Focused Choice Dog Training, LLC

Heather is a very knowledgeable and thoughtful trainer. She takes the time to get to know both the owner and the dog fully. She explains why your dog behaves the way he does and gives suggestions to retrain and refocus the behavior. Her interaction with my dog was caring and purposeful. I really appreciate her follow up after my session with reminders and explanations on methods she recommended for my dog.

Heather has a gift when training dogs. She knew the right ways to speak to our puppy and used several different strategies that we had not seen before. She is patient and gets into their world. Rufus stayed focused on her most of the time he was with her. He is 12 weeks old , so staying focused is still something he will have to grow into. We learned a lot in our first session and are now using what we learned at home. We’ll be going back for more training soon. She followed up with me the next day with lots of resources. Thank you so much Heather

I am so grateful that Heather was “flexible” and both “able” and “willing” to work with us when we mistakenly showed up on the wrong day yesterday. I worked to absorb everything that she shared with me and my pup in our one hour training session together. My dog thoroughly enjoyed her experience with Heather and did her best to do what was asked. Later that evening when I took my pup out for her evening potty, she never tried to snatch at ground “goody.” The “leave it” exercises in our work earlier that afternoon with Heather are having an effect!!! First thing out of her crate this morning, we practiced the “leave it!” exercise. Afterwards, we went for a potty walk (carrying additional cheese bits for rewards) and again there were “no scarfed” up ground “ hors d’oeuvres.” Not once did I have to say “leave it!” It was a miracle to see! Obviously, the food rewards are a key to our success at this time as she gave me amazing eye contact and attention during the walk. Other examples of our work with Heather include: when she jumped up this morning, I asked that she sit; and when jumping up and barking, I turned and ignored her. Lastly, my pup came to get attention while I ate breakfast. So I asked her to sit and then put her in a down. I praised her only once as she lay there. And was able to continue eating and finishing my food in peace and quiet. I can’t express how delighted and grateful I am for our lesson with Mrs. Royer yesterday. My dog and I are working together more effectively and efficiently. And I am happier feeling that I am bringing out more of the potential that my dog is capable of being.