Dog training for scared dogs
Have you adopted a scared dog?
Rescue dogs often carry the burden of a difficult past.
Traumatized dogs need a special kind of training to help them get their confidence back.
Our lead trainer has over a decade of experience in working with trauma dogs and knows first-hand how to get a dog's mind out of a state of fear and into thriving again.
Our dog trainer is dedicated to transforming the lives of scared dogs so they can live happy lives free from fear.
Become a member to:
- Access our private community of pet parents of timid dogs
- Book a discovery call with our experienced dog trainer to see if she can help you with your unique timid dog situation
- Download dog training guides to get your scared dog out of fear and into confidence!
- Get the meeting link to the monthly dog training Q&A
These are complimentary member benefits. There is no fee required to join. Become a member today to access these member benefits!
Our next complimentary monthly member dog training and Q&A session is in
Heather and her dog Jasper performing "peek-a-boo".
Meet Our Lead Dog Trainer, Cat Trainer, Animal Behaviorist and Director
Heather Smith, ABCDT and Behaviorist
Hi, I'm Heather! I've been training animals for over 17 years with a strong focus on relationship-based dog training for pups of all ages, breeds, and personalities! I enjoy training cats too (they are so fun and easy to train!)
I have numerous certifications including:
- Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT title)
- Animal Behavior College Authorized Mentor Trainer
- Pet CPR & First Aid
- Training Shelter Dogs
- Animal Massage
- Animal Nutrition and Diet
- Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist
- Acute Canine Herbalism Specialist
- Canine Essential Oils Specialist
- Attended Raw Roundup 2019 and 2020, hosted by Dog's Naturally Magazine
- Attended Victoria Stilwell's 2022 Dog Behavior Conference
Training Philosophy
Hi, I’m Heather!
I have been training animals for 17 years and started Pet Lover’s Passion in 2015.
I passionately advocate that training should be fun and good training is about building a healthy relationship of trust with your dog (or cat)!
By using relationship-based training methods, treats are not needed, especially for solving problem behaviors.
However, I do use treats for teaching new cues (or tricks), because using food in this scenario is the fastest way to “program” in a new behavior. ☺
Members of Pet Lover's Passion are always telling me "thank you" for changing their lives with their pets. Such gratitude is inspiring and it feels good to make such a powerful impact on peoples' and animals' lives!
Case Studies: Scared Dog Turn-Arounds
From "mill momma" to member of the family
Chloe the Maltese lived in a cage for most of her life before her loving new owner rescued and adopted her. Everything was scary to her - sounds, shadows moving by, people moving too quickly, guests entering the home... even her new owner reaching out to pet her. She was even afraid to go outside to potty. When Heather, lead dog trainer and Director at Pet Lover's Passion, came to help, it took some time, but Chloe slowly came out of her bubble. Her owner is able to clip on her leash now and Chloe even sits on her lap with the cat! What a turn around!
A dog with a mystery past, afraid of everyone, now enjoys life with a family
Peanut the Jack Russell Beagle Mix was adopted by a loving family with two young daughters. He would not let anyone come near him, so they could not get a collar on him to take him out for a walk, pet him, brush him - nothing! Heather came and patiently worked with Peanut and the family on making him feel more comfortable with being approached and within a week, he was able to be petted. Heather worked with him on allowing his collar to be put on and a leash being clipped on and off. When he was ready, it was time to go outside and build confidence for a walk (he was using pee pads up to that point). Everything outside was frightening to Peanut, but after some time and a lot of gentle coaxing, he went on his first walk! At first he didn't want to leave the yard, but after making friends with some of the neighborhood children, he gained the confidence to venture a bit further. Heather watched Peanut for the family while they went on vacation, and made a lot of progress - he made his first walk around the block! And another, and another... until fear was a thing of the past on walks!
Peanut is a happy, playful member of the family that the girls just adore! ♥