Eau Claire, WI
Heather Mishefske
Heather opened emBARK and began serving dogs and their owners in 2005, but the journey that led to this labor of love began long before that. In 1983, Heather stepped into a simple 4H project and began sharing life with an English Springer Spaniel. That special relationship became the the driving force behind emBARK many years later. While Heather has a degree in Dietetics from UW-Madison, her love for all things dog conquered her career goals, and in December of 2005, she left the healthcare field to pursue her vision of working with dogs.
emBark first opened in Banbury Place and operated there until 2009. When the opportunity to expand presented itself, emBARK landed at its current location on Fairfax Street. emBARK has grown from the humble beginnings of a single owner with a dream to a thriving business employing 26 of the region's highest qualified dog professionals, with the area's only facility with five Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA),Fear Free Certified Trainers, a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer, and Certified Family Paws Educator.
Training Philosophy
We believe that "training" is most effective when approached as a night out - just you and the pooch - creating a relationship. Training your dog is not something that you do TO your dog, but it should be something that you do together.
Services
- Dog Daycare
- "Date Night with Your Dog" Group Classes
- Grooming
- Canine Massage
- Behavior Consulting
- Separation Anxiety
Certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Trainer
- Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer
- Certified Family Paws Educator
- Certified Level II Canine Sports Massage Provider
Specializations
- Separation Anxiety
- Behavior Consulting
- Canine Massage
Training Methods
Science-based approaches, evidence-based methods, positive reinforcement, applied behavior analysis, applied ethology, canine body language, neurobiology of aggression, implementation of conditioning procedures, how trauma affects the brain, changes in new research, and the science of behavior and learning.
Media Appearances
Heather recently did an interview for Dog Bite Prevention Week on WEAU News.
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.
