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I am passionate about helping folks learn more about their dogs so that they can meet their needs. When this is a priority , mutually respectful relationships build a foundation for a harmonious household. I also adhere to LIMA which is an acronym for the phrase “least intrusive, minimally aversive.” https://m.iaabc.org/about/lima/ I am certified CCPDT-KA by an independent organization CCPDT which requires continuing education, and a Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT.) I am a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and adhere to their standards. I am a supporting member of the IAABC.

Blitz Dog Training is here to help you get down to the root cause of your dog’s behaviors & find a sustainable balance in the teamwork between you and your dog. At BDT, we empathize with all the daily frustrations: the Google-confusion, the money/time you may have already thrown at the issue for little/worse results, the unsolicited advice from others, & the perpetuated myths that make it hard to know what works. BDT is here to be your final answer. We are in the business of building confidence through applied learning theory & behavior modification. Together we'll make it as fun as possible for both sides of your human-dog team & in turn, you'll receive a bond beyond your expectations.

I always use Positive Reinforcement and Rewards-Based methods in all my training. Behavior Modification is always done using scientifically proven methods to modify, reshape or extinguish the unwanted behavior. I believe in being patient, compassionate, helping the dog to reshape its behavior at a comfortable pace for the dog, and doing it with confidence. That is where training you - the person - to train your dog, comes into my training philosophy.

A graduate of the Dog Training Internship Academy - a comprehensive program that provided me with a thorough understanding of animal behavior & learning and focused on the use of science-based training techniques to change both a dog's behavior and a dog's underlying emotional state that may be driving undesirable behavior. I'm also certified by The Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. This requires that I have a minimum of 300 hours of experience; references from a veterinarian, client, and colleague(s); and have passed a comprehensive examination testing my knowledge of learning theory, canine ethology, animal husbandry, classroom management, and teaching techniques.

Heidi started swiShing tails dog training in 2019, bringing 8 years of experience of working with dogs. Heidi provides walking in SF, and boarding and training in SF & the peninsula. She also teaches agility, and competes with both her border collie and beagle in agility and rally. She only uses positive reinforcement and science-based methods in dog training and walking, which is why her canine clients are always excited to go out and play.

I started a professional dog walking business in San Francisco, CA in the summer of 1992. I walked dogs and boarded dogs in San Francisco for 27 wonderful years. At the end of 2019, I made the decision to move out of San Francisco and move back to the East Bay, where I was born and raised. In 2020, I moved to beautiful Castro Valley and now I am boarding dogs ( small dogs only ) out of my home. I have a lovely park-like backyard, complete with its own "dog park" (synthetic lawn). I rescued a shelter dog in the middle of the pandemic. He is a 15 pound mixed breed dog named Fonzie. Fonzie gets along great with all dogs. I am licensed, bonded and insured.

Family Focused, Reward Based training that aligns with how dogs naturally think and problem solve. We provide preparation and training to go beyond standard obedience. Our goal is excellence in all canine performance.