Good Human Dog Training

12/04/2025

BORN THIS WAY?
Do we automatically expect certain breeds to behave in a certain way because of their genetics?

Why is a dog the way they are? Are they just born this way?

Genetics certainly play a part, but genetics are not always a reliable predicter of behaviour.

Genetics may provide us with insight as to what could be expected, but it’s so much more than just that.

Genetics, environment, life experiences and individuality all play a role in shaping a dog’s behaviour.

Just like us, dogs are unique individuals, each with their own personalities, emotions, likes and dislikes, sociability, preferences or different health issues. These often change throughout life.

Just as we learn and change through our life experiences, so do dogs. Negative or positive experiences, trauma, stress, learnt habits, training methods, trust, feeling safe and secure, predictability and stability are all part of how these types of experiences affect behaviour.

Many dogs live in environments that are not compatible with what they were selectively bred to do.

People bred dogs to do certain jobs like guarding, herding, hunting, pointing, scenting, tracking or companionship.

When dogs that were bred for specific jobs, find themselves “unemployed” and have no outlet for what they were originally bred to do, this often leads to pent up frustration and behaviour problems.

Conflict between the environment and a dog’s genetics are an increasingly common reason for behaviour problems.

Yes, a dog may have just been “born this way”, but always look at the whole picture to understand the why of behaviour.

Genetics, environment, individuality and experiences – they all matter.

11/29/2025

Here's the big news: I'm stepping away from my behavior practice to become the Animal Behavior Program Manager at the Forsyth Humane Society.

This wasn't an easy decision. My work with families has been meaningful, but I need more steadiness and balance in my life. This new role will allow me to continue serving our community's animals in a different way, working alongside a dedicated team and supporting pets and people who need it most.

Your trust has meant everything to me. You've invited me into your homes and your dogs' stories, and I carry those moments with gratitude.

If you are currently working with me, please know that I remain fully committed to supporting you during this transition. For clients with open packages, I'm prioritizing your remaining sessions. I will make sure you have everything you need, including guidance on next steps and connections to additional resources if helpful.

Although I am closing my practice as Good Human Dog Training & Behavior, I am not disappearing. I’ll continue to take a limited number of behavior cases that require specialized expertise.

If you're working with a dog whose behaviors feel overwhelming or dangerous, or if previous training attempts haven't been successful, I'm still here to help. And yes, you are welcome to continue referring people who may need this level of support.

Please note: I do not take cases involving separation-related behaviors. For these concerns, I'm happy to refer you to specialists who focus exclusively on this area.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for letting me be part of your life and your dog’s life. It has been a true honor to walk alongside you.

10/10/2025

Proof that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. The orthopedic walking boot is part of the fit for a couple more weeks but I’M BACK to in-person sessions with some accommodations.
Yes, family, I’m taking it slow. Sheesh.

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