Heather Smith, PMCT attended the Canine Behavior and Training Intern Academy at Peaceable Paws, LLC, studying with renowned positive trainer, author, and behavior consultant, Pat Miller. Heather became a Pat Miller Certified Trainer in August 2010 after completing her third Academy and a total of 135 hours of educational internships at Peaceable Paws. Heather earned high scoring honors on her practical exam in her Level 1 Academy and overall high scoring honors in her Level 2 Instructor's Academy.
Heather worked with different shelter dogs from the Humane Society of Washington County MD in each Academy, teaching them basic good manners and working through behavior issues, helping their chances of getting adopted. She continued her studies at Peaceable Paws in a formal apprentice program, learning the latest and most effective positive methods available while assisting with puppy and adult classes and shelter behavior assessments. Heather also taught Saturday morning Basic Good Manners and Real Life Skills classes at Peaceable Paws as a Pat Miller Certified Trainer.
Heather attended an 18-hour Reactive Rover Workshop that Pat offers at Peaceable Paws and has also assisted with two subsequent workshops. Heather was also accepted into The Pet Professional Guild, the only pet industry member association that advocates force-free dog training. Heather traveled to the 3-day Clicker Expo Chicago in 2011 and to Nashville in 2012, attending learning sessions taught by world-class faculty and training experts.
Heather volunteered with Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue as a Senior Volunteer, Certified Shelter Evaluator, and had previously served on the Approval Committee until stepping down to concentrate on furthering her education in dog training. Heather also worked with CRCPA in Dillsburg, PA as a training consultant for foster homes and volunteer education and training.
Training Philosophy
Heather Smith uses positive, reward-based methods of training without the use of punishment, force, and coercion. No choke chains, no electronic devices, no physical punishment. Only gentle and humane training methods based on strengthening the relationship between you and your dog are used. Clicker training is used for both dogs and puppies as an effective and positive training method.
Services
All 4 Paws Dog Training offers in-home instruction for dog and puppy owners.
BASIC GOOD MANNERS TRAINING
The basic good manners training curriculum covers basic "obedience" skills including attention, sit, down, leave it, trade, come, loose leash walking, and polite greetings.
- Private In-home Instruction
Private lessons offer owners the convenience of training at home with one-on-one attention and instruction. The basic good manners curriculum can be custom designed to meet the needs of you and your dog. Basic good manners curriculum covered in 4 sessions.
Pay by Sesson: $75/session
Prepay for 4-session course: $250/course - Semi-private Instruction
Have a friend that wants to train their dog as well? Train together and save! Semi-private classes are a fun and economical alternative to private training for a group of friends that want to work together to train their dogs. Basic good manners curriculum covered in 4 sessions.
Pay by Sesson: $50/session per dog
Prepay for 4-session course: $187.50/course per dog
BAHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS
All 4 Paws can help with most common behavior problems like polite greetings, jumping, pulling on leash, destructive chewing, resource guarding, reactivity, and anxiety. Behavior counseling can help you understand your dog's behavior and environment and to manage and change them in positive ways. Behavior counseling is based on the knowledge of canine behavioral science, canine nutrition and wellness, reward-based training and behavior modification methods, and a compassion for dogs and their owners. Behavior counseling does not provide an instant fix for problems, successful behavior requires your time and commitment to helping your dog. Includes initial visit and follow-up plan, which may or may not require subsequent visits.
Serious behavior disorders or aggression cases WILL be referred to a highly qualified certified behaviorist when indicated.
Initial consultation is $90 for up to 90 minute session
$75/hour for subsequent follow-up visits
NEW phone consultations available when appropriate for $25/hour. First 15 minutes at no charge to determine if home visit is necessary, will accept PayPal for payment of consultation over 15 minutes. Payment expected in order to continue call.
PRE-ADOPTION COUNSELING
Thinking of getting a new best friend? During a pre-adoption counseling session, we will cover your questions regarding:
What breeds or mixes are most compatible with your lifestyle and experience?
Is a puppy or older dog the right choice for you?
What to look for and what are "red flags" in a dog?
How to integrate a new dog into your existing pack?
Bringing a new dog home and what to do to make his transition less stressful.
How to get started with training.
How to help prevent behavioral problems and what to do if problems develop?
Cost is $25 per session
Certifications
Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT)
Specializations
Basic good manners training, puppy training, behavior consultations, pre-adoption counseling
Training Methods
Positive, reward-based methods, clicker training
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.
