Training is our passion.

Philosophy

I believe that training should be fun and enjoyable. It’s more than just discipline, it’s about building confidence in your dog. My results have been proven to be effective and fast. I focus on positive, relationship driven learning. Consent and good choices shape the learning so there will be no negative fallout. Training should be a life long experience to keep skills sharp, handle life’s changes and keep brains active. I want you and your dog to be a confident team that can enjoy the world together.

Methods

We use positive reinforcement focusing on fun and cooperative care. My goal is to create trust and build confidence. There is no pain or fear here because that could affect your dog’s willingness to learn. I stay up to date on scientifically proven methods that will help your dog thrive. I will teach you how to communicate with your dog. You’ll learn techniques to train good manner skills, fun tricks, and ways to keep your dog healthy and happy. Your dog will learn how to problem solve and what to do in a given situation.

AKC/ CCPDT/ APDT

Certified AKC Evaluator: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program, CGC, AKC Community Canine (the advanced level of CGC), Urban CGC, Video Home Manners and Trick Dog tests

CPDT- knowledge assessed. Must participate in continuing education to maintain credential.

Association of Professional Dog Trainers- professional member since 2016. Conference Committee volunteer.

Heather

Heather became a professional dog trainer after experiencing first hand the life-altering impact training can have – both for dog and person. She became deeply passionate about the study of dog behavior. This led her to complete an internship at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. 

After which she earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), which is maintained through numerous forms of continuing education including workshops, conferences and classes. 

Heather enjoyed sharing her knowledge about dogs so much that she became a mentor trainer and has helped develop new programs. Firmly believing that continued learning is essential, she joined the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). Not only participating in conferences, but also serving as a member of the Conference Committee. Heather is also an AKC Evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen program.

Knowing that lifetime learning isn’t just for people, she is constantly cultivating new skills along side her dogs. One of their favorites activities to acquire new skills is barkour. Having fun and building trust are cornerstones in the way Heather works with dogs. 

She has experience with a very large range of breeds, ages and abilities, though she has a particular fondness for working with behavioral issues, especially fearful dogs. She finds great joy in helping these dogs overcome their challenges and learn to thrive. This drives her to keep learning about behavior and better ways to help your dogs.