Testimonials
While I happen to have Labrador retrievers, I have worked with dozens of breeds, countless mixed breeds, and dogs of all kinds of temperaments and behavioral concerns. I hope these comments from my clients resonate with you and inspire you to reach out for help with your dog. I encourage you to read my reviews from clients on Google and Facebook, as well, to get to know me and my work a bit better.
We highly recommend working with Jen. Her passion for dogs and background in teaching make her stand out. A little background on our two dogs: We adopted two rescues. Ivy came to us from Tennessee at 12 weeks of age, she was always friendly with people, and we, like many others, felt that we didn’t need much training since she had a great disposition. She was not at all obedient and pulled us around our neighborhood for walks. About a year later, we adopted Stormy at eight weeks of age, from North Carolina, he was nervous, reactive towards strangers and was the definition of an out of control dog. We started training with Jen, and our lives changed for the better. Ivy earned her Canine Good Citizenship, and we enjoy our time with our dogs more. Stormy, who has eight nips under his belt, is now curious about strangers, looks to us instead of reacting, and enjoys being off-leash. The training gave our family a better life; we enjoy our dogs more and they listen and look to us for guidance. Jen taught us not only how to train our dogs but was able to identify bad habits we had in dealing with dogs. We were taught the importance of proper training and consistency. I honestly don’t know where we would be without Jen. Her approach to training, patience, and guidance is priceless. I believe all dogs need training; they thrive, your bond becomes closer, and it gives your dog purpose.
Rachel and John Barrett
Being a first time dog owner, and having little experience with dogs in general, my training goals were very basic. I’d watched plenty of videos online, and read all kinds of articles, but was still getting frustrated and started looking for some professional help.
We started working with Jen when Gilly was about 4 months old, and it really changed my whole experience of dog ownership. I’d never personally interacted with dogs that had any significant obedience training. Seeing demos from Jen’s dogs, or previous students, really opened my eyes to what was possible.
Gilly progressed quickly, Jen helped me learn to effectively communicate with my dog, and it made a world of difference. Friends and family, some that have owned dogs their whole lives, are constantly impressed even by simple things. Their dogs might be able to sit for a treat, but it blows their mind that Gilly can sit on command, without a cookie in sight, and hold her position seemingly indefinitely.
My goals also progressed from very basic obedience, with encouragement from Jen. I’ve now got not just a well behaved, reliable dog, but an official AKC Canine Good Citizen, and more recently (something I never would have imagined) a certified TDI Therapy Dog! Her first therapy work will be with a children’s grief program, acting as an ice breaker for group orientations.
It’s been a lot of work, but also very rewarding, and a lot of fun. I definitely couldn’t have done it on my own, and look forward to continuing working with Jen in the future to push Gilly’s training, or eventually with a new puppy.
Andrew Monty
When our Boston terrier Pearl was only a few months old we searched high and low for a puppy trainer that she not only would enjoy working with but it was integral that we loved working with as well. Cue Jen!
She really gave Pearl the fresh start that she needed to become the awesome and obedient dog that she is today. Both my husband Matt and I looked forward every week to learn from Jen. She is kind, loving and so knowledgeable. A pleasure to work with and her love of her calling shines through each and every session. The entire process from start to finish was incredible and we recommend Jen to any of our friends, family members and colleagues. Everyone always remarks on how well-behaved Pearl is and how she is a pleasure to be around when people visit our home or business and this is all because of Jen. The idea of a new puppy or even adopting an older dog always seems exciting and fun...until you get them home and don't know how to train them. In my opinion there is nothing worse than having a pet who has no obedience no matter what the age. Jen is proof that you can really teach an old dog new tricks.
Katie, Matthew and Pearl Babine
I met Jen about a year ago with a reactive, anxious, 1yr 9month old black German Shepherd Frank, who did not trust me and I sure as heck didn't trust him. I was suppose to be a temporary home for him until a perfect home was found. I went back and forth with keeping him or not, I came to love him so much in a short time but I could not control him. He knew commands but we were battling for who was in charge and I was losing, I had know idea what I was doing. My husband met someone along his travels with 3 German Shepherds that were the most well behaved pups he has ever met. In chatting Jen's name came up as the trainer for these 3. I so badly wanted to give Frank a chance to succeed so I reached out to Jen immediately and set up a meeting. Jen suggested a training plan with private lessons and then to continue with drop in classes. So training began! With Jen's guidance and direction in a short period of time I was seeing such improvement, any time I reached out with questions she was always and still always gets right back to me. I can not say enough good things or thank Jen enough for all she has done for Frank and I. Frank is a happy boy, living the good life in the perfect home.
Again, thank you Jen for your continuing support to Frank and I
Mary Jane Young
I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Jen to train my Siberian Husky, Otis. I grew up around dogs but had no idea what it would take to train such a smart and independent dog. At 8-9 months of age Otis was overpowering me, would not listen to any commands and was getting aggressive towards dogs in unwarranted situations. Jen took the time to not just train Otis, but to teach ME the appropriate ways to train him so that we could live a happy life full of adventures together. She brought us through it all from the basics of sit and stay - to far more advanced work such as having my Husky off leash (something EVERYONE told me would be impossible due to the nature of his breed). Otis is able to come everywhere with me, hike off leash safely, and enjoy the company of humans and dogs alike. Even 2 years after our training Jen always remains available to answer questions I have about Otis and our continued training. I have and will continue to recommend her services to anyone who wishes to have a safe and enjoyable life with their dog!
Rachel Lakin
