The Heart & Hound Philosophy
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
-Max Planck
At Heart & Hound, we like to look at things a little differently. While a lot of training focuses on the external behavior of problem dogs, we believe that the internal emotions that impact a dog's behaviors need to be addressed in order to have true success in training.
Behavior does not exist in a vacuum. It is the direct result of how an individual reacts to their internal cognitive processes within their environment. Put simply - thoughts and feelings drive what a dog does or doesn't do. Attempting to address behavior while ignoring why the behavior happens is about as successful as putting a band-aid on a bullet wound. This is why we don't tend to use obedience to resolve behavioral problems (learn more about why by clicking the button below).
Biting, growling, excessive barking, whining, and hyperactivity are not the cause of behavioral problems, they are the symptoms. At Heart & Hound, we believe changing emotions and helping dogs view the world differently is the secret to not just managing but resolving cases of anxiety, aggression, and reactivity.
When dogs feel their best - their behavior reflects that.
We aim to help dogs and owners feel their best in every environment through empathy and compassion for the dogs and their humans.
We know what it feels like to feel hopeless and frustrated by a dog's behavior.
We know what it's like to feel like the world doesn't see your dog for who they truly are.
We know that having a dog with problematic behavior comes with judgement from your family, friends, and maybe even pet professionals in your life.
We are here to help by offering a supportive and judgement-free learning environment where you and your dog can get the help you need to live your best lives together. We won't teach you how to manage the problem behaviors... we'll show you how to resolve them. Permanently.
Professional Trainer, Animal Behavior Specialist, TBTE Practitioner, & Dog Cuddling Enthusiast.
Maria Carabaña
Maria’s lifelong passion for animals began in a home filled with rescued dogs and expanded through hands-on experience with exotic species at the Museum of Life and Science. Her love for psychology and dog training grew during college, inspiring her to work extensively with rescue dogs and pursue a career in animal behavior. Specializing in Training Between the Ears (TBTE) principles, Maria focuses on fostering communication between dogs and their owners to create peaceful, balanced relationships. With experience spanning breeding, rescue, showing, obedience, puppy raising, and rehabilitation, she is dedicated to helping dogs and their humans thrive together at every stage of life. Maria believes true success in training can only be achieved through a patient and compassionate environment for both humans and their animals.
Professional Pet Care Specialist, Behavioral Counseling Apprentice, & Pet Cuddling Extraordinaire.
Tabitha Blackwood
Tabitha is a dedicated pet care specialist. Growing up, she had many childhood pets, the menagerie included dogs, goats and ponies. She developed a deep compassion and intuition for animals at an early age. Her journey in animal welfare includes extensive work in rescue, where she has helped numerous pets find loving homes and provided a soft place to land for special needs pups.
Tabitha has experience running a small scale dog daycare and boarding program and has provided personalized, dedicated care to countless pets and their owners. After seeking help for Willow, her reactive rescue pup, and witnessing her healing journey, Tabitha was inspired to help other pet owners and their pups lead their best lives.
Our Story
We are two passionate individuals who discovered our shared love for animals and recognized the need for compassionate training and pet care in our area. Our mission is to share our philosophy of kindness and understanding with our community by working closely with fellow animal enthusiasts who are dedicated to providing the best for their furry friends. Join us in creating a nurturing environment where both pets and their owners can thrive!