Your Friendly Neighborhood Behavior Consultant
I am the owner of Good Human Dog Training in Winston-Salem, NC.
I recently moved to the area from Durham, NC, where I collaborated with local veterinarians and shared many of my cases with the behavioral medicine team at NC State’s Veterinary Hospital.
I am making connections with local veterinary practices to better serve my clients and, hopefully, yours too.
I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the IAABC, one of only twelve in North Carolina. I have also been a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) since 2017. I graduated from Karen Pryor Academy (KPA CTP) in 2018. Professional development is a priority for me. I continue to learn by reading relevant material, attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, and pursuing other educational opportunities.
For more than a decade, I have worked with pet owners to address various behavior issues such as anxiety, aggression, and fear. I have a special place in my heart for fearful dogs, even (and especially) the ones who may get into trouble with their teeth!
One of the Few Behavior Consultants in This Multiverse
Jennifer Thornburg is one of only twelve IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultants in the state of North Carolina!
Methods and Philosophy
My approach to positive dog training is evidence-based and rooted in applied
behavioral science. I use and promote Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training and behavior work with my clients.
My intervention strategies are informed by the American Veterinary School of Animal Behavior’s recommendations for Humane Training and Dr. Susan Friedman’s Hierarchy of Behavior-Change Procedures.
Dog training isn’t only about the dog. I’m committed to a collaborative approach with my human clients, because a training plan that isn’t practical won’t be effective.
Behavior Consulting
I customize my private consulting sessions to each dog’s needs and owner’s abilities. The initial consultation begins with a thorough history of the behavior: when it started, how long it has been occurring, and what specific triggers cause or worsen the problem. Appropriate at-home recommendations will be made so that undesirable behavior is no longer being practiced. We will begin to lay the foundation for a behavior modification protocol. A written report is provided to the client after each session. You may have seen a Good Human training plan come in with one of your clients!
Veterinary Referrals
My area of expertise is dog behavior. I will never make medical diagnoses regarding the health and wellness of the dogs I work with. My clients will be directed to seek assessment and appropriate care from their veterinarian when any concerns are noted. Additionally, I will refer clients to you if I believe there may be medications that could reduce risk in the short term or speed up responsiveness to behavior modification protocols.
I will try to get them muzzle-trained before sending them your way.
Services and Support Area
I offer in-person and virtual behavior consultations and dog training in the greater
Winston-Salem, NC area. We offer comprehensive, science-based services to support veterinary care. GHDT expertise covers behavior modification for aggression and anxiety, preventative training for puppies, and specialized programs including service dog training and post-surgical rehabilitation support.
As Behavior issues can take time and energy to solve. We offer packaged services for our dedicated clients who want to put in the work to
For those outside of our service area, we offer a travel charge schedule for in-person consultations or virtual consultations.
A Smart Start is the Best Start
We both know those first months together are critical for building forever relationships with our pets. This free comprehensive course covers crucial areas like establishing routines, creating safe spaces, and implementing positive training techniques. The course addresses common behavior concerns, providing you with practical solutions to share. We hope by offering this resource, we’ll empower new pet owners, potentially reducing post-adoption issues. Suitable for dogs of all ages, it’s an invaluable tool for ensuring successful adoptions.
