Clear Mind Canine

Heather is one of the best dog trainers in the Bay Area. I have known her for many years as she helped me with my two German shepherds (one is a sport dog and the other is a mellow companion pet). I have only done private lessons with her as that’s the method that works for me and my dogs. She is who I would consider a New Age science based dog trainer (as compared to some of the old-school yank and crank trainers out there). My advice to any dog owner is, be patient, be positive, take your time, and build your dog the right way. Don’t take shortcuts and most of all get help from an expert like Heather and you will have a wonderful companion dog to share your life with.

Heather at Clear Mind Canine is the Best! I have worked with Heather with all four of my dogs over the course of nine years. We worked on behavior issues (reactivity with my Malinois girl), basic obedience, tricks, competitive obedience. She is a skilled, knowledgeable, patient and effective trainer with a broad scope. Most recently, she helped me with my two young male dogs (a Lab and a Malinois) who were doing well in their obedience work at home and in group classes, but struggled with distractions and focus in new places. After just a few sessions, Heather gave me the skills I needed to make break throughs with them. Soon after, I attended a trial with my young Malinois and he q'd in Rally Novice and Beginner Novice - his first q's that would not have been possible without the work Heather did with us. I highly recommend her!

I don't even know where to begin to describe how talented and skilled Heather is as a dog trainer (and she's a very nice person!) We started working together a few years ago when I needed help with pet obedience with my young high-drive German Shepherd. Heather was fantastic in every way. It's really about training the person more than the dog, and Heather taught me how to handle everything from walking nicely on a leash to house manners to not reacting to other dogs. We then tried her nosework classes, and got hooked on dog sports, eventually competing in Schutzhund, guided every step of the way by Heather, who has titled her own dogs at very high levels. When I got my new puppy (another high-drive working lines German Shepherd), I knew Heather would provide the training we need. She has been an amazing source of knowledge and guidance not only for competition obedience training, but also regarding pet obedience, house manners, avoiding reactivity, and teaching me to guide the two high-drive dogs to live together peacefully and safely. Heather has an exceptional ability to read the dog, and adjust the training accordingly, so that there is clarity for the dog. She is able to succinctly explain what she sees in the dog's behavior, and is patient with those of us who struggle to have better timing and body movement. Thanks to Heather, my dogs are living fulfilled lives, loving the work they were bred to do, and are a pleasure to live with.