Hagerstown, MD
Heather Gruber-Banzhoff
Heather first came to Atta Pup in 2015 looking to change her career path. She has been involved with animals of all shapes and sizes for all her life and has a history working in the mental health field. She earned her bachelor's degree in Equine Facilitated Therapeutics and Equestrian Studies and her master's degree in psychology. She has worked with children on the autism spectrum and their families for nearly 10 years. This experience along with a passion to teach and guide empathically helps her in training many species and teaching their pet parents. She has been certified as a therapeutic riding instructor and has apprenticed with the acclaimed trainer Pat Miller.
Training Philosophy
Heather used to believe choke chains and "dominance"-based practices were acceptable, but since joining Atta Pup and continuing her education in animal behavior and training, she's switched over to positive reinforcement training. She prefers this method of training because it gives her the chance to use her education and human behavior skills and creates a much happier training process.
Services
- Group classes
- Behavior consultations
- One-on-one coaching
- Private tutoring
- In-home lessons
- Intensive packages
- Semi-intensive package
- Beginner Dog Package
- Custom Package
- Day training
- Video chat training consults
- Subscription Services
- Breeder Services
- Pet care
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
- PMCT
- MS
- LBS
- AKC CGC Evaluator
- Atlas Assistance Dogs Team Facilitator
Specializations
- Puppy training
- Adult dog training
- Good manners training
- Loose leash walking
- Polite greetings
- Recall training
- Behavior modification (reactivity, aggression, fear, etc.)
- In-home issues (potty training, counter surfing, issue between dogs)
- Tricks training
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
- SynchroPup
- Cardio Canine
- Nosey Dog Beta
Training Methods
- Positive reinforcement training
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.
