Our mission is simple:
To touch the lives of as many dogs as possible and be a positive influence in the world of canine training and behavior.
We would love to meet you and your dog.
Jamie L. Damato, CPDT, Founder and Training Director:
After attending DePaul University, with a major in Psychology and Communication, I worked as a Social Worker and Case Manager for a not-for profit organizations where I introduced a pet therapy program. From January 1996 through January 2000, I founded, owned and operated Out-U-Go! Pet Care Services in Oak Park. Additionally, I created, owned and operated Out-U-Go In-home veterinary service, worked at the Anti-Cruelty Society as an adoption counselor and kennel staff, and worked as an assistant at the Lincoln Park Zoo. After establishing my reputation in the community, I was brought on as the Shelter Director for the highly regarded Oak Park Animal Care League, where I was honored to run the shelter from 2001 to 2002. I have personally cared for and/or worked with more than 8,000 dogs throughout my career.
In September of 2003, I became one of the only 550 dog trainers in the entire world to have earned the prestigious title of CPDT, Certified Pet Dog Trainer.
My background and education also consists of working in veterinary hospitals and doing volunteer work with children and animals. In addition to graduating from Arizona Canine Academy, I have also received certification from Purdue University Veterinary School in Behavior Modification and Owner Education. I attend dozens of seminars, conferences and workshops all in the interest of increasing my knowledge base and gaining more insight into canine behavior. My professional interests include human-animal bond theories, agility, and working with canine aggression and behavior disorders. I also work as the behavior consultant for Pet Vets Animal Hospital in Oak Park, and am an active member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, International Association of Canine Professionals and The Trainers Network. Additionally, I am currently working on publishing my first book with the working title: Dogs Out and About: Living, Loving and Learning With Your City Dog!
Most recently, my staff and I officially “adopted” The City of Chicago Animal Care and Control as AnimalSense's philanthropy. Every week, the AnimalSense staff meets at the shelter to assist the shelter staff with temperament testing stray dogs living at the shelter in pursuit of aiding the shelter to find the most appropriate homes for each unwanted dog.
Animal Sense is the culmination of my education, interests and passions.
When I'm not working with your dogs, I stay crazy busy with my brood: Sam, a Beagle-Terrier Mix, Liddie, a Belgian Malinois -Doberman Pincher Mix and the newly acquired Oodle the Toy Poodle who I recently adopted from Chicago Care and Animal Control. Let us not forget my silly African Grey Parrot, Tahoe, and the fat grey kitty, Wrigley. Additionally, I personally rescue, foster and re-home several dogs & cats each year. For non-doggy fun, I volunteer with Girls On The Run, an after-school program for high risk young girls to help them realize their personal goals through fitness. I am also a head coach for Together We Tri - Where I coach, train for and compete in triathlons.
Please click on the names below to meet my FABULOUS training team and support staff, without whom AnimalSense would not be possible!
