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
- Mobile Services
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.
Specialties
- Dog Training
- Animal Behavior
- Puppy Training
- 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
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
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
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)
Bonded and Insured
- Bonded
- Insured
Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
What year did you begin serving pets?
How did you hone your craft?
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
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 CSpecialties
- Dog Training
- Animal Behavior
- Puppy Training
- 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
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
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
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)
Bonded and Insured
- Bonded
- Insured
Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
What year did you begin serving pets?
How did you hone your craft?
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
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🐶 Dog Trainers in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Heather Ehrlich is a dog trainer serving pet parents in Bala Cynwyd and the surrounding Montgomery County area, including nearby communities such as Philadelphia, Camden, Cherry Hill, Trenton, Levittown, Norristown, Wilmington, Vineland, Chester, Pottstown. Dog trainers like Heather Ehrlich help dogs develop good manners, learn practical skills, and become more confident in everyday situations. Whether you're working on leash pulling, jumping, recall, obedience, or household manners, Heather can tailor training guidance to your dog's personality, experience, and learning style.
❤️ Great Dog Training Builds Communication, Confidence, and Connection
Effective dog training involves more than teaching commands. A professional dog trainer works with both you and your dog, helping you understand how dogs learn, communicate clearly, and establish consistent routines. With guidance from Heather, you can develop training habits that fit your household and help your dog navigate everyday life at home and in public.
Dog Training Services and Skills
Dog trainers offer different programs and areas of specialization depending on their experience and training methods. Common training goals include:
Basic Obedience:
Teaching practical cues such as sit, stay, come, down, and leave it, while building attention and responsiveness.
Leash Training and Loose-Leash Walking:
Helping dogs learn to walk more comfortably with their people, respond to leash cues, and develop better walking habits.
Recall and Focus:
Building reliable responses to cues and helping dogs pay attention around everyday distractions.
Household Manners:
Working on behaviors such as jumping on people, excessive barking, counter surfing, door manners, and settling at home.
Socialization and Confidence:
Helping dogs become more comfortable with unfamiliar environments, people, sounds, and everyday experiences through appropriate, gradual training.
Rescue and Newly Adopted Dog Training:
Helping dogs adjust to a new household, establish routines, and learn the skills needed for family life.
Training for Fear and Reactivity:
Some dog trainers have experience helping dogs that bark, lunge, or become uncomfortable around other dogs, people, or unfamiliar situations. Ask about a trainer's specific experience and approach, particularly when safety is a concern.
Dog trainers may use positive reinforcement, reward-based methods, clicker training, or other approaches suited to their professional experience. Review each profile to understand the trainer's methods, qualifications, and available services. For severe or complex behavioral concerns, a veterinarian or qualified animal behavior professional may also be an important part of your dog's care.
Dog Training for Different Ages and Experience Levels
Dog training can benefit dogs at many stages of life. Some trainers work with young dogs learning household routines and basic skills, while others specialize in adult dogs, rescue dogs, or dogs that need help developing specific behaviors. The services listed on Heather's profile will help you determine whether their experience matches your dog's age, background, and training goals. For dedicated early puppy development and foundational training, explore professionals in our Puppy Trainer category.
How to Choose a Dog Trainer
A good fit depends on more than location. Before booking, consider the trainer's experience, professional certifications, training philosophy, and familiarity with your dog's specific needs. Ask how sessions are structured, whether you will participate in the training, and what guidance is provided between appointments.
Professional credentials can help you understand a trainer's education and experience, but certifications and qualifications vary. Review the credentials displayed on each PetWorks profile and ask the professional about their training methods and areas of specialization.
⭐ Why Pet Parents Find Dog Trainers on PetWorks
PetWorks helps pet parents discover independent dog trainers offering services in their communities. You can compare individual profiles, explore training services, review professional backgrounds and qualifications, and read feedback from other pet parents.
Many trainers on PetWorks offer positive reinforcement or reward-based training, while individual methods and specialties vary. You can review each professional's approach before deciding who may be a good fit for your dog and household.
Whether you are looking for private dog training, in-home instruction, group training, or help with specific everyday skills, PetWorks makes it easier to connect with professionals serving Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania and surrounding communities.
🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania on PetWorks Works
Finding the right dog trainer starts with reviewing the professional's experience, services, and availability. On this page, you can explore Heather's profile, read reviews from other pet parents, and choose the booking option that works best for you. Click Book Now to select an available service or pricing package and initiate a booking. You can also select Get Custom Quote to discuss your dog's specific training needs and receive personalized pricing, or Send Message to contact the trainer before making a decision.
Dog training sessions may take place in your home, at an agreed-upon outdoor location, at a training facility, or remotely, depending on the professional's services. Many trainers offer in-person instruction, while some also provide virtual coaching and online consultations. Review the services listed on Heather's profile to confirm available session formats, locations, and scheduling options.
Training fees, packages, session lengths, and availability vary by professional. You can review the services and pricing displayed on the profile before booking or request a custom quote if you have specific training goals.
Secure Online Payments:
PetWorks processes payments securely through Stripe. When you book a service or accept a custom quote, you can pay online using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, and Klarna when available.
PetWorks Care Coverage:
Every booking made and paid for through PetWorks includes Care Coverage. This provides access to our live, human Concierge Team, assistance with booking questions, and help resolving disputes if something doesn't go as planned. If a professional cancels a confirmed booking, you receive a 100% refund of everything you paid, including the Care Coverage fee. Other cancellations are handled according to the applicable cancellation policy.
Stay Connected Through PetWorks:
Once you initiate a booking or connect with your trainer, you can use the PetWorks Inbox to discuss your dog's training goals, coordinate scheduling, confirm session locations, and share relevant information. Keeping your booking and payments on the PetWorks platform helps ensure that your experience is supported by our Care Coverage program.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Training
What does a professional dog trainer do?
A professional dog trainer teaches dogs practical skills and helps pet parents build consistent training routines. Services may include obedience, leash training, recall, household manners, socialization, and other everyday training goals.
What age can a dog start training?
Dogs can learn at different ages and stages of life. Some trainers work with young dogs learning basic skills, while others specialize in adult dogs, rescue dogs, or specific training challenges. Check each professional's profile for the ages and experience levels they serve.
Can a dog trainer help with leash pulling, jumping, and barking?
Many dog trainers work on common challenges such as pulling on the leash, jumping on people, excessive barking, and difficulty responding to cues. The best training approach depends on the individual dog and the circumstances surrounding the behavior.
Can dog training help with fear or reactivity?
Some trainers have experience helping dogs develop better responses to triggers and challenging everyday situations. Ask about the professional's experience with your dog's specific behavior. Serious aggression, significant fear, or complex behavioral concerns may require veterinary guidance or an animal behavior specialist.
Do dog trainers offer in-home sessions in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania?
Many dog trainers offer private instruction in a pet parent's home or at an agreed-upon local location. Service areas and travel availability vary, so review the professional's profile or contact them to confirm whether they serve your neighborhood.
Are virtual dog training sessions available?
Some dog trainers offer online consultations or virtual coaching for pet parents who want guidance from a distance. Remote services vary by professional and may be suitable for certain training goals, follow-up sessions, and questions about everyday routines. Check the listed services to confirm availability.
How many dog training sessions will my dog need?
The number of sessions depends on your dog's experience, training goals, behavior, and consistency between appointments. Your trainer can recommend a starting plan after learning more about your dog and the skills you want to develop.
How do I choose the right dog trainer?
Compare each professional's experience, qualifications, training methods, specialties, service area, available session formats, and customer reviews. You can also contact trainers through PetWorks to discuss your dog's needs before making a decision.
What's the difference between a dog trainer and an animal behaviorist?
Dog trainers generally focus on teaching practical skills, obedience, manners, and desired responses through structured training. Animal behaviorists focus more on understanding and assessing the underlying causes of complex or persistent behavioral problems. Depending on your dog's needs, you may benefit from one professional or both.
How do I book a dog trainer on PetWorks?
Browse dog trainer profiles, compare services and reviews, and choose a professional whose experience and availability match your needs. Select Book Now to initiate a booking, Get Custom Quote to discuss your training goals, or Send Message to ask questions before committing.
🐾 Find a Dog Trainer and Start Building Better Habits
Consistent training can help make everyday life more enjoyable for dogs and the people who love them. Whether you want to improve leash manners, strengthen obedience, work on recall, or establish better household routines, the right professional can help you create a practical training plan.
Explore Heather's profile, review available services, and read feedback from pet parents across Montgomery County. Connect with a dog trainer serving Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania and take the next step toward a more confident, well-mannered companion.
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