I am proud to be an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator!
DOG TRAINING
There is a great deal of information on this page, so please scroll down so you don't miss anything!
Heidi is a third generation trainer who really enjoys helping people enhance their relationship with their dog. It all starts with a great foundation! Ideally, we train our puppies to get off on the right foot, but it is never too late to work on the foundation . Even, an adopted shelter/rescue pet. You can, and must 'teach an old dog new tricks' so to speak. If you are not comfortable, capable, or just do not have the time, find a professional trainer who can help you.
Training is comprised of Patience, Knowledge, Time, and Timing. All of these elements must work together to successfully engage an animal's brain, expand their knowledge, do behaviors on cue, and fix unwanted behavior. Our emotional, reactive approach to dealing with dogs is NOT in the best interest of the animal!
Why do we train? I am passionate about this topic!
The most loving and responsible thing we can do for our dog is ensure they are trained with a great foundation, and maintain that through their life. This will do more to ensure their lifelong well-being more than anything else you can do for them!
Shelters and rescues hold a huge number of undertrained dogs. If something happens to you and your dog needs a new home, well-trained, behaved dogs are usually rehomed quickly with great success.
Here are some common myths/excuses for lack of training:
- I just don't have time
- My dog isn't very smart
- My breed of dog is just high energy and will never settle down
- My dog was rescued/abused so we can't expect him to change
- My life/world has to change entirely to accommodate my dog (they can easily assimilate into your life!)
- Everybody loves it when my dog jumps on them and wants to visit!
Contact Heidi to help you!
owning a pet
Considerations for Getting a Pet
Should you give a pet as a present?
An impulse giving of live animals is never a good idea!
Some other wonderful options for the animal lover in your life. You can provide pictures and even videos for your animal lover to enjoy.
- donate to a shelter or rescue in their name
- plan the gift of time - volunteer together at a shelter or rescue
- become a puppy raiser or sitter for guide dog organizations like Canine Companions
- donate to an organization like the International Elephant Foundation to save elephants, or similar organizations caring for animals
- foster animals for a shelter or rescue
If you or your loved one truly is ready for a pet, following are some important considerations. This is not the time to be emotional, but rather take a very practical look and assessment before bringing your pet home.
TIME
- you/your family lifestyle...is your family is home enough (7-8 hours a day)
- this is a 10-15 year commitment for a dog or cat. less for fish, hamsters, etc. you will need to really consider what the next 5, 10, 15 years looks like for your family
- can someone in your household commit at least a couple extra hours daily to the animal? walking, feeding, grooming, playing, training
BREED/SIZE
- this is a very important consideration
- a Chihuahua or Shih Tzu will not be jogging with you or chasing many Frisbees
- on the other hand, a large dog needs dedicated time to run and play to release energy. The latter would not be appropriate for a couch potato.
- Also, a fenced or large yard for the dog to run is not enough. They will need, and want, to interact with you. (Otherwise why a large dog?).
- You must also consider the temperment/disposition of the pet and factor in your household status, i.e. small children, senior citizens, noise level, other pets, etc.
- some pets shed, others do not. consider alllergies, housecleaning, grooming, etc
WHERE TO GET YOUR PET
- will you pick an animal from a shelter, or will you buy from a store or breeder?
- if you have a family with small children, a puppy may be a good choice, although a lot of work and attention at the beginning.
- shelter dogs may come with some baggage, but can be wonderful pets
- reputable breeders and stores are also wonderful resources as they will provide guidance on a good match, teach you about the breed, and even take the animal back if it is not the right scenario.
- there is mounting pressure to adopt shelter dogs, but the choice is yours and should be based on your situation -what is right for you!
BUDGET
- cost of the animal
- annual vet checkup
- emergency vet trips
- worm/flea pills
- food and supplies
- training
- boarding and more!
- these easily add up in the thousands!
Testimonials
Heidi is well versed in training animals
“Heidi is well versed in training animals, she helped me with our two young border collies. They rule our home but are very smart and sweet! Heidi's take control attitude taught us quickly how to become the alpha of the pack. She is a pleasure to work with and provided fast results. We look forward to continuing to work with her and our pups.”
Nancy F 2022
Heidi is the best!
“Heidi is the best! OMG from the min she walked in front door she calmly had our two “wild child’s”’under control. Now to get us under control would be magic. I highly recommend her abilities in quick easy ways to train.”
Marti G 2022
Heidi is very knowledgeable
Heidi is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of the dog's personality and ability to learn. She taught me some good basis and stressed the importance on consistency and patience. I was able to teach my puppy to heel pretty quickly using Heidi's guidance. Heidi is very reliable and responsive to questions and her rates are reasonable 😊.
Karen and Bonnie Jan 2019
WE learned so MUch
Thank you for the 321 dog obedience class. I loved it! We learned so much. Appreciate it! Deb Hocks and Haylee Chiwenee dog 🐕
We highly recommend her service!
We had Heidi give group lesson/ training in our retail store. We had several guests and their dogs join us. Heidi has a great presentation that had everyone involved the entire time. Being in a retail shop we had a lot of distraction but Heidi was in charge from the beginning and put pets and owners at ease. We already booked her for several more events. We highly recommend her service to anyone!
Robert Hauske 321 Books Bookstore
...very talented and gifted...
Ownit is going great! We’re taking turns walking him. He’s getting it more and more each day… You are very talented and gifted. I thank you so much!! And Ownit thanks you also!! Good luck with your business.
Maritza and Ownit