Jessica O'Neill, Dip. Canine Behaviour Science & Technology (CBST), is a Canine Behaviour Specialist and Entrepreneur. From a young age, Jessica has always had a natural affinity for and curiosity of animals coupled with a rational and analytical mind.
Through her work with animals, Jessica had become quite familiarized with the leading market tools for handling animals. When faced with a nagging dissatisfaction with available tools on the market, Jessica expanded her search for a canine handling tool that would provide her clients to not only teach their dogs how to follow a leader using humane principles, but also provide the client with a simplistic manner in which to maintain control over their canine counterparts.
The search proved to be fruitless. Although many devices including head halters, body harnesses, leashes and collars were being invented and sold across the world, none truly achieved her desired goals. It became clear that she would need to design something herself and she began brainstorming.
With a concept and a rough design, Jessica solicited a local seamstress to build a few prototypes of the harness. The results appeared to be magic. Jessica recounts, "I remember the moment I tried the prototype harness on my dog. Poe, my 5 year old American Bull Dog mix was a notorious puller. Once he was 'geared-up', he ritually ran to the end of his leash and instantly turn back towards me! I had some friends and colleagues around and we all froze looking at each other in amazement. We knew I had found the perfect design."
With a few minor tweaks to the the design it was exactly what Jessica was seeking and she began a testing phase providing her harness to colleagues and clients to try with their dogs. It wasn't long before local retail stores began contacting her asking to sell the product. Jessica explains, "I never intended to manufacture or sell the product on a large scale, I really just wanted access to it to use with my clients and my own dogs. However, when opportunity knocks...you open the door!". Soon there after the JWalker Dog business was born. Realizing how unique and effective her design was Jessica began the patent process and her adventure into the world of product sales and manufacturing.
