Good Human Dog Training

09/16/2025

Behavior Consultants are Pet Detectives!

We utilize our training in canine cognition, ethology, and behavioral analysis to examine the evidence, much like detectives with a specialty in dog psychology. Sometimes we need to call in backup from other professionals to crack the case.

We use our training in canine cognition, ethology, and behavioral analysis to examine the evidence - like detectives with a specialty in dog psychology! Sometimes we need to call in backup from other professionals to crack the case.

Your behavior consultant might send you to your dog's veterinarian to rule out medical causes (because sometimes what looks like "bad behavior" is actually pain or illness). In complex cases, we might recommend a Veterinary Behaviorist - think of them as the forensics team of the dog world!

Every dog's story has clues waiting to be uncovered. The tail-wagging, the pacing, the resource guarding - it's all evidence that helps us solve the puzzle of your pup's behavior.

Ready to crack your dog's case?
We utilize our training in canine cognition, ethology, and behavioral analysis to examine the evidence, much like detectives with a specialty in dog psychology. Sometimes we need to call in backup from other professionals to crack the case.

✅ Share this post if you know someone with a "mystery dog"
✅ Comment below: What behavioral "mystery" is your dog presenting?

Don't let another day go by wondering what's going on with your dog. Let's solve this together!

https://www.goodhumandogtraining.com/dog-behavior-services-winston-salem

09/08/2025

Breaking News: Local Human Defeats Self
My foot fell asleep, I stood up, and BAM I broke one of my best walkin' feet. Or ankle, rather. But it's certainly put a damper on walking.

The Better Story
Of course I was saving a dog from a bear.
I saved the dog but sacrificed my ankle. The bear's name was Kevin, and he had a surprisingly good ground game.

Since I'm currently operating at 50% mobility, I'm offering discounted virtual consultations. You get expert dog training help, I get to stay seated and avoid any more tragic encounters with basic human functions like "standing up."

Once my ankle remembers its job, we can meet in person, where I'll pretend this never happened.

Get your expert training here while I figure out how to walk.
https://pocketsuite.io/book/goodhuman/item/virtual-consultation

(My poor dogs haven't made the connection. Yet.)

Expert dog training in Winston-Salem. Certified behaviorist specialist offering service dog, aggression, obedience training using science-based methods.

08/29/2025

Typical example: Your dog jumps on guests at the door?elop a solid plan.d ones!
If you can't manage it, you can't train it effectively. Management helps reduce the unwanted behaviors your dog is practicing while giving you a jumping-off point where training will be more successful.
Management gives us that crucial breathing room to get a solid plan together.
Common example: Your dog jumps on guests at the door?

Management: Put your dog behind a baby gate or in another room when guests arrive
Training: Practice calm greetings with family members, reward four paws on the floor
Result: Your dog stops rehearsing the jumping behavior while learning the right way to greet people

Remember: Management prevents practice of bad habits, training builds good ones!

08/19/2025

You asked for it, and we delivered. Check out our new merch store, with our custom "Bark Growl Snarl" shirt. While you're there, check out the newly designed site and consider picking up a shirt to support your favorite local small business.

https://www.goodhumandogtraining.com/the-merch-store/
https://www.goodhumandogtraining.com/product/bgss-t-shirt-2/

T-shirts are a dime a dozen, but this one stands out from the pack (GET IT PACK). It’s super soft, breathable, and has just the right amount of stretch. Need

08/18/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Here's what one happy client had to say:
"I had a very good experience with Good Human Dog Training. I have a 6 year old rescue dog and it really helped me to understand her behaviors and learn some tools and commands to work on some things."
-Megan M.

08/04/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here's what one happy client had to say:

"Jennifer was fabulous with me and with Izzy. Everything she said makes perfect sense. Just up to me to follow through with all of it so I will definitely be booking more visits. I've only had one so far but love that she comes to my home and love her style of training. Izzy is definitely responding and loves the training which hasn't always been the case for me. More to come!"

-Sandra A.

07/30/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here's what one happy client had to say:

Jennifer thornburg is a fantastic human who has a special gift for helping canines and their humans. I can't recommend her skills enough!
-Eileen C.

07/29/2025

Struggle to speak up for your dog when they're working, stressed, scared, or just need space?

You're not alone. Read this week's blog to learn to advocate without the awkward confrontation

https://www.goodhumandogtraining.com/advocating-for-your-reactive-dog/

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07/28/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here's what one happy client had to say:

"Jen was super helpful with our new puppy. She worked with us on how to train our puppy and what works with our lifestyle and schedule, with no judgement! Extremely knowledgeable, kind, and has multiple approaches to any challenge. Training with Jen helped us focus on what is really important, and cut out all the other conflicting opinions we were finding online. She provides excellent resources and support."

-Katie R

07/26/2025

"The most important thing I have ever built in my whole life is your trust."

Our dogs love us through our messiness, teach us to be present, and remind us what unconditional love looks like. In times when everything feels heavy, they remain our anchors.

💛 What has your dog taught you about unconditional love?

Andrea Gibson performs "A LETTER TO MY DOG, EXPLORING THE HUMAN CONDITION" Video by Avery Hudson. Music by The Album Leaf.

07/25/2025

RECALL WEEK - DAY 3: When All Else Fails

We've been talking all week about building a solid recall foundation – teaching your dog their outdoor job skills, not repeating your cue, creating positive associations. But let's be real: sometimes life happens.

Maybe your dog slipped their collar. Maybe they bolted out the front door when the delivery guy arrived. Maybe they're still learning and decided today was the perfect day to test your patience (and your cardiovascular fitness).

Whatever the reason, you're standing there watching your dog embark on their "freedom run," and all that beautiful recall training feels pretty useless in the moment.

First rule: Don't panic. (Okay, panic a little, but then channel that energy into something useful.)

Second rule: Don't chase. You'll lose every time, and you'll accidentally turn this into the world's most stressful game of tag.

Instead, it's time to get creative. When your carefully trained recall isn't working, you need some backup tricks – the kind that work on basic dog psychology rather than months of training.

Here are 10 clever (and slightly ridiculous) ways to get your runaway dog back safely, because sometimes you have to fight fire with... theatrical performance and hot dogs.

https://www.goodhumandogtraining.com/10-tricks-for-catching-a-runaway-dog/

07/24/2025

It's Recall Week - Day 5
Many of our clients wonder when they can stop using treats during training. The reality is that treats should remain a powerful tool throughout your dog's life, especially for recall training. The difference between a dog who races to you with tail-wagging enthusiasm and one who weighs their options before reluctantly trotting over lies entirely in how you handle reinforcement. And getting it wrong can mean the difference between a dog who stays safe in emergencies and one who doesn't.

https://www.goodhumandogtraining.com/treats-are-not-a-crutch-for-recall-training/