P.U.P.S. Dog Training

I cannot say enough positive things about Jenny Higgins! Not only is she a skilled trainer, but she uses positive, science-backed methods to help dogs and their owners succeed. So far I have taken 2 group classes (Basic Obedience I & II) with my 1-year-old Golden Retriever, Pop-Tart, and she earned her Canine Good Citizen and Novice Trick Dog titles today! We love going to classes and can't wait to continue working with Jenny.

Several months ago, our vet recommended Jenny Higgins for our reactive dog, and we couldn't be more pleased with the positive results of her being in Jenny's classes. We were so impressed with Jenny's own training: she worked in the UF Canine Cognition and Behavior lab for two years studying dog behavior analysis, she then went through a 2-year certification process to become certified as a canine behavior consultant, and she has additional certifications as well. She truly understands dog behavior! Jenny's classes are very small so she can give individual help tailored to each dog's needs and personality. Her approach is research-based, always positive, and learning is broken down into small steps that allowed our dog to go at her own pace and with no pressure. We have used other trainers in the past for our dogs, but Jenny and her classes have been much more effective and enjoyable. Her youtube videos and handouts are really helpful, too, as were her home visits. Jenny's own extensive training and experience and her calm, supportive manner have made all the difference for us and our dog.

My vet recommended Jenny Higgins after some training gone awry with a previous dog trainer. Choosing the person to help with training a dog is super important. Like choosing a mechanic or handy man... not all are adept or excel in what they do. Many trainers have a love of dogs which is important, but they lack the knowledge of animal behavior and how to positively shape it so the dog becomes a wonderful companion and canine good citizen. We, Michael and I have been working with Jenny for just over 6 months. When Jenny began work with us Michael was 15 months old and 150 lbs of giant exuberance. He jumped on everyone wanting to kiss them on the nose to welcome them. He was not aggressive... just enthusiastic on steroids. When he jumps up on his hind legs he towers above a 6'5" man. One night, Michael came barreling across the yard in play with me and he caught me off guard knocking me down and injuring both knees and both shoulders. That's when Jenny became our trainer. Things that work with small and medium size dogs were not as useful in Michael's case, so Jenny's knowledge, strategies, and creativity individualized to work with Michael successfully is what separates Jenny from the run of the mill average dog trainer and makes her superior to others. We continue to work with Jenny and since the first lesson, Michael has not jumped on me. Immediately, Jenny helped me to put strategies and techniques in place to shape Michael's behavior. We continue to work together with Jenny to help Michael expend more energy especially through cognitive challenges like the "find it" game and scent work. I have had many dogs in my life, but Michael has proved most challenging, in part because of his size but his enthusiasm makes him an even greater challenge. I could not imagine a better trainer for us, than Jenny, and I am grateful everyday for Jenny and her expertise in helping Michael to become the companion I need. Thank you Jenny!