Understanding Dogs, L.L.C.

My name is Jenn Barg and I am the owner of Understanding Dogs, L.L.C., a new business in the Upper Connecticut River Valley that offers in-home dog training and behavior help. I have been working in the field of animal behavior since 1991. I began my training in college where I majored in Biology and began studying the breeding behavior of migratory songbirds. I conducted research and published many articles in peer-reviewed journals on this subject while completing a Master of Science degree in Biology and Animal Behavior.

Click here for a pdf version of my full curriculum vitae/resume.

My focus turned from migratory birds to dogs after the completion of my Master's degree, prompted by the addition of two dogs to my home that had significant behavior issues. I have worked for the Upper Valley Humane Society (UVHS) from 2002-2008, most recently as the Head of Behavior and Training for its Animal Care Center and as the Head Behavior Consultant to its Training Center. I have earned Certified Pet Dog Trainer status through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant status through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the Animal Behavior Society at whose 2007 annual meeting I presented original research on trends in dog behavior problems. I have participated in the Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior in 2007 and 2008. I am also a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the American Kennel Club.

Currently my husband and I share our lives with 7 dogs: 3 Labrador Retrievers, an Australian Shepherd mix, a deaf Dalmatian, a Treeing Walker Coonhound and an Australian Cattle Dog. I compete in agility with my Aussie mix and am training my Cattle Dog to do the same. My main joy in training comes from teaching others that they can have improved relationships with their dogs through understanding how to effectively train and communicate in a dog-friendly manner and from seeing the difference this understanding makes to the owner-canine bond.