Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Jen Havens

Dog trainer in

#289 in United States, #1 in New Mexico

United States

    https://thereallifedog.com

    Service areas:

    Taos, Taos County, El Prado, Talpa, Arroyo Seco

    For 40+ years, I lived in Monrovia CA where I founded and operated Two Dogs Pet Services, a professional pet care & dog walking company. We added puppy socialization, basic manners, and therapy dog training in 2017.I've worked as a barista, a nanny to three children, youth group director, customer service in retail stores and restaurants, and Out Patient Nurse Coordinator at Dr. Domotor's Animal House Veterinary Hospital.I have traveled through 35 states with one or two whippets and an old tortoise in search of massive amounts of dog fun!In June of 2022, my three wonderful whippets (Beans, Ryder, and Vinney) and I moved to Taos, New Mexico so I could be closer to my senior mom. We are looking forward to exploring more and experiencing all the land of enchantment and four seasons has to offer.All three whippets have multiple trick dog titles and have earned their CGCA (Canine Good Citizen Advanced, now Community Canine). Vinney received his first trick title at 17 weeks. Beans and Ryder earned their AKC Obedience Beginner Novice titles. Beans has her Rally Advanced title, Ryder has his Rally Intermediate. Both have earned Fast CAT and CAT titles and Ryder is an AKC Field Champion and has a Dock Novice title. Beans recently retired from therapy dog work and is semi-retired as my service dog. Vinney is in training to take over for Beans as my service dog and we will be starting public access training soon!

    Dog training services include

    • Deaf dog training
    • Reactive dog training
    • In home training
    • Puppy training

    More info about Jen Havens's dog training:

    I'm available for one on one in-person in or near Taos, NM or virtual consults and training sessions. Personal, small group online classes include Puppy Squad, Trick Squad, and Teamwork Sessions. Puppy Squad is geared toward pups up to 6 months. Trick Squad is for anyone who wants to learn how to use fun tricks to get desirable behaviors and/or earn Trick titles through AKC. Teamwork Sessions are for dog guardians facing more challenging behaviors, it's a deep dive into the whys. In-person classes include CGC/Tricks and Fit Dog Level 1+2 small groups, as well as 1:1 consults and sessions in the client's home.

    Behavioral issue focus:

    Fearful and under socialized pups are the calls I receive most often with new rescues and new puppies as close seconds.

    Dog training methods:

    I focus on the welfare of each dog, person, and household I work with and I'm proud to use effective, positive reinforcement using rewards, fear free, and humane methods of care and training. I teach how to recognize a dog's body language cues so clients are able to gain further understanding about what their dogs need and how they're asking us to meet those needs. My favorite ways to meet a dog's needs include enrichment, games, fitness, tricks, and creative use of the environment/nature. I love teaching clients how to get alternative behaviors to those frustrating, undesirable behaviors. Each household is different and each client gets to create their own training plan with my guidance on what we want to work on and in what order. Training must be doable for the entire household so I strive to give the client full control over their plan.

    Why I became a dog trainer:

    At first, to work with my own dogs in a way I felt good about after growing up learning that training and control were one and the same. Now, it's to help people understand their dogs, avoid frustration, and get the desirable behaviors while having a lot of fun!My deaf dog, 11 yrs now, needed positive reinforcement and I didn't know how to do that so I took a couple puppy classes with Paul Owens and decided I needed to learn and do more.Then I met Kat Camplin and heard about the science behind dog training and wanted more of that, too.Both were helping so many people and dogs and I wanted to learn how to do that in the same ethical and practical ways.Since meeting them both, I've brought home two more whippets and they have both made me a better trainer and continue to make me a better person.

    My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

    One of the things that excites me most about working with dogs and their people is watching them have fun with while learning how to effectively meet their household's and dog's needs. Seeing the Ohhh! I get it now! happen thrills me!I also love meeting people and their pups where they are and teaching them how to teach their pups what they want them to do. And helping them achieve their desired relationship with their dog.

    My #1 dog training tip:

    Slow down. I find that when we back the bus up, take a few deep breaths, observe before acting, and try to wait a moment, our dogs figure things out a lot sooner. Giving them time and distance is all part of the slowing down, too.


    See The Best Dog Trainers In New Mexico


    See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near New Mexico


    Sniffspot Dog running on field

    Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

    David Adams photo

    David Adams

    July 10, 2024

    Dog Trainers

    About Sniffspot

    Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

    Follow us

    Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

    TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
    Related articles
    Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
    Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
    Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
    All categories

    Most recent articles

    Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
    Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

    Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
    Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

    Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
    Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

    Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
    Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners
    Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners

    Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners
    Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners

    Top dog guides per area

    Dog training guides

    • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

      How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

      Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

    • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

      Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

      As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

    • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

      How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

      More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

    • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

      What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

      You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

    • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

      Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

      Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

    Dog enrichment guides

    • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

      The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

      Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

    • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

      Best Toys for Herding Dogs

      * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

    • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

      The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

      Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

    • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

      Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

      You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

    • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

      Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

      * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

    Dog reactivity guides

    Sniffspot community guides

    • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

      The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

      From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

    • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

      How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

      Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

    • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

      Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

      Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

    • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

      How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

      Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

    • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

      Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

      Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

    Top dog trainers in the US

    City dog parks guides

    • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

      The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

      Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

    • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

      The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

      Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

    • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

      The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

      Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

    • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

      The Best United States Dog Parks

      Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

    • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

      The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

      Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

    Dogs breeds

    • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

      Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

      Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

    • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

      Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

      Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

    • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

      Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

      Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

    • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

      Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

      Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

    • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

      Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

      Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

    Top dog names in the US

    • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

      Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

      Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
    • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

      Most Popular Male Dog Names

      Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
    • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

      Most Popular Female Dog Names

      Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
    • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

      Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

      Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
    • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

      Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

      Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

    Top dog rescues in the US