Hi, I'm Jen
I'm an NC native currently living in Winston-Salem with my wife and our daughter, two dogs: Moonie, my 80-pound sweet beast; Beans, our whirlwind Chihuahua; and two cats: Amos and Jimothy.
I love dogs. Obviously. My dogs, your dogs, dogs I've never met.
I love a good pun (and a bad pun), reading, crafting, drinking tea, beekeeping, edgy cross-stitching, growing things, spending time with my family, and training my own dogs to do the most ridiculous tricks we can come up with. I love people. Especially people who love dogs. And puns.
It was a dog.
A stray puppy wandered into my life in the spring of 2004. He was my Chicken Little, afraid
of shadows and anything new in his world. Biscuit was my first teacher and remains my best.
I never imagined the ways that a Durham Brown Dog would change my life and set it on a
whole new course. Dogs will do that, huh? Anyway, it was goodbye to my office job and
hello to muddy jeans and treat-filled pockets!
I can't think of anything I would rather be doing.
Philosophy
My commitment to providing humane, effective behavior modification and improving the quality of life for dogs in homes and shelters has only grown over the years. I also love working with incredible humans who share that commitment, whether for their own dogs or dogs they are helping find their way home.
Dog training isn't just about the dog, it's also about the human. I use a collaborative approach with my clients, because a training plan that isn't practical won't be effective.
My formal education includes multiple certifications, but I credit the dogs and humans I've worked with for teaching me essential behavior and training concepts.
I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). I graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior in 2018, becoming a Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP). I'm committed to continuing my education to ensure that my knowledge of dog behavior and training is up-to-date and that I use the most humane methods. My CV is around here somewhere.
Since those first puppy classes with Biscuit, I've gained many years of professional experience, from running a successful pet sitting and dog walking business to volunteering at my local municipal shelter to in-home private dog training and group classes to service dog training. My goal has always been to give people the skills to train the dog they have now so that they may train every dog that ever shares their heart and home.
I look forward to connecting with you and being a part of your journey to create a better relationship with your dog.
