About Pawsitive Pets
Family-owned, force-free pet care in the Greater Lafayette, Indiana area.
Our Story
The original owners of Pawsitive Pets, LLC — Hilary Briggs, CCMT and Patrick Holland, CPDT-KA — met while working at a local kennel with an off-leash dog play program. They started as co-workers and quickly became friends as they realized they both had a passion for animal behavior and educating others on how force-free methods can positively influence animal care. Although Patrick and Hilary had dreamed of starting their own pet care businesses individually, they realized that their dream could be achieved together and Pawsitive Pets, LLC was born in June 2015.
Hilary stayed with the company until June of 2024 when Carl Holland, Patrick's older brother who had been working as a trainer for Pawsitive Pets since 2016, stepped into the co-owner role making it a family-owned business! Carl, Patrick and their team continue to happily serve Lafayette and West Lafayette with behavior- and science-based methods of pet education and behavior training.
Pawsitive Pets, LLC specializes in force-free, science-based methods of learning while providing enrichment and care for pets in Lafayette and West Lafayette, IN. Through their knowledge and skill set, they are able to promote and strengthen specific desirable behaviors while providing a reliable service. This means that not only will your pet be less stressed due to being in their own home, but they will not regress in any behaviors they are learning nor will they encourage pets to pick up bad behaviors.
Meet Our Team
Patrick Holland, CPDT-KA
Co-Owner
Patrick has worked directly with animals since 2010 focusing on behavior and learning to effectively implement force-free training techniques. He graduated Purdue University with a BS in Animal Science and a concentration in Companion Animal Behavior. He received the Certificate of Achievement in Dog Training in 2012 from the Animal Behavior College. He earned his Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed certification through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers in 2015. As of 2021 he has registered over 90 continuing education credits. He is also a Training Mentor for the CATCH Academy.
BS Animal Science (Purdue), CPDT-KA, Animal Behavior College Certificate, 90+ CE credits, CATCH Academy Mentor
Carl Holland
Co-Owner
Carl has been working with Pawsitive Pets since 2016, beginning as a dog walker and pet sitter. With an interest to learn more in dog behavior, he shadowed under Patrick from 2016–2018 before beginning work with his own clients. Since then, Carl has worked as a behavior consultant, having provided more than 5,000 lessons. He also helps in training staff in understanding the application of the techniques and methods used in lesson plans. Carl owns a husky, Yuki, who serves as a teaching and ambassador dog for Pawsitive Pets. Carl became co-owner in 2024 and is currently working toward an internationally recognized dog trainer certification.
Julie Becker
Training Dept Manager & Pet Care Professional
Julie has always had a passion for working with animals, particularly with behavioral training. She has an associate's degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and worked in that field for years prior to moving to Lafayette.
Associate's in Applied Science, Vet Tech
Katie Hutsell
Pet Sitting/Dog Walking Dept Manager & Senior Pet Care Professional
Katie has been working at Pawsitive Pets since 2017. Before working at Pawsitive Pets, she regularly volunteered at the Purdue Animal Disease Diagnostics Lab. Katie's zoo consists of two dogs, two cats, and a saltwater fish tank.
Ryan Stephanoff
Trainer
Ryan has a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a minor in Psychology. He worked with exotic animals including lions, tigers, wolves, and elephants at facilities including Zoo Atlanta. He earned his CPDT-KA certification and specializes in separation anxiety, resource guarding, frustration on leash, and fear.
BS Biological Sciences (U of Missouri-Columbia), CPDT-KA
Amanda Henry
Trainer & Pet Care Professional
Amanda is an avid animal lover attending Purdue University studying animal science. She has a black lab mix named Murphy and a yellow lab named Zappa, and enjoys training for and competing in various activities.
Graci Homburg
Pet Care Professional
Graci is a student at Purdue University studying animal science. She participated in 4-H showing swine for 10 years and interned at a vet clinic.
Jess Thuma
Pet Care Professional
Jess is a student at Purdue University studying environmental engineering. She grew up around dogs and horses, training young horses from age 16.
Babbi Dickensheets-Holland
Pet Care Professional
Babbi has a degree in Anthropology from Ball State University. She is co-owner Patrick's life partner and has been working with Pawsitive Pets since 2023.
BA Anthropology (Ball State)
Reagan Johnson
Pet Care Professional
Reagan is a senior at Purdue University majoring in English Education with a minor in Human Services. She worked as a boarding and daycare attendant for three years.
Juliannah Jenkins
Pet Care Professional
Juliannah is a biology student at Purdue pursuing pre-vet. She was in 4-H showing alpacas for 10 years.
Rachel Peterson
Pet Care Professional
Rachel has been surrounded by animals her whole life. She studies animal-related subjects and has a dog and two kittens.
Professional Affiliations
CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge Assessed
CCMT
Certified Canine Massage Therapist
Purdue University
Connected to Purdue's veterinary science community