Hi! I am Naomi Heck, founder of Trusting Paws Dog Training. My credentials include: National certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: Certified Behavior Consultant-Canine, Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)

Professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Pro member of The Behavior Education Network

CAP1 Certified Clicker Trainer I often hear dog trainers say they love working with dogs and are good at it. But they seldom if ever mention that they love working with the owners. Knowledge of training and a love of dogs are definite requirements to becoming a trainer, but I believe a passion for teaching people is just as important, if not more. After all, the owner needs to learn new skills in order to improve his or her dog's behavior. A skilled trainer will have the patience and understanding to teach people how to effectively train their non-human baby. Both dog and owner are "beginners" in a way, and that is the kind of challenge I love. My aim is for my clients and dogs to have as much fun as I do during our consultations. And judging from their smiles (yes, dogs do smile), I know I am doing it right! I began my career in 2000 as a trainer for Susquehanna Service Dogs, first as a volunteer, then as an employee.  My job was to train dogs complex tasks to a high degree of reliability using reward-based methods so they could assist people with disabilities. During that time, I became interested in the dogs that had behavior problems which prevented them from making it through the program. Finding ways to help these dogs became a burning passion. I started my private consultation business in 2004. I am currently a volunteer training consultant for Brookline Lab Rescue as well as Susquehanna Service Dogs. I hold a bachelor's degree in Biology from the College of William and Mary and a masters degree in Health Education from the University of Virginia. My graduate studies focused on helping people change their behaviors (which is harder than changing a dog's behavior). Fate provided me with an intensive course in behavior modification and patience as well: I have a teenage son with autism. The early years deepened my passion for using positive reinforcement to teach people as well as dogs. My journey is not typical of many professional dog trainers. I was not interested in obedience competitions and titles.  From a young age I liked figuring out how dogs learn and how to maximize their potential as family pets. I've owned 7 dogs of various breeds and fostered several others. Some were easily trainable and some were quite exasperating. My education and experience training hundreds of dogs (over 60 breeds) has instilled in me a strong compassion and understanding for the pet owner living with a challenging dog. I consider continuing education to be a necessity in this field. I regularly attend conferences and seminars given by top professionals in the dog training world. I also keep up to date with the latest research in humane training methods by staying in contact with trainers across the country via the internet. I do not hesitate to consult with other respected professionals when the need arises. Just like our dogs, I am always learning.  And just like people, no two dogs are exactly alike. I see difficult dogs as being full of potential, and believe all dogs regardless of age or breed will improve with humane training and proper management. If your dog's behavior is important to you, it's important to me, too! To schedule a consultation, please complete the form below or call 717-395-6478. Contact Naomi Heck, behavior consultant: First name:  * required Last name:  * required Email address:  * required Phone:  * required Town of Residence:  * required Dog's Name:  * required Age:  * required Sex (spayed/neutered/intact?):  * required Breed:  * required     Reason for contact: Description of Problem: Best time to call you: Morning (9am-noon) Early afternoon (before 3pm) Late afternoon (after 3 pm) Evening (6 - 8pm) Anytime (9am - 8pm)

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