Hi, I'm Jen.
MEET THE GOOD HUMAN BEHIND GOOD HUMAN
I’m a dog trainer, and NC native 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.
Oh, yeah. I also happen to be a passionate dog trainer who has spent the last 20+ years learning everything I can about dogs and their behavior. That makes me a pretty danged good dog trainer.
Certifications
Here’s something not everyone knows: dog training is an unregulated industry. Anyone can call themselves a trainer—no certification, education, or ethics required. That means it’s up to you, the dog’s human, to ask the right questions.
A great trainer isn’t just good with dogs—they understand behavior science, stay current on best practices, and know how to support both ends of the leash. Credentials matter. So does experience. And so does a commitment to doing right by you and your dog.
Before hiring a trainer, look into who certified them, what that organization stands for, and whether they continue learning. Because the person guiding your training journey can have a lifelong impact, and it should be a good one.
The Learning Never Stops (And That’s a Good Thing)
Dogs aren’t static—and neither is the science of behavior. That’s why continuing education is a core part of what we do. Staying current means we’re not relying on outdated methods or internet myths—we’re using the most humane, effective, and evidence-based approaches available.
From conferences to certifications, mentorships to advanced coursework, we’re committed to learning so we can keep giving you and your dog the best support possible. Training isn’t just our job—it’s our craft.
Yup, It's Dog Related
BUT WHY DO I DO THIS?
How did I get here?
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.
So, Are YOU Ready To Do This?
Whether you're starting with a brand-new puppy or navigating some not-so-cute behavior, I’m here to help. Let’s create a training plan that actually works—for your dog, your home, and your life.
