Training
Experience
- Karen has over 25 years of experience in the veterinary, dog training, and therapy dog industries
- Shares a passion towards human-canine realtionships
- Successfully trains dogs with completely positive behavioral training
Founder & President of Paws 4 Hearts Working Therapy Dogs
- Non-Profit 501(c) 3 Organization
- Amongst the Top 3 AKC National Therapy Certified Organizations in the Country
Benefits of Savvy Pooch Training
Our training programs are designed to suit your family’s goals and budget. Dog training is a shared experience between owners and pets. Karen focuses on rewarding your dog’s progress in a positive, reliable way.
- Private Training Lessons – Meet one-on-one in your home, the perfect place in which to construct consistent boundaries and expectations with your dog.
- Stay & Learn Dog Training
- Puppy Kindergarden
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Group Class and Certification
- Therapy Dog Training Group Class and Certification
Training In Action
Here is 11 week old Tucker. His human parents wanted him to be trained to ride elevators as they have to ride them everyday in their building. Love the attention he is giving Karen, caring less about the opening and shutting of the elevator door on the up and down of the elevator from the the trips we took. Such a GREAT boy!!!
6 mo old puppy working on staying and impulse control. Max was put into a down stay. Not only did we have yummy hot dogs tempting Max, but I increased the temptation with his favorite treats. Max did a wonderful job!!!
10 month old Hannah at her new house. Owner found out that Hannah had no formal training. First up was learning her name and here we are working on sits and recalls. Hannah is a quick learner and wants to do good. Good girl Hannah!!!
Say hi to Zeke. He is here for some training for a special family. Zeke is a very lovable high energy boy. We are working on his sits, downs, stays, and leash walking. We also are working on him to settle down a bit and stop mouthing as he has a habit of when he is excited he wants to mouth your arm.
Happy Customers (Canine & Human)
Had the honor and pleasure to work with Foxxy a Australian Kelpi. Foxxy is a extremely high driven working dog who decided she didn’t want to listen to her family when they called her to come to them and some other issues. After working with her I am proud to say she is doing great recalls with her family and the bond between her and her human Reghan is growing even stronger than before. Thank you Payne family for allowing me to train such a beautiful intelligent girl.
Had the honor and pleasure to do puppy training for this awesome family. Pax is a 6 month old full of doodle energy pup. Took Pax to his new owners last night and this is the wonderful text from his family today.
“Karen, I have been with Pax all evening and I can’t tell you how pleased I am with how well mannered he is. I took him off of his leash this evening for a walk and he stayed right with me the entire time. When he did explore he only went a few feet and when I said “Pax Here” he came running. We look forward to continuing the training you have begun and we can’t thank you enough for the amazing head start you gave us on the road to success!
I have known Karen for nine years and have witnessed her interaction with our dogs as well as others.
I obtained a puppy about a year ago that unfortunately had a scarey experience with a buck at a young age. Since that time he has been scared of everything including people outside of our family. His reaction to strangers was agressive to the point I hesitated to take him off of our property. He became terrified of our horses and even our cat.
Karen came to our home and evaluated the situation and then returned for a session on leash training since Bo also had issues with pulling on the leash. She also worked with him around our horses helping him overcome his fears and helping him build self confidence.
We recently met at Tractor Supply to help Bo with his fear of strangers. His behavior has completely changed after basically one and a half sessions. Karen has provided me with the knowledge and tools I need to deal with Bo’s problems.I know that she is always there if I need additional help. I would recommend her to anyone needing help with their dogs. She approaches training with positive reinforcement of good behavior instead of punishment for incorrect behavior.
Karen has helped us with training our new cavapoo girl Abbie and has been absolutely wonderful!! Abbie is a sweetheart, but VERY strong willed and was being quite a brat when Karen first came. She is smart as a whip, though, and with Karen’s help she is becoming such a good girl eager to please. Karen is the most caring, knowledgeable person & trainer & we have been so lucky to have her. She cares so much about the fur babies and their owners & goes above & beyond to help! She knows when to be stern (something I definitely needed a push on!) & when to reward & has guided us through each behavior. We so look forward to her coming each time & Abbie loves her (even though she know she can’t get away with anything with Karen!) I would HIGHLY recommend Karen to any puppy/dog owner without a single reservation!!