Beginning July, 2013, we became a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild, an association for force-free pet professionals.
http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/
http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/
Julie also became Fear Free Certified as a veterinary professional after rigorous course-work and examination in 2017. She became Level 2 Fear Free Certified in 2019. Unlike the unregulated field of dog training, veterinary medicine does hold its members to higher standards of care and well-being. Julie has taken the extra steps to become certified even further for behavior and she has taken her pledge with the Fear Free Board.
About Awesome Paws
Awesome Paws Academy, located in Southeastern WI, is dedicated to in-home pet training throughout SE Wisconsin and NE Illinois. The owner, Julie Westphal, a Credentialed Veterinary Technician (licensed in the state of Wisconsin), is an experienced reinforcement & motivational instructor who helps owners shape new and modify old behaviors. She has been actively training and educating the public since May of 2002, but started in animal care and husbandry in Jan 2001, where her love of beginning to mould puppies, kittens...and rats began. She fell in love with the sport of Schutzhund in the Fall of 2004 and started to compete in AKC Obedience, Rally-O, and Tracking in 2005. She and her dogs have earned certifications and titles in many sports venues and have even been featured in online media, including a 2020 CBS 58 news story: https://www.cbs58.com/news/dog-obedience-training-in-a-bar-setting-monday-evening-at-hosed-on-brady
Her first dog, Guinness (the Doberman), has earned his Trick Dog championship (the 3rd Doberman in the world to do so), his: CGC, WAC, RN, BH, ETD, CA, CD, RA, NAP, 1/3 NFP, CGCA, Longevity, Versatility. He has also been a certified Therapy Dog (until Schutzhund protection work dictated he be retired as such, per the requirements of TDI) and has even dabbled in Search and Rescue training. He was re-certified as a Therapy Dog in November 2013. Sadly, on August 9th, 2016, Guinness crossed The Bridge ahead of Julie after a battle fought hard against a primary lung mass (happens in less than 1% of all dogs; we knew he was special, but Julie told him that was a bit rediculous...). He knew he was surrounded by love as they said goodbye at 9:25pm. The story unfolds here: http://paws4reflection.weebly.com/personal-reflections/a-vet-techs-farewell-to-her-best-friend. He was a true Dobie Ambassador, who helped show the world that the stereotypical "bad" Doberman does not have to exist and that with proper training, you can have an obedient, FUN, dog! You can follow Guinness's legacy here: https://www.facebook.com/GuinnessTheDoberman
There was an amazing gift to Julie on Thanksgiving, 2016, when Emerald Eire's Harper (she is on our Emerald Eire Dobermanns page) came to Julie's home and helped ease some of the heartache caused with Guinness's absence. Harper earned her Novice Trick Dog title (NTD) at 14.5 weeks of age, has also now earned her CGC and Therapy Dog certifications.
Sherlock, the Olde English Bulldog, was being fostered by Julie in 2018 from special needs rescue, Hudson's Halfway Home, and was officially adopted by Julie 2 months later, now also having his Therapy Dog certification, Novice Trick title and continuing.
Argos and Psyche are the proud Doberman additions to Julie's life (Psyche is looking for an active working home and a Forever Family still) and follow in their parents footsteps, going for their CGC and Therapy Dog certifications as soon as they are old enough. Tricks titles are in the works already and we have ongoing aspirations in many dog sports for Mr. Argos.
Her first dog, Guinness (the Doberman), has earned his Trick Dog championship (the 3rd Doberman in the world to do so), his: CGC, WAC, RN, BH, ETD, CA, CD, RA, NAP, 1/3 NFP, CGCA, Longevity, Versatility. He has also been a certified Therapy Dog (until Schutzhund protection work dictated he be retired as such, per the requirements of TDI) and has even dabbled in Search and Rescue training. He was re-certified as a Therapy Dog in November 2013. Sadly, on August 9th, 2016, Guinness crossed The Bridge ahead of Julie after a battle fought hard against a primary lung mass (happens in less than 1% of all dogs; we knew he was special, but Julie told him that was a bit rediculous...). He knew he was surrounded by love as they said goodbye at 9:25pm. The story unfolds here: http://paws4reflection.weebly.com/personal-reflections/a-vet-techs-farewell-to-her-best-friend. He was a true Dobie Ambassador, who helped show the world that the stereotypical "bad" Doberman does not have to exist and that with proper training, you can have an obedient, FUN, dog! You can follow Guinness's legacy here: https://www.facebook.com/GuinnessTheDoberman
There was an amazing gift to Julie on Thanksgiving, 2016, when Emerald Eire's Harper (she is on our Emerald Eire Dobermanns page) came to Julie's home and helped ease some of the heartache caused with Guinness's absence. Harper earned her Novice Trick Dog title (NTD) at 14.5 weeks of age, has also now earned her CGC and Therapy Dog certifications.
Sherlock, the Olde English Bulldog, was being fostered by Julie in 2018 from special needs rescue, Hudson's Halfway Home, and was officially adopted by Julie 2 months later, now also having his Therapy Dog certification, Novice Trick title and continuing.
Argos and Psyche are the proud Doberman additions to Julie's life (Psyche is looking for an active working home and a Forever Family still) and follow in their parents footsteps, going for their CGC and Therapy Dog certifications as soon as they are old enough. Tricks titles are in the works already and we have ongoing aspirations in many dog sports for Mr. Argos.
More About Julie
She currently instructs all stages of Obedience, Tracking, Rally, Tricks, organizes all of the public educational Seminars and Events, as well as oversees the Lodge N Learn and New Instructor Programs. In addition, she has instructed classes and held Seminars/Games Days/and other events at: Cudahy Kennel Club, The Woof, the UDC Doberman Nationals, several of the Animal Wellness Centers, Bay View Bark, Belle City Veterinary Hospital, Clover Pup Salon, and various other locations for animal rescues.
She is proudly referred to by: The Woof, Magnolia Springs Veterinary Center, employees of WVRC, employees of Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists, Animal Wellness Centers of: Oak Creek, Burlington, Waukesha, and Fond du Lac. In addition, she receives referrals from: Belle City Veterinary Hospital, North Shore Animal Hospital, Animal Clinic in Sussex, Waukesha Small Animal Hospital, Wales Animal Clinic, Mobile Pet Doctor, Pet Partners, Harris Pet Hospital, Clover Pup Grooming Salon and few others we may be forgetting.
We also have many rescue organization referrals from: Northcentral Maltese Rescue, HOPE Safehouse, Hudson's Halfway Home, Tailwaggers 911, Lucky Mutts Rescue, JR'sPups N Stuff, Friends of Rescued Mastiffs, & Doberman Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin.
Julie is additionally available for Seminars and educational speaking by request, like she has done at The Woof, Mount Carmel Lutheran Church and the Northcentral Maltese Annual Picnics.
She is proudly referred to by: The Woof, Magnolia Springs Veterinary Center, employees of WVRC, employees of Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists, Animal Wellness Centers of: Oak Creek, Burlington, Waukesha, and Fond du Lac. In addition, she receives referrals from: Belle City Veterinary Hospital, North Shore Animal Hospital, Animal Clinic in Sussex, Waukesha Small Animal Hospital, Wales Animal Clinic, Mobile Pet Doctor, Pet Partners, Harris Pet Hospital, Clover Pup Grooming Salon and few others we may be forgetting.
We also have many rescue organization referrals from: Northcentral Maltese Rescue, HOPE Safehouse, Hudson's Halfway Home, Tailwaggers 911, Lucky Mutts Rescue, JR'sPups N Stuff, Friends of Rescued Mastiffs, & Doberman Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin.
Julie is additionally available for Seminars and educational speaking by request, like she has done at The Woof, Mount Carmel Lutheran Church and the Northcentral Maltese Annual Picnics.
Because Experience Matters
Julie not only has the benefits of a veterinary medical background (she holds her license as CVT in Wisconsin), but a strong and solid behavioral background that is based in science and learning theory. She started Awesome Paws Academy to help those owners who have home-based problems or simply cannot attend class or come into a facility. Being an active member in the veterinary field allows her to bring the medical aspect into her pet training programs (such as the benefits of proper nutrition and supplements, veterinary care, and even diagnostic recommendations to rule out physical ailments), but she has also been a member of the: Pet Professional Guild, United Doberman Club, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, DVG (German parent Schutzhund Club), Wisconsin’s Cudahy Kennel Club, and the Meridian Working Dog Club in Decatur, Illinois. She was a speaker at the 2006 UDC Nationals, and has been published in the UDC’s Focus magazine. More recently, she has became certified as a Level 2 Fear Free Professional, holds her CPNC for pet nutrition consulting and has certificates in Animal Psychology and Dog Behavior & Training, issued by the International Council for Online Educational Standards (www.icoes.org) which is the accrediting body for establishing and maintaining online educational standards.
She started with a FELINE and taught Jasper obedience and Agility using treats, laser light, and toys. She then began teaching a rat named Serena litter-box training, agility, and some obedience cues. She has worked with several birds now for handling/husbandry as well as one horse for clicker training hoof care and also trained a Tetra fish to weave swords in the gravel of the tank, go "through" the castle tunnel, and then "jump" a milk ring...all for fish food and with a light pointer. ANY species can learn new behaviors...and you don't need pain, fear, and anxiety to teach them.
She is an "unofficial foster" mom for all pets and has taken in dogs who would otherwise have been euthanized for aggression and medical concerns, an approved pet foster mom for the Northcentral Maltese Rescue, American Belgian Malinois Club Rescue, Doberman Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin, and a volunteer for several other local shelters and rescues, whether in transport or educational/seminars. She attends continuing educational seminars for the ever-changing training fields and has or has held certification in many areas including: Veterinary Technician, Reiki Level 1, Clicker Training, and Canine Good Citizen Evaluation. She has also been featured at local pet fairs, in a UW-Milwaukee documentary on animal behavior, and arranges Rummage for Rescue fundraising events.
She started with a FELINE and taught Jasper obedience and Agility using treats, laser light, and toys. She then began teaching a rat named Serena litter-box training, agility, and some obedience cues. She has worked with several birds now for handling/husbandry as well as one horse for clicker training hoof care and also trained a Tetra fish to weave swords in the gravel of the tank, go "through" the castle tunnel, and then "jump" a milk ring...all for fish food and with a light pointer. ANY species can learn new behaviors...and you don't need pain, fear, and anxiety to teach them.
She is an "unofficial foster" mom for all pets and has taken in dogs who would otherwise have been euthanized for aggression and medical concerns, an approved pet foster mom for the Northcentral Maltese Rescue, American Belgian Malinois Club Rescue, Doberman Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin, and a volunteer for several other local shelters and rescues, whether in transport or educational/seminars. She attends continuing educational seminars for the ever-changing training fields and has or has held certification in many areas including: Veterinary Technician, Reiki Level 1, Clicker Training, and Canine Good Citizen Evaluation. She has also been featured at local pet fairs, in a UW-Milwaukee documentary on animal behavior, and arranges Rummage for Rescue fundraising events.
The Mission
Julie's life's goal is (and has always been) to help pet owners strengthen their human-animal bond to the utmost possible level and create wonderful relationships that are based on trust, clear communication, and understanding.
We at Awesome Paws truly believe that you should never settle for just any trainer in the education of yourself or your pet. Find a trainer you can relate to, communicate openly with when you have concerns and have all questions answered completely. ONLY allow a trainer to do what YOU feel is right. NEVER let them take the leash unless you are Completely comfortable with what they're about to do. If you don't follow these basic guideline, you'll only end up regretting it.
Whether with Awesome Paws, or another training facility, we wish you success!
Happy Training!
We at Awesome Paws truly believe that you should never settle for just any trainer in the education of yourself or your pet. Find a trainer you can relate to, communicate openly with when you have concerns and have all questions answered completely. ONLY allow a trainer to do what YOU feel is right. NEVER let them take the leash unless you are Completely comfortable with what they're about to do. If you don't follow these basic guideline, you'll only end up regretting it.
Whether with Awesome Paws, or another training facility, we wish you success!
Happy Training!
