Philadelphia, PA
Heather Steiner, KPA-CTP, has been involved in dog training for over 20 years. Her main focus has been on training and rehabilitating rescue and shelter dogs before establishing HALO Dog Training. She is an R+ positive reinforcement dog trainer and communicator, specializing in creating training plans for puppies and behavior modification plans for dogs of all ages. Heather is particularly interested in early learning and socialization for puppies, as well as addressing problem behaviors to help dogs stay in loving homes.
Certifications:
- KPA-CTP
Designation: Trainer and Behavior Consultant
Training Philosophy: HALO Dog Training is committed to 'Shaping the Dog of Your Dreams' through positive reinforcement and motivation-based clicker training. The approach recognizes dogs as sentient beings and aims to improve communication with them.
Locations Served: Philadelphia, Center City, Main Line, Manayunk, Roxborough, South Jersey
Languages: English
Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Boston University and is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), which is considered the gold standard in clicker training. She graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy and is the only KPA-CTP clicker trainer in Center City Philadelphia.
Heather advocates for a humane, force-free training method based on the science of animal learning, firmly believing in training without pain. She is dedicated to clicker training, which is intrinsically reinforcing and builds trust and understanding between the teacher and the learner.
Heather is a Professional Premium Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and practices a LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) technique of training. She is also a Supporting Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of Philadelphia Ethical Pet Professionals.
Living in Philadelphia with her husband, Julius, and two rescue Akitas, Ava (KPA Partner Dog) and Zsa Zsa (Canine Good Citizen), Heather also volunteers with PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) and works with dogs in training as K9 Officers and Search and Rescue dogs at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Additionally, she is involved in rescuing and training Akitas for Big East Akita Rescue (BEAR). In her free time, Heather enjoys hiking with her pack.
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.
