Don’t Worry Be Waggy is run by Vic Gasser, MSc, CPDT-KSA.
Vic has the best of both worlds: experience and education. She has been training pet dogs professionally for over 15 years, holds a CPDT-KSA, and two degrees in Animal Behavior. Her passion is helping pet dog parents strengthen their relationship with their companions through reward-based training methods and fun games.
Vic holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Behavior, Training, and Enrichment from Delaware Valley College (2011), and a Master’s of Science in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare from Newcastle University (2012). This formal education sets Vic apart from other dog trainers and has provided her with a strong foundation in canine behavior modification, learning theory, and even human counseling.
She is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA). She adheres to the code of ethics and follows the LIMA (least invasive, minimally aversive) training philosophy, which means you do not have to worry about whether her methods will harm your dog or your relationship with them.
The bulk of Vic’s career has been working in animal shelters as well as volunteering with animal rescues and fostering dogs and cats for many years. Working for 6 different animal shelters around the country, plus offering group classes and private dog training in those communities, has allowed her to experience how different people have different dog problems, and how to help them.
Vic’s dog training experience includes:
Helped fighting dogs in the city learn to live around other dogs safely.
Helped working sheep dogs and livestock guardian dogs learn to integrate from life outside to life in a house.
Helped high prey-driven dogs learn to be trusted off leash, in towns with no leash laws.
Helped terrified dogs from large hoarding cases learn to feel safe in the outside world.
When Vic was learning how to train dogs she was following along with what was popular on TV; lots of force and intimidation. As she continued her studies she realized that the methods she was using not only felt wrong, but didn’t line up with the science. If her classmates were interning at zoos, training lions and elephants without force, surely a pet dog could be trained the same way? Changing one’s beleifs and philosophy doesn’t happen over night, but Vic knew a change was for the best, even if it was difficult at times. It’s important to have enough self-awareness to be able to say “I was wrong, I can and will do better.”
Vic lives with her partner, his 2 kids, their dog Lovely, and cats Geordie and Wink, all of whom have been adopted (well, not the kids…).
Photos by Fusaro Photography
Reviews
We’ve helped these owners & pups get their wag back!
I’ve taken many of Vic’s classes with many of my dogs. She is professional and personable. She is able to explain concepts easily and without judgement. She makes dog training fun for the owners as well as the dogs. I highly recommend Vic to any dog owner for any behavioral concern (or even just for fun).
—Leslie K. & The Pack
Attended Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, & Reactive Rovers
We hired Vic to help us train our young lab on a regular basis for several months and only stopped training with Vic when she moved out of state. Vic is professional, kind and effective. Vic was so effective that we hired her to train June on a more continuous basis at her home for several days at a time. June was always a much more enjoyable and well behaved dog when she came home! Vic is truly a dog whisper.
—Karen K. & June
Attended Client Coaching sessions and did Board & Train
I’ve watched Vic work with so many different dogs—each with their own challenges. And she could always find a way to engage those dogs and to help them be successful. She’s also able to communicate effectively to people about how to train a dog and do it in such a way that they can see their progress!
—Carol B. & Erik
Attended Basic Obedience, Advance Obedience, and Reactive Rovers classes
Vic, you are truly the GREATEST! You have no idea how much you help us whether in person, zoom, and thereafter…the grounding you give us with your incredible guidance is truly the BEST! Thank you so much again!
—Peter & Margaret L. & Winston
Attended Virtual and In-Person Client Coaching sessions
Am I the right trainer for you?
Get in touch to get your training started!
