It started by falling in love with a tough dog.

Handlers & Humans LLC is the passion project of Jess Adam, an emotional support coach for dog lovers with a decade of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, and proud mom of a reactive dog who teaches her about resilience every day.

 

In 2014, Jess Adam was a newly licensed therapist who brought home a six-month-old puppy with a crooked ear and big feelings—hoping he could become her co-therapist in animal-assisted interventions. Instead, she quickly found herself overwhelmed by his unexpectedly intense, reactive behavior. Like so many reactive dog owners, she had no idea what she was getting into.

The years that followed were filled with the ups and downs of dog training—and more than a few tears on the sidewalk. While the trainers she worked with were skilled and kind, their focus was on her dog, Dio. No one was there to support her through the emotional toll of loving a dog with complex needs.

After seriously considering whether to call the rescue and return him, Jess began using the same evidence-based mental health tools she shared with her therapy clients to support herself as a guardian.

That shift changed everything—and became the foundation for Handlers & Humans.

Since 2021, Jess has offered 1:1 coaching and educational support for dog guardians and professionals. Her work focuses on the human side of the leash, blending clinical expertise with lived experience to help people and professionals in the dog world feel more grounded, supported, and emotionally resilient.

Earlier in her career, Jess pursued certification in animal-assisted interventions and facilitated equine therapy—experiences that shaped her deep respect for the human-animal bond and the emotional impact of working with animals. Not to mention, she grew up riding horses and loving dogs. She is currently advancing her work by pursuing a post-graduate certificate in Veterinary Social Work.

Jess is the author of continuing education programs recognized by professional dog training organizations, and has spoken at several dog training conferences and summits.

Her mission is to expand the conversation around mental health in the canine world—because in order to truly support dogs, we have to support their handlersand humans.

Handlers & Humans has had the honor of joining many thoughtful conversations about mental health for dog people...

 

CONFERENCES

APDT International Conference 2025

 

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Virginia Tech Applied Animal Behavior Program 2025

Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Dogs With Big Feelings 2024

Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers AGM Speaker 2024

 

PODCASTS

The Leashed Mind - Strengthening Mental Resilience

Straight Up Dog Talk - The Human Side of the Dog-Human Bond

Juniper Podcast - Navigating Mental Health for Pet Parents

Think Like a Dog - The Connection Between Our Well Being and Our Dogs

And/Both - Understanding the Influence Our Reactions Have on Those Around Us

Dog Training Bytes - Navigating Expectations with Our Dogs

Mystic Dog Mama - Over Threshold: Supporting the Humans of Reactive Dogs

Soul Touched by Dogs - Your Dog Is Your Greatest Teacher: Lessons from a Reactive Dog

Wear Wag Repeat - How Emotional Wellness Enhances Dog Training

Holistic Pet Radio - Living With Your Reactive Dog, Why Mindset Matters

Rescue Dog Love - Put Yourself First to Better Your Relationship with Your Dog

Dog Mom Mentality  - Training Yourself To Be a Better Dog Owner   

 

ARTICLES 

Bold Journey - Meet Jess Adam 

Authority Magazine - How to Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet

 

EVENTS

Perfectly Relaxed Walks Summit 2025 Hosted by No Hassle Dog Training, Amanda VanTassel

Puppy Blueprint Summit 2025 Hosted by PupScouts of Hunterdon, Kelly Fahey

 The International Festival for Reactive Dogs 2024 Hosted by Barking Up The Right Tree, Julia Hawkins, Barbara Paterson

Empowered Dog Owner Summit 2023 Hosted by The Mindful Canine, Miranda Wimbush

Dog Trainer Business Growth Summit 2023 Hosted by Paws Up Dogs, Dr. Holly Tett

 

Jess would LOVE to speak at your event, or contribute to your dog-related podcasts, blogs, etc.! 

Reach out to [email protected] for inquiries

 DISCLAIMER: Services and statements provided by Handlers & Humans, LLC and Jessica Adam as a coach are NOT replacements for mental health assessment or treatment.

Jessica Adam is NOT operating as a mental health counselor/therapist in this capacity and is not providing therapeutic or mental health services, nor is she entering into any therapeutic patient-client relationships.

Jessica Adam is also not a canine professional or dog trainer, and is not providing dog training instruction or advice.

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