Missoula, MT
Heidi L. Kerr
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:
- Basic Obedience: Sit, Stay, Leave it, Wait, Walk nicely on a leash, Recall (coming when called), Jumping on, Down, Settle, Go to Place/Bed
- 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.).
- Behavior Modification: Separation Anxiety, Chewing, Nuisance Barking, Reactivity and Aggression, Fear, Leash Aggression/Walking on Leash
- 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!
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.
