Handful Of Leashes

​​We originally reached out to Heather when ​we were ​having difficulties house training the puppy (Bella) we had just adopted. Prior to Heather, we had tried researching and attempting various ideas on our own. It had started to feel like such an overwhelming issue that our overall interactions with Bella were becoming negative. It was extremely helpful to have someone come out and work with us to determine what was not working and what techniques/strategies to try to be successful. Heather’s presence was calming and she left with us being m​​uch more optimistic. The session not only benefited Bella but our family’s mindset when it came to her.​​ Several months later - ​​we reached out again and signed up for a training package. Between the original session and when we signed up for the training package, I lost my elderly dog and was having a hard time being patient with Bella and connecting with her.​ ​Heather took the time to get to know not only Bella but also us. She asked what we wanted from the lessons and where we felt like we were struggling the most. It was helpful to identify that we wanted to work on leash walking to provide Bella exercise and me an opportunity to bond with her. The amount of information Heather provided each lesson was tremendous. It is evident that she is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to training and dog behavior. I found myself taking notes at the end of each session which I would reference between sessions.​ ​Heather set us up for success with Bella with each step. We continue to use the strategies and tools Heather gave/taught us during the training package. Heather was always responsive and accommodated our complicated schedules. I really cannot say enough positive things about Heather or our experience using Heather as a trainer. She was always positive and patient (with both us and Bella) making the training sessions not only informative but fun. If we ever need anything in the future (dog sitting or further training), we would not hesitate to contact Heather.

I was initially looking to have Maynard, my standard poodle not pull on walks, not rush to the door and have generally good house behavior. Maynard learned all of that and much more. Not only did Heather do a great job in training our puppy but also taught us how to think as the dog sees the world in order to understand why and how dogs learn and act. I would highly recommend Heather to anyone needing their dog trained. I will be using her in the future for additional training we may need.

Heather is amazing. On her first visit she organized the family so we could do the work that we needed to do with our 9-week old puppy, Honey. Heather addressed all of our concerns and gave us actionable suggestions to help Honey move forward with her growth and development. Finally, it is clear that Heather has a special way with animals. She loves them and they love her. I highly recommend Handful Of Leashes.

We adopted a rescued Rottweiler named Stella almost a year ago. She came with issues but was improving……...SLOWLY! Stella is intimidating, stubborn, and highly energetic. Since she is a Rottweiler she scares and intimidates most people. Her breed, vocalizations, alpha-like demeanor and energy level would make many shy away from her even though she is very sweet. She would try to intimidate (again, Alpha behavior) other dogs at the dog park and was “encouraged” to get training at the day care she goes to where she can release some energy. Heather was recommended to us and she very quickly helped us understand Stella and gave us strategies to use to help wrangle her feistiness into some structure and discipline. We learned that Stella is extremely bright and needs “work” to keep her engaged and productive. I mentioned to Heather on her first time here that she is more of a “dog owner trainer” than a dog trainer. In five weeks we have gotten Stella to the point that we think we can continue to help her progress without Heather’s assistance. I cannot recommend Heather highly enough. She is professional, friendly, and very conscientious with her work. I’d hire Heather in a second if we needed additional support going forward. Don’t hesitate to give Heather a call.