HeartDog Training LLC
Collaborative Dog Training
We at HeartDog Training LLC aim to build solid relationships between you and your dog. With a variety of different methods and approaches, we can help to get you and your dog to enjoy the life you share together. You'll find we look at each dog as an individual, and want to give you realistic goals and expectations for your lifestyle with you and your dog. Together!
Our 11 acre licensed and dog-centered facility is located south of Colorado Springs, and we service the surrounding areas including Monument, Peyton, Falcon, Fountain, and Pueblo. HeartDog Training LLC focuses on Board and Train packages, which we believe are the most effective way to train and provide the longest lasting results!
Training Options
Uniquely designed for your dog and your life!
Board and Train | Real Life Obedience and Boundaries
Our exclusive flagship Board and Train program is always uniquely customized to you and your dogs specific needs. Length of stay is based on your goals, with shorter stays available on a case-by-case basis. Your dog will be integrated into our pack where they will learn house manners and boundaries, as well as join us on our pack walks around our 11 acre campus and field trips as available. Dogs with previous training with us gain access to our private boarding and tune-up's when you've got to travel.
Private Lessons | Follow-Ups and In-Home
Follow up lessons are included in your board and train package! Private lessons may be offered on an individual basis and are typically offered to tackle simple and targeted behaviors. If you’re looking for a program focused on private lessons, we can refer you to our sister company, Canine Insight LLC!
HeartDog Training’s Mission
Certified. Highly Educated. Passionate.
We at HeartDog Training believe it’s never too late to teach an old pet (and its owner) new behaviors. It's also important to start building healthy long-lasting foundations as early as you can, working as much with you as with your pet. Heather has a passion for improving the relationship between your dog and you, and ultimately improve your lives together.
With a combined 20 years of experience and continued-education under our belts, we assess every dog as who they are. Each dog has distinct needs and abilities which can be used to shape them into the best dog they can be. We design a specific behavior plan for every dog we work with, combining modern and scientific behavior analysis with balanced training methods.
Heather Haag
Head Trainer | Co-Owner
Heather is absolutely obsessed with behavior, so much so that she has dedicated most of her life to educating herself and getting involved with a variety of different fields of behavior. She has been in the animal care industry for 10 years, first starting as a dog groomer and then branching out to dog training and human behavior modification. It was during this time she attended University of Washington and received her certificate in Applied Animal Behavior as well as Duke University’s Dog Emotion and Cognition course.
Heather spent 2 years working directly with special needs children as a Behavior Technician, and after graduating from Purdue University with her Bachelors in Applied Behavior Analysis, decided she wanted even more. Heather then attended Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers and received her certification as a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist.
Heather and her dogs explore every part of dog training they can get their paws on, from high level obedience and Rally to dog sports like dock diving, disc, lure coursing, and French Ring. You'll see Heather working with Reuben the Borderwhippet, Petra the Malinois, and her newest puppy, Bumble the Corgi.
Our Pack
Helper Dogs and Distraction Extraordinaires
Our pack is an integral part of our training process and help our guest pack members learn boundaries through example and how to interact with other dogs. They also provide various levels of distractions from just existing to high flying tricks.
What is a Helper Dog?
A Helper Dog teaches far better then us humans do. Reuben is our eldest dog and has raised countless puppies at this point and we use him as our Helper Dog. They are firm and fair, but their patience is wide and they are extremely tolerant and trustworthy around familiar and unfamiliar dogs. This means they can be trusted to follow boundaries and establish boundaries with guest pack members, and they can teach things like recall and waiting at doorways by example.
Our Resource Center
Looking for Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
Canine Insight LLC
We partner with Canine Insight LLC to offer lessons when we cannot. Highly experienced and passionate, we partner with Canine Insight LLC because we believe they can provide the same high quality service that we do. Reach out to Sam at Canine Insight LLC to learn more about her lesson packages and events!
Personalized and Experienced Dog Grooming
Heather offers licensed and certified grooming in your home to create a comfortable experience in a familiar environment. Heather specializes in adjusting puppies to the grooming process, as well as rehabbing difficult or anxious dogs back into a healthy mindset during the grooming process. Reach out here or on Instagram to make an appointment!
Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers
Explore Starmark's world renown program for professional dog trainers and products. Heather attended Starmark Academy in the summer of 2022 and received a certification as a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist. As a Starmark alumni, HeartDog Training LLC has special access to exclusive Starmark literature, programs, and products!
Clicker Training
Clicker training is an excellent way to build good foundations for Learning to Learn. What is Learning to Learn? Many times we accidentally teach our dogs and puppies to ignore our daily cues. Clicker training is a clear and concise way to teach your dog or puppy to follow your cues and learn new behaviors.
Crate Training
Crate Training is a vital part of training for your dog. Will you use your crate all the time? No! We don't! Many of our dogs never see a crate unless in the car for safety or during a vet or grooming visit. We aim to create a healthy relationship with the crate to minimize stress during these situations.