About

Pets are family members, and it can be stressful when your companion has behavior problems. Wiggles and Woofs helps animal guardians resolve canine behavior concerns using positive, ethical, effective methods that are based in science.

Wiggles and Woofs utilizes a LIMA-based philosophy and uses modern, rewards-based methods to modify behavior. We do not use aversive tools or techniques that are frightening, painful, or uncomfortable for pets.

Jen Gumas

Owner, Founder, and Lead Trainer

CPDT-KA, CDBC, CBATI-KSA, M.Ed.

Meet Jen Gumas, the owner and lead trainer at Wiggles and Woofs! After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 2005, Jen began volunteering with Seattle Animal Shelter after moving to Seattle in 2007. Through walking and fostering dogs with the shelter, she gained experience working with many sizes and breeds of dogs.

Jen earned her credentials as a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and is a certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

After re-locating to the east side, Jen began volunteering with Seattle Humane’s Dog Behavior and Socialization team and Behavior Program, working with some of the shelter’s most challenging dogs. Jen later became a dog training instructor for Seattle Humane’s dog training classes that were open to both adopters and the public prior to the pandemic.

In October 2019, Jen attended the Official BAT School and became a CBATI-KSA (certified BAT instructor). She also set up Seattle’s Eastside BAT Group on Facebook to grow and connect the community of dog guardians interested in learning more about BAT in the greater Seattle area.

In 2021, Jen worked with a group of local trainers to launch the Humane Alliance of Rescue Trainers (HART), a national organization that connects rescue animals with behavior needs to free training and behavior consulting. She also teaches a pay-what-you-can Learn to Speak Dog seminar monthly to help people better understand their canine companions.

Jen regularly attends conferences and webinars to stay up-to-date on modern training methods and best practices. One of her favorite professional development experiences was attending a week-long intensive course at the Karen Pryor National Training Center, where she honed her training skills working with goats and donkeys!

As a former National Board Certified Teacher with a master’s degree in education, Jen’s teaching style reflects her knowledge of best practices for both human and canine learning. It’s Jen’s philosophy that dog trainers must excel at working with both dogs and their guardians to help families succeed in living happily with their pets.

Jen enjoys working with dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds. She especially appreciates working with rescue dogs and helping families develop good relationships with their adopted pets. Fearful and reactive dogs hold a special place in her heart.

A strong believer in giving back, Jen looks forward to continuing to help dogs with behavioral challenges in our community. When she’s not at work or volunteering, you can often find Jen hiking with her adopted miniature schnauzer, Ada.

See what Wiggles and Woofs is all about on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok