Ben Lomond, CA
Heather M Ross
Heather began her journey with dogs by fostering rescues from rural shelters, where they needed extensive training to find forever homes. She has worked through extensive behavior training and confidence-building with many of her personal dogs, allowing them to travel and compete in canine sports. Heather founded a non-profit rescue in 2010.
Training Philosophy
Heather's training philosophy focuses on teaching dogs to make good choices on their own, using motivational methods, clear cues, and prioritizing the dog's emotional state. She believes in a holistic approach to training, considering the whole dog and balancing their need to be dogs with navigating the human world.
Services
- Private Training Lessons: Customizable lessons to address specific behavioral issues, obedience skills, advanced Nosework, IGP tracking, competition preparation, and more. Offered in person at her facility in Ben Lomond, CA, or online via Zoom.
- Puppy Primer Program: Covers socialization, house/crate training, basic obedience skills, and building a strong partnership with your puppy. Offered in person at her facility or at your home in the Felton and Ben Lomond areas.
- Reactive Dog Program: Designed to help dogs who react to other dogs with barking, lunging, or aggression. Includes behavior modification and obedience skills to help dogs feel better about seeing other dogs. Offered in person, online, or as a hybrid program.
- Cooperative Care Training Program: Teaches dogs to cooperate with handling for grooming, veterinary care, and other procedures. Offered in person, online, or as a hybrid program.
- The Crag Dog Online Training Course: Specifically designed for climbers who want to train their dogs to be great companions on climbing adventures. Covers communication, safety, and relationship building, as well as practical skills for navigating rugged terrain.
- Remote/Online Training: Offers individual Zoom sessions, video reviews, training summaries, and ongoing support via email and text.
Certifications
Heather is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). She is also a regular attendee at seminars and study programs to continue her education.
Specializations
Heather specializes in working with dogs that are dog reactive/aggressive, precision heeling for competition, and engagement/focus around distractions. She also has experience with puppy foundations, socialization, communication, relationship building, and competition training.
Training Methods
Heather uses motivational methods, clear cues, and marker words like "YES" to mark correct behavior. She prioritizes reading the dog's body language and creating a positive learning environment. Her training methods are based on modern cognitive science and neuroplasticity.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
