Investment in a Happy Home
Meet Gideon & the Higgins Family
“When we got Gideon, sure, he was cute- but Ouch! Those nails were pretty sharp! Not to mention his constant peeing on the carpet, whining, yapping, chewing, and nipping! Mom and Dad had to sleep in the basement to be near Gideon so he would stop barking his head off through the night. We couldn’t have Gideon inside because he chewed everything in sight. When outside, he yapped incessantly. It looked like the local animal shelter was going to get a new addition. We were desperate. Help was on the way- in the form of Nancy Harms. I have to describe what Nancy did in our lives using a hair example. Take a head of messy, tangled hair,- our lives at that point. Nancy was the brush that smoothed us out, separated us into three parts: Gideon, schedule, and us, the humble Higgins family. Then she neatly braided us into a much more efficient bunch. We won’t be taking Gideon back to the animal shelter! We learned how to exercise him- taking him on family runs, walks, and of course, the “Gideon Comes” game;complete with running and hiding, it tires Gideon out and gives him a job to do as well. Exercise is more fun with a dog. Nancy invited us to puppy obedience class, where Gideon could meet his peers. She taught us to always “set him up for success”! Onalee Higgins
Healthy, stimulated, well-mannered dogs are an honor and joy to have in our lives. Each dog, owner, lifestyle and home requires its own training style and strategies. Considerations include the dog’s breed, age, physical health, and training history, along with the owner’s time, interests and home environment.We will work together to develop a strong relationship between you and your dog. This is the basis from which positive behaviors prevent or replace negative ones such as human or dog aggression, chewing, hyperactivity or house training issues.I am committed to the use of compassionate and humane methods respectful of the dog’s history, personality and physical traits. Resources for my training include Ian Dunbar, Patricia McConnell, James Serpell, Stanley Coren and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Hunters, herders, search and rescue crews, and law enforcement officers who’ve shared with me their insights from field experience with their working dogs have been invaluable resources in my work, as well. 
Undoubtedly, my greatest training comes from the over 1000 dogs and their owners with whom I’ve had the privilege to work since 2001. There will need to be an investment of time and energy between meetings in order to develop better habits. In-person sessions are available for $100 per hour with every 6th hour being discounted at $50. Travel time & mileage added beyond zip code 55401. Phone, Zoom or other remote training time is $50 per hour or $250 for 6 hours. Please contact me to change a meeting time at least 24 hours in advance. 
Meet Tess & Drue Fergison
“Just wanted to give you an update about Tess. We went on our weekend getaway to Northern WI last weekend with Tess and she is such an awesome traveler. She barked at a piece of machinery when we got there – that was it. Otherwise, she was perfect, and we even had her off-lead a bit when we went showshoeing – she stayed with us really well. She was calm and happy indoors, did her business when outdoors, and rode in the car perfectly. Everything – Great! Thanks so much for working with us! I think we have a much better idea now of what she needs. “