Meet our trainers
SCOTT JACKSON - OWNER AND HEAD TRAINER
I worked for the Madera County Sheriff's office as a canine handler for almost twenty years During this time, I worked two high drive Malinois in patrol and protection work as well as narcotics detection. After receiving an injury that forced me to retire, I started working for a military contractors' company where I assisted in training and handling narcotics and explosive detection dogs. After approximately six years, I took a job working with the American Kennel Club as a kennel inspector. I was in that role for about seven years before I decided to go on my own and start training full time.
Throughout the years, I have been certified as a canine trainer/handler through the federal government, the state of California, and the Peace Officer's standard of training. I am the owner and head trainer for Loose Leash Canine Academy and thoroughly enjoy passing my training and experience onto pet owners. Loose Leash Canine has had the privilege to train owners and their pets in numerous states across this country and look forward to helping many more.
Lisa Shafer - Trainer and administrator
Born and raised in the Ranchos, I grew up with dogs, horses, and other animals. I have whatever gene that adores animals. My 'dog training journey' officially began when my husband and I started our dog rescue, Lucky Dog Rescue @ The Ranch, in 2018. I met Scott Jackson in April 2020. I quickly adopted his techniques and gratefully became his apprentice. With my goal to help my rescue dogs by becoming a better trainer and help others, I continue to be honored to work with such an amazing human and trainer. I thoroughly enjoy working with his clients and their canine counterparts. I hope to continue to learn and grow to become the best I can be for our precious pups.
Jay Shandor - Assistant trainer
I was first introduced to the Loose Leash concept with Scott Jackson in 2021 and began training of my German Shepard, Sabi, 8 months at that time. I learned I had to be trained along with Sabi, and Scott pushed both of us. As we progressed over many hours, we were both challenged with different tasks of obedience training, which didn’t come overnight.
I have been assisting Scott on a weekly basis and had opportunities to demonstrate our obedience training with Sabi to the local 4H group in the Ranchos.
We enjoy taking her with us on trips to the hardware store and she loves going to the grandkids' sports activities. She also loves to accompany my wife and I camping and does great at campsites and spending time in the trailer or around the fire pit and retrieving the ball at the beach or campsite.
It is a pleasure to have a well-trained obedient dog and makes it enjoyable to take her into town, restaurants, and events without fear. I am looking forward to passing my knowledge on to you and your special dog.
Deborah Hanchett - Assistant trainer
I have worked with Scott Jackson for the last four years. I compete in AKC rally, Obedience, Trick Dog, CGC, CGCA, and CGCU. I have 4 dogs, Parker, Killian Ivy, and Ranger. Parker and I compete in breed conformation competitions for labrador retrievers and at all breed shows. Killian and I compete in obedience and rally competitions at AKC shows as well. My husband works the labs in retrieving water fowl. Ivy is a two-year-old Doberman Pincher rescue and is registered with the AKC Pals program. She and I are making big strides in competing together at shows and doing rally and obedience. She is also a working service dog.
I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my dogs . I strive to be the best I can be for my dogs and for my family so they have the best life ever.