Testimonials
"Jennifer helped us enormously over the years. Our sweet rescue dog was diagnosed with severe separation anxiety. The (stupid!!) vet recommended putting him down!!!! 12 years later all is well thanks in large part to Jennifer's assistance and training tips. "
– Cynthia Gran
Not only did my puppy learn, so did I! Can't say enough about how great a trainer Jennifer is. My pup was totally engaged with her, anxious to learn and to succeed. She caught her attention immediately and was happy to do whatever Jennifer wanted. While training my puppy, she explained everything to me so continuing the exercises on my own was easy and effective. I highly recommend this wonderful dog training organization."
– Christine Clauson
Jennifer has been wonderful to work with and has helped tremendously to successfully modify some behavior challenges with our pup. Charlie always looks forward to his visits with Jennifer and I've been very pleased with the progress he has made."
– Kristin Blakeman
I have worked with many dog trainers in the past, both in classes and one on one, but Positive Partnership Training is by far the most comprehensive. Informative and successful. The owner, Jennifer Hunter is the most involved trainer-- perhaps miracle worker is a better way to describe her, that I have ever worked with. Her techniques are unique. My German Shepherd Luke had a strong response (barking) to other dogs on leash and Jennifer introduced me to a new method of training: we created a positive association to the other dog by pairing the sight of it with a yummy treat. This action takes away the need for Luke to bark. It’s called Counterconditioning And we (Luke and I) practiced techniques to use in the same situation that were more like a game than a correction. And clearly, she loves what she does. Luke is bummed when she leaves!"
– Peggy McAtamney
Jennifer did a great job of helping us deal with our anxious pup, Athena. She patiently taught us strategies and behaviors to use, so Athena would be less fearful and nervous around different dogs and loud sounds. We've definitely seen an improvement in Athena's behavior, given what we learned from Jennifer. Thanks so much for your help!"
– Derik Ohanian
Jennifer Hunter has helped us with training several of our rescue dogs. She is patient, thorough and practical in her training approach. She provides a multitude of exercises, ideas and options to address specific needs. After each session, she provides an e-mail explaining everything covered that day and the training plan to be followed. We have covered a variety of areas with Jennifer including in home and on leash behaviors, introductions to cats, and how to read our dog's body language/signs and signals. She works with you and your dog as a team always utilizing a positive approach to training you both."
– Sherri Crawford
Jennifer has been a lifeline for us-going above and beyond to work with a troubled, but lovable, little dog and his senior citizen owner, who is suffering from dementia. She is making it possible for this crucial relationship between dog & guardian to continue, as this senior was on the verge of having the pet removed from her home. Jennifer has made it her business to keep a regular & reliable schedule; reach out to care givers and family members to be included in the process; and even, innovatively, sent videos of the senior working with the dog that can be viewed on her tablet-so everyone can not only read about what to practice, but actually see the routines performed. She sends written instructions as well, so we are all on the same page-and can work with the dog in a consistent way. Jennifer provides great follow up, and has even helped us purchase the proper treats. Lastly, she explains everything about what she is doing and why-taking into consideration the owner's disabilities, so that the dog can behave correctly, independently of the inconsistent cues he may receive. Jennifer is patient with humans and dog alike, professional, and empathetic-in a very complicated situation. I have already mentioned her to others. Thanks Jennifer!"
– Luci Gutman
I started working with Jennifer when my rescue puppy was 6 months old. Since I bring my dog to work with me daily, I felt it would be best to have one on one training at our office. We began with a meet and greet, then continued with weekly training sessions. I am so happy and excited to watch my little boy learn and grow with her guidance. We learned basic commands and so much more in a loving, fun and professional manner. One of the unique ways Jennifer goes above and beyond is providing you with an email summary of your time together after each session. I am very grateful to have found Jennifer."
– Monique Leiser
Having worked with Jennifer in both the class & private training scenarios, I recommend her highly. As a teacher myself, I admired her instruction on several points: Jennifer has good time management skills - - our sessions were well-planned and taught; the pacing was very good. She explained and modeled skills using a different dog each time (I think this really inspired some of us to see how well our pets responded to her!) As we practiced skills, she observed and provided individual feedback. At the conclusion of each class, she checked back in with us, making sure we understood well, not only what to do, but why, and how the skill could be used in our everyday lives.
Jennifer is focused on advancing skills and knowledge. She speaks clearly and communicates well. Throughout the sessions, she routinely checked on each owner and dog’s progress, re-teaching or having us practice further. We learned many useful skills, and we learned them well.
All of Jennifer’s instruction and interventions are positive. She demonstrates compassion and an understanding of dogs. Her interactions with the dogs and their human owners reflect a deep appreciation and knowledge of current best practices in dog training. And most importantly, she is effective! She was highly successful in getting all class participants - - dogs and owners - - to advance in basic obedience skills.
In our private training sessions, Jennifer helped my husband and me better understand our puppy’s unique personality and how to help her grow to be a polite, relaxed and happy family member. She helped us shape behaviors that we didn’t even realize could benefit from shaping. In one instance she taught me how to desensitize our puppy’s aversion to having her harness put on. Jennifer’s training has made me more observant of my pup’s behaviors - - to better understand and respond.
She is thorough and generous in sharing her time and talents. She encouraged us to contact her via emails/calls if we had questions or issues between sessions-& provided follow up summaries via emails-which were very helpful for me.
As I interact daily with my lovable pup, at times I remember something Jennifer said or did. She’s my compass of understanding and responding appropriately and positively to behaviors and situations that may arise."
– Anne DeBock
Working with Jennifer was great. She really understood how to take small steps with our skittish dog, and how to teach us the best way to get results. I would definitely recommend working with Jennifer if your dog has issues based on fear-or general obedience classes haven't worked for you."
– Kara Edington and Dan Reed
My dog and I trained with Jennifer for several courses, and the experience was great. She brought both knowledge and fun to her training classes. During difficult skills training Jennifer offered alternative methods and support material via email, to assist with in-class lessons. Jennifer clearly loves dogs and has the knowledge and experience to teach groups effectively, while staying up-beat and friendly with everyone in class."
– George Caskey
It’s a work in progress with our pups (isn't it always?!), but Jennifer has been great about teaching us the training ropes to build on with our fearful pup. She helped us discover the treat that our non-food motivated doggy cannot resist (yesssss!); provides the dog perspective on whatever new bad habits we discovered since we last saw her (invaluable info so we better understand why our dogs are doing what they do-and how to address a particular issue); is timely; and communicates effectively. Jennifer has helped us see that building our dogs’ confidence-& improving their behavior-is really a team effort-& a process that we are all enjoying so much more now!"
– Amanda Hewitt
I first contacted Jennifer when my puppy, Ellie, was 6 months old. As a first time dog owner, I wanted to make sure that I was doing everything "right," and I felt that a private trainer was the best way to address my most pressing concern: Ellie's separation anxiety. I had spent hours researching and implementing different techniques to ease Ellie's SA, but I wasn't seeing much improvement, and I felt that she was becoming more anxious in general. Jennifer gave me the tools and guidance I needed to help Ellie, and as a result, I was much less stressed because Jennifer gave me the critical support I had been missing. I was afraid that Ellie would need prescription medication, but Jennifer assured me that Ellie's SA was not that severe, and I still had plenty of other options to explore before medication. Jennifer explained how to use desensitization and counter conditioning techniques, and introduced me to Dr. Karen Overall's Relaxation Protocol, the music of Through A Dog's Ear, and the use of flower essences.
Once I began using the desensitization and counter conditioning techniques and the relaxation protocol, Ellie became more confident, more independent, and much less anxious. Once I added in the flower essences, Ellie was better able to focus on me and listen to me, even if we were outside with distractions.
I cannot praise Jennifer's work enough; she truly loves her job and deeply cares for all of her clients. Each session was followed up with a comprehensive email explaining what we had worked on, and she also made herself available via phone and email outside of our scheduled sessions for other questions and concerns. Ellie has blossomed into a wonderful companion, and that is in large part due to Jennifer. She gave me tools I can-and will-use throughout Ellie's life to continually strengthen our bond."
– Christina Michels
We were lucky to find Jennifer when we were right in the middle of dealing with some typical, but annoying, puppy behaviors-resource guarding, humping, jumping on people, jumping on the counter tops, etc. Jennifer was really excellent in helping us understand our pup's behaviors (which were not at all what we thought-and we’re 20+ year dog lovers and providers). She also helped us understand training techniques, and the importance of rewarding good behaviors. We’ll definitely continue using her for ongoing future trainings. Jennifer is patient, knowledgeable, great with dogs-and nonjudgemental with us humans, as we attempt to mold our canines into happy housemates and companions."
– Sara Girardi