Pepe J. Hernandez, Ph.D., CPDT-KA
Founder & Owner of PJH Dog Training
From pre-Vet to Biochemistry, and Neuroscience to Wild Animal Rehabilitation, my journey led me here, to dog training. Helping folks train and become closer to their pups is what it’s all about! Keep reading for all the details!
Education: The Brain and Behavior
My academic career focused on the subjects of learning, memory, and behavior. It was a path I chose led by a strong and innate curiosity for the natural world. During my undergraduate years, at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, I started out on a pre-Vet track, fully expecting to devote my life to animals in a veterinary practice. Yet, life had other plans; I found myself drawn to biochemistry and cancer research but also to animal behavior and psychology. Thus, my BS in biochemistry laid the foundation for what would become an exploration of the intricacies in which brain function and behavior intertwine.
It was the brain's enigmatic abilities that truly captivated me, steering me towards a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience, which I also received from UW- Madison. My research dove deep into the mechanisms of how the brain encodes, retains, and retrieves memories especially those associated with positive reinforcement. The implications of my work touched on understanding the neurobiology behind drug addiction, providing a glimpse into how our brains can be influenced and conditioned—a subject that I would engage with throughout my career.
My postdoctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania further examined various memory types and how they are affected by aging, sleep, stress, psychiatric disorders, and the social environments we navigate. While I found fulfillment in this scholarly pursuit, there was a part of me eager to see how my insights into behavior could be applied in diverse scenarios.
“Dog training has always felt like coming home—a perfect blend of my lifelong love for dogs and my background in behavioral science.”
After completing a year-long apprenticeship, I launched PJH Dog Training to help people and their dogs build stronger, healthier bonds.
Every step of my journey—from neuroscience research to hands-on training—has shaped my approach. I use science-based, positive reinforcement methods rooted in learning theory, memory, and emotional wellness.
At PJH Dog Training, I focus on more than obedience. I aim to create meaningful communication between dogs and their humans, tailored to each dog’s needs. Training should be empowering, not intimidating—for both ends of the leash.
The real success of my work lies in the joyful, confident dogs and the proud smiles of their families. As a CPDT-KA certified trainer, I’m honored to continue this work every day—helping dogs thrive and humans feel capable, connected, and confident.
Expanding My Horizons
My curiosity led me to New York City, where I explored real estate and day trading—fields that allowed me to apply behavioral insights in fast-paced, human-centered environments.
Still, my passion for animals never faded. At the Wild Bird Fund, I reconnected with animal care through hands-on wildlife rehabilitation, combining compassion with science to support NYC’s urban wildlife.
Alongside this, I care part-time for individuals with dementia, helping them navigate memory loss with patience and empathy. I’m also a proud volunteer with Pets for Vets, assessing and training shelter dogs to be placed with veterans across New York. These roles have deepened my understanding of behavior, resilience, and the powerful bond between humans and animals.