Kody
I have worked with Wes for over 10 years, starting with our first German shepherd - Belle. Besides great no-nonsense training, he is extremely good at giving specific training instructions to indiviual dog owners and their dogs. For example, his training guidance for Belle was very different for my wife versus me (i.e., he was a lot more strict with me!).
When Belle died, Wes was ready with a new puppy for us (Kody). Kody was a very different dog than Belle. He had a much higher energy level and more dominant. I had to learn a different approach to training. As Kody matured, Wes modified our training procedures. Because of the training, Kody is now a very important member of our family!
Kato & Kali
Get a Malinois “they” said. It’ll be fun “they” said. Get a trainer “they” said. What “they” should’ve said was FAFO and get a trainer who KNOWS working dogs. Enter Wes and Arrowwood Shepherds. Kato is Mr. Confident and Kali is Ms. Nerve Bag, so I need to work on different things with each. We started training w/Wes when they hit 2 y/o (in May 2023) after previous trainer caused serious regression in training level - it’s a long story.While I “trained” them in the basics (sit, stay, come…etc) they certainly hadn’t even tapped into 5% of their potential, and I didn’t KNOW how to help get them there. I never thought my crackheads would down-stay or heel properly while walking off leash but after ONE, yes ONE session they not only down-stayed but also grasped the fundamentals of a “real” heel which makes walking them a breeze. Best part is that they love going to training and keep improving with every session. I KEEP IMPROVING AS A HANDLER…which is the key to their happiness and success. Individual or group sessions; Wes sees what you and your dog(s) need and trains to that without unnecessary BS to draw out the training sessions like other trainers I’ve been to. Don’t get me wrong, some can get what they need out of other trainers but to unlock my Mals true potential I needed a working dog pro, and found one with Wes. Training sessions are “safe spaces” for both dogs and people. We get training on how to handle dog aggression so out in the world we know how to react in the best interest of our dog. Wes knows dogs. He knows working dogs. He knows how to train humans to handle working dogs. You put in the work and listen to his training and your dog will transform. Are they perfect? Not yet, but we’ll get close with continued training. Couldn’t be happier with our continuing growth and highly recommend Wes for both family and competition caliber canines! ~Jackie K.
Kimber
I rescued a 1 year old GSD, Kimber, 5 months ago - I made the call to Arrowwood Shepherds immediately. Kimber is truly a different dog than when I adopted her 5 months ago, in large part thanks to the tips I have picked up from watching Wes work not just with us, but with the others in the class. He trains not just the dog but also the owner, strengthening the relationship. His calm demeanor when working with the human/dog pairs is something to emulate and he is now my go to for every future dog I bring into my family. ~ J.S.
Dolly & Beau
One Friday our two German Shepherds - Dolly and Beau (formerly, "Venus" and "Shakespeare") - managed to leave our home withoutour noticing. A back door had blown open from the wind. (In defense of ourselves, we need to add that they are USUALLY very good about not leaving our home or property, thanks to Wesley Jensen's helpful training.) Hours went by and we were becoming frantic, as these dogs are not"wanderers." As they were tagged, we called the Humane Society, hoping that someone had called in a sighting, but no luck there either. We continued to searh on foot and in our cars. with some of our neighbors helping, also.
We finally remembered that Wesley Jenson, owner of Arrowwood Shepherds, had a dog - Lucha - who had successfully tracked down a dog under similar circumstances in the past, so we called Wesley, just to ask his advice. At this point, our dogs had been gone for 4-5 hours and we were convinced that they must have been hurt and/or we might never see them again. Wesley had Lucha get the scent of Beau from his bedding - and Lucha took off out of our yard, across the street, between two houses and back into the woods. He continued to go over a creek, back up into more woods and vacant land (with me struggling to keep up with the two of them!) and finally arrived at the back of what appeared to be a deserted and/or deteriorated house. Low and behold - out came Dolly and then Beau from underneath the house's back porch! Wesley and Lucha's successful search took only 20 minutes - if that! We cannot praise Wesley and Lucha enough!~Lynda and Al Scileppi
Max
I inherited Max unexpectedly. While I had German Shepherds before, I never had a working line shepherd. It quickly became apparent that in addition to needing to bond with this dog, Max needed more than just going for walks. I didn't know how to comminucate with him and we were both frustrated. After reading many reviews online I contacted Wes.
Not only did Wes help me turn Max into a gentleman on the leash and around people, he showed me how to communicate with him and gave me an outlet to bond with him. He went from lunging on his leash, barking at other dogs, never listening, and starting fights, to a dog I can walk and take anywhere confidently. He's even great with my 1.5 year old toddler!
I can't thank Wes enough for helping Max and I. I can finally enjoy my dog and I can't imagine my life without my fluffy buddy.
Oscar
Oscar, a golden mix, was our first foster dog. The first day we picked him up, we knew we were in for a challenge. He had been living in a West Virginia shelter most of the two years of his life and exhibited possession and aggression issues as well as lack of both animal and human socialization. As Wes had trained our 2 rescued shepherds, and we knew that he also helped many other rescued dogs, we turned for him for help. And we needed a lot of help! Wes was very gentle with Oscar; Oscar had never been trained or shown limits before. Wes showed us how to do both.
Our home was turned into 'boot camp': lots of guidelines, but also lots of love, affection and positive reinforcement. Wes taught us how to reduce his possession issues through training and consistency. Eventually, after many months, Wes gave Oscar a full evaluation and a thumbs up - a home, a very specific 'right' home could be found for him.
We found Oscar a great home with a wonderful woman with dog experience.Oscar is thriving there. His new home did have one setback as the adopter's frail, elderly mother was afraid of Oscar because he would posture around her. They considered euthanizing Oscar. The adopter's mother soon learned she could tell Oscar to sit and down and, because of his training, Oscar quickly learned his place was at the bottom of the totem pole. Oscar even became a therapy assistant for the mother - visiting her often at a rehabilitation center after an accident until she was able to come home. Wes, in essence, saved Oscar's life. He would never have had a chance if Wes did not train him. Oscar was my first foster and I had no idea how to begin to rehabilitate this dog. Wes provided the tools, instruction and the confidence for me to teach this dog and allow him to finally find a loving forever home. Thank you Wes! Oscar and I will be forever grateful!
Cody & Boomer
Wesley’s training saved the lives of my two dogs. I adopted Cody in 2004. Cody was a 1-yrold Smooth Collie mix when I adopted him. We’re not sure what he’s mixed with but it appears to be Husky, or as Wes always says “there’s a little Shepherd in all of them”. Cody did well with all people and small dogs but he had some aggression issues with dogs his size and larger. I had been in contact with Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue when looking to adopt and they gave me great advice about Wes.
Cody and I started seeing Wes in mid ’06. The classes were great and Wes always had a lot of patience with each client and dog, making sure he knew what the issue was and what we wanted out of our dogs. The training classes are easily structured which made me very comfortable knowing I could come to class when my schedule allowed. Cody and I went to class for about 18 months, off and on. I gained a wealth of experience and most importantly, confidence. I made sure I reinforced my learned commands when at home. Cody improved in all aspects such as when company arrived, during our walks, at the pet store, etc. He was all around a much better, much happier dog. In May of ’08 I adopted a second dog. Boomer is a smaller dog (25 lbs vs Cody’s 66 lbs), and despite a few skirmishes in the beginning has managed to become a wonderful playmate for Cody. I started Boomer’s training right away but still I had only had Boomer for 4 weeks when an event took place. I had workmen over the house at the end of May to install a new AC unit. They were here all day, in and out all doors. I had my automatic garage door opened, as the men were coming through the garage and using the cellar door to remove and bring in equipment and tools. They kept closing the cellar door to prevent either dog or the cat from running out. The work was complete but I had not yet had time to close the garage door. The dogs were upstairs with me when my roommate decided to go out the cellar door to move his vehicle. Lord only knows why he did NOT close the cellar door behind him but he didn’t. This left a perfect opening for freedom for Boomer, who was not yet used to my commands, and Cody. My roommate came in the front door and everyone goes down into the basement, the dogs first. I was next. Imagine my surprise and distress when I come around the corner of the basement and notice bright sun shining through the garage into the basement, and the cellar door was standing wide open. Imagine my pleasure, pride, and thankfulness to Wes to also see two very well trained dogs simply standing in the doorway looking out. Neither one of them had placed even a toe over the threshold. They were just standing there, waiting for their next command. Cody and Boomer got lots of hugs, kisses, and treats. My roommate got his you-know-what reamed. Wes takes his time to impart to you, the dog owner, that you are being taught so you can in turn teach your dog. I’m here to tell you from experience, it works! If I had not been to Wes’s training, if he had not taught me so well, if I had not imparted that training to my dogs, Boomer and Cody would be no more. I live one block from a very busy street. They would have just ran out that door and been gone. Instead, they are laying at my feet as I type this letter. They are a wonder and a great deal of pleasure and company to me. Thank you Wes. I owe you one, big time.
Rocky
I wanted to drop a line to you and let you know how pleased we are with Rocky's progress. As you know Rocky is a 17 month old Rottweiler. We have been going
to one-on-one classes for the last 6-7 months with some group classes mixed in along the way. When we met you ask what I wanted from Rocky? I wanted an obedient dog with the ultimate goal of having complete off-leash confidence in Rocky and myself.
I am happy to report among other things, Rocky was camping with us this weekend and was OFF LEASH THE ENTIRE TIME!!!!!!!!!!! The distractions were limited to some squirrels and an occasional golf cart, but Rocky performed flawlessly (even recalling with the fur on his back standing at a passing cart). He listened not just once, but everytime we called him. It was one of the highlights of the weekend to see the time and monetary commitment to our training pay off. In addition the techniques and toys you have used to teach protection have made the obedience end of our work fun for Rocky and myself. He loves "playing the game". I took him to a park around the house today to work with him off-leash again today, it makes exercising him a whole lot easier. PERFECT! We look forward to working with you in the future to continue enhancing both of our abilities. It improves the quality of life for everyone when he listens. Thanks for helping Rocky polish off his great personality by cheerfully listening to his handler(s).
Dino
When we adopted Dino (fka Diesel) from MAGSR in late January 2006 we were on the rebound from the loss of our beloved 12 year old lab/shepherd mix. After many years with a mellow dog we had a quite an adjustment make, along with Dino, to a whole new experience. Here was a 60 pound bundle of energy without any real obedience training. We could see he was unsure of us and his new surroundings, but we also saw the sweetness in there and we bonded with him very quickly – ok like in 2 minutes! But he pulled and lunged on the leash especially at cars. We had difficulty controlling him when guests came to our door, and he nipped at anybody who came close to the kitchen counter. Not only did we want a dog who was good at home with us, the cat, and the neighborhood kids – we wanted a dog we could take to work with us in our design studio. We knew of Wes and Arrowwood Shepherds through Jon and Jamie Farris and called him within our first few days with Dino. First, Wes trained us in the basics in a way we had never thought about: how to talk to the dog, how to hold the leash, when to pay attention to him, and when to correct. Going through the Beginner and Intermediate classes we have learned so much and Dino has come a long way. In class we learned a lot through the exercises, and by watching Wes with other dogs and owners. He saw Dino’s potential, understood his behavior, and showed us how to get the dog we wanted. We also had Wes come to us for a few home visits to work on specific concerns.UPDATE:This Christmas - Dino is our best gift! Christmas Eve he was well behaved and friendly in a house full of people – something we couldn’t have imagined last spring. Thanks to Wes we have learned how to work with Dino to make him a good dog citizen and the ideal dog for us!~Abbie, Ernie and Dino
Leo
I wanted to thank-you from the bottom of my heart for the help you gave me with my Neapolitan Mastiff, Leo. I rescued Leo in December, 2004 when he was about eight months old. About two months after I adopted him, he developed a fear aggression towards strangers. Even if Leo were in another room or in his kennel, he exhibited aggressive behavior. It ranged from severe growling to lunging at strangers or doors and biting. I tried everything. I talked to my veterinarian, who recommended the behavior specialists at the University of Pennsylvania. I took him there for an evaluation. The doctors there were apprehensive about him ever learning to become “normal”. Over the next six months, things just got worse. I did not know where to turn.
Then, I met a woman who recommended I contact you. Sorry, I don’t remember her name. She explained how much she admired you, your relationship with the animals you work with, and the help you gave her with dogs she had. I contacted you, and with your help and the help of some wonderful people at your training facility (thanks Ed and Chris!!!!! ) you taught me how to handle Leo, the 130 pound fear aggressive puppy. It has been an uphill battle trying to help Leo. For the last six months I have consistently worked with him. For the first time yesterday, I had a friend over and Leo never showed any aggression towards him. Granted Leo was in his kennel, another room, or on his leash but, it was truly unbelievable!! He is finally learning he does not have to protect me. All of the hard work is paying off and I have Wes and Arrowood Shepherds to thank!!!! With your support, Leo has a chance!!! Thanks for everything!!!~ Cindy Eidel & Leo
Roxy
I WANT A DOG LIKE THAT...... I hear that a lot, people walk by my car and see my German Shepherd Roxy laying unfettered in the back with the hatch wide open calmly waiting for me to call her, or walking beside me quietly, or sitting as I stop and speak to someone and inevitably I get the comment, I want a dog like that.
At first I am tempted to explain, how after trying other training, after reading all the books I could find, I had an adolescent German Shepherd and I was at my wits end. She barked, she lunged, she pulled, she literally bounced into people, but yet she was not particularly friendly and as she tried her limits I found myself at the end of mine. My life started to adjust itself around the patterns and reactions of my dog. I loved my dog; I wasn't going to get rid of her, so I adjusted. Then, I heard about Wes and Arrowwood, so I called one June day and he invited me to come and watch his class. I drove up to the training site, my German Shepherd acting like an idiot, and I looked over and saw all of these beautiful dogs all shapes and varieties laying quietly at the sides of their owners and this was the BEGINNER CLASS!! I said to myself, "I want that." Wes invited me over and we talked, I talked to the people in the class and as I did Wes took Roxy and within literally minutes had her walking at a heel. I got in my car, drove to an ATM, withdrew my registration fee, and started that day. It has been 7 months and the change has been remarkable, in her and me. She needed training but I was the one that needed the real work. She had to feel confident enough in my ability to make decisions, and I had to develop the confidence in her and myself. Wes patiently teaches me, deals with me being very sure he is wrong, then of course, he is always right. (You will hear that from a lot of Wes' students, he is ALWAYS right. It is one of the hardest things we have to deal with !!). The more Roxy and I have trained together the better we have bonded; I thought we were close before, I was wrong. Wes evaluates each dog individually. He made me understand that I cannot project my human expectations onto Roxy. Roxy is not unfriendly; she is simply uninterested in persons or dogs that are not in her family. We come to class every Saturday, Roxy loves the training, in fact, she has just been moved to the advanced level. I am working desperately not to embarrass her (yep that's right I have to work to keep up with my dog now!!). But don't let all the talk of training mislead you, the same dog that will not touch food unless given a command, snuggles with me and eats popcorn while we watch chick flicks together (ok she may be there for the popcorn more than the movie). I can promise you the training and discipline we have has in turn made her a kinder and gentler dog. So when I hear "I want a dog like that" I just smile and I give them Wes' number, because, I didn't do this, Wes did and Roxy and I are forever grateful.~Zoe Draughon and Zoe's Roxanne Cerrano's Love better known as Roxy