Jennifer has been a passionate animal lover since childhood, with a special place in her heart for dogs. Even in college, she was known for traveling with a lively entourage of more than ten animals—including dogs, rabbits, birds, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Her lifelong commitment to animals continues to shape her approach today, combining hands-on experience, deep empathy, and a strong understanding of animal behavior.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. In 2022, she retired after nearly 25 years of service as a probation and parole officer in both the Kansas City and Tucson areas. Her background in human behavior and years of working with individuals in challenging situations have given her a unique perspective on communication, patience, and trust—skills that now inform her work with dogs and their owners.
In 2019, Daisy, a Plott Hound, joined the Gastelum family. As Daisy grew older, she developed anxiety and often refused to leave the house for walks or car rides. After working with a skilled trainer, Daisy now willingly goes outside and even enjoys frequent trips to the countryside to run with her canine companions. Daisy’s journey is what inspired Jennifer’s passion for dog training and her desire to help dogs live their best lives.
In her spare time, Jennifer volunteers at a local rescue, where she works with dogs to help exercise and evaluate them for better placement in their forever homes. She also enjoys spending time with her family and taking her dogs to the countryside to run freely.
Jennifer is a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College, a program that emphasizes building strong canine-human relationships through positive reinforcement training methods. She considers all aspects of each dog’s situation, including breed, background, temperament, and household environment. Her individualized approach addresses each dog’s unique characteristics and specific needs. This personalized method not only helps resolve behavioral issues but also strengthens the bond between the dog and its owner. By understanding and respecting each dog's individuality, Jennifer ensures every training session is both effective and enjoyable for pets and their families.
