Esmé was on track to becoming an English teacher, when an eye-opening visit to the U.S. expanded her ambitions.
Esmé Meester was studying to become an English teacher in the Netherlands. During her third year, she was required to travel abroad to improve her language skills. “I ended up in the U.S. on a sort of exchange program,” Esme explains. “They asked me to work in an English-speaking country, but I decided to volunteer instead.”
Connecting with shelter dogs
While volunteering at a shelter in Houston, Texas, Esmé discovered a new passion. “I’ve always loved dogs and animals in general. I grew up with them around me, but it wasn’t until I was volunteering at the Friends for Life Shelter that I realized I wanted to do more than just be around them.”
She’ll never forget the pivotal moment. “I was sitting in a quiet room with this very reactive dog, feeding her little bits of kibble with canned spray cheese. We started to bond, and in that moment, I realized this was my calling—I wanted to be the one to help these dogs and connect them to the right families.”
Finding VSA
Esmé began researching ways to take her passion to the next level. “I didn’t know exactly what path to take, but I started looking into dog training and behavior. Then, in 2020, I attended the online Dog Behavior Conference, and that’s when I found out about the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior (VSA).”
The VSA Dog Trainer Course was a departure from her previous learning experiences. “I was used to going to school every day, doing internships, and showing up in person. But VSA’s online, self-paced format was different,” she says. “I appreciated being able to learn at my own pace, especially because life got in the way sometimes. We moved twice during my studies, and there were a lot of things to juggle. But I could always pick up right where I left off.”
The online nature of the course also meant Esmé had to be resourceful. “There was a point where I hit a roadblock because I didn’t have a dog to work with. I had access to a shelter, but the circumstances weren’t ideal for the course’s requirements.” Fortunately, she eventually moved to a place where she could have her own dog. “That’s when I really picked up the pace with my studies again,” she says.
Throughout the program, Esmé found support from her faculty advisor, Tiffany, to be invaluable. “Tiffany was amazing. She was patient, kind, and always ready to help. I’ve never felt so supported in an educational program before. It was so reassuring to know I had someone rooting for me, especially when things were tough.”
Positive reinforcement: The right path
One of the key reasons Esmé chose VSA was the emphasis on force-free, positive reinforcement methods for working with dogs. “From a young age, I knew that forceful methods weren’t the right way to train,” she reflects. “I remember when my grandparents got a puppy when I was 10 or 11. The first time the puppy had an accident in the house, my grandpa pushed the dog’s nose into the mess. I was horrified. Even at that age, I knew that wasn’t how you should treat an animal.”
Esmé’s commitment to positive training methods deepened as she continued her education. At one time, she had been impressed by certain television trainers, “but the more I looked into their methods, the more I realized there are kinder, more effective ways to train dogs. Positive reinforcement is not only better for the dog, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your pet.”
Her own experiences with her family dog, Shiva, cemented her belief in the power of positive training. “When I was younger, Shiva was a terrible leash puller. My dad and brothers used to take her for walks with a flexi-leash, and she would pull so hard she’d choke herself. But when I started using treats and rewarding her for walking calmly, everything changed. She learned to focus on me and was no longer pulling on the leash. That was a big turning point for me. I realized that positive reinforcement truly works.”
Teaching dogs and teenagers
Now, Esmé’s professional life is full of exciting challenges, balancing both human and canine teaching roles. A few days each week, she teaches puppy classes and offers private consultations, helping both young dogs and their owners build positive, lasting relationships. Another few days each week she teaches classes to teens. “It’s actually really similar to dog training in many ways. Both require patience, consistency, and clear communication. Just like dogs, teenagers need boundaries and understanding, and I enjoy the challenge of helping them navigate these important years.”
Her ability to work with both dogs and teens speaks to Esmé’s versatility. “The techniques I use for dogs, like being consistent and predictable, are exactly what I apply when working with teenagers. Whether I’m teaching a class of teens or working with a group of puppies, I know that consistency is key.”
Why VSA?
Esmé is quick to recommend the Victoria Stilwell Academy to anyone considering a career in dog training. “The program is truly unique. It’s not just about the technical skills; it’s about building relationships with dogs and understanding their behavior. The VSA faculty genuinely cares about your growth as a trainer and will guide you every step of the way.”
She also believes VSA provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in working with animals. “Even if you don’t end up becoming a professional dog trainer, the knowledge you gain at VSA will help you be a better dog owner and help you understand your dog on a deeper level.”
For Esmé, VSA was the perfect stepping stone to combining her love for animals with her desire to make a positive impact. Whether she’s teaching puppy classes, working with individual clients, or inspiring teenagers in her human-focused classes, Esmé’s passion for helping others—both dogs and people—shines through. “I’m so glad I chose VSA. It gave me the tools to help dogs live better lives and connect with the people who can care for them. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
Learn more about preparing for a rewarding career as a dog trainer with VSA’s premier Dog Trainer Course.
