About
Owner and Instructor:
Jodie Varner
Jodie A. Varner, BS, officially began training companion animals in 2005 at Moongazer Canine Companion Training assisting in all levels of instruction. When Moongazer relocated to Boston, Jodie decided it was time to continue the unique approach of positive training in the C-U area and opened JODIE VEE'S in 2010. She earned her Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Evansville and became an American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator in 2008. Other certifications include (AKCTT) AKC Temperament Evaluator, AKC Tricks Evaluator, Alliance of Therapy Dogs Tester/Observer, and AKC Fetch! judge. Jodie is a Professional Member of the Association of Profession Dog Trainers (APDT) using the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach, Professional Member of the the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals and a member of the International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA).
LIMA requires that trainers and behavior consultants use the “least intrusive, minimally aversive technique likely to succeed in achieving a training (or behavior change) objective with minimal risk of producing aversive side affects.” It is also a competence criterion, requiring that trainers and behavior consultants be adequately trained and skilled in order to ensure that the least intrusive and aversive procedure is in fact used.
She has always had a passion to help people and pets and is an advocate for the humane treatment of all living beings. Jodie has attended numerous seminars including seminars with well-known trainers such as John Rogerson, Robin Bennett, and Susan Garrett to study new methods....and has traveled to England to study with well-known dog behaviorist and trainer, Richard Edge who also travels to the US to offer multiple day workshops at JODIE VEE’S. She has many certifications in areas including professional dog training, canine behavior, canine psychology, and canine massage.
She is heavily involved in therapy dog volunteering with her beagle Levi who is one of the dogs who visits people at Carle Hospital and was the first dog who was allowed in the Federal Courthouse in Urbana to help victims who were testifying. This passion has grown so much that she and three other partners have started COMPASS Pet Therapy specifically focusing on Therapy Animals.
Jodie (who was named after her dad's favorite beagle) enjoys spending time with her dogs and guinea pigs when not helping others with their canines!
Just a few of the my special friends throughout the years…..some have crossed the rainbow bridge while others are still here. Each has taught me so much and loved unconditionally. They are with me always………..
