About Heidi
Full Pawtential Dog Training is entering its 8th year, and we are incredibly grateful for all of you who have trusted us with your beloved dogs.
Our training is 100% fear and intimidation free. We believe that educating owners about their dog's needs, body language (how the talk to us), and behaviour fosters a stronger bond and relationship built on trust.
My journey began 16 years ago, bringing rescue dogs and cats into my home and researching therapy strategies to help them heal and trust again. It was a fearful Whippet rescued from a puppy mill that ignited my passion to make a bigger difference for animals and their owners. Shortly after adopting my 4th dog, a dachshund I began pursuing my dream of becoming a professional dog trainer in 2016 with Canine Correspondence Studies and mentored for 1 year with a local certified positive reinforcement dog trainer.
Every year I seek out and continue my education by taking courses, attend conferences, and participate in webinars to stay up-to-date on all areas of dog training, including completing the Aggression in Dogs Master Course in 2023/24. We are also working towards a well-recognized certification that requires ongoing recertification and approved courses annually – the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA).
Our Philosophy
Our dog training philosophy centers on setting your dog up for success using proven, science-based, reward-based training.
We'll teach you how to train your dog with positive methods that are fun, easy, and effective. Our mission is to help you build trust and make everyday life more enjoyable. We use positive reinforcement and a word that marks the desired behavior for reward (similar to clicker training). Once your dog understands that a specific behavior earns a reward, they're more likely to repeat it. This method is enjoyable, builds confidence, creates an eager learner, and fosters communication that leads to remarkable results.
Just like people, every dog has a unique personality and learning style. We'll listen to your concerns and goals, coach you through the training process, and help you find practical solutions that work for both of you. We'll help you discover what motivates your dog and how to transition from treats to life rewards. We're committed to training without fear, pain, intimidation, or force.
We'll respond to your questions with clear answers and safe, practical solutions, whether they're about dog training, behavior, equipment, or general care. We're here to encourage you every step of the way! Even after the training is over, we offer lifetime "technical support" over the phone or via email.