My name is Heather, and I’m a 4th year medical student at UM. I grew up in NY and attended Cornell University, where I began volunteering for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. I was selected and trained as a puppy sitter and trainer for Guiding Eyes. I am certified as a Guiding Eyes for the Blind Trainer and can train dogs your typical commands (sit, stay, come, etc) and more nuanced skills (not eating trash on the ground, greeting humans and animals appropriately, walking calmly on a loose leash without pulling). Our training style is one of positive reinforcement: guiding dogs toward positive behaviors, and rewarding with bits of kibble to encourage continued positive behavior. We redirect from negative behavior; for example, if I see my dog is becoming agitated about another animal nearby, I position myself between the two, distract my dog, and begin to move away (instead of yelling or just dragging away). As a trainer, I puppy sat for full-time raisers for Guiding Eyes. This entailed general dog sitting responsibilities - dog walking, feeding, playing, etc. But I also helped train them, including special Guiding Eyes commands to train the dogs to be seeing eye dogs. I worked with puppies from 8 weeks of age to 2 years of age before they started harness training with Guiding Eyes. I have extensive dog experience - friends and family call me the "dog whisperer" because dogs always love me and often listen to me over others! And my style isn't just serious training business. Above all, I'm fun, goofy, and cuddly with animals, so they love being around me. I have a lot of love to give and love playing with pups. I’ve also had family dogs my whole life! I love dogs of all shapes and sizes. Can't wait to meet your doggo :)