Welcome to
Rooted in Obedience - Service Dog & Obedience Training
Our Mission Statement
Rooted in Obedience is dedicated to transforming the lives of both humans and dogs. Our mission is to empower both dogs and their handlers through training that fosters trust, resilience, and personal growth. Utilizing LIMA-informed balanced training methods, we prioritize positive reinforcement while incorporating clear communication, strengthening the human-dog bond in a way that is both effective and compassionate.
​
Our approach is centered around empathy and understanding, allowing us to tailor our training programs to meet each client’s specific needs. Founded by someone with PTSD, we deeply understand the challenges disabilities can present in daily life. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including training for psychiatric, mobility, and medical alert service dogs, as well as obedience and reactivity training.
​
At Rooted in Obedience, we strive to break the stigma surrounding mental health and hope to create a safe and understanding dog training community where healing is possible. We are passionate about the transformative power of the human-animal connection and are honored to walk this journey alongside our clients.
About the Trainer
I'm Jordan Tarbutton, a dedicated LIMA-informed dog trainer based in Delaware County with a lifelong passion for working with dogs of all shapes and sizes, as well as from all backgrounds. I’ve been surrounded by horses, cats, reptiles, and particularly dogs since childhood. I took an active role in training every one of my family’s dogs—from chihuahuas with housebreaking issues to boxers with protective instincts.
I earned my bachelor's degree in Animal Behavior from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, where I spent four years studying the science of how animals think, learn, and communicate. My academic and hands-on experience set me apart as well as gave me a deeper understanding of canine behavior and different dog training techniques.
​
My specialty lies in service dog training. I had the incredible opportunity to foster and train service dogs in-training for an established program which deepened my commitment to helping people build life-changing partnerships with highly trained dogs.
​
Whether you're seeking help with basic obedience, advanced training, behavioral solutions, or service dog development, I'm here to guide you and your dog toward a stronger relationship built on trust and understanding.
Education
2021-2025
I earned my bachelor's degree in art, focusing in Animal Behavior from Hampshire College, a progressive liberal arts school in Amherst, Massachusetts. There, I designed a personalized course of study focused on canine behavior, learning theory, and the evolution of the human-animal bond. For my final year project, known as a Division III, I wrote academic papers about training and understanding dogs while also interning with multiple established Service Dog trainers. I also launched my own dog training business, combining academic research with real-world application in service dog training and behavior work.
Degree - Bachelor of Arts
Hampshire College
The video above is an excerpt from a training session with my previous foster dog, a service dog in training, Clementine!
In this brief yet impactful video, I demonstrate focused loose-leash heel work with Clementine during a walk through my college campus. Though the video is under two minutes long, it reflects the consistency, skill, and dedication I bring to every training session as a professional dog trainer.
​
Throughout the walk, you’ll see Clementine maintaining engagement and position, showcasing the foundation of trust and communication we’ve built. As the video concludes, I intentionally end the recording after noticing subtle signs that Clementine needed a break to relieve herself. This small moment highlights an essential part of my training philosophy: prioritizing the needs, comfort, and well-being of the dogs I work with, even while capturing training content.
​
This video serves as a reminder that thoughtful, responsive handling is just as important as technical skill when building lasting, respectful relationships between dogs and their handlers.