Meet Frankie Jackson | Certified Behavior Consultant (Canine)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frankie Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frankie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My background is in veterinary medicine, which gave me a strong foundation in animal care, but my real passion has always been animal behaviour. When I moved to the U.S., I was fortunate to join a thriving local dog training company. During my two years there, I learned so much: not just about dog behaviour and the training industry, but also about my own strengths and what I had to offer.

Starting my own business felt like the natural next step. It gave me the freedom to focus on the areas I’m most passionate about, and to build a service that reflects my values, my voice, and my vision for compassionate, science-based behaviour support.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is rooted in the belief that behaviour is communication, and that every dog, no matter their history or struggles, deserves to be understood with empathy and trained with kindness. I specialise in canine behaviour and fear-free, force-free training, offering science-backed support for dogs and their humans, especially those facing behavioural challenges like fear, reactivity, or anxiety.

What sets me apart is the combination of clinical veterinary knowledge and deep behavioural expertise, along with an ability to explain complex ideas in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and human. I don’t just help dogs – I help the people who love them navigate tough moments with confidence, humour, and heart.

I’m especially proud of the relationships I build with my clients. I want every person I work with to feel empowered, not judged. Many come to me after being made to feel like failures, often by outdated or punitive training methods. I love watching their confidence grow as they learn to advocate for their dog’s needs and celebrate even the smallest wins.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Like many trainers, I started with a solid understanding of animals, but building a business was a whole different skill set. I learned to value my time, set boundaries, and let go of perfectionism. Grief also shaped my journey. Losing Rook, my soul dog, was a devastating blow, but the bond we shared is woven into everything I teach. His legacy reminds me daily why this work matters.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about my story, it’s this: I don’t believe in “bad dogs.” I believe in overwhelmed dogs, misunderstood dogs, curious dogs, dogs navigating complex trauma. And I believe in their humans, too, even on the hard days. My work is about trust, connection, and helping both ends of the leash feel seen.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, it all depends on the season – Atlanta has a different kind of magic depending on the time of year, and I love leaning into that.

In the winter, I’d suggest we warm up with some live entertainment, maybe a comedy show or a local gig at one of the area’s many intimate venues. There’s always something happening in Atlanta if you know where to look, and laughter or music is the perfect way to shake off the chill.

In spring, it’s time to head outside. We’d lace up our hiking boots and wander Cochran Shoals or stroll somewhere peaceful along the Chattahoochee. There’s something about the fresh air, the water, and all that green coming back to life that just hits different.

Come summer, we’ve got two options: brave the heat or beat it. If we’re feeling adventurous, we’d “shoot the Hooch” (floating down the Chattahoochee on inner tubes). If we’re feeling more “indoors and air-conditioning,” we’d spend the day marvelling at the Georgia Aquarium – it’s breathtaking, no matter how many times you’ve been.

In the autumn, when the weather’s dreamy and the leaves start showing off, I’d take them brewery-hopping on the Westside or in Midtown. I don’t drink these days, but the atmosphere is still unbeatable, and perfect for friends who do still partake. We’d follow it up with something delicious along Buford Highway, The Battery, or one of the many local spots we’ve discovered in Smyrna – because nothing wraps up a fall day better than comfort food and great conversation!

Smyrna’s got its own charms too – small-town warmth with big-city access. It’s the perfect launchpad for exploring everything Atlanta has to offer!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a few very special shoutouts. First, to my parents, who raised me in a wonderfully animal-obsessed household – my love for dogs began the moment I could walk, and probably even before that.

To my husband, who is the most enthusiastic cheerleader I could ask for. He’s believed in every version of this dream, even when I couldn’t quite see the path myself.

But most of all, I want to thank Rook, my soul dog. He was reactive, anxious, and endlessly complex – and through supporting him, I found my purpose. I threw myself into his training and mental health when I felt completely out of my depth, and he taught me more about empathy, patience, and the true intelligence of dogs than any book or course ever could. He made me a better trainer, and a better human.

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