Hey there! My name is Heather.  I first came to Atta Pup in 2015 looking to change my career path. I came with a history working in the mental health field with various disabilities and had already taken college-level classes in education. I had been involved with animals of all shapes and sizes for all my life and always wanted to work professionally with non-human critters. 

 

I earned my bachelor's degree in equine facilitated therapeutics and equestrian studies and my master's degree in psychology. I worked with children on the autism spectrum and their families for nearly 10 years. This experience along with a passion to teach and guide empathically helps me in training many species and teaching their pet parents. I have been certified as a therapeutic riding instructor and have apprenticed with the acclaimed trainer Pat Miller.

 

I am crossover dog trainer. I used to believe choke chains and "dominance"-based practices were acceptable, even though I didn't use them much. Since I've joined Atta Pup and continued my education in animal behavior and training, I've switched over to positive reinforcement training. It gives me the chance to use my education and human behavior skills and creates a much happier and humane training process. The animals actually smile and think about their actions and choices! I also prefer this method of training, because I can now employ training techniques that are consistent with my Christian faith.

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I work with most behaviors. Many of my private client cases fall into one of three categories - basics and manners, anxiety and fear, or aggression. That being said, I have group classes for: beginner, intermediate and advanced manners, impulse control, outdoor work, and numerous specialty topics. I can also cover most of these behaviors in private training and day training, too!

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I'm very grateful for my accomplishments. In 2024, Atta Pup! Training won Best Dog Trainer from Quality Business Awards. I was also featured in Voyage Baltimore, as a local professional. As a result of this article, I was nominated and welcomed into Marquis Who's Who, the acclaimed network of notable professionals, in 2025.

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My alphabet:

CPDT-KA - Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed

PMCT - Pat Miller Certified Trainer

MS - Master's of Science (Psychology)

LBS - Licensed Behavior Specialist

DRC PAT - Dolphin Research Center Professional Animal Trainer 

AAD TF - Atlas Assistance Dogs Team Facilitator

AKC CGC Evaluator - American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

FSG - 1- Fun Scent Games Level One Instructor