About Heather Burton:
Heather was a volunteer dog walker and training class assistant at the SF/SPCA for more than a year when she adopted what she likes to call a "special needs" dog. This canine addition to her family was a very shy, fearful girl that didn't have much experience in life or dog/dog interactions. Both Heather and her special girl had much to learn about how to successfully make it in this crazy, mixed-up world together. In order to be the best guardian she could be, Heather enrolled in the SF/SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers and graduated with an Honors Certificate in Training & Counseling, and the rest is history. Heather takes nearly all types of behavior cases, but she continues to have an affinity for working with the scaredy-cat dogs because she can't imagine anything more rewarding than helping frightened creatures gain confidence and to the ability to gently expand their horizons.
Heather's goal is to not only change behavior, but to help owners better understand canine behavior and the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their four-legged family members. Her training approach is positive and non-aversive, with relationship-building as the overriding principle.
In order to accomplish all of this, Heather has a stong belief in continuing education and in maintaining strong professional relationships in the animal services community (see listings). She has also received a Certificate in Group Dog Walking & Pet First Aid from dogTEC Dog Walking Academy and is working towards another certificate in pet dog training (CPDT) through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).