Jana Sowell - Animal Behaviorist

She helps canines realize that their master is the alpha dog.

Jana Sowell, an animal behaviorist/certified dog trainer and owner of three Pit Bills, is a dog coach, pet sitter, and a shelter volunter.(Source: Craigslist.org).

A resident of Benbrook, TX, she enrolled with Animal Behavior College in Jan. 2007.

"I became interested in the school because of my dogs who are pretty well-trained but I wanted a formal education," said Sowell. "I am not interested in getting rich. No one in this business should be. My goal is to educate anyone who is willing to learn about their dog's behavior and what they can do to change it."

Sowell also volunteers with Sansom Park Animal Shelter and is working with the City of Benbrook to build a dog park. She is also working on a free dog/human matchmaking service.

"By doing this I hope to cut down on shelter dogs by matching people's personalities to the correc type and energy level of dog," Sowell explained.

Sowell stated she has always been interested in dog behavior. Owning her first dog made her realize how much people do not understand the way that dogs think, she says.

"I have had dogs before but childhood experiences really don't count when it comes to raising a puppy," said Sowell. "I began reading everything I could to educate myself. There is a shelter dog epidemic. I, unfortunately used to be one of those people contributing to the problem with backyard breeding. I am now a strong support of spay and neuter and try to talk to everyone I hear talking about breeding their pets out of it. Also most dogs in shelters are there because their parents did not understand them."

Sowell revealed that most people choose their dog based on color or breed but they don't take into account breed characteristics.

"Yes, a Lab is cute, but it is also a very hyper, powerful dog that needs constant physical and mental exercise," she said. "Each case is unusual in its own way."

One of Sowell's favorites is a dog named Dallas, a Bull Terrier puppy who loves bananas and her friend Flirt who is a Smooth Fox Terrier that has never played with toys.

"This is unusual because this type of dog is prey driven and should be extremely interested in toys," wrote Sowell. "I love helping people. I love coming back to their house week after week and seeing improvement. I love when the families really listen and practice. It's a very fulfilling job."

Sowell said it really is hard for her to go into someone's house and tell them what they are doing wrong.

"It's a hard job sometimes but my background in restaurant management comes in handy," she said. "I make it fun and usually make them admit it '" that is the first step to success."

Sowell said she likes to stay very personal.

"I have no intention of becoming a huge business," she stated. "I want to connect with every client on a personal level. This is the best way to gain trust and be successful.I use some different techniques. They are all dog and owner-friendly and fun. Training will not be successful without that key ingredient. Frustration, anger, and forcing do not work. Dogs do not understand these things. I teach people what they do understand."