Gina DeStaffany is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) and a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT).

Gina’s goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to build a wonderful relationship between you and your dog through understanding, compassion, and guidance! This includes coaching the humans to better understand the “why” behind our dog’s behaviors; providing behavior modification plans rooted in the science of how dogs learn and behave; and modeling and training with your dog in humane, compassionate ways. Gina does not believe using pain, fear, or force in training is ever necessary or ethical, no matter the breed, age, or behavior needs.

Gina began her journey in dog behavior and coaching more than six years ago as a Coordinator for the Orange Dot Crew at Austin Animal Center in Austin, TX. The Orange Dot Crew works with the shelter’s highest-needs behavior dogs and implements positive reinforcement-based behavior modification and management plans to set them up for successful placements. Over the past six years, Gina helped hundreds of dogs in the shelter, successfully counseled fosters and adopters, and advocated on behalf of thousands of shelter animals.

Gina took the leap to marry her passion with her career in 2020 and began working full time as a trainer with Dog Possible Austin. After supporting Austin’s people and pups for years, Gina recently made the move to Colorado and started The Joyful Dog Co.!

Gina’s work will also forever be inspired by her two late adopted pups Gemma and Deli. Gina was lucky to have over ten years with Gemma and over four years with Deli before recently losing both to cancer. Throughout their time together, both pups helped Gina move away from the outdated idea of “obedience”. Gemma and Deli taught Gina the importance of meeting both their physical and mental needs, and ensuring they were not only physically safe, but truly felt safe to learn, grow, and let their personalities shine.

Both pups were true joy specialists - living life in the moment and to the fullest - something Gina hopes to share and instill in those she works with!