Jenessa Benz
Columbus,GA
Summary
Experienced canine trainer with 8+ years in behavior assessment, obedience training, and positive reinforcement. Skilled in adapting training plans, coaching owners and handlers, and monitoring progress to support safe, effective results.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Canine Trainer
Jen's Animal sitting and Canine Training
Fort Campbell North, Kentucky
03.2018 - 01.2025
- Coached owners on handling techniques and home practice routines.
- Assessed canine temperament and selected suitable training plans.
- Reinforced kennel manners during boarding and academy sessions.
- Demonstrated leash control, recall, and crate training methods.
- Monitored dog behavior for stress, aggression, and progress.
- Guided safe interactions between dogs, handlers, and staff.
- Maintained training records and session notes for kennel programs.
- Modified teaching methods to fit individual learners and group dynamics.
Canine Trainer
Cypress Arrow Kennel and K9 Academy
Lena, Louisiana
08.2016 - 04.2018
- Trained dogs in obedience and behavior at Cypress Arrow Kennel and K9 Academy.
- Trained K-9s in obedience, scent detection, and control commands.
- Developed and implemented training protocols for K-9s in obedience, agility, search and rescue, tracking and protection.
- Trained dogs using positive reinforcement and leash handling techniques.
- Assessed behavior and developed custom training plans for client dogs.
- Assessed canine temperament and selected suitable training plans.
- Demonstrated leash control, recall, and crate training methods.
- Reinforced handler communication and leash control during training sessions.
- Facilitated safe interactions between dogs, handlers, and staff to ensure training effectiveness.
- Monitored dog behavior to pinpoint stress and aggression triggers. for stress, aggression, and progress.
- Maintained detailed training records and progress reports for each K-9 team.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance to handlers on proper care and maintenance of their assigned K-9s.
- Prepared training equipment, toys, rewards, and scent articles.
- Ensured proper nutrition and feeding routines for all dogs., grooming, and kennel sanitation tasks.
- Instructed handlers in safety measures related to working with a K-9 partner.
Veterinary Assistant
Brandon's Veterinary Clinic
Leesville, Louisiana
03.2015 - 06.2016
- Assisted veterinarians during large animal examinations and treatment procedures.
- Prepared stalls, instruments, and treatment areas to ensure efficient workflow for livestock care.
- Evaluated nutrition needs based on species-specific requirements, formulating balanced diets to enhance animal health.
- Performed animal husbandry duties such as feeding, watering, cleaning stalls and enclosures, and providing enrichment activities.
- Responded to emergency situations involving large animals by providing appropriate first aid or other assistance.
- Facilitated safe handling and restraint of animals, ensuring comfort and cooperation during veterinary procedures.
- Followed safety protocols and animal welfare standards.
- Restrained dogs and cats safely during vaccines, blood draws, and procedures.
- Collected patient histories and updated medical records in practice systems.
- Assisted with laboratory samples, medication preparation, and diagnostic testing.
- Cleaned kennels, exam areas, and equipment following hospital sanitation standards.
Veterinary Assistant
Banfield The Pet Hospital
Wichita, Kansas
05.2012 - 01.2014
- Collected patient histories and updated medical records to support accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Administered vaccinations, medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Restrained dogs and cats safely during vaccines, blood draws, and procedures.
- Restrained animals during examination or treatment procedures using appropriate techniques according to species size and temperament.
- Monitored patient comfort, behavior, and recovery during clinic visits.
- Educated pet owners on discharge instructions and preventive care to promote ongoing pet health and wellness.
- Prepared exam rooms, instruments, and patient supplies for daily appointments.
- Assisted with laboratory samples, medication preparation, and diagnostic testing.
- Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
- Dispensed medications orally or topically according to veterinarian orders.
- Scrubbed, counted, and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, microbiology cultures and hematology.
- Cleaned kennels to ensure a safe and healthy space for pets., exam areas, and equipment following hospital sanitation standards.
Flooring Installer
R&M Flooring
Wichita, Kansas
02.2008 - 01.2014
- Installed carpet, tile, laminate, and hardwood flooring in residential and commercial settings.
- Removed old flooring and prepared subfloors for installation.
- Dismantled and removed old flooring materials including carpets and tiles.
- Prepared surfaces for installation by cleaning and leveling them.
- Measured and cut flooring materials to fit the dimensions of each room.
- Cut materials and fit edges around walls, doors, and fixtures.
- Applied adhesives and secured flooring according to site requirements.
- Used hand tools and power tools for flooring installation tasks.
- Communicated with customers and team members throughout flooring projects.
- Followed safety protocols while operating power tools or hazardous materials.
Cashier
Spangles Restaurant
Wichita, Kansas
07.2010 - 02.2013
- Processed payments accurately using cash, check, credit card, gift card, or automatic debit, ensuring efficiency at checkout.
- Delivered exceptional customer service through active listening and friendly engagement, enhancing patron experience.
- Kept checkout area clean by wiping countertops, registers, windowsills, and floors.
- Cleaned workstations, equipment, and surfaces to maintain sanitary conditions.
- Prepared menu items according to kitchen standards for restaurant service.
- Restocked ingredients, supplies, and utensils during busy kitchen shifts to support smooth operations.
Education
Certification In Animal Science - Animal Science
Animal Behavioral College
Fort Polk, LA06-2018
Skills
- Canine behavior assessment
- Obedience training
- Positive reinforcement
- Behavioral modification
- Canine training techniques
- Behavioral training methods
- Obedience training protocols
- Leash handling
- Temperament assessment
- Training program development
- Session planning
- Training session management
- Progress tracking
- Client education
- Handler collaboration
- Animal training knowledge
- Training technique application
- Session scheduling
- Training records
- Record keeping
- Attention to detail
- Observation skills
- Positive reinforcement
- Problem solving
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Team collaboration
- Communication
- Training equipment care
- Equipment setup
- Behavioral assessment
- Session scheduling
- Behavioral assessment
Timeline
Canine Trainer
Jen's Animal sitting and Canine Training
03.2018 - 01.2025
Canine Trainer
Cypress Arrow Kennel and K9 Academy
08.2016 - 04.2018
Veterinary Assistant
Brandon's Veterinary Clinic
03.2015 - 06.2016
Veterinary Assistant
Banfield The Pet Hospital
05.2012 - 01.2014
Cashier
Spangles Restaurant
07.2010 - 02.2013
Flooring Installer
R&M Flooring
02.2008 - 01.2014
Certification In Animal Science - Animal Science
Animal Behavioral College