puppy Owner