In this series, we’ll be chatting with every member of the KeenDog team. We’ll dive into their origin stories, their passions, and the experiences that have shaped them into the trainers you know and love. And maybe we’ll discover a few quirks, too!

Next up, KeenDog trainer, Jenna…

Tell us about your first dog!

My first dog is Cash - a beagle mix. I got him shortly after graduating college. I did not grow up with dogs, so he was my "I'm on my own and going to finally get my own dog" impulse purchase. I would always have a dog on my birthday and Christmas lists growing up but never got one. He is now 6 years old and is the perfect little lap dog. He is a sweetheart and just wants to lay and cuddle.

What inspired you to become a dog trainer?

Getting my first dog, Cash, inspired me. Again, he was my very first dog and I knew absolutely nothing about dogs, and I learned quickly they do require some work. So just like all of you, I went looking for dog training help from local dog training companies and landed upon KeenDog. I went through a training program with Cash and discovered that it was something I enjoyed doing and it became sort of a hobby, and I wanted to do more. I eventually reached out about helping KeenDog and doing an internship and then eventually left my office job to do this full time.

What is your favorite thing (behavior, sport, etc.) to train and why?

I love a good spin! It's fun to see dogs get excited about the spin and the little pep in their step it can add! My favorite way to train a recall is on hiking trails. Love being out in nature and being active while working on recalls. Benefits both of us!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new dog owners?

Say no to dog parks and dog bars! We see so many problems that stem from going to these places. Dogs either have a bad experience that causes them to have behavioral issues after the fact or we see dogs get so amped from seeing another dog thinking any and all dogs are for playing and they get out of control. What you really want is safe and small play groups with dogs you already know (like friends or other family members dogs) and to build neutrality around other dogs out and about. Management is important too. It's good to set boundaries and will save a lot of frustration along the way for both owner and dog. 

What is one thing you wish dog owners knew or understood?

Training your dog is the best way to build a bond and trust with your dog and gives your dog confidence. Dogs live in a very human world that isn't natural for them so training them how to live in it and be safe is the best way for your dog to trust you and give them the confidence to live happily. And that trust in turn builds a great bond between the two of you.

If you could teach your dog one human skill, what would it be?

How to talk. If dogs could verbally express their feelings, they would be much more understood and taken care of better.

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had while training a dog?

The most memorable moment is any time somebody tells me I impacted their life and the life of their dog in a positive way. It always is a good feeling and means a lot to be appreciated in that way.

If you could only have one dog breed for the rest of your life, what breed would you choose and why?

I think I will always own an Australian Shepherd. I currently own 2 - one of which is my heart dog. They are a breed that needs to be exercised and worked however they can also be great house dogs when they are appreciated correctly. I love myself a good Aussie and they love hard back too.

If you could train any famous dog from movies or TV, who would it be and why?

I would train Marley from Marley and Me. He is just a happy family dog who needs some boundaries and management help! Also, Dug from the animated movie Up because he has the human trait from the above question. The ability to speak!

Anything else you want the people to know about you? Your dogs? Your training style?

I own 4 dogs. Cash - Beagle mix, Basil - Aussie, Chili - Malinois, and Pistachio - Aussie. They are my world! I currently have a food theme going with my dogs so the next ones will also be named after a type of food.