who we are

about positive dog solutions

Positive Dog Solutions will give you the support and tools you need to resolve challenging behaviors in your dog. We will give you the framework for how dogs learn so you can understand it better from your dog’s point of view. We will create a realistic management plan to help ensure unwanted behavior patterns are not practiced and make sure that you know what to do in challenging situations. We will give you the tools you need to work on modifying your dog’s behavior to create a more desirable response. Our methods are safe, structured and enjoyable. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship between you and your dog along with the behavior change.

our dog training methods

We believe that the work you do with your dog sets the tone for the relationship you will have with your animal. We follow the LIMA approach (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) and the Humane Hierarchy where we always begin exploring options that are kind and motivating to the animal while creating the desired change. We use successful behavior modification protocols anchored in science. We focus on building positive associations and building a reinforcement history for making good choices in your dog.

changing dog behavior

Changing unwanted behavior takes time and effort. You will have ups and downs. We are looking to partner with clients who are committed to the process and ready to work with their dogs. We will continue supporting you as you work to build desired behaviors in your dog and make sure you have an action plan that makes you feel confident with practice. We are on this journey together and will tailor the training to your needs and abilities and those specific to your dog.

Jackie Maffucci, Ph.D.

Owner, Coach, Behavior Consultant

Jackie brings 15+ years of experience to our team. She holds a B.S. from Cornell University in Animal Science and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from The University of Texas at Austin. During her graduate career, Jackie took particular interest understanding the interaction of the brain, hormones and behavior, an understanding that she brings to every client she works with as a behavior consultant. She is also a former educator.

Jackie began her behavior career as a shelter volunteer, training rescues in basic obedience and quickly moving to a deeper focus on developing and implementing behavior modification protocols. In 2009, Jackie moved to Northern Virginia and began working with Fur-Get Me Not Dog Training School, where she continued her focus on supporting dogs with behavioral needs.

Jackie is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is also a graduate of Susan Friedman’s Living and Learning with Animals Course and Ken Ramirez’s Animal Training Seminar. Throughout her career, Jackie has focused on supporting fearful and reactive dogs and their families.

Jackie resides in Alexandria, VA In 2020, she adopted her current rescue dog, Bingo.

Vivian Levén, M.S., CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA

Owner, Coach, Behavior Consultant

Vivian brings 20+ years of experience to our team. She earned a master’s degree in conflict resolution from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. Vivian has been assisting show in show kennels in her home country of Sweden. She has worked in the field of animal welfare policy and research at the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington, D.C., during that time also assisted with evaluating and rehabilitating dogs with problem behaviors in the canine rescue community.

In 2010 Vivian was hired by Fur-Get Me Not in Arlington, VA to develop and manage the training department, including creating all the behavior specialty classes.

Vivian places a strong emphasis on furthering her education in the field of behavior science with emphasis on dogs. This interest extends to people. She mediates custody cases at the DC Superior Court dispute resolution division. She is also a CTI trained life coach. This training provides her a unique skill set to relate to the human side in addition to the dog. Other credentials and memberships:

Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) through the Certification of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
The Forensics of Aggression Course: Working With and Evaluating Canine Aggression with Jim Crosby
Fear Free Shelter Certified through Fear Free Pets
Fear Free Certified Professional through Fear Free Pets
Certified Family Paws Parent Educator through Family Paws
Nose Work Instructor Course through Canine Copilots
Living and Learning with Animals Course with Susan Friedman
Chicken Camp with Bob Bailey
Holds the status of TAGteach Primary through TAGteach International
Professional Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG).
Associate Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Currently serves on the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers Examination Committee as subcommittee member for the KSA exam.

Vivian shares a home with her daughter and rescue Lab/Shepherd mix Karma.