Discover Your Dog's Full Potential
Welcome! I'm Michael Heinevetter, founder and head trainer. Fueled by a mission to enhance the bond between dogs and their owners, I bring a wealth of experience to our training programs, including a pivotal role as a former head trainer of a large dog training franchise.
With my extensive background in guiding and shaping the behaviors of more than 300 dogs, I am dedicated to transforming the lives of my clients through training.
Commitment To Excellence
My journey into dog training began in my youth, driven by an innate passion for understanding and enhancing canine behavior. The rich experiences I've gathered along the way have been the cornerstone of my development as a trainer. It's these very experiences that inspired me to establish a training philosophy that's as much about educating the owner as it is about training the dog. My commitment is to deliver not just obedience, but a deeper bond between you and your canine companion.
"Dog training is creating and changing habits for your dog"
Understanding E-Collars: A Modern Training Tool
*E-Collars are optional equipment!
Many hear "e-collar" and think "shock collar," conjuring images of harsh punishment. However, modern e-collars are far from that; they are sophisticated tools that use technology similar to TENS units — devices you might recognize from physical therapy sessions that stimulate muscles gently.
Why I Advocate for E-Collar Training:
- Clarity in Communication: Just as we thrive with clear instructions, so do our dogs. E-collars help provide that clarity, especially amidst distractions, enhancing the structure of training with tactile feedback.
- Safety Above All: When a dog's safety is at risk — say, they're darting towards a busy street — an e-collar can be a lifesaver, allowing you to quickly get their attention and prevent disaster.
- Freedom for Exploration: With an e-collar, your dog can safely enjoy new environments, offering both of you more freedom while reinforcing their training.
- Guidance on What's Right: It's as crucial to guide dogs on correct behavior as it is to correct the wrong. E-collars can help redirect them from undesirable actions like jumping or digging to more appropriate behaviors.
- Reliable Off-Leash Training: In Washington, we abide by leash laws, but the freedom of reliable off-leash behavior is invaluable. E-collars are a key tool in achieving dependable off-leash obedience, ensuring your dog's reliability in any setting.
In our training, we use e-collars responsibly to build on commands and correct behaviors, always with the goal of fostering a positive and secure bond between you and your dog. Again, e-collar training is optional!
