Heather Lawson, Faculty (Foundations, Electives, Obedience, TEAM)
Main info
Heather Lawson (she/her) is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) and also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), a CGN evaluator and a free-style judge. She has been training dogs and their humans for more than 29 years after deciding that the corporate world just wasn't cutting it anymore. Having had German shepherds for most of her life, she decided it was time to bring one into her family again. Mica was the one who took her on a journey never expected. With a dog people said would never get in the ring, Heather and Mica were able to achieve national standings of Top 10 Obedience Dog two years running and Top Obedience German Shepherd for 5 straight years. Mica was also one of the first GSDs to achieve the CKC Masters Obedience Trial Champion title.
You see, when you say "can't" to Heather, it just means "find another way that works for the dog and human." Provide patience, good communication along with positive reinforcement while you listen to the dog, and you'll have a way that can work for everyone. This is the focus that Heather used again with Luka, who achieved national standings, until her retirement. Heather continues to compete in obedience and rally with Tag (Luka's son) and is currently prepping the newbie in the house, Piper, for her competition journey.
Heather is also the owner of dogWISE Training & Behaviour Center Inc., where she teaches group classes for companion pets, Competitive Obedience, Rally, and Nose Work, in addition to private lessons.
Heather's website is www.dogwise.ca
Pronouns: Heather goes by she/her.
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