Confident Puppy Testimonials
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Success Stories
Heather, has a very impressive resume. This enables her to have a wealth of training and teaching resources.However not a cookie cutter approach. She has a gift of being able to modify and adapt the the lessons to better suit the puppy and its owner. Most of all you can tell Heather has a love and passion for puppies and dogs. She wants dog owners to develop the skills and techniques that will nurture and enrich their relationship with their dog.
This will create a current bond of trust, faith, and love and a treasure of lasting memories. Thank You! Heather
This will create a current bond of trust, faith, and love and a treasure of lasting memories. Thank You! Heather
Jean, Mike, and Piper
Barley and I were on a walk on the river trail today, and I was thinking how glad I am that Barley and I did your Confident Puppy class.
Taking the Confident Puppy class was the best thing that I could have done for me and my puppy. There are always things to work on and the training never stops, but this class helped my dog and I speak the same language. We use the principles taught in this course all the time! I recommend Heather to everyone with a four-legged friend.
Taking the Confident Puppy class was the best thing that I could have done for me and my puppy. There are always things to work on and the training never stops, but this class helped my dog and I speak the same language. We use the principles taught in this course all the time!
Jessie and Barley
I’d say that our initial concerns are still challenges but we have more understanding as to why and how to tackle them. We understand it will take time.
We are waiting to see how the summer goes as we will have a lot more time to work on these skills before we sign up for more lessons. But having had two different training approaches we really appreciate the calm approach for Luna. It also comes more naturally for us and she’s responded better. Holding her collar to calm her especially works. I think she’s a challenging dog and we covered exactly what we needed for her in the time we had.
Probably the most helpful tool we learned was Distraction Mark Treat (DMT). Also, understanding that Luna wasn’t misbehaving on purpose but her buckets overflowing. This really changed our mindset and how we approached challenging times. We appreciated being able to bring up questions or new challenges we were having (even if they were off topic for the lesson). We received a lot of advice and support. Heather reached out to mentors when we’d exhausted all usual sleep training techniques and brought us some hope we’d make it through.
We are waiting to see how the summer goes as we will have a lot more time to work on these skills before we sign up for more lessons. But having had two different training approaches we really appreciate the calm approach for Luna. It also comes more naturally for us and she’s responded better. Holding her collar to calm her especially works. I think she’s a challenging dog and we covered exactly what we needed for her in the time we had.
Probably the most helpful tool we learned was Distraction Mark Treat (DMT). Also, understanding that Luna wasn’t misbehaving on purpose but her buckets overflowing. This really changed our mindset and how we approached challenging times. We appreciated being able to bring up questions or new challenges we were having (even if they were off topic for the lesson).
Megan and Luna
My dog Figaro was constantly jumping on vehicles and people arriving at my home. Very inconvenient when your puppy is a large breed. Figaro was also territorial and aggressive when chewing on a bone.
I enrolled in Heather’s Puppy Training Class (where dog owners are trained!), and both problems disappeared within a few days! I used the skills I learned in her course, and magically, my dog understood what I wanted and what I didn’t want!
This course gave me a sound dog training basis, and the tricks and skills I learned will help me for future training experiences with my dog. Figaro and I are both very happy!
I enrolled in Heather’s Puppy Training Class (where dog owners are trained!), and both problems disappeared within a few days! I used the skills I learned in her course, and magically, my dog understood what I wanted and what I didn’t want!
This course gave me a sound dog training basis, and the tricks and skills I learned will help me for future training experiences with my dog. Figaro and I are both very happy!
Luce and Figaro
We just finished the Confident Puppy class with our new puppy Mango. Heather is such a knowledgeable and patient instructor and provided us with so many practical training tips. Mango is quite a wary pup which has been the biggest challenge for us. The class focused on socialization which helped us to gradually expose Mango to new sights, sounds and interactions with people at her own pace. Heather encouraged us to let Mango sleep more during the day which also helped a lot.Loads of online resources encourage us to keep practicing what we learned in class. Mango is a much more confident pup than she was and she has lots of fun practicing all her new skills and games! We would highly recommend this class and we are looking forward to the upcoming Adolescent Puppy class in New Denver!
Michael, Sandra and Mango
Thank you so much for all your guidance and support with Floki puppy. You helped us learn how to understand Floki’s needs and give us the tools to work with. So many important exercises! I feel much more confident in observing his behavior and responding with just the right action now. He always comes when called and that is a huge bonus! So many of the exercises have turned out to be the best games for bonding and keeping his attention. He loves the cookie trails, a fun way to slow down his meals 😉
There is so much information on your website and I look forward to exploring it more this winter. Thank you for keeping the course information available to us, there is so much to cover and catch up with.
We are very fortunate to have your expertise in our community, thank you so much for having the puppy classes available. I can’t imagine what would have happened without you! Yikes!!!
THANK YOU!
There is so much information on your website and I look forward to exploring it more this winter. Thank you for keeping the course information available to us, there is so much to cover and catch up with.
We are very fortunate to have your expertise in our community, thank you so much for having the puppy classes available. I can’t imagine what would have happened without you! Yikes!!!
THANK YOU!
Etta and Floki
I found the class comprehensive and all-encompassing, and addressed everything one would want to know when getting a puppy.
Amy and Leo
I would definitely say that he is a work in progress. He still jumps on the girls and chews things he isn't supposed to. He listens sometimes but when the distraction is too great, he doesn't. I'm not overly concerned as I think he will continue to learn appropriate behaviour as he matures. I definitely learned some tools about recall and have been practicing them when I can. I think the most helpful thing I learned was that most behaviours that he does and that we don't like can be fixed with some simple solutions (removing the temptation or recall). It's definitely not easy training a puppy and it takes a lot of time and effort (especially with a giant breed). I think Richard and I were both hoping to teach him some obedience but I don't think he is quite capable of that sort of thing yet. I guess knowing that going into the class would have been nice. But we should have done our research to know what to expect. Also, the name of the class kind of gives a hint so that's on us. Thank you for your help!
Emilie, Richard and Zeke
1. What did we learn that was most helpful?
I would say the power of positive reinforcement, especially surrounding actions like offered sits. Arlo loves offering sits whenever we stop moving, which has been very helpful, especially on walks.
2. Did you learn something that made life with a puppy easier?
Two things! First, for German Shepherds specifically, do not say “Ouch" or pretend they hurt you when they bite you and how to remove your limbs from their mouth, so your arms do not get all scratched up. Secondly, learning about the bucket metaphor and the stress signals to look for indicating that your pups/dogs bucket is filling up. Recognizing these signals has helped us understand the situations that make them uncomfortable, so we know when to remove them or at least try and manage the situation to the best of our ability.
3. What did you like most about the class?
The one in-person session we were able to have with Heather! Zoom is great, but having the opportunity for us all to meet in person and train together was a treat, especially since Arlo's bucket was full, which was a first for us, so having Heather right there to offer a helping hand and some guidance was great!
4. Any other comments.
The day I am writing this is is the same day I saw a post from the BCSPCA that “The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour’s new position statement on humane dog training firmly states that only reward-based training methods should be used for dogs to train everyday skills and address unwanted behaviours,” we found Heather through the Animal Kind BCSPCA Accredited website, and we are very impressed with the results from both our puppy and our dog once we fully adopted reward-based training. They are both extremely attentive to us now, and we do have a ways to go, but we are inspired by the changes we are already seeing in their behaviour. We cannot wait to take more courses with Heather, and we have already recommended her to some of our friends!
Thank you so much for all your help, Heather!
I would say the power of positive reinforcement, especially surrounding actions like offered sits. Arlo loves offering sits whenever we stop moving, which has been very helpful, especially on walks.
2. Did you learn something that made life with a puppy easier?
Two things! First, for German Shepherds specifically, do not say “Ouch" or pretend they hurt you when they bite you and how to remove your limbs from their mouth, so your arms do not get all scratched up. Secondly, learning about the bucket metaphor and the stress signals to look for indicating that your pups/dogs bucket is filling up. Recognizing these signals has helped us understand the situations that make them uncomfortable, so we know when to remove them or at least try and manage the situation to the best of our ability.
3. What did you like most about the class?
The one in-person session we were able to have with Heather! Zoom is great, but having the opportunity for us all to meet in person and train together was a treat, especially since Arlo's bucket was full, which was a first for us, so having Heather right there to offer a helping hand and some guidance was great!
4. Any other comments.
The day I am writing this is is the same day I saw a post from the BCSPCA that “The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour’s new position statement on humane dog training firmly states that only reward-based training methods should be used for dogs to train everyday skills and address unwanted behaviours,” we found Heather through the Animal Kind BCSPCA Accredited website, and we are very impressed with the results from both our puppy and our dog once we fully adopted reward-based training. They are both extremely attentive to us now, and we do have a ways to go, but we are inspired by the changes we are already seeing in their behaviour. We cannot wait to take more courses with Heather, and we have already recommended her to some of our friends!
Thank you so much for all your help, Heather!
Sydnee, Luke and Arlo
Heather your Confident Puppy class is great.
I really appreciate how calm you are! And calm puppies is what we want! Teaching my little one and my big one calm is essential.
After the classes I come home and am so motivated and inspired.
Any 'situation' that comes up always make me think and problem solve and I seem to "get it" . I can't think of anything different or additional that you can add to make the classes better! Your on-line course-site is also excellent! So easy to maneuver in and find each week’s material. Likewise, the videos are great. The bingo card is an excellent idea!
All in all, Heather it has been truly enjoyable and I will see you come spring time.
I really appreciate how calm you are! And calm puppies is what we want! Teaching my little one and my big one calm is essential.
After the classes I come home and am so motivated and inspired.
Any 'situation' that comes up always make me think and problem solve and I seem to "get it" . I can't think of anything different or additional that you can add to make the classes better!
All in all, Heather it has been truly enjoyable and I will see you come spring time.
Anna and Satchi
Thank you so much for your time and all the great information you've shared with us. The archive of resources you've shared are invaluable.
I know now that Cassie's biting and growling is a sign she needs a nap. The behaviour does worry me because sometimes it happens out of the blue, and I get caught in the yard with a fair distance to cover to get her back to the house.
I wish I had started her with you earlier is my only regret!
The thing I learned that's most helpful is showing her what I want her to do vs saying no! all the time. She responds incredibly well to being shown what to do. Also, I wouldn't have known the amount of exercise that's appropriate for a dog her age - I'm glad I have that information now. And treats! How great to know we can make our own treats. It's a great way to use up the leftovers...
The thing I appreciate most is meeting you - it's so nice to know there's a way to teach my dog that's kind and fun for both of us. Our time with you has increased our bond.
We would love to continue our learning with you.
I know now that Cassie's biting and growling is a sign she needs a nap. The behaviour does worry me because sometimes it happens out of the blue, and I get caught in the yard with a fair distance to cover to get her back to the house.
I wish I had started her with you earlier is my only regret!
The thing I learned that's most helpful is showing her what I want her to do vs saying no! all the time. She responds incredibly well to being shown what to do. Also, I wouldn't have known the amount of exercise that's appropriate for a dog her age - I'm glad I have that information now. And treats! How great to know we can make our own treats. It's a great way to use up the leftovers...
The thing I appreciate most is meeting you - it's so nice to know there's a way to teach my dog that's kind and fun for both of us. Our time with you has increased our bond.
We would love to continue our learning with you.
Leanne and Cassie
The Confident Puppy class was very helpful to guide us through the most effective ways for Rocky to integrate into our family. The emphasis of positive reinforcement with treats provided a happy environment for Rocky to start learning good puppy manners. Heather was super at providing extra material to help us with his unusual habit of eating rocks. The puppy class was not only great to help Rocky learn but also for teaching us as well. The puppy pupil will excel much better if his teachers know how to think like a puppy!
Not only was the class invaluable for learning skills, it was also good for socialization with other puppies, people and novel environments. We live in a rather remote location and don't have much opportunity for Rocky to meet other dogs or people. This class allowed us to expose Rocky to different things, sounds and situations such as people on bikes, children, ducks, goats and other puppies that we would never have been able to do at home. This to me was extremely important since Rocky was showing early signs of nervous and timid behaviour. I'm happy to say we have made excellent progress on our walks down the highway to the mailbox and he will now calmly sit down on his own at the side of the road while a car passes by and then continue on after it has passed. What was also very helpful was to learn that the biting and mouthy behaviour is very common in many puppies and that he will grow out of that. Just knowing that has helped us to better deal with his biting.
The most difficult challenge for us I think has been his strange habit of eating and chewing rocks. I think we have made some progress using distraction and physically keeping him away from rocks. We will keep working through this and hopefully as he matures he will find the rocks less enticing.
This is a wonderful class and a must for new puppy parents to get everyone started off on the right foot/paw.
Thank you for all your help with Rocky!
Not only was the class invaluable for learning skills, it was also good for socialization with other puppies, people and novel environments. We live in a rather remote location and don't have much opportunity for Rocky to meet other dogs or people. This class allowed us to expose Rocky to different things, sounds and situations such as people on bikes, children, ducks, goats and other puppies that we would never have been able to do at home. This to me was extremely important since Rocky was showing early signs of nervous and timid behaviour. I'm happy to say we have made excellent progress on our walks down the highway to the mailbox and he will now calmly sit down on his own at the side of the road while a car passes by and then continue on after it has passed.
The most difficult challenge for us I think has been his strange habit of eating and chewing rocks. I think we have made some progress using distraction and physically keeping him away from rocks. We will keep working through this and hopefully as he matures he will find the rocks less enticing.
This is a wonderful class and a must for new puppy parents to get everyone started off on the right foot/paw.
Thank you for all your help with Rocky!
Laurie and Rocky
My puppy Lanka and I started Heather’s Confident Puppy Class when Lanka was 8 weeks old. She was quite timid in the face of rehoming and so many new experiences.
Over the 4 weeks, Heather helped me with ideas on how to calm Lanka when she became over excited, to stop using those sharp baby teeth on human skin, and the start of good dog manners such as sit, down etc. The interaction with another puppy was hugely helpful; by the end of 4 weeks they were playing together with great enthusiasm.
It is said that training a dog is all about training the owner, and the many things I learnt in class bear this out. Heather also sent many links to useful sites for dealing with particular difficulties, which I found very useful.
I strongly recommend this course for young puppies, and will be continuing with classes with Heather for the next age group.
Over the 4 weeks, Heather helped me with ideas on how to calm Lanka when she became over excited, to stop using those sharp baby teeth on human skin, and the start of good dog manners such as sit, down etc. The interaction with another puppy was hugely helpful; by the end of 4 weeks they were playing together with great enthusiasm.
It is said that training a dog is all about training the owner, and the many things I learnt in class bear this out. Heather also sent many links to useful sites for dealing with particular difficulties, which I found very useful.
I strongly recommend this course for young puppies, and will be continuing with classes with Heather for the next age group.
Kay and Lanka
We found teaching Lola to “come” when called using liver treats was the most helpful along with helping her feel comfortable around loud noises, a play pen, surgery cone, strangers, and different items, people and dogs that she will encounter.
Learning how to reinforce positive behaviour, understand Lola's body language, and how to use treats to make Lola feel comfortable when she isn’t has made training much easier.
Having the opportunity to ask specific questions during class with regards to our training concerns and having additional resources and references provided was invaluable. It was great that you introduced your dad/husband/dog into the class training to help teach some of the different concepts.
Learning how to reinforce positive behaviour, understand Lola's body language, and how to use treats to make Lola feel comfortable when she isn’t has made training much easier.
Having the opportunity to ask specific questions during class with regards to our training concerns and having additional resources and references provided was invaluable. It was great that you introduced your dad/husband/dog into the class training to help teach some of the different concepts.
Sheila and Lola
With Heather's help, Flora went from a wild, untamed puppy, to one who was able to direct some of her energy towards tasks learned during class. Flora did not have difficulties with many of the tasks, but she had severe difficulties with others! Heather was able to help me teach Flora to take things she did not like and change them into something she did like which has allowed me to get her into my car and house without anxiety. One of the more important elements I learned was how to read my puppy's body language to better understand her needs. Heather was always available to answer any questions I had for what was "too much", and what was normal for Flora's learning and responses.
Cora and Flora
Heather's classes are a fantastic way to get to know your puppy in a whole new light. Her assistance in reading body language and in understanding all of the common dog behaviour processes was invaluable. It was also very touching to see how much Heather cares about all of the dogs she gets to know. Thanks for all your thoughtful and caring input!
Jay, Roy and Clovis
Thanks so much for helping Ron and I learn how to work with Chai. We found your classes to be welcoming, insightful and wonderfully relaxed.
There were many things we learned but one of the most helpful was using a braided rope to dangle beside us when walking in the yard. Chai loves to herd and nips to your legs are not all that pleasant! The braided rope really works! Treats are definitely the answer to teaching and I was amazed how quickly behaviors could be grasped. Keeping Chai focused on us and his mat was such a great example of the power of treats!
It was such a pleasure to see Chai and the other pups and puppy parents enjoying the classes. I think we all came away proud of our dogs!
There were many things we learned but one of the most helpful was using a braided rope to dangle beside us when walking in the yard. Chai loves to herd and nips to your legs are not all that pleasant! The braided rope really works! Treats are definitely the answer to teaching and I was amazed how quickly behaviors could be grasped. Keeping Chai focused on us and his mat was such a great example of the power of treats!
It was such a pleasure to see Chai and the other pups and puppy parents enjoying the classes. I think we all came away proud of our dogs!
Janis and Chai
It was great to meet you & be a part of your class. Selkie enjoyed her time. On the odd occasion we happen to pass the hospital, she recognizes the gym & wants to visit- I kid you not. ' We' found your class very instructive with some nice pearls of information.
I would heartily recommend your classes. Your passion for dogs shines. I will certainly sign up for the 90 day course when I can juggle my schedule better.
Today was a brilliant day and we were walking Selkie & Maggie along Broadway. They met everyone, ran into every kind of machinery and took it in their stride. You helped us to get there!
I would heartily recommend your classes. Your passion for dogs shines. I will certainly sign up for the 90 day course when I can juggle my schedule better.
Today was a brilliant day and we were walking Selkie & Maggie along Broadway. They met everyone, ran into every kind of machinery and took it in their stride. You helped us to get there!
Joe and Selkie
Thank you again Heather for your wonderful Confident Puppy classes! They were fun, informative and very helpful for Brutus and I.
As a small breed puppy he was quite fearful and shy when we started and his confidence has grown immeasurably.
It is awesome to have access to all of the materials and you have gone above and beyond to answer any questions I have and steer me in the right direction regarding reading his body language and learning to speak dog!
Brutus says his favorite part is the exploration area, and the yummy treats! My favorite part is knowing that I will be a better guardian for him after taking your classes! As a first timer it was amazing to work with you and I value all the great information you provided, and continue to provide to us. It has made such a difference in our relationship :)
Jess and Brutus
We really enjoyed the four week puppy class with Heather. The content is all about positive reinforcement and very well thought out, giving the humans some wonderful tools for learning how to work with our new puppies and helping puppies to understand what is required of them. This class is definitely geared towards younger puppies so it’s a good idea to start as early as you can. We started the puppy class a little late, our puppy was already 13 weeks old, but we still walked away each week with a couple of new tips to helps us along. Now looking forward to going to the next stage with the 90 Days to a Well-Behaved Dog sessions.
Christine and Ffion
Thank you Heather for helping us build a great behavioural foundation for our puppy. With an 11-14 week old puppy during the duration of the class, we benefited from the solid pace of the class and well laid out homework assignments which allowed us the time to help him learn and understand what we asked him to do. We continue to work on the exercises to ensure the basics we learned become second nature.
Yvonne and Einstein
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AREAS WE SERVE
Proud of My Dog is located along the shores of Slocan Lake in beautiful New Denver, BC
In-person we serve, the North Slocan Valley, Nakusp, Kaslo, and the Village of Slocan.
On-Line we serve: The world!
Currently all of our in-person group classes are held in Kaslo, Nakusp, and New Denver.
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