owner and head-trainer
jenifer vickery

Jenifer has been helping dogs and their owners develop enjoyable lifelong partnerships since 1993, when she began working with Lance Woodley of the Compatible Canine Center in Brookline, MA. In 1998 she started the pawsitive dog where she has continued to make a difference for dogs and their owners for more than two decades. In addition to helping owners create the adaptable, adjustable dogs they are looking for, she is known for her Breed Consults (designed to match potential owners with the right breed for them) and for Barks and Babies (where she coaches expectant mothers (and fathers) on preparing their "first baby' for the arrival of their new baby). While she no longer leads workshops at Isis Parenting she continues to offer these unique sessions at + dog and via phone consults to dog lovers around the country.

She holds an Associate's Degree in Applied Animal Science from Cazenovia College in New York, a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with graduate work at Boston University and has participated in thousands of training seminar, lecture, workshop and clinic hours.

Jenifer has competed locally, regionally and nationally in obedience and rally and has titled dogs under the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club and Schutzhund USA. Jenifer and her dog "Traak" competed in the 2001 and 2002 All-Star Obedience Championships, attaining the highest overall score among competing German Shepherds both years.  In addition to qualifying for the 2008 All-Star Obedience Championship in rally, she has helped numerous students qualify and compete in both obedience and rally at the regional and national level. She is currently not competing, preferring to use that time to help everyday owners and their dogs develop enjoyable lifelong partnerships.

A previous instructor at the Boston Center for Adult Education and past guest on WBCN (104.1 FM) Radio on Mat Schaefer's Sunday Morning Review program (click here to listen to Jen on WBCN.), she has also been a guest blogger for SmartPak, is a published author in Animal Wellness Magazine, Equine Wellness Magazine & Canadian Dogs and a noted expert in several training articles, including The Wall Street Journal and Boston Globe.

With a combined total of more than 75,000 professional dog training hours, she has been teaching and training more than half her lifetime.

head trainer
francis holder

Francis has been training dogs professionally since 1997 when he began working with Lance Woodley of the Compatible Canine Center in Brookline, MA. He received his Associates Degree in Canine Studies from Mount Ida College, where he went on to be an assistant professor for the program and in 2001 he joined + dog part-time, gradually transitioning to a full-time team member and head trainer.

In addition to teaching and training at + dog, Francis regularly assists New England police dogs via private instruction and seminars receiving the Commissioner's Commendation alongside Boston's finest. He is an active training helper for competitive sport dogs and is independently available for home visits throughout the greater Boston area.  If you'd like to read about Francis in action, click on the links below.

+ Featured on The Boston Herald Online, "Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog Grants," March 13, 2013 (visiting trainer, Francis Holder)

+ Featured in Worcester Telegram and Gazette, "Police dogs are put through their paces," June 17, 2010

+ Featured in K-9 Cop Magazine, "Proactive Deterrence," April-May 2010, page 17.

+ Featured in Nashua Telegraph, "Perfect Match: Merrimack officer and his new police dog," December 13, 2009.

One of the most sought-after dog trainers in Boston, Francis brings a wealth of information and experience to each of his clients, human and canine alike. With more than 30,000 teaching hours and over 10,000 dogs at the end of his leash, you can be certain his enthusiasm and expertise go beyond your expectations.

aileen whitty

The newest addition to the pawsitive dog team, Aileen is no stranger to animal behavior. A lifelong animal enthusiast and  professional dog walker, she has had hundreds of internship, clinic, lesson and behavior hours with multiple species in addition to undergraduate work at the University of New Hampshire. Her dedication to canines, equines and lifelong learning brought her to the + dog where she quickly became an integral part of the team.

A published author in The Bark and SearchPaws, she is quickly making a name for herself in the dog training industry and is sure to be a leading name in the next generation of trainers.