Pawsitive Reinforcement Private Pet Trainers - Bala Cynwyd, PA
At Pawsitive Reinforcement, LLC, we are dedicated to providing top-tier, professional pet training services in the Greater Philadelphia area. With over a decade of experience, our team is well-versed in creating positive, fear-free training environments for your beloved furred, feathered, or scaled companions. Our methodology focuses on positive reinforcement and fun engagement, ensuring that pets of all types—from dogs and cats to more exotic species like parrots and lizards—learn in a welcoming atmosphere. Our studio location accommodates dogs, where they can thrive under our expert guidance.
Our qualifications set us apart as leaders in the pet training industry. We proudly hold certifications from the International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB) and the Victoria Stilwell Academy, alongside American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR, and PetCPR+ certifications. We are fully bonded and insured, reassuring you that your pets are in safe and capable hands. Our expertise extends to a wide array of species, including birds, cats, reptiles, and small mammals, allowing us to offer comprehensive training and behavior modification services tailored to each animal's unique needs.
We also offer convenient mobile services, ensuring that training can take place in the comfort of your own home. Our flexible approach and commitment to excellence have made us a trusted partner for pet parents across the region, with a proven track record in both obedience training and behavior modification. Don't wait to enhance your pet's life with our professional services. Ready to get started? Book us through Petworks today and experience the Pawsitive Reinforcement difference!
- Licensed
- Certified
- Bonded
- Insured
- BBB Accredited
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
Our base price for studio sessions are $125 for the initial hour consultation, and $100 for 45 minute follow up sessions. In-home sessions have a base price of $150 for the initial session, with $125 for follow-ups. Cats and exotics have a different pricing structure, please contact for more information.
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Animal Behaviorist
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Behaviorist
- Private Dog Training
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Leash
- Long Line
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Alpacas
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Chinchillas
- Dogs
- Ducks
- Ferrets
- Frogs
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Lizards
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Snakes
- Turtles
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
- International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB) Certified
- PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification
- Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
From anywhere in the Unites States via online remote consultations on Petworks, and locally including Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Wynnewood, Merion, Ardmore, Haverford, Narberth, Lower Merion, Conshohocken, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Radnor PA
What year did you begin serving pets?
2008
How did you hone your craft?
I started as a zookeeper and used broad principles of positive psychology to develop my training methodology.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Always be patient and don't give up. There is no animal that can't benefit from training.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
It is my mission to improve peoples' and animals' lives by helping them communicate better and have successful relationships through positive training.
SERVICE AREA: Any distance, including From anywhere in the Unites States via online remote consultations on Petworks, and locally including Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Wynnewood, Merion, Ardmore, Haverford, Narberth, Lower Merion, Conshohocken, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Radnor PA
Distinction
Customer Reviews
I cannot recommend Heather highly enough. When we first contacted her, we were struggling with our cat Penny - a previously stray cat we'd taken in who showed severe aggression toward our other cats. Penny would silently attack any cat she encountered without warning - the kind of serious, dangerous aggression that made us wonder if she'd ever be able to live safely with the rest of our household. Heather's approach was comprehensive, professional, and incredibly effective. She was upfront and honest that nothing can be guaranteed when working with living beings and that rehoming was a possible outcome. She listened to our desire to move forward with treatment and developed a detailed plan that addressed every aspect of Penny's behavioral issues, from needing an extended decompression period, to environmental modifications, and a systematic desensitization protocol. She encouraged us to consult with our vet about possible behavioral medications which we did. The results speak for themselves: Penny went from being a cat who couldn't be in the same room as others without attacking, to successfully living alongside seven other cats! The transformation took time and patience, but Heather's protocol worked beautifully. Each introduction became easier than the last, and Penny now spends all of her day peacefully coexisting with the entire household (2 adults, 8 cats and 1 dog). Five stars - truly exceptional compassionate service and expertise!
- Amanda FHeather is an excellent dog trainer! She worked very collaboratively with me and was always prepared to address my concerns either during training lessons or in between lessons when I texted her questions. Heather is extremely well informed about dog behavior and the most effective ways to teach dogs commands. She provided me with the concrete, step by step instruction that is needed to implement effective commands. She observed me implementing commands for my puppy and was able to give me effective corrective feedback. Heather is very positive and was always very supportive. She provided me with very helpful information about issues such as activities to stimulate a dogs cognitive development, ways to implement the necessary structure puppies need for potty training and ways to help your puppy manage teething. Heather helped me feel confident in my ability to train and be my puppy's "pack leader." After five lessons, my puppy had learned to sit, stay, drop it, leave it and lay down!!! Like any great teacher, Heather's professionalism, competency, excellent communication skills and positive engagement made me want to learn, practice and master the skills she taught me. I would not hesitate to strongly recommend Heather!
- Dan MMy girlfriend and I are not people who are good at yelling or being mad. It's just not in our nature. When we looked at reviews of Pawsitive Reinforcement, Heather's style of rewarding the good behaviors and making our interactions with Tux positive for both him and us just made sense. We would much rather shower our dog in treats and toys than yell at him to get him to change his behavior. Heather is now Tux's favorite person and she helped us with a number of his issues, some simple and others more complex. She is absolutely terrific and you can tell that she really cares about the animals she works with. Heather as a trainer was very reassuring and supportive towards us as pet parents, which gave us the confidence we needed to train our dog. Hire her. You will not regret it. - Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
- Brendan CHow do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Animal Behaviorist
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Behaviorist
- Private Dog Training
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Leash
- Long Line
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Alpacas
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Chinchillas
- Dogs
- Ducks
- Ferrets
- Frogs
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Lizards
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Snakes
- Turtles
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
- International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB) Certified
- PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification
- Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
From anywhere in the Unites States via online remote consultations on Petworks, and locally including Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Wynnewood, Merion, Ardmore, Haverford, Narberth, Lower Merion, Conshohocken, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Radnor PA
What year did you begin serving pets?
2008
How did you hone your craft?
I started as a zookeeper and used broad principles of positive psychology to develop my training methodology.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Always be patient and don't give up. There is no animal that can't benefit from training.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
It is my mission to improve peoples' and animals' lives by helping them communicate better and have successful relationships through positive training.
Customer Reviews
I cannot recommend Heather highly enough. When we first contacted her, we were struggling with our cat Penny - a previously stray cat we'd taken in who showed severe aggression toward our other cats. Penny would silently attack any cat she encountered without warning - the kind of serious, dangerous aggression that made us wonder if she'd ever be able to live safely with the rest of our household. Heather's approach was comprehensive, professional, and incredibly effective. She was upfront and honest that nothing can be guaranteed when working with living beings and that rehoming was a possible outcome. She listened to our desire to move forward with treatment and developed a detailed plan that addressed every aspect of Penny's behavioral issues, from needing an extended decompression period, to environmental modifications, and a systematic desensitization protocol. She encouraged us to consult with our vet about possible behavioral medications which we did. The results speak for themselves: Penny went from being a cat who couldn't be in the same room as others without attacking, to successfully living alongside seven other cats! The transformation took time and patience, but Heather's protocol worked beautifully. Each introduction became easier than the last, and Penny now spends all of her day peacefully coexisting with the entire household (2 adults, 8 cats and 1 dog). Five stars - truly exceptional compassionate service and expertise!
- Amanda FHeather is an excellent dog trainer! She worked very collaboratively with me and was always prepared to address my concerns either during training lessons or in between lessons when I texted her questions. Heather is extremely well informed about dog behavior and the most effective ways to teach dogs commands. She provided me with the concrete, step by step instruction that is needed to implement effective commands. She observed me implementing commands for my puppy and was able to give me effective corrective feedback. Heather is very positive and was always very supportive. She provided me with very helpful information about issues such as activities to stimulate a dogs cognitive development, ways to implement the necessary structure puppies need for potty training and ways to help your puppy manage teething. Heather helped me feel confident in my ability to train and be my puppy's "pack leader." After five lessons, my puppy had learned to sit, stay, drop it, leave it and lay down!!! Like any great teacher, Heather's professionalism, competency, excellent communication skills and positive engagement made me want to learn, practice and master the skills she taught me. I would not hesitate to strongly recommend Heather!
- Dan MMy girlfriend and I are not people who are good at yelling or being mad. It's just not in our nature. When we looked at reviews of Pawsitive Reinforcement, Heather's style of rewarding the good behaviors and making our interactions with Tux positive for both him and us just made sense. We would much rather shower our dog in treats and toys than yell at him to get him to change his behavior. Heather is now Tux's favorite person and she helped us with a number of his issues, some simple and others more complex. She is absolutely terrific and you can tell that she really cares about the animals she works with. Heather as a trainer was very reassuring and supportive towards us as pet parents, which gave us the confidence we needed to train our dog. Hire her. You will not regret it. - Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
- Brendan C🐶 About Heather Ehrlich — Certified Dog Trainer in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Heather Ehrlich is a certified dog trainer serving Bala Cynwyd and the surrounding Montgomery County area, including nearby communities such as Philadelphia, Camden, Cherry Hill, Trenton, Levittown, Norristown, Wilmington, Vineland, Chester, Pottstown. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Heather tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.
❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.
Heather works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.
✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges
From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Heather provides practical, results-driven support with:
- Obedience and focus for home and public settings
- Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks
- Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity
- Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success
Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers
When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.
For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Heather Ehrlich, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.
⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks
Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.
Heather is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.
🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Bala Cynwyd, PA on PetWorks Works
Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Heather’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Montgomery County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.
Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.
In Bala Cynwyd and throughout Pennsylvania, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.
Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.
All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Heather to get the most out of your sessions.
❓ Dog Training FAQs
How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.
Do you offer in-home dog training in Bala Cynwyd, PA? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Heather, offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.
Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.
🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog
Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.
Explore Heather’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Montgomery County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.
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