Head Trainer CGC Evaluator | AKC Temperament Tester | Member APDT
Heidi recently joined the Academy’s team of trainers after moving to North Carolina from Florida where she has trained dogs and led group classes for nearly 20 years. She also served as the Obedience Director for her local dog club. As a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Heidi is a L.I.M.A. compliant trainer.
L.I.M.A. is a philosophy of dog training that requires a trainer to use the Least Invasive & Minimally Aversive methods possible to meet a dog’s training objectives. Heidi prides herself to be a balanced trainer who follows L.I.M.A. but also knows how to work through problem behaviors when positive reinforcement alone isn’t enough. She has worked with various breeds of dogs from puppyhood through competition levels. Heidi spends her free time training her Golden Retriever, Briar, for obedience competitions at the Utility level and Agility competitions through the Master level. She and Briar have also earned AKC Trick titles as well as a few titles in AKC & UKC Hunt Retriever Tests.
“I enjoy making training fun for my dogs as well as the people and dogs I work with. Dogs learn better and faster when play is incorporated into training so it’s important to include the FUNdamentals in your training. I look forward to sharing my passion for dog training with you and watching your relationship with your dog grow while you become the leader your dog deserves!”