About the Trainer:

Jenna is the only Board Certified Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behaviour in Calgary and 1 of only 3 in Canada. She is also a Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant (CBCC-KA) and a Certified Fear Free Professional with over 10 years of experience training dogs and cats. She is also a published author in the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants Journal. The article can be found here: https://issue19.iaabcjournal.org/puppy-socialization-challenges-amidst-covid-19/

During her time in the Animal Health Technology Program at university, Jenna uncovered her true passion for animal behaviour. Working in vet clinics, she identified a concerning trend of pets being euthanized due to behavioural issues, igniting a determination to take action. Jenna has experience dealing with a variety of behavioural issues in both dogs and cats and is highly recommended by veterinarians in Calgary and Cochrane. She offers behavioural assessments, private one-on-one training sessions, virtual consultations, training packages and group training classes.

My DOgs:

I have 2 dogs; Ely is a 9-year-old Rottweiler and Thistle is our 3-year-old Border Collie. Ely has titles in Rally Novice, Intermediate and Advanced, Companion Dog and Trick Dog Intermediate. Thistle has her Junior and Senior Dock Diving Titles and we have just started competing in agility this year!

Training Methods:

With the multitude of trainers, classes, and training techniques available, it can be challenging to choose the best option for you and your pet.

I use fear-free, positive reinforcement methods for training. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers support reward-based methods which are: ” humane training methods for dogs that are based on current scientific knowledge of learning theory”.

Positive reinforcement training uses motivators such as food, toys, play, affection and praise to reward desired behaviours and removes the motivators to discourage undesirable behaviours. Every pet is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. Discovering the most effective motivator for the pet is as crucial as the training techniques, which is why it is part of my initial assessment. Learn more about CVMA’s article on Dog Training at https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/humane-training-methods-for-dogs

SERVICE & RATES

BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION (reactivity, anxiety, fear & aggression)

Initial Consultation: $225.00 plus GST  

• A 90-minute private consultation in your home

• A detailed, personalized training summary including tips, exercises, handouts, and video resources.

• Email support between sessions (4 weekly emails)

• Videos and video review

BASIC MANNERS (recall, pulling on leash, jumping up, etc)

Initial Session: $185 plus GST

• A 60-minute private consultation in your home

• Personalized training summary including tips, exercises, handouts and video resources

• Email support between sessions (2 weekly emails)

How can I help? 

 OBEDIENCE & Basics FOR PUPPIES & ADULT DOGS:

• House Training

• Handling Acceptance (for nail trims, grooming, etc)

• Barrier Training

• Crate Training

• Socialization

• Loose-Leash Walking

• Recall

• Bite Inhibition

 OTHER:

• Fear Aggression

• Leash Reactivity

• Territory Aggression

• Play Aggression

• Barrier frustration/aggression

• Redirected Aggression

• Anxiety & phobias

• Resource Guarding

 NUISANCE BEHAVIORS:

• Jumping up

• Mouthing/Nipping

• Digging

• Excessive Vocalization (barking, whining)

• Pulling on Leash

 CATS

• Urinating or defecating outside the litter box

• Spraying and urine marking

• Stalking

• Play aggression

• Introducing a new cat or pet

• Inter-Cat aggression

• Environmental enrichment and dealing with stress

PUPPY PROGRAM - $600.00 - Best option for new puppy owners!

• A 30-minute pre-puppy phone consultation to prepare you and your home for the new arrival.

• Four, 60-minute private training sessions in your home

• Email support between sessions

• A puppy package containing handouts, resources, and fun stuff!

Training Walks

A behavioural assessment is required before walks can be started.

• 30 minutes - $75

• 45 minutes - $100

Puppy Foundations (2-4 months of age) - 6 week course

Puppies have a sensitive period of development from 3 to 14 weeks of age in which sociability outweighs fear. This is a critical period when puppies should be safely exposed and learn to adjust to new people, animals, and experiences. This is why taking classes should not wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated. 

This course covers everything you need to know to start on the right paw with your new puppy! Expect to learn about proper socialization, canine body language, learning theory, handling for vet visits and grooming, as well as basic training skills (attention games, beginner recall, leash walking, leave-it and drop). Each class has a unique discussion topic aimed at addressing common concerns (below). The cost includes a 60-minute weekly class with puppy play, homework, resources, and unlimited access to the trainer for questions and support throughout the program. 

• Week 1: How dogs learn & puppy socialization 

• Week 2: Confinement training & preventing separation anxiety 

• Week 3: Puppy biting 

• Week 4: Prevention of resource guarding 

• Week 5: Jumping up/Polite greetings 

• Week 6: Spay & Neuter 

Cost: $330 + GST

Location: TBD (Mollie’s Market has closed)

Intermediate life skills (8 months & up) - 6 week course

This class focuses on skills to help you and your dog function in real-life scenarios. We work on building confidence, and frustration tolerance, boundary training, building and maintaining engagement in more challenging environments, addressing nuisance behaviours, and more. All dogs must have basic obedience skills as a prerequisite.  Reactive dogs are welcome in this class with prior assessment. 

Cost: $330 + GST for 6 weeks 

Location: Indoors: TBD. Outdoors at various NW Calgary locations May-September. 

Foundations II (5-18 months of age) - 6 week course

This class builds on puppy foundations and addresses the challenges associated with adolescence including resilience and frustration tolerance and how to build and maintain engagement from your dog. Skills include stationing (send to place on cue), relaxing on a mat, polite greetings, loose-leash walking, leave-it, recall, and more. Includes a 60-minute class once a week, weekly homework, resources, and unlimited trainer access for questions and support.

Cost: $300 + GST

Location: TBD (Mollie’s Market has closed)

NEW! CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR PREP CLASS - 8 Week Course

The Canine Good Neighbour Program is a 12-step test that when completed successfully, will ensure that your dog is a valued, accepted member of our communities across the country. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places, and the presence of other dogs. The test is non-competitive and allows the dog and handler to demonstrate confidence and control in 12 steps. It assesses the handler and dog's relationship, together with the handler's ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations. 

From: https://www.ckc.ca/en/Raising-My-Dog/Responsible-Ownership/Canine-Good-Neighbour-Program

Cost: $450 + GST