I cannot recommend Conscious Dog Training enough. Our pug Hemingway is the best dog ever, but he is also a pug, and if you know anything about this breed, you'll also know they are stubborn to a fault! I picked Conscious Dog Training because the reviews show they have experience with pugs, and when Hemi had some naughty behavior that needed to be nipped in the bud, CDT stepped in and helped my husband and I better understand what was going on. I love the attention to detail and the customization done with these guys. Our trainer was Rebecca, and she showed up to our house ready to take on Hemi, who we learned, just needed boundaries and more structure in his routine. Training your dog is primarily the effort you make. So if you're ready to do the work, CDT is ready to take you on. They have a zero tolerance policy with electric shock therapy/shock collars, or anything leaning towards negative reinforcement. read more

Conscious Dog Training - Hemingway the pug! - Dog Walkers Near Me

Jennifer was a life saver. I had a very aggressive French bulldog that was attacking my other dog. It was a highly stressful living situation and didn't know where to turn. By luck, I found Jennifer and she was the perfect fit. She was patient with me, was always upbeat and practiced rewards based training that I could actually repeat on my own and really helped me understand my dogs. She's honestly not just a trainer, she's a shrink for the whole family. She was able to figure out our dynamic and tell me what the dogs were thinking just by their body language and signals and taught me how to read their signs too. The aggression took not only training but meds too. Jennifer helped with so much input and advise on that too. I honestly could not have gotten through the stress of two dogs in the same household not getting along without Jenn keeping everything in perspective for me. She would remind me where we started, the plan we were on and where we were going. I clearly am beyond thrilled with Jennifer's training!! Fast forward two years and I now have more to thank Jenn for! I no longer have my Frenchie but I do have two amazing Pugs. Jenn has reminded me of the basic training I've already been taught and we are back to using our magic mats. They have been great at getting the puppy to settle as one crazy dog usually leads to two crazy dogs. We have also started our amazing loose leash training again and see how the little bit of structure helps the dogs calm down and helps us build a closer bond. This is Jenn's calling as she is an amazing dog trainer/therapist for both dogs and humans...and don't kid yourself, this training is really for you, not the dog! read more

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We have 2 two year old female littermates - Jasmine & Violet. When we started looking into dog training, we did some research online and spoke to a few people. We kept running into worst case scenarios associated with littermates and would walk away feeling really discouraged. We then had someone recommend Conscious Dog Trainer. Before our first official training session, Erin came out and did a meet and greet with us. We discussed our goals, things we were struggling with and our concerns with littermate issues. Erin acknowledged the worst case scenarios with littermates but quickly moved onto what we could do to help our girls work through any issues. She didn't dwell on the negative and explained that with work, consistency and patience we could help our girls thrive. The approach that Conscious Dog Training has taken with us has been nothing but encouraging and empowering. Our next challenge was how different Jasmine and Violet's personalities were. Jas is very energetic and excited while Violet is shy and reactive. We were concerned that a trainer would come in and push Violet and try to change her basic personality. Erin has been amazing! She challenges our shy little Violet while closely & carefully making sure not to stress her out. The result of this has been an increase in confidence and decrease in reactivity. Jasmine is very eager to work on her training and gets excited. Erin doesn't try to force Jas to be still and obey, but instead is teaching her to make good choices and Jasmine is loving it. Conscious Dog Training approaches the sessions in a structured and intentional manner. They use a positive reinforcement method that involves treats, verbal praise and the use of behavior modification. Each time we meet, Erin comes in with a written lesson plan and goals for the day. She is fully engaged with our girls. When walking through an exercise, she very clearly communicates what we are doing and how it fits into achieving our goals. There has never been a time when she has made me feel like I was asking a stupid question or that she was frustrated with repeating herself. Erin is willing to explain and repeat the exercise as many times as it takes. It's very obvious that the trainers at Conscious Dog training are passionate about what they do and love the pets under their care. The biggest lesson I have learned during our time with Conscious Dog Training is that it is not about teaching a dog to simply "obey" commands, it's about learning to communicate with them. Learning to read their body language, reactions and helping them work through things. Our girls are learning to trust us and we are learning to trust them. Going through this training process has deepened our level of bonding. Our sessions with Erin have helped us understand that the training isn't just for our girls, it's also for us, to help us become better pet parents.. With Erin's help and the Conscious Dog Training group, we are working to help our girls have the best life they can. read more

Conscious Dog Training - Dog Walkers Near Me

I adopted my 3 year old lab mix back in October 2016 and though he's a sweet dog he came with behavior baggage. That's where Jennifer Burns comes in. I needed the help to teach me how to manage and correct my dog's abnormal behavior. She makes leash training looks so easy as well as focus. Because of her clear guidance I feel confident that I will be able to help my dog become his best self. I like her technique and I like her honesty and integrity. I definitely recommend her if you're looking for a one on one training for your dog. Update: so my dogTyler and I have worked with Jennifer 3 times already and since we've met with her the first time I've seen great changes in Tyler's behavior. I also like that Jennifer has a lot of insight when it comes to understanding my dog. Because of her help I do understand Tyler better and it shows with the way Tyler responds to me. I love that Jennifer has options on how I want to go about Tyler's training. I like that she has mini sessions. I think it helps me more just because we focus on one thing every session which helps me understand the theory behind what she's teaching us and I can execute it better. Tyler is so much better because of Jennifer's help. read more

We recently adopted a puppy, Skylar! She was 3 months and still not fully vaccinated, but I knew I wanted to start training asap. Due to pandemic, I found most places were only doing virtual trainings which didn't satisfy me, as this is my first dog. Luckily, I got in contact with CDT, referral from a friend who heard from a friend that they were awesome. From the first phone call (sorry can't remember who took it), they answered all my questions and addressed my worries when it came to getting the proper training. One of their trainers, Maxine, was able to fit us in her schedule on short notice. After that first private session, we learned so much! Skylar recently completed a 7 day board and train with Maxine and came back less nippy, almost potty trained and now showing default behaviors like sit anytime a human or dog walks by. We have a follow up with Maxine in a few weeks and can't wait! Aside from these private sessions, the owner runs a puppy support group on Facebook which is SO extremely helpful. Her instagram is very active, with tips every single day that help me in between sessions. Maxine was also super helpful in recommending a safe doggie daycare that uses the positive reinforcement approach. So thankful to have found CDT! read more

We love the help we got from Reid from CDT. Our dog Bear started out as our foster. He is a very good boy (pit mix) but liked to very gently nibble people when he got excited. He is super gentle and would never hurt anyone or anything, but I worried that this habit would scare people who were already nervous around the breed. Reid came over and in minutes had Bear listening to her and obeying the "leave it" command. She was so nice and I could tell so in touch with Bear. She worked with us on a couple of other occasions and we were pleased every time. I highly recommend CDT! Worth every penny! read more

In just one 90 min session we were "sold". Jennifer, of Conscious Canines, came to our house. Bear ,11 week old Golden retriever , was sitting using a hand signal and going in and out of his crate that he hated! Instead of negative attention for mistakes ,she showed us how to ignore the dog and praise him for positive response The thing is Jennifer actually had us doing the training. What a difference from dragging our dog to a strange place with many other owners training there Canines. She made it easy. I would recommend Jennifer She did the trick and made it painless. read more

Conscious Dog Training - Jennifer training Bear Bryant to sit - Dog Walkers Near Me

Jenn came into my dog Piper and my life at the exact right time. Piper is a high-energy, high-anxiety cattle dog/German shepherd mix that was starting to show signs of reactive behavior. I could tell Jen was a knowledgeable and experienced dog trainer. I appreciated her training style was so positively rewarding for the dog (and owner). After being recommended by friends and other trainers to use some type of choke collar/e-collar, I felt incredibly defeated as a dog owner. However, Jenn insured me that would set Piper off in the wrong direction, and how she had already helped so many dogs with her method of training. Piper is so smart (sometimes too much for her own good), and Jen knows exactly how to turn that into positive behavior. We've been working together for about a month. Throughout that time, she's shown me so many skills and resources including clicker training to help with Piper's behavior modification. A walk around the block used to be an anxiety provoking experience (for both Piper and me), but now it is something we enjoy to do together multiple times a day. We still have a lot of work to do, but working with Jen makes it manageable to handle. Piper and I are so grateful to have her! read more

I am amazed at the comfortable and confident ease with which Jennifer teaches and trains both dog and owner simultaneously. I was a support person, to take notes, record techniques by phone, remind my sister ( dog owner) of details she might have missed. Instant change of dog behavior was evident-- this dog welcomed the boundaries! He wanted someone to make him mind-- to care enough to expect standards of behavior (so like our kids) Jennifer stressed the all important realities-- know your dog breed! Teach to those strengths and follow through with your needs for behavior. I highly recommend this "whisperer"! She changed my sister's life with the positive changes in her dog! read more

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I can't say enough good things about CDT and Jennifer. I had tried countless trainers and methods with my 115 lb, incredibly opinionated American Bulldog, Knuckles. Jennifer is helping us find ways to communicate so that Knuck can learn loose leash walking and end his leash reactivity. He was a good dog before we met Jennifer, but now he is even better after every session! read more

Conscious Dog Training - Knuckles - Dog Walkers Near Me

I thought my puppy would be the only one learning when I sent her off for board and train. I've honestly learned so much from conscious dog training. What's good and what's bad for my pup . It's a whole new world with them in our lives and my puppy is so well adjusted and behaved. They've become like family and we work together like family. They care as much as I do. Highly recommend them to friends, family and strangers. read more

Jennifer helped me and my husband with our new pup, Arlo. She is amazing!! We adopted Arlo as a 6 month old puppy right before we were about to move from Austin to Virginia and were in a panic to get adjusted during a very chaotic time (for humans and dogs alike!). Jennifer was so helpful to us, so patient with Arlo, and definitely made us feel much more confident in our continued training. Even after we left, she texted with us when we had a "resource guarding" issue with another dog and helped us know exactly what to do. We can't imagine what we would have done without Jennifer! She was worth her weight in gold to us! read more

Conscious Dog Training - Our butter half, Arlo, after one of his sessions with Conscious Canines. He loved hanging out with Jennifer! - Dog Walkers Near Me

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Jenn Burns dedication to rewards-based training served as an anchor for me as I worked with my Goldendoodle puppy, Daisy, on potty training, loose-leash walking, etc. I wasn't quite ready for the frustration, anxiety, and questions a new puppy would bring. I was ready to guide her with rewards. It worked! Daisy was potty trained by 16 weeks old, could walk on a loose leash for short distances on the sidewalk, only chewed dog toys, played fetch, socialized well with other dogs, etc. With Jenn's guidance and support, I had successfully learned to manage a puppy. By the time she was 6 months old, I trusted her alone in the house. When Daisy turned one, she kept a close distance to me off-leash in the Greenbelt, would quickly get back on her leash, and she PASSED the Canine Good Citizen test. I chose to train Daisy for the Canine Good Citizen test for two reasons: 1.) Daisy seems happiest when she is thinking and solving problems 2.) I'm the kind of person who likes happy dogs. Happy dogs are good dogs! It felt like an overwhelming task at first. One failed test offered a practice opportunity and Jennifer's support offered consistent practice. Then - we - passed! Jennifer enthusiastically answered every question over the 8-month period it took to get Daisy ready. She encouraged me to allow for mistakes and to keep Daisy guessing on when and what she would get as a reward. We are now moving on to train for the Pet Therapy test. Jennifer continues to be Daisy's biggest fan and Daisy hers as we move toward this new goal. When reunited for a training session, even after a 2 month period, the excitement both Daisy and Jenn have for each other can barely be contained. It's I good thing I've learned to be a calm, confident leader! I trust Jenn Burns with my dog. I trust her recommendations and I trust in her practice. She is a loving trainer who practices with passion and discipline within the changing world of dog training. She is at the forefront of holding dog handlers accountable for excellence in her field and for assisting the dogs she loves toward a rewarding life. read more

Jennifer's ability to understand the needs of our dog and teach us to communicate with him has changed our lives! We adopted an 8 year old rat terrier/chihuahua from the shelter who had experienced a lot of trauma. He was very aggressive toward people and other dogs. After months of trying to help him on our own, we contacted a training company that suggested using a shock collar, which we were not willing to try. We were feeling helpless and hopeless because it seemed that no one was willing to take on a dog with aggressive tendencies. A search for humane trainers led us to Jennifer. Upon meeting our dog, she was able to identify fear as the source of his aggression and developed a series of interventions that we could practice to help him overcome his fear. We received detailed instructions for "homework" and Jennifer was available via email to help us with any hiccups along the way. Our dog still has work to do (as do we!), but he is like a completely different animal. We have learned how to help him feel safe and secure, which has improved his overall quality of life. We absolutely loved working with Jennifer and highly recommend her services to anyone with a dog who needs some help! read more

I was told about conscious dog because I have a dog who has become very reactive and anxious since moving to a new neighborhood. This was the best choice I could have made. CDT not only set my dog up for success, but set us up as a team--our relationship is stronger because of the positive reinforcement used. Seeing the growth my dog has made makes me way less anxious than I was before. I will forever go through this company because it is worth every penny. read more

Jennifer is an amazing dog trainer. We have an (almost) five year old dog who is highly aggressive. We've been through several dog trainers who didn't help us very much, and their training didn't resonate with us. Jennifer has a way with the animals and the owners that is very calming and very reassuring. She's incredibly bright and educated about the psychology behind why dogs behave the way they do, and what our actions signal to the dogs. Several times I've been shocked by how my actions have been reinforcing bad behavior in my dog. We've seen Jennifer only twice and the training she's done (and is having us continue at home) is already making a difference. After five years with a difficult dog, it's great to see improvement. I can't recommend her enough. I wish we'd found her when our dog was a puppy! read more

Jennifer Burns is an exceptional dog trainer! She exudes confidence and enthusiasm when working with dogs. It is evident that her work is her passion! While working with our family, Jennifer was able to show us (and most importantly our children) how to consistently train at home so that our puppy would grow into a well-mannered family member. Jennifer only uses positive reinforcement to shape the dog's behavior which has proven to be a huge success for us! If you meet Jennifer and get to know her, you'll find that she is fun, gregarious, and doing what she loves most! read more

Jennifer made the process of rescuing a puppy so much easier! Hiring her is one of the best decisions I ever made. Having my puppy inflicted with close to a year of demodex mange would've been too much for me to handle without her. Not only did she successfully train through the sleepies and skin itchies that come with mange but she also trained exceptionally well. The most crucial part of puppy training is teaching the owners how to implement cues she is teaching the dogs to understand and Jennifer was incredibly patient and detailed. However, the thing that stands out about Jennifer is not her ability- many people can train dogs well- but her passion. She truly cares about your pet and has no lack of compassion for the owners. Jennifer went above and beyond for my doggy: she accompanied me to vet appointments to make sure I was understanding all the information, guided me in the intense bathing procedures that come with mange, and helped me find other ways to ease my Bella's discomfort- whether it be supplements, certain diets, and specific skin creams. She also always focuses on what's best for the pet being trained rather than what's easy for the owner. Jennifer could tell when Belle was tired and needed a break but just as well could make her focus when she knew Bella could do more. Bella is now healthy and happy and though she has a slightly mischievous and rebellious personality, she behaves exactly how I need her to. Beyond the training, Jennifer gave me the skills to implement any other specific behaviors I want present. Even though she's no longer training Bella, I know that if I have specific behavior modification desires or any other general questions about my pet care, she will always be just a pleasant phone call away! read more

My 11-week-old, very active goldendoodle named Bo met Jennifer today. He fell in love with her instantly--and thus begins a very happy relationship! I was so impressed with the connection Jennifer made with my puppy who had been making me frantic with his play-biting. With just this first session she showed me some training techniques that I have already begun to implement. Both Bo and I learned a lot today, and we are looking forward to future sessions with her...I first heard of Jennifer from my best friend, who told me she was phenomenal. She was right, and I have already recommended Jennifer to another friend! read more

Jennifer is incredible. After hearing endless praise about her from a friend whose puppy had taken several lessons, I signed myself and my german shepherd puppy Hex up to work on his barking and crate training. Having already taken some beginner lessons from her on basic obedience, Hex was ecstatic to see her show up to our place. Not only was she able to quiet him down within minutes, but most importantly was able to teach me the best practices in helping calm him when his crazy puppy energy takes over. Would recommend to anyone! read more

I cannot even begin to say how lucky I am to have found Erin and Jenn with Conscious Dog Training. I have been struggling with my 11 month old boxer mix puppy who is the cutest, most lovable creature on the planet, but who is also the strongest and most stubborn dog I have ever met. My journey first started when I witnessed a miracle happen with my next door neighbor's dog, Piper, who Jenn had been working with. I knew instantly that I needed to make an appointment with Jenn and see if she could help me and my puppy. Jenn spent almost an hour with me on the phone learning about me and Diesel, and she thought that Erin would be the perfect match for Diesel and me. Boy, was she right! Erin has now been working with Diesel for several weeks, and I can already see the difference. He is happier, more relaxed, and better behaved than I could have ever imagined. Erin has quickly become my angel. She is calm, kind, sweet, honest and amazing at what she does. It honestly makes my eyes tear up to write this because I feel so blessed to have met Erin and Jenn. They truly are the doggie dream team, and if you are looking to get training for your little 4-legged pup, look no further. Thank you Conscious Dog Training for all that you have (and will continue) to do for me and my family :) read more

Really friendly, and explains things very well.

After a couple of months with our newly adopted pup we started to see behavioral issues from her unfortunate previous life. Our shy sweet dog was now acting out on walks and showing signs of anxiety in social situations. At a total loss being first time dog owners a friend recommend we start working with Jennifer. After just one session with her we learned SO MUCH and were better able to communicate with our Chloe Bae! She taught us how to build up her self-esteem again, nurture a trustful relationship, understand when she was becoming anxious and help her cope with the situation. Jennifer is so knowledgeable, she was able to recommend products and supplements that have also helped my dog. It is more than just training with Jennifer, it is therapy! My dog is so much happier and flourishing because of her! We now enjoy our walks daily and my bond with my dog is very strong. I have Jennifer to thank for that! read more