Important: Please note, HFP Requires that if a HFP adopter is to hire a trainer, that trainer must be a certified, positive reinforcement trainer only. We do NOT recommend sending puppies away for any board and train programs.

We believe in forming a healthy, trust worthy bond with a new dog and prioritizing “relationship over obedience.” Giving our dogs opportunities to express natural behaviors in appropriate ways is the pinnacle for Dog Welfare.

Trainers who rely on force/corrections and aversive tools such as e-collars and prongs are not considered positive reinforcement trainers, you will hear them often refer to themselves as “balanced trainers” — the thing is, dogs don’t need this type of force and aversion to learn safely. Aversive techniques can cause a dog to shut down, loose trust, and may make aggressive behaviors even worse.

For more on Positive Reinforcement Training: AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

Here is a list of Hearts for Paws’ recommended Trainers:

• Miriam Yi - Saturn Dog Training – Serving the Sacramento Community

• Canefida Dog Training (Heidi): Canefida Dog Training & Puppy Training

• Tug Dogs, Elverta - Tug Dogs – Teach, Train, Tug – Professional Dog Training Academy (teachtraintug.com)

• Kaylen, Nova Dog Training, Sacramento - 916-272-0515

• Online Resources: Up to Snuff, R+Guardians (rplusdogs.com), JW Dog Training and Behavior - YouTube, Dogmantics Dog Training

Vet Clinics: Campus Commons (Sac), Broadway Vet (Sac), Midtown Vet (Davis), Woodland Vet Hospital (Woodland)

End of Life Services (at-home euthanasia): Home Euthanasia Veterinarian | Beloved Pet Mobile Vet | Mobile Vet Near Me United States, PETS' REQUEST – Mobile Veterinary Services (petsrequest.com)

In Case of Vet Emergency: VCA Sacramento Vet Referral Center - Old Winery Road or Vista Vet Emergency Hospital (Rancho Cordova), Marqueen emergency in Roseville California