Why Choose Us?

To help you attain a happy, quality life with your dog!

Dan created dogHEART to help you live more independently with the mobility and happiness a dog can give through:

  • Service Dog training (using your dog)
  • Behavior modification
  • Puppy training

Enjoy life with your dog, knowing that I and my certified trainers have your back.

Dan’s qualifications as a canine behaviorist include:

  • Over 15 years of Specialized Training and Experience
    • A Bachelor of Science Degree in Canine Behavior and Service Dog Training from Bergin University of Canine Studies.
    • Faculty Instructor and General Manager for Bergin University of Canine Studies.
    • Director of a children’s non-profit facility dog program responsible for improving students’ “STAR” testing by 60%.
    • AKC Great Danes Show Dogs breeder and trainer.
    • Partnered with Seabiscuit Therapeutic Riding Center utilizing horses for children and adults facing life challenges.
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
    Certificate of Membership 2021

  • Using Enrichment to Treat Aggression
    Certificate of Completion 2021

  • Aggression in Dogs Masters Certification
    Certificate of Completion 2022

  • Constructional Aggression Treatment
    Certificate of Completion

Portrait of Vero NalaHolistic dog and human training

Verónica Chávez, IAABC-ADT

  • More than 13 years experience as a L.I.M.A. (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) 100% positive reinforcement dog trainer.
    • Veronica oversees the Spanish training classes.
    • Certified positive reinforcement dog trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
    • Behavioral expertise training puppies and adolescent dogs.
    • Highly skilled in managing groups of dogs and canine communication.
    • Professional education with European, Mexican, and American expert trainers and behaviorists.
  • Holistic Puppy Training at its Best
    Youtube Video

Portrait of Judy ShevelevHolistic dog and human training

Judy Shevelev, IAABC-ADT, CPCC

  • Years of international experience as a dog trainer, facilitator and educator in Spanish and English.

    • Judy Shevelev is an accredited dog trainer and a certified personal development (life) coach.
    • Manage canine reactivity and their own feelings of frustration and embarrassment;
    • Deal with difficult decisions and grief as their pet nears the end of life and after they die;
    • Understand and improve interspecies communication;
    • Resolve interpersonal conflicts related to their pet.

  • Judy also offers a Pet Mindfulness Coaching Program

    You can experience how the relationship with your pet can serve both as a springboard and a bastion of support as you make bold changes in your life and propel yourself forward on a magical personal growth journey.

    People who join this unique coaching program with Judy will:

    • Deepen the bond with their pet;
    • Receive behavioral tips to enjoy their pet even more;
    • Explore their values and learn to use them to make decisions that are aligned with their authentic self;
    • Learn mindfulness techniques that will ground them as they navigate transitions, difficult relationships, and everyday life challenges;
    • Set heartfelt goals and define a solid path forward to achieve them.

You can learn more about Judy on LinkedIn or contact her for a free 30-minute sample coaching session at jshevelev@gmail.com

Client Testimonial:
“I made an impulse decision to work with Judy and I’m so happy I did! She guided me with clarity, direction, caring and patience—I felt accompanied throughout the coaching journey. I learned to lean on the support of my dogs to breathe, play, meditate, shake off my troubles and communicate better with them.” –Pilar

Our Passion

dogHEART Training

Helps homeless shelter dogs in danger of euthanasia with the training needed to be adopted by a loving family.

Contact the Humane Society shelter at 707.485.0123 to find your lifetime dog buddy available to adopt. 

Certification Council for Professional Dog TrainersCertified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed
Matthew
San Francisco
We both felt that Dan taught us so much more than we had learned prior by reading books and watching YouTube videos. His ability to point out and explain, in real-time, details of our dog’s behavior has remained valuable in the weeks after our lessons have ended.
Marianna
Berkeley
Dan was excellent!! Dan reinforced all the training with written instructions for me for future reference. This was not my first dog but it was the first time I used a trainer, and Dan gave me a lot of new techniques to use to keep my dog focused on success for both of us. I also like the idea that now Dan will be available if I need him for future issues.
Kierstan
Redwood City
Dan from dogHeart was very helpful. He helped us with not pulling on the lease and door dashing. The assessment comes back with 20-page detailed instructions on how to train your dog with the points of concern. He is very experienced and has a degree in dog training/ behavior so would definitely recommend even for the assessment if you are having problems with your dog or want them to listen better!
Coeinne
Oakland
Dan was very professional and respectful. He arrived promptly and taught us multiple methods that allowed the dog to think. We feel much more confident and excited in forming a bond with our dog now. Thanks Dan!
Rosette
Danville
Dan was really great … walking us through what we need to know and learn in training Brie. He is very thorough of his plans. We are excited to learn more from him,
Naim
Daly City
Dan is a very kind and through trainer who helped my dog & myself understand each other much better, while helping curb some “problematic” behaviors.
Dog Chewing Treats
Gordon
San Francisco
Dan did a great job in helping me teach my dog. He is well organized and has lesson plans for each training session. He is always willing to help and it was a pleasure working with him. I plan on taking his advance courses when the time comes.
Husky Puppy
Karin
Calistoga
Dan is wonderful with our dog and us! He has a written plan of our sessions that he shares with us so that we can reinforce the training. He is practical and flexible but focused on getting a good outcome. He makes everything fun! A true pro!
Vince
San Francisco
Dan is very knowledgable, thorough, detail-oriented, kind, compassionate, and patient. Sets clear expectations and objectives and provides a comprehensive, detailed rehabilitation/training plan and recommendations. Great working with him.

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