Heather Bowden
Heather Bowden is the founder of Pawsitive Training Service Dog Solutions. She has been a military spouse for 23 years, volunteering as a key spouse and mentor while supporting her husband through his 20-year military career. She was also a stay-at-home mom to her biological, adopted, and foster children, some of whom had special needs. As a military family, they moved across the nation 10 times in 20 years, and Heather maintained her sanity through her love of dogs and training them to participate in the family's active lifestyle.
In 2016, Heather fell ill and realized the benefits of a service dog. She diligently worked through a year-long course on training service dogs and after several surgeries, her life began to improve. With her personal understanding of how a well-trained service dog can improve the quality of life, Heather decided to pursue her passion of helping others through service dog training. In March 2019, Pawsitive Training Service Dog Solutions became a reality. In June 2019, Heather enrolled in Karen Pryor Professional Academy to continue her education and graduated with distinction in 2020. She hired two trainers who apprenticed with her and also graduated with distinction from Karen Pryor Professional Academy in 2020. In October 2021 and January 2022, PT Service Dogs opened training studios in Yorktown, Virginia and Norfolk, Virginia.
Training Philosophy
Heather Bowden's training philosophy is based on IntraConnected Coaching, a holistic approach that recognizes the complex web of influences impacting an individual's behavior and well-being. This method goes beyond traditional coaching by acknowledging the interconnectedness between personal, professional, and social aspects of a person's life. It emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic and structural influences that may impact an individual's ability to achieve their goals. Heather employs this approach striving to help clients recognize and navigate both internal and external influences that affect their lives within the framework of interpersonal neurobiology (INPB), polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed coaching.
Services
Heather Bowden offers a range of services, including:
- Individual & Family IntraConnected Coaching: This service focuses on helping individuals and families navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop coping strategies. It incorporates principles of interpersonal neurobiology, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed coaching.
- Dog Training: Heather provides both in-person and virtual dog training services, focusing on building a strong bond between the handler and their canine partner. This includes training for service dogs, therapy dogs, and companion dogs.
- Service Dog Training: Heather specializes in training service dogs for individuals with various needs, including PTSD, traumatic brain injury, mobility issues, and autism.
- Consultation: A 30-minute Zoom consultation for $25 to determine if the program is a good fit for you.
- Assessment: A 60-minute assessment for $150 over Zoom or in person (in-person assessments are available for the Hampton Roads area only). During the assessment, Heather will get to know you better and discuss your goals.
- Customized Packages: Based on your assessment, a package will be customized for you. You can expect to meet with Heather for 60-minute sessions 24-42 times in a year. Your customized package can be estimated at twelve monthly payments of $300-$700, depending on your goals and budget.
Certifications
Heather Bowden is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP).
Specializations
Heather Bowden specializes in service dog training, IntraConnected Coaching, interpersonal neurobiology, polyvagal theory, trauma-informed coaching, and family dog mediation.
Training Methods
Heather Bowden uses positive reinforcement training methods, clicker training, and science-based, data-driven approaches.
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. 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 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.
