Heidi is a professional dog trainer with a certification from Animal Behavior College and Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, as well as a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She has been a valued volunteer at the Agoura Animal Shelter since 2004 where she serves as a critical member of the Evaluation and Canine Coaching Teams. She was a Behaviorist/trainer at The Humane Society Western Montana until May of 2019. She worked with many dogs in the shelter as well as people in their homes.
Training Philosophy
Heidi’s philosophy is simple:
By understanding how a dog thinks and learns, you can use clear communication and positive reinforcement to teach, prevent, and modify behavior. Research proves that reward-based training delivers faster results in less time while enhancing the human-animal bond. Best results come when each desired behavior is rewarded with a reinforcer, something the dog likes (treats/praise), and the inappropriate behavior is not rewarded at all. Reward the good; ignore the bad.
Training should be fun. When a pet is scared or anxious, learning is impossible. When he is happy and engaged in positive training, the sky is the limit!
Services
Heidi Paws offers a variety of services, including:
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Basic Obedience:
Sit, Stay, Leave it, Wait, Walk nicely on a leash, Recall (coming when called), Jumping on, Down, Settle, Go to Place/Bed
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Puppy Training:
Set up for a new puppy, Socialization with people and dogs, problem prevention, problem-solving (housetraining, biting, jumping, chewing), and foundations for training using positive methods (leash walking, name, come, targeting puppy nose to the human hand, focus, leave it, sit, down, etc.).
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Behavior Modification:
Separation Anxiety, Chewing, Nuisance Barking, Reactivity and Aggression, Fear, Leash Aggression/Walking on Leash
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Private Training / Behavior Modification
Certifications
Heidi currently holds the following credentials:
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- Certified Dog Trainer from Animal Behavior College (ABCDT)
- Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Certified by the American Red Cross in canine CPR and first aid
Specializations
Heidi Paws specializes in basic obedience, puppy training, and behavior modification.
Training Methods
Heidi uses positive reinforcement methods to train dogs. She believes that training should be fun and engaging for both the dog and the owner.
Media Appearances
Heidi Paws Dog Training took first place at the 2013 Canine classic runway competition. Check out my Fox 11 coverage!
