Meet Our
DVM, PhD
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Behavioral Medicine
She is the owner of Animal Behavior Consultants of Michigan, PLC where she practices an approach to behavioral medicine that combines learning theory, skilled medical training, and experience along with compassion and effective communication to create an integrated treatment plan that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
As a member of 4-H, Dr. Jill Sackman grew up raising and showing horses, rabbits, and chickens, and her family has always included dogs and cats. Her desire to pursue a career in science and veterinary medicine was encouraged as a teenager when her uncle, a biology professor at the University of Colorado, introduced her to polio vaccine creator Jonas Salk, MD.
Dr. Sackman board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Fascinated by cognition and behavior in all species, Dr. Sackman focuses on the human-animal bond as well as ways veterinarians can continuously improve the quality of life of their patients. Particularly interested in early detection and treatment of canine aggression, she works with pets families to help them build strong early relationships with their pets including basic life skills, socialization, and home enrichment.
Dr. Sackman is also a board-certified veterinary surgeon, and she has worked side-by-side with human surgeons exploring causes of cardiovascular diseases, a special interest of hers. She spent several years in research and development at Johnson & Johnson where she led a team of veterinarians and engineers in developing cutting-edge medical products.
Please click here to read more about our Behavioral Medicine service.
Education
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Doctor of Philosophy, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Residency, Small Animal Surgery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Oakland University, Rochester MI
Residency, Veterinary Behavior – Blue Pearl Veterinary Associates
Off Duty
Dr. Sackman volunteers giving talks and workshops on animal behavior for dog clubs and horse groups. She provides coaching, mentoring and leadership development through professional organizations such as the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Healthcare Business Women’s Association.
Her house and barn are full of animals. She trains and shows her French Bulldogs in rally, obedience, agility, and AKC conformation: Georgie was her first AKC conformation champion; Theodore is George’s younger brother, and Rosie is her clicker training certification dog. She has Tonkinese cats Willow and Skye who think they are French bulldogs.
Dr. Sackman also trains and shows her two dressage horses: Nyewyn, a Grand Prix dressage pony who successfully competed at the highest levels of dressage and was high score at the National Pony Dressage Championships in Lexington in 2014; and Galiano, aka Leo, an Arabian/Hanoverian gelding.
In addition to spending time with all of her animals, Dr. Sackman loves jazz, the symphony, and the theatre.
LVT, CPDT-KA
Lauren Wozniacki’s journey to becoming accomplished in dog behavior and training started over 14 years ago when she discovered her own dog had some severe fear-based aggression towards people, dogs and scary objects – such as trashcans!
With dedication and hard work, she rapidly acquired knowledge of dog behavior and body language to help her dog Rascal, a husky mix, become an ideal citizen. Work with Rascal served as the real spark for Lauren in wanting to help other owners with their dogs and their fearful and reactive behaviors. Lauren has a passion for foster and shelter dogs and helping them to build healthy behaviors as they find their forever homes.
Lauren is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). She is also a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) who expertly assists Dr. Sackman with clinical behavior patients – both cats and dogs – and their families with in-home training and behavior modification. She is a highly sought after speaker and trainer on low stress-handling techniques for veterinary practices.
Lauren enjoys working with all types of behavior problems but her favorite is fear and reactivity, and of course, who doesn’t love a puppy! She enjoys helping people build their relationship and have fun with their dogs! She offers modern, force-free and scientifically based training and behavior modification solutions for problem behaviors such as pulling on leash, jumping, lunging and barking at other dogs or people, control in distracting environments as well as in-home skills such as crate training, house training, and polite greeting.
In home and one on one training and behavior modification often achieves faster results because plans are customized for you and your dog! Lauren is available in the Detroit metro area for in-home and one on one help with training and behavior modification for your pet. Please call or email us to learn more or schedule an appointment! Single or packages programs available.