Clear Mind Canine - Felton, California

Cheryl N.

I don't even know where to begin to describe how talented and skilled Heather is as a dog trainer (and she's a very nice person!) We started working together a few years ago when I needed help with pet obedience with my young high-drive German Shepherd. Heather was fantastic in every way. It's really about training the person more than the dog, and Heather taught me how to handle everything from walking nicely on a leash to house manners to not reacting to other dogs. We then tried her nosework classes, and got hooked on dog sports, eventually competing in Schutzhund, guided every step of the way by Heather, who has titled her own dogs at very high levels.

When I got my new puppy (another high-drive working lines German Shepherd), I knew Heather would provide the training we need. She has been an amazing source of knowledge and guidance not only for competition obedience training, but also regarding pet obedience, house manners, avoiding reactivity, and teaching me to guide the two high-drive dogs to live together peacefully and safely.

Heather has an exceptional ability to read the dog, and adjust the training accordingly, so that there is clarity for the dog. She is able to succinctly explain what she sees in the dog's behavior, and is patient with those of us who struggle to have better timing and body movement.

Thanks to Heather, my dogs are living fulfilled lives, loving the work they were bred to do, and are a pleasure to live with.

Ru R.

Heather is one of the best dog trainers in the Bay Area. I have known her for many years as she helped me with my two German shepherds (one is a sport dog and the other is a mellow companion pet). I have only done private lessons with her as that’s the method that works for me and my dogs. She is who I would consider a New Age science based dog trainer (as compared to some of the old-school yank and crank trainers out there). My advice to any dog owner is, be patient, be positive, take your time, and build your dog the right way. Don’t take shortcuts and most of all get help from an expert like Heather and you will have a wonderful companion dog to share your life with.

Adair P.

Heather has been working with us and our adolescent shepherd mix, and we have learned so much from her. Our dog is high drive and high energy, and Heather has taught us tools to make sure our dog's cup is full while maintaining structure and boundaries. As a result, our pack is growing stronger each day. I can't recommend Heather and Clear Mind Canine enough!

Renee D.

We have a high energy rescue pup and I don't know where we'd be without Heather at Clear Mind Canine. She made training fun for the dog and us, and helped us build a strong bond. Our pup went from "wild" to the best dog ever, one who accompanies us on adventures and who charms pretty much everyone he meets.

Kathy C.

Heather at Clear Mind Canine is the Best! I have worked with Heather with all four of my dogs over the course of nine years. We worked on behavior issues (reactivity with my Malinois girl), basic obedience, tricks, competitive obedience. She is a skilled, knowledgeable, patient and effective trainer with a broad scope. Most recently, she helped me with my two young male dogs (a Lab and a Malinois) who were doing well in their obedience work at home and in group classes, but struggled with distractions and focus in new places. After just a few sessions, Heather gave me the skills I needed to make break throughs with them. Soon after, I attended a trial with my young Malinois and he q'd in Rally Novice and Beginner Novice - his first q's that would not have been possible without the work Heather did with us. I highly recommend her!

Vanessa B.

Heather Ross is a wonderful trainer! She's so knowledgeable in dealing with all kinds of different dog behaviors in order for each dog to succeed in her classes. I take my dog here for nose work and he is learning so fast and has so much fun doing it. Her dogs are unbelievably well trained which speaks volumes, and her training area is beautiful and easy to find. I'm so glad I started taking my dog here!

Rebecca B.

There aren't enough words to describe how awesome Heather is! I started taking my dog-reactive corgi to her Feisty Fido class a couple months ago and it's been great.

You start with an intro session in Felton where you cover your goals and she can evaluate your dog. She recommended we start with the advanced class and we're now halfway through our second 6-week session! My dog can now handle passing dogs within 6-8 ft without having a meltdown and I'm more aware of her excitement levels so I can maneuver us out of challenging situations before it turns into a full blown reaction (with barking, lunging, growling, etc.).

She gives you different "real-world" scenarios to practice in class and sends you home with things to work on for the week. It helps build not just your dog's confidence, but your own since you have the tools necessary to properly handle your dog in difficult situations.

Depending on your goals and your dog, be prepared for an immense amount of work on your part. If you're looking for an "easy-fix," I don't think you'll find that with any trainer. But, Heather's patient attitude and teaching method will be life-changing so long as you're willing to put in the work.

BARTOVANETTI

Very accommodating, went out of her way to meet and to ease my nerves regarding "what to do" as a new puppy owner prior to scheduled training classes. Very nice setting, and easy to locate. In consecutive one hour sessions, my dog and myself learned far more in Clear Mind training than we have in any others we have tried. I appreciated her patience and feel I understood the reasoning and importance of what was being practiced and it's foundation for what was to follow. Her dog was introduced and brought out to interact with the puppy, who upon meeting only highlights that you are definitely at the right place. Highly recommended.