Essential Canine

Charlotte Kerwin

2024-04

Heather is an awesome dog trainer who helped us get our puppy in great leash-walking shape! We took the 6-week group training class and have seen so much improvement. Heather gave us tons of good strategies and skills to continue to work on at home, and Bailey now does a great job following all the commands we've been practicing in class (especially COME QUICK back to me when she sees a squirrel or bunny in the backyard instead of chasing them). We are SO glad we went to this training.Thank you!

Flor Delarosa

2023-12

Heather was punctual and jumped right into training. She took the time to listen to the concerns and struggles with my new puppy (I am a first time dog owner). When she arrived I was feeling defeated and like training my puppy was impossible. When she left, I felt hope and took away some great insight. As soon as the session was over, I moved the dog crate, which my puppy is terrified being left in, and placed my puppy into it with the tips and suggestions she gave me. My puppy then took a nap in it for 2 hours, no issues! I was beyond happy and shocked. I 100% recommend her services and will be scheduling more sessions in the near future.

Kate Tarrant

2023-10

Heather is the best ! I’ve seen improvements in my dogs behavior . Heather helped me with consistent cues to help her succeed. My dog pulls less and I’m able to take her intoSchools and nursing facilities.Highly recommended.

Jason Fournier

2023-09

Can't say enough great things about our experience with Heather from Essential Canine. We were looking for training for our newest puppy, and she offered us several training options and locations. We decided on at-home private sessions, where we could train one on one. Heather started training almost as soon as she came in the door, correcting our pups bad door greeting behaviors. Each hour long session went over 3-4 training exercises for our pup (and us) to practice before our next session. Our training eventually made its way outside to correct behaviors during walks in our neighborhood. She even brought over her own very well trained "distraction dogs" to help train our pup to ignore typicalneighborhood stimuli. Our pup immediately responded to Heather's training methods, and we learned so much so quickly that we were able to apply her methods to our older pup after each session. Heather would even send summary texts after sessions to make sure we knew what to focus on next. We are so happy to support a local business and HIGHLY recommend Essential Canine if you are looking to start, continue, or further advance you and your pups' obedience training.

Deb Pierce

2023-11

It took me a long time to find the right trainer for my reactive dog Sarabi. Heather at Essential Canine was the perfect fit for us. After 4 private sessions, Sarabi is loose leash walking and we are both happier. I highly recommend Heather, she is a wonderful firm, but kind trainer.

joyce belliveau

2023-09

Great training at Canine Essential. My dog and I can now go for a walk without problems. When off leash my dog comes on recall. I truly appreciate Heather and her classes.

Danielle Dorn

2023-09

Heather is such a wonderful trainer! You can tell she loves what she does. Everyone warned me about being ignored in group lessons but Heather makes it a point to interact with every dog and owner. She does a fantastic job and my dog absolutely loves her which is all I can ask for. I have seen such improvement in the few weeks we have been going. She is the best!

Cecilia DeCarolis

2023-09

Heather was super nice and very attentive in our classes. I learned some very valuable tips and tricks to training my dog and have continued to use them since our classes! It was fun to watch the progress we made over the 5 weeks of attending class!

Les Webb

2023-05

I’ve used many trainers in the past with my other dogs, but Heather is absolutely fantastic. She spends time with each handler and dog to ensure they are making progress. In addition to having us use treats for positive reinforcement, Heather incorporates elements of fun into the training routine so that the dogs don’t become stressed and actually enjoy working. My new rescue pup has gained confidence and was extremely happy during training. My dog has come a long way under her direction and training and it’s because of this progression that I would highly recommend Heather

Kayla “Kayla” Dvorchak

2023-05

I have a 6 month old Golden Retriever who has been working with Heather since he was around 12 weeks old. We did private sessions and Heather came to our home. The private sessions really benefitted Riggs as he was very young and got car sick often so it was tough to travel. We also enrolled in group training sessions. Riggs knows and is proficient at a variety of different commands. He also got exposure to different environments and scenarios during his training sessions. Heather is amazing! She’s knowledgeable, helpful, accommodating, and kind. I strongly recommend Heather and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future!

Christine Light

2023-05

Heather is a most excellent trainer! Our class with her included five different dogs ranging from 5 lbs to 50 plus, all different ages, breeds and training experience. Heather managed to keep us all engaged and having fun as well as teaching us and our dogs the basics. She made the class both fun and informative and gave each dog/person pair individual attention as needed. My only wishes are that she add more classes and on more different days of the week.

Shawn Gibbs

2023-09

Heather is an amazing trainer who can put your pup on the right track. We have a Pitbull mix that is an absolute sweetheart, but also has an endless amount of energy. Heather gave us the tools to manage his energy and get him on a positive track.

Colin Dowd

2023-09

Heather was great to work with for the group training class in Suffield. She is very knowledgable with dog behavior, training and especially working with the owners. I would recommend her to any dog owner who is looking for basic obedience class or more advanced training. The group training class is great because there are other dogs and owners there for distraction.

Mollie Foisy

2023-05

We had an amazing experience with Heather! Our sweet girl is as sweet as she is because of the training she had! We got excellent advice when our pup was guarding certain items and nipped that behavior very quickly! Also great information about crate training and the use of rewards!

Nancy Fields

2024-03

I left my family dog with Heather and I was so pleased with the service and training! My dog has been doing so amazing (: thank you thank you!

Rebecca Monast

2023-12

Excellent one on one support and training catered to what my dog and I specifically need to work on. If you live in western MA I highly recommend working with Heather and Essential Canine!

Julia DiMarzio

2023-05

Heather is the best! She was so exciting and supportive! She was patient with my pup and cared greatly about his progress. He learned so much and has such great manners now.

Ellie Dias

2024-02

Heather did a wonderful job with Cody and gave us the tools we needed to assist in our training.

Lisa S

2023-05

As someone who has owned several dogs and taken classes before, Heather is a very well versed and patient trainer. A nice variety of indoor and outdoor offered.

Lisa Dvorchak

2023-05

Heather is a wonderful trainer and so patient. Our Golden Retriever puppy loves her. Would definitely recommend her.

Kris Rice

2023-05

Heather is immensely talented and truly cares about the dogs. She has made such a difference with my dogs and her personal accomplishments in training her dogs is so inspiring! She really knows how to train at all levels.

Laurie Pierce

2023-05

Heather was amazing and so patient. I rescued Brody at 3.5 years old and he needed a lot of attention. Even though it was a group class, Heather was able to give individual attention to everyone that needed it.

Alyssa Luszcz

2023-05

Heather is a great dog trainer. She is very firm and efficient. Always remember consistency and repetition is key!

Fabian Gaziano

2023-09

Amazing training! Helped me connect with my dog on a new level!

Bonifacius Sidharta

2023-09

Amazing dog trainer, really helped me and my dog!

Lucinda Shannon

2023-05

Great trainer and takes time to explain things.

Suzanne Larro

2023-08

Great basic obedience class!