Jennen Herbst - Canine Behavior Specialist

06/05/2026

I am truly honored to have been named the Best Dog Trainer in Missouri for the fourth year in a row through Sniffspot.
Awards like this are meaningful not because of the recognition itself, but because they reflect the trust that so many owners have placed in me and my program. To every client who has invited me into their lives, trusted me with their dogs, and committed to the training process, thank you. Your dedication and support have made this achievement possible.
One of the greatest privileges of this work is helping dogs and their people better understand one another, build stronger relationships, and enjoy life together. Seeing that transformation never gets old, and it is what inspires me every day.
Thank you to our wonderful community for your continued encouragement and support. I am incredibly grateful and look forward to helping many more dogs and the people who love them in the years ahead.

05/14/2026

🐾 What if the thing your dog is obsessed with is actually your biggest training asset?

That's the Premack Principle in a nutshell — and once it clicks, it changes how you see the whole environment around you.

Here's the concept: behaviour that your dog finds highly rewarding can be used to reinforce behaviour they find less rewarding. You're not fighting against what they want. You're using it.

Grandma's Rule puts it best:
🥦 Do the less fun thing first → earn the more fun thing.

In practice it looks like this:

📣 Dog rockets back to you on recall → gets released straight back into the game
🚪 Dog waits calmly at the door → the door opens
👁️ Dog checks in with eye contact on a walk → gets to go investigate that smell

No food needed. The real world becomes your treat pouch.

This is one of those concepts that sounds simple but has a huge ripple effect on your dog's impulse control and their relationship with you — so I made a full video breaking it all down:
📺 https://youtu.be/RNkT_oOhLYA

05/10/2026

I have heard you may not always get the dog you want but you get the dog you need. These dogs end up teaching us some of the biggest lessons.

I have had three as an adult. Each of them challenged me in different ways but each of them shaped a piece of how I train.

Margot taught me collaboration.
Meia taught me resilience.
Mac taught me how to build true confidence.

Together, these lessons built the foundations of my training methods.

Over the next few weeks, I will be breaking down the three pillars these dogs represent and how you apply it when working with your dog.

05/01/2026

What is Margot’s Method?

Margot’s Method has been developed from the lessons I have learned through the unique experiences I have had with my three dogs. Each of the has contributed to shaping the philosophy and approach. It is named after my first dog, who has become well known around Columbia, for her manners as well as her antics. She led the way in teaching me the power of collaboration and patience as well as the importance of understanding the individual needs of each dog.

This progressive, reward based training method places equal value on both the dog and owner’s growth. This fosters a relationship based knowledge trust and clear communication. Not only does it focus on simple behavior reinforcement but it ensures both dog and owner actively participate in the process.

As we work through things, dogs are given choices in the learning process while owners are equipped with the skills and tool to guide and support their dogs effectively. This ensures dogs learn to make thoughtful choices, owners learn how to reinforce choices to reach the desirable end behavior, and both get to enjoy their time together much more.

Make sure to follow to find out more information on the 3 key pillars that build Margot’s Method and how each of dogs shaped them.

04/19/2026

Better behavior starts with better direction. Good dog training teaches dogs what to do in a way that create long term results.

When I am working with a dog my end goal is always that they understand what to do but the owner is not having to micromanage every moment.

In developing this method, the focus has become
🐾Engagement
🐾Access Through Choice
🐾Calmness and Self-Regulation
🐾Better Choices
🐾Confident Dogs
🐾Practical Manners & Skills

Stay tuned for further insight into the concepts, techniques, and processes as the method continues to evolve. Plus fresh perspectives and updated strategies from continued learning.

Don’t want to wait? Beginning Manners & Skills classes for both puppies and adult dogs start this week at You will learn these concepts and more, with easy access to the tools, produces, and resources you need, all at Lizzi & Rocco’s.

Beginning Manners & Skills for Puppies
⭐Tuesdays at 6pm
⭐Wednesdays at 7pm

Beginning Manners & Skills for Adult Dogs
⭐Wednesdays at 6pm

$225 for the 6 week course

Sign up here: https://lizziandroccos.com/our-services/dog-training/

04/10/2026

I am so excited to bring wedding day concierge services to Mid Missouri. This exclusive service can help couples include their dogs in their big day without the stress of having to have someone in the wedding be the main chaperone or trying to take the responsibility on themselves. Visit link in bio for more information and to start planning.

Also offering concierge services for other life events, special days, and everyday services.

Not in mid Missouri? No problem. Contact to discuss options.

03/25/2026

Now offering Pet Concierge Services. The website is almost done. Anyone can email for more information now though!

03/25/2026

03/01/2026

We had so much fun with our Wednesday Puppy class this session and they all did exceeded expectations this week at the graduation. If you want to build your bond with your puppy using a mix of training, fun, and guidance on how to build everything into your regular routine making both your dog’s and your life easier for long term success, we have another puppy class starting this Wednesday! Sign up at https://lizziandroccos.com/our-services/dog-training/ to join our reward based, fun filled program that will start your puppy on the right paw! We can’t wait to work with you!

01/16/2026

Scuba Steve wants everyone to know that it’s National Train Your Dog month. He is currently going through the manners class at Lizzi and Rocco’s, learning to be the best boy. He is currently available for adoption through the Central Missouri Humane Society. While he an older dog refining his skills, there is a puppy class starting next Wednesday to get pups started on the right path from the beginning. We still have spots open. You can sign up at this link: https://lizziandroccos.com/events/beginning-puppy-wed-jan-feb-26/