Get to Know Jen
Jennifer Borges Foster, VSA-CT, FDM
My journey with animal training began over 30 years ago with horses, dogs, feral animals and raptors. Over the years, training practices have improved as science has discovered the long-term benefits of positive reinforcement and aversive-free methods.
This progress aligns with what I have believed for most of my life: Clear communication and compassionate care are key to building healthy relationships with our animals. I’ve had the chance to train dogs in shelters, work with veterinarians, and work with wild and feral animals (including raptors in Alaska), and have found that these principles are effective across species.
I have attained the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSA-CT) certification, studied with Susan Freidman through her applied behavior analysis LLA course, and am a certified Family Dog Mediator. I specialize in reactivity and have logged countless hours researching and practicing canine aggression and over-reactivity training. I am passionate about many other aspects of canine training, including training for puppies and dogs who are new to their households, walk training, separation anxiety training, real relaxation, cooperative care for grooming and vet care, in-home manners, and much more.
“It brings me so much joy to work with dogs and their owners to foster deep understanding for everyone involved.”
My Philosphy
As it turns out, most of us desire to understand and be understood. Our dogs are no different. I believe that learning how your dog communicates and how best to communicate with your dog can be transformational to training practices. As a R+ (positive reinforcement) trainer, I have seen the power of creating relational change with our dogs through trust and compassion - the. benefits of this change are crucially important for everything from loose leash walking and separation anxiety cessation to obedience work and agility training.
