Jennifer Cluckey
is a dog trainer who wears many hats at Animal Matters. She instructs private training clients, teaches evening group classes, and brings dogs in the pool. She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a double major in Biology and Psychology. After completing her college education, she began the Karen Pryor Dog Trainer Professional Program where she took multiple trips to Chicago with a client’s black lab, Addy. She graduated the program and became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) in September of 2022. In addition to her formal education, Jenn has volunteered with dogs through various shelters and rescues for 12 years which has given her valuable hands-on experience with a variety of dogs. Prior to joining the Animal Matters staff, she worked for the attached TailWaggers as a group leader and receptionist from 2019 to 2021. Jenn grew up with two yellow labs, Nick & Cady, who she enjoyed taking on hikes and to the lake. She recently welcomed a Brittany puppy, Tony pictured, in August of 2023.
Training Philosophy
Jennifer Cluckey and Animal Matters pride themselves on providing individualized, positive experiences for dogs and owners alike. They utilize science-proven techniques that create quality experiences for dogs and their owners.
Services
Animal Matters offers a variety of services including:
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Private Lessons:
Individualized, one-on-one training sessions focusing on specific training goals such as basic manners, advanced manners, problem behaviors, behavior concerns, AKC tests and titles, and husbandry behaviors.
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Evening Group Classes:
Small group foundation courses covering topics such as socialization, crate/potty training, basic manners, advanced manners, tricks, Canine Good Citizen prep, Drink With Your Dog, and more.
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Puppy Programs:
Socialization and introduction program for puppies under 16 weeks, including early exposure, socialization, basic manners, and crate skills. The program also includes daycare services, evening classes, private lessons, and grooming services.
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Pool Rental:
Indoor, in-ground, heated dog pool available for rent for dogs of all swimming abilities. Staff members are present to assist dogs and owners.
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Workshops:
Goal-specific classes focusing on specific behaviors such as loose leash walking, recall, settling skills, polite greetings, and impulse control.
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Target, Capture, Shape, Oh My! Workshop:
Focuses on the three core training principles of targeting, capturing, and shaping to build new behaviors and tricks.
Certifications
Jennifer Cluckey holds the following certifications:
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
- Approved AKC CGC & Trick Dog Evaluator
- Drink With Your Dog Certified Instructor
Specializations
Jennifer Cluckey specializes in:
- Positive reinforcement training
- Puppy training
- Basic obedience training
- Advanced obedience training
- Problem behavior modification
- Canine Good Citizen training
- Trick training
- Pool swimming for dogs
Training Methods
Jennifer Cluckey utilizes positive reinforcement training methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors to encourage learning and build a strong bond between dogs and their owners.
