From Passion to Purpose: An Interview with Jay Jamero of Mero Dog Training
Meet Jay from Mero Dog Training
I was lucky enough to do some one-on-one training with Jay and Ember, and honestly — he was incredible. Patient, knowledgeable, and so good at explaining the why behind what to do, which made everything click fast. Ember responded so well, and I walked away with simple, doable steps that actually work in the real world.
In this post, we’re showcasing Jay’s training approach, what he helps with, and why the right guidance can be a total game-changer for both you and your dog
For anyone who hasn’t come across you on Instagram yet, can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about Mero Dog Training?
Thanks for having me. I’m Jay Jamero, and I started Mero Dog Training back in 2020. What began as a way to document my own training and milestones naturally evolved into helping other dog owners and trainers. Being able to support friends, clients, and their dogs along the way has been incredibly rewarding—and that’s been the best part of the journey.
What got you into dog training in the first place, and how did that evolve into the work you do now?
My pugalier was really the catalyst for everything. He had most of the common issues pet owners struggle with—excessive barking, pulling on lead, poor recall, the whole package. I tried a lot of what I saw on YouTube, but nothing really worked, and I felt completely stuck.
That’s when I decided I needed to properly understand how to train my own dog. During the COVID lockdowns, I enrolled in both the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF) course and the Training Without Conflict (TWC) course. They were complete opposites. NDTF gave me a well-rounded introduction to dog training and care, while TWC fundamentally shifted the way I approach training and how I communicate with dogs.
What types of dogs and owners do you mostly work with?
I predominantly work with Malinois, German Shepherds, and the occasional Rottweiler from working or sport backgrounds. That’s largely due to the type of training and competition work I’m involved in.
Outside of that, I see a wide range of pet dogs—recently even an Afghan Hound, which you don’t see every day. I work with lots of mixed breeds as well (the oodles!). Owners range from first-time dog guardians to experienced sport dog trainers.
A lot of the concepts used to train high-level working dogs transfer extremely well to pet dogs. Once you understand motivation and communication, the breed matters far less than people think.
Training Style & Philosophy
How would you describe your training philosophy?
There are many ways to communicate with an animal, just like there are many ways to communicate with people. For me, I want to be the teacher dogs genuinely look forward to learning from.
What core skills do you believe every dog should have?
Clarity of intent is key—and one of the best ways to communicate that is through play. Play is one of the most powerful skills a dog can have. It builds engagement, motivation, and strengthens the relationship between dog and handler.
Do you approach high-drive or working-line dogs differently from pet dogs?
The framework is similar, but the application changes based on drive level, motivation, handler skill, and the individual dog’s personality. I focus heavily on teaching concepts rather than rigid recipes. Once you understand the message you’re trying to deliver, you can adjust how you communicate it to suit the dog in front of you.
Services & Programs
What services do you currently offer?
I offer most common training services, including one-on-one training, board and trains, behaviour work, and dog sport foundations. These sessions are typically done in the client’s home, where I can visit during work hours.
What does a typical training session with you look like?
With my competition dogs, I always start with a pre-training check. That means confirming that certain behaviours and cues are clear before progressing. If something isn’t right, I don’t push forward.
Once the foundation is solid, sessions become very dog-dependent. One day I might troubleshoot a tracking issue from the previous session. Another day might focus on jumps, retrieves, or refining dumbbell pickups. If I notice something slipping, I might work on multiple elements throughout the day—it really depends.
Training, for me, is transient. It’s less about following a recipe and more about observing the dog, feeling what’s happening in the moment, and responding to what the dog needs now and next.
Where should someone new to dog training start?
The dog training industry is full of strong opinions. My advice is to figure out what resonates with you—and always question why. Many people repeat information they were taught without fully understanding it.
Find a trainer or mentor who has real results, watch how they train their own dog, and see if that aligns with your values. Online courses like Training Without Conflict can also be a great starting point. Learn the rules first, so you know when and how to break them later.
Why Good Training Matters
What are the biggest benefits of proper training for both dogs and humans?
The biggest benefit is the bond it creates. Dogs have always worked alongside humans—guarding stock, finding missing people, protecting communities. Good training gives dogs purpose and gives humans a way to communicate, engage, and share that journey.
Are there any common dog training myths you wish would disappear?
Within families, people raise children differently, with different values and expectations. The same applies to dog training. A lot of animal learning theory was developed to help guide human psychology, so it’s no surprise there’s overlap.
As long as health and wellbeing are prioritised—and cruelty is never acceptable—blanket statements like “positive reinforcement is the only way” miss the mark. Dogs, handlers, and end goals are all different. We need more understanding between trainers, not less.
Can you share a favourite before-and-after story?
There was a black Malinois named Chef, around three or four years old at the time. Her handler had struggled for years to build play with her and had worked with many high-level trainers without success. Once I was able to tap into her instincts properly, she became an absolute play monster—and went on to achieve IGP3.
More broadly, my favourite transformations are seeing handlers and club members succeed in sport. Watching people reach goals they’ve worked hard for, and being part of that journey, is incredibly rewarding.
Enrichment, Drive & Fulfilment
How important is mental and physical fulfilment for driven dogs?
Physical needs come first—general health, nutrition, and rest. Without that foundation, it’s very hard to influence a dog’s mindset. Once the body is right, mental work can really shine.
What are some simple enrichment ideas owners can use at home?
A dog’s nose is one of their greatest gifts. Puppies can’t see or hear at birth, but their nose works almost immediately—they know where to find mum and her milk.
Scent games are fantastic: finding food, toys, or even your keys. Tracking is a great example of mental work. It’s incredible to watch dogs problem-solve and commit to what they believe is the right answer. After a good tracking session, even very high-drive dogs are ready to rest.
How can structured training reduce problem behaviours?
Reactivity is a broad term—most dogs react in some way. Whether it’s fear-based or aggressive responses, the first step is understanding what type of response the dog is offering and why.
Structured training promotes reliable obedience, which goes a long way. Destructive behaviours are more ingrained and take time to change. The solution always depends on the dog and the owner’s goals.
Food, Rewards & Motivation
How do you use food, play, and praise in training?
I use positive reinforcement, but on its own it often fails when reliability matters—such as recall. If a dog isn’t hungry and prefers an external reward (like a rabbit), many owners struggle with high prey-drive dogs.
Both motivation and consequences shape behaviour. With my pug, food and praise are usually enough. With my Malinois, the prey drive is on another level. It’s always case-by-case and depends on what I’m teaching and how motivated the dog is to work with me.
What do you look for in a good training treat?
For tracking, I use food that’s easy to store and access—something not too messy. When my dog indicates a tracking object, I reward with something soft, easy to eat, safe, and healthy.
Any tips for keeping dogs healthy while using high-value rewards?
I’m no nutrition expert, but from experience, exposing dogs to different proteins helps support gut health. I prefer introducing new foods when I’m home so I can monitor any reactions rather than discovering issues overnight.
What’s one thing you wish every dog guardian understood?
In some countries, dog culture is deeply ingrained. In Germany, for example, the companion dog test (BH) helps prevent neglect and behavioural issues and encourages responsible ownership. There are even incentives, like increased off-leash access.
Training doesn’t have to mean competition obedience, but at a minimum it should encourage responsible pet ownership. Focus less on labels like “positive” or “negative” training and more on emotional wellbeing. Happier dogs make happier owners.
When should someone reach out to a trainer?
Waiting often solidifies bad habits and makes them harder to change. Even trainers seek second opinions. Instead of looking for a quick fix, seek assessment and perspective early.
Supporting Local & How to Find Jay
What do you love most about working with local dog owners?
Working close to home is great. I’ve always valued community and supporting local networks. I also breed Malinois—my kennel name comes from my area, “from Deer Park.” Local always.
How can people connect with you?
Instagram @merodog_training or email hello@mero.dog are the best ways to reach me.
Any final message for readers?
Our dogs are only here for a short time. How do you want to remember yours? Go out, do things together, and make memories.