Lifelong Love of Dogs

Dogs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Today, I combine a lifetime of hands-on experience, professional training, and a deep understanding of behavior to help dogs and their owners build stronger relationships.

Jennifer has loved animals her entire life, but dogs have always held a special place in her heart. 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.

From Human Behavior to Dog 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. My 25 years working in Probation and Parole taught me the importance of communication, patience, consistency, and building trust—skills that now help me work effectively with dogs and their owners.

Why I Became a Dog Trainer

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.

Jennifer also enjoys spending time with her family and taking her dogs to the countryside, where they can run and explore freely. She strongly believes dogs should be given opportunities to do what they were bred to do. In addition to basic obedience training, Jennifer has trained her two Brittanys for quail hunting, an experience that has deepened her appreciation for breed-specific instincts and the unique abilities of working dogs.

My Training Philosophy

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.

Education & Certifications

✓ Certified Dog Trainer – Animal Behavior College
✓ B.A. Psychology – University of Arizona
✓ M.S.W. – Arizona State University

Additional Training

✓ Pet First Aid & CPR Certified
✓ Pet Massage Training
✓ Pet Nutrition & Diet Training

Experience

✓ 25 Years in Probation & Parole
✓ Rescue Volunteer
✓ Volunteer Obedience Class Assistant

Jennifer's diverse background allows her to approach training from both the canine and human perspectives, helping dogs and their owners succeed together.