Credentials and Experience

• Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), insured through the APDT. 

• AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. 

• Certified Tester/Observer with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. 

• 3 Advanced AKC Trick Titles with her 5-year Lab, Summit.​

•  Owned/trained a sled dog team in Alaska several years.

• Raised guide and service dog puppies for Guide Dogs of the Desert, Southeastern Guide Dogs and Saint Francis Service Dogs.

• Operator of My Shadow Dog Training since 2012, offering group classes and private lessons.

• Contract trainer for Saint Francis Service Dogs of Roanoke since 2015, advance training service dogs for people with disabilities. 

• Founder of The Veteran Project which matched combat veterans with shelter dogs.

• Ongoing Therapy dog work, certified with Pet Partners and Alliance of Therapy Dogs. 

• Co-founder and overseer of Hearts of Gold Therapy Dogs of Virginia, a 20-member therapy dog group serving numerous facilities in the Southside Virginia area.  

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Philosophy on Dog Training

Relationship is key. A dog is a member of your family and your relationship is all-important. From Day One when your pup enters your home, you have the opportunity to build a connection based on respect, love, trust and shared mutual experiences. This is especially important in the first 2 years of a dog's life. Connection cannot be achieved by sending your dog off for board-and-train. My Shadow strives to help you understand and communicate with your dog, using methods that are positive, and no e-collars.

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Every Dog is Different. My Shadow believes each dog is unique, just as each person is unique. Sometimes a dog can come to us with a complex, or less-than-positive history that directly affects how the dog behaves. Some cases need focused attention. If needs aren't met for the dog, it can cause problems and stress for everyone. Jenny's experience with many differing breeds and temperaments, and her extensive work with shelter/rescue dogs helps you recognize your dog's needs, following through with a good plan of action. She helps the dog to become an asset and beloved family member - not a liability and source of stress.​​​

  

Continuing Education

Extensive education including: dog observation skills and assessment, canine enrichment, training adolescent dogs, canine body language, relationship-centered training, trick and performance training, and more.

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Summary

Jenny's training methods focus on education and a working relationship with both the dog AND the owner. Her mission statement can be read to the right.