Winston-Salem, NC
Jennifer M. Thornburg
Jennifer is an NC native living in Winston-Salem with her wife and daughter, two dogs: Moonie, her 80-pound sweet beast; Beans, their whirlwind Chihuahua; and two cats: Amos and Jimothy. She has been training dogs since 2004 when a stray puppy wandered into her life. She has a formal education in dog training and behavior, including multiple certifications. She has gained many years of professional experience, from running a successful pet sitting and dog walking business to volunteering at her local municipal shelter to in-home private dog training and group classes to service dog training.
Training Philosophy
Jennifer is committed to providing humane, effective behavior modification and improving the quality of life for dogs in homes and shelters. She uses a collaborative approach with her clients, because a training plan that isn't practical won't be effective. She believes the bond between a dog and their owner is one of the most important aspects of training. She uses force-free, positive reinforcement training methods because they're the fastest and most reliable way of attaining training goals. The safest, most effective training methods don't involve force, pain or fear and are based on proven scientific principles.
Services
Jennifer offers a variety of services for pet dogs and service dogs. She offers in-person and virtual behavior consultations, dog training, and a service dog training program. She also offers online courses on a variety of topics, including aggression, barking, leash reactivity, and more.
Pet Dog Training
- Dog Behavior Help
- Dog and Human Training
Service Dog Program
- Dog Behavior Consulting
- Service Dog Program
Online Courses
- Choosing Your Service Dog Candidate
- Concepts in Action
- Standards of Care
- Planning and Documenting Training
- First Days Home
- Lessons on Aggression
- Mischief Managed
- Understanding Dog Body Language
- Foundation Skills
Other Services
- Day training (for those local to Winston-Salem, NC)
- Virtual coaching
Certifications
Jennifer is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the IAABC, Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), and a Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) through the Karen Pryor Academy.
Specializations
Jennifer specializes in dog behavior, including aggression, reactivity, fear, and anxiety. She also specializes in service dog training.
Training Methods
Jennifer uses force-free, positive reinforcement training methods. She is committed to using the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) training and behavior work with her clients.
Customer Reviews
Melissa: Jen has the compassion and smarts to connect with dogs and humans alike! She is committed to positive experiences too!
Amy: Jen was also wonderful about following up and continuing to offer assistance, as needed. I feel like I can go back to Jen for more training if we hit a roadblock. I appreciate all Jen has done for me & my dogs!
Rebecca: She is dependable and trustworthy. Also, what a relief to find someone so communicative so that I could know what to expect!
Savannah: We had worked with Jennifer previously, and even though it had been quite some time, she remembered our dogs' temperaments and immediately made them feel more comfortable.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
