MEET JENN ARMSTRONG
HEAD TRAINER
Jenn Armstrong is the head trainer of Grassroots K9 Durham, bringing years of experience, passion, and dedication to the art of dog training. Known for her calm, structured approach and her ability to connect deeply with both dogs and owners, Jenn believes that training is as much about building relationships as it is about teaching skills.
Jenn’s journey with Grassroots K9 began as a devoted trainer whose consistency, empathy, and results-driven mindset quickly set her apart. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between obedience and lifestyle — helping families understand their dogs, communicate clearly, and achieve real-world reliability.
From developing strong foundations in obedience to addressing behavioral challenges, Jenn tailors every program to meet the individual needs of each dog and owner. Her mission is simple: to create balanced, confident dogs and empowered owners who can thrive together in any environment.
When she’s not on the training field, Jenn can often be found outdoors exploring with her own dogs, continuing her education through workshops and seminars, and supporting the growing Grassroots K9 community across Ontario.
SERVICES
At Grassroots K9, we offer customized dog training programs tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of both you and your canine companion. Recognizing that each dog and owner duo is unique, our personalized approach ensures effective and lasting results.
Key Features of Our Customized Programs:
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Individualized Assessment: We begin by evaluating your dog's behavior, temperament, and current training level, as well as understanding your objectives and lifestyle. This comprehensive assessment allows us to design a program that aligns with your specific requirements.
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Tailored Training Techniques: Based on the assessment, we employ a variety of training methods best suited to your dog's learning style and your goals. This may include positive reinforcement, clicker training, or other specialized techniques.
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Flexible Scheduling: We offer various scheduling options to accommodate your availability, ensuring consistency and convenience throughout the training process.
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Ongoing Support and Evaluation: Our commitment to your success extends beyond the initial training sessions. We provide continuous support, including follow-up sessions and progress evaluations, to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved and maintained.
By customizing our programs, we address the unique challenges and aspirations of each client, fostering a harmonious and rewarding relationship between you and your dog.
PRIVATE TRAINING
Our private lessons offer personalized, one-on-one training tailored to the specific needs of your dog and your goals as an owner. Whether you're addressing behavioral challenges, reinforcing obedience, or focusing on advanced skills, our trainers will work with you to develop a customized plan. These sessions are designed to provide you with hands-on guidance, ensuring that both you and your dog build a strong foundation for long-term success. We adapt to your dog’s pace and learning style, creating a positive and focused environment that drives real progress.
GROUP CLASSES
Our group classes provide a structured and social environment for dogs to learn essential skills while building confidence around distractions. Tailored for various skill levels, these sessions focus on obedience, behavior management, and real-world scenarios. Led by expert trainers, group classes encourage your dog to engage, stay focused, and perform reliably in diverse situations. You’ll also benefit from professional guidance and shared experiences with fellow dog owners, fostering both learning and community.
BOARD & TRAINS
Our Board & Train program offers a focused, immersive experience where your dog stays with us for customized, daily training. Whether addressing specific behavioral issues or reinforcing essential commands, this program accelerates your dog's progress in a structured, distraction-free environment. With personalized attention from our expert trainers, your dog will build skills and confidence. Once their stay is complete, we’ll guide you through maintaining their training, ensuring a smooth transition back home and continued success.
DAYCARE & TRAINS
Our Daycare & Train program offers a perfect balance of care and training throughout the day. While your dog enjoys socialization and playtime, they’ll also receive personalized, one-on-one training sessions with our expert trainers. This program is ideal for busy owners who want their dogs to develop obedience, improve behavior, or reinforce important commands while being cared for in a safe, structured environment. At the end of each day, your dog returns home having learned new skills and with plenty of mental and physical exercise.
At Grassroots K9, we specialize in every aspect of dog training, offering customized programs designed to meet the unique needs of each dog and their owner. Whether you're looking for foundational skills, behavioral adjustments, or advanced training, our expert trainers are equipped to guide you on the right path. With personalized attention and a deep commitment to results, we ensure that you and your dog receive the specialized training you need to succeed."
PUPPY FOUNDATIONS
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Focuses on early-stage development for puppies, including socialization, potty training, crate training, and basic obedience.
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Teaches important foundational skills such as impulse control, focus, and engagement with the owner.
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Incorporates positive reinforcement to build confidence and good behavior.
BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION
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Designed to address specific behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, reactivity, or separation anxiety.
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Involves an in-depth assessment of the dog’s behavior, followed by personalized training to modify unwanted behaviors.
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Focus on building calmness, confidence, and control in high-stress situations.
OBEDIENCE
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Customized to focus on basic to advanced commands such as sit, stay, heel, come, and down.
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Tailored based on the dog's temperament, age, and current obedience level.
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Includes both on-leash and off-leash obedience training.
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Could cover specialized areas like competition-level obedience (e.g., KC obedience classes).
WORKING DOGS
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Specifically for owners who want to train their dogs for working roles, such as protection, detection, or competition (e.g., PSA).
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Includes bite work, decoy work, detection training, and other working dog tasks.
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Designed for high-drive dogs with a focus on building the dog’s confidence and channeling their drive into productive work.
TRAINING PACKAGES
We offer our training services in flexible packages designed to suit your goals and your dog's needs. Each package allows you to customize the training by choosing any program from our offerings, such as board and train, day and train, private lessons, or group classes. You have full flexibility to select how you use each session.
5 DAY PACKAGE
Our 5-day package includes five personalized sessions that can be applied to any of our programs—whether it’s private training, Board & Train, group classes, Daycare & Train, or specialty training. This flexible option is ideal for a quick start or addressing specific challenges while giving you a taste of different training approaches.
10 DAY PACKAGE
The 10-day package offers ten sessions that can be used across all our programs, including private lessons, Board & Train, Daycare & Train, group classes, or working dog training. This package is great for more comprehensive training, providing a balanced approach to obedience, behavior modification, or specialized tasks.
15 DAY PACKAGE
With the 15-day package, you’ll receive fifteen sessions to use in any of our offerings—private lessons, Board & Train, group training, Daycare & Train, working dog club, or any specialty training. This option ensures steady progress, whether you're focusing on obedience, behavior, or advanced working dog skills.
20 DAY PACKAGE
Our 20-day package gives you twenty sessions, which can be applied to any program, from private training and group classes to Board & Train or working dog club. Ideal for long-term growth, this package ensures your dog gets the focused attention needed to achieve your goals, whether they’re behavioral or skill-based.
30 DAY PACKAGE
The 30-day package includes thirty sessions to be used across all our training programs—private lessons, Board & Train, Daycare & Train, group training, or specialty options. This is perfect for owners looking for consistent, in-depth training to achieve advanced obedience, behavior modification, or working dog development.
60 DAY PACKAGE
Our most comprehensive option, the 60-day package, includes sixty sessions, applicable to any of our programs, including private training, Board & Train, working dog club, group classes, or specialty training. This package offers a complete, all-encompassing training experience, ensuring long-term success for dogs at any stage.
Training Add-Ons
Our add-on programs offer flexible, cost-effective options to supplement your dog's training, specifically for select dogs that meet our criteria. Designed for clients who seek ongoing maintenance, skill reinforcement, or a convenient solution amidst a busy schedule, these programs allow your dog to work with our expert trainers in focused, real-world environments.
Whether it’s through Day & Train, where your dog spends a day practicing obedience or behavior refinement; Walk & Train, providing structured, on-leash practice and impulse control; or Trail Walk & Train, blending outdoor adventure with attentive obedience training, each service enriches your dog’s experience and enhances their progress. Perfect for maintaining momentum outside regular sessions, these add-ons are tailored to fit your lifestyle and your dog’s specific needs.
Day & Train's
Drop-In & Train
Walk & Train
Trail Walk & Train
Board and Train
Our Board & Train program provides an immersive training experience where your dog stays with us for focused, daily sessions tailored to their specific needs. Whether addressing behavioral issues or refining obedience, your dog will benefit from expert guidance in a structured environment. During their stay, they'll learn essential skills in a distraction-free setting, gaining confidence and discipline. When the program is complete, we ensure you're equipped with the tools to maintain and reinforce their progress at home, creating long-lasting results.
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Immersive Learning
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Tailored Programs
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Faster Results
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Structured Environment
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Convenience for Owners
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Comprehensive Handover
Dealing with Anxiety and Fear?
At Grassroots K9, we specialize in transforming the lives of dogs struggling with anxiety, fear, and low confidence. Our experienced trainers employ a compassionate, personalized approach that focuses on building trust and fostering a positive learning environment. Through tailored training programs, we equip dogs with the skills they need to navigate their fears and develop resilience. Our methods emphasize patience, understanding, and consistent reinforcement, empowering dogs to thrive in everyday situations. Whether it's overcoming fear of strangers, anxiety in new environments, or building confidence in social settings, Grassroots K9 is dedicated to helping each dog reach their full potential and enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life.