Meet Jess
Jess Ward, MA
Canine Behavior Consultant
Village Canine
(she/they)
Jess is a Canine Behavior Consultant with two decades of professional canine experience in animal husbandry, canine behavioral health, and behavior modification in the DC metro area. As Village Canine, Jess extends her knowledge and expertise to directly support pet parents and their dogs through application of a fear-free, scientific approach to dog training & behavior modification.
Jess is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience with George Mason University’s Animal Behavior Lab. She is studying urban life on canine behavior, how stressors impact neurological development in animals, and the impact of choice and autonomy on positive canine behavior. She also teaches undergraduate courses in learning theory and behavior modification in GMU’s psychology department. Jess is working toward certification with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Through both research and applied experience, Jess is dedicated to improving animal welfare by connecting science with realistic methods to support behavioral understanding without the use of aversive tools and techniques. Jess aims to improve canine socialization and training practices, build strong human-canine relationships through trust, and address gaps in behavioral support for dogs and their humans.
Jess has a deep interest in comparative animal behavior. In 2024, she completed a research fellowship studying natural behavior presentation of captive-raised elephants in northern Thailand to aid in welfare, re-wilding, and reforestation initiatives. Jess also gained perspective on village dog behavior and human-dog interactions in SE Asia, highlighting a need for improved socialization and husbandry practices in urban areas.
Jess is an Arlington native and attended Arlington Public Schools, graduating from W-L High School, then receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business Administration from Franklin Pierce University (Rindge, NH) where she graduated with academic, leadership, and athletic honors. Jess completed a Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology before beginning her doctoral studies in behavioral neuroscience.
Meet Kono
Kono “Konostertoaster” Ward
Lurcher, 7 years old
“In January 2020, I was placed with a new foster dog. He made the long trip from Hawaii to DC at around 2 years old. Severely underweight and with a lot of healed (and healing) scars, I knew he had been through a lot in his short life. But he was so sweet and trusting, like he was thankful.
From the streets of Kauai to city life in the DMV, his transition was challenging. I had to find ways to enrich his life with adventure, exploration, and making lots of canine friends along the way. Finding natural ways to manage his stress allowed him to start enjoying his new life.
Renamed Kono, which means “invited” in the native Hawaiian language, he has lived up to his name. He has helped socialize, rehabilitate, and model behavior for hundreds of dogs and puppies in the DMV. Kono has unmatched fluidity in his social interactions, giving appropriate communication and setting clear and consistent boundaries with little guidance from me. He invites dogs to learn how to be dogs. Kono embodies all his teachings; a true educator.”
Jess Ward, Village Canine
Village Canine’s purpose is to inspire owners to learn from their dogs by building strong connections through trust.
Meet Fizzy
Fizz “HBIC” Ward
Heeler Mix, 6 years old
Fizzy prefers to stay anonymous but agreed to be interviewed for this bio.
“Fizz came into my life as a very sick 10-week-old puppy, rescued from less than ideal conditions. Once recovered from pneumonia, she quickly showed her true self, transforming from a scared puppy to a brilliant, loyal dog. However, she is a sensitive soul who needs lots of reassurance that all is safe.
Always on alert, we work on relaxation, desensitization, & counter-conditioning whenever encountering new things, and sometimes old things. We work slowly to foster her confidence, allow for opportunities for consent. Life in the city should not have been in the cards for this spicy girl, but she’s thirving anyway.
Fizzy was 8 months old when she met Kono. Her life changed forever that day. Within an hour, they were having a parkor party through the house, and they have spent everyday together since.”
Jess Ward, Village Canine
Serving Arlington County, Surrounding Areas, & Virtually
Behavioral & Training Resources
Build your dog’s confidence, grow their abilities, and give them the happiest life possible.
Canine Body Language Support
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