Mindful Mutz Training & Behavior Consulting llc

07/07/2024

Such a great turnout for our recent Behavior Workshop! 😍🐾 A huge thanks to everyone that came out and for the Wolf Laurel community for hosting!

05/19/2024

Hi❣️ Heather here, owner & operator of MindfulMutz. I just wanted to take a quick moment to introduce myself to anyone that might be new here, as it’s been a while!  
Growing up in Asheville (yes, I am a native!), I often found myself drawn to every dog  within 100 mile radius of wherever I was… I often visited the neighborhood dogs,  on my route to and from the school bus stop in the less than trendy at that time West Asheville neighborhoods, where I grew up.
Not having a dog of my own, although longing so badly for one, I befriended many dogs over the years, several of whom I recall eagerly greeted me with full body wags at the end of their chain, which they endured day in and day out…  
I consider what I know now as an adult and professional and consider myself quite lucky, honestly, that I was never bitten as a child, innocently befriending these dogs. Nonetheless, I was always madly in love with & intrigued by dogs, as I think so many of us dog loving humans can say if we reflect back to our childhood…
This adoration ultimately led me to working with dogs in a variety of settings, including several shelter organizations.
During this time, I found myself wanting to know more. Why.
Why did this dog land in the shelter? Why did this dog bite this person? Why did this one attack his housemate? Why is this one so anxious she hasn’t eaten for 3 days since she’s been here? And so on…
Ultimately, I decided to pursue a formal and professional education and career in canine behavior and training, graduating with honors from San Francisco based The Academy for Dog Trainers in 2009.
Upon graduation, I began my professional career as a lead trainer with a behavior center, pursuing my national professional credentialing through the CCPDT, and more recently becoming a FPPE; licensed educator with Family Paws Parent Education.
Although I feel like there are not enough hours in the day sometimes (am I the only one that feels like this?!😂) , I strive to continue my professional growth, education & credentialing.
I’m passionate about providing my clients, both human and dog with humane and kind support, recognizing that every situation, human and dog is unique and needs to be treated as such.
Our dogs deserve to be heard and understood, first and foremost. They deserve for us to meet their needs as they so willingly seem to meet ours without complaint day in and day out.
I really think that most of us are simply looking for ways to live life harmoniously with our four-legged friends.
❤️Warmly, Heather

05/13/2024

Ready to go-go!!♥️🐾

05/06/2024

Dogs will be dogs!
It is our job to help direct & coach them on how to be the best dogs they can be while living in our human world, filled with expectations, often completely foreign for our canine companions.
We must remember that most of the annoying & problematic basic behavior challenges are normal and often, functional species specific behaviors for our dogs… Digging, chewing, barking, foraging for food (because, let’s face it, no dog ever survived out in the wild by only eating food that was on the ground!).
Just telling our dogs “no” is simply not enough information…
We need to reframe our thoughts, and instead of simply telling them “no” try to reframe it… “no, not that but try this instead”-
Interrupt and redirect… Even better yet,
think proactively about setting your dog up for success so that they have appropriate outlets for natural behaviors & are not as tempted to rehearse & practice unwanted behaviors because after all, practice makes perfect.
Just as we are, dogs are creatures of habit. It’s important to help them establish good habits and routines.

Next time you catch your dog doing something “naughty”, stop and ask yourself what your dogs needs might be in the moment…
Are you meeting those needs?
Are you being fair with your communication?
Are you setting the dog up for success?
Sometimes this simple reframing can be so very powerful.
Our dogs are doing the best they can with the information we give them.
Let’s make sure we are giving them the right guidance!
What are some of your favorite creative outlets for meeting your dogs needs? Let’s hear them!
❤️ Heather
MindfulMutz

04/19/2024

Hi Guys! ❣️🐾 Best Of WNC is here & we are in the running again this year! Take a few to vote for us in the Pets/Dog Trainer section.
It would mean so much to me!
Thank you!!!
♥️ Heather, MindfulMutz

(Here is the Link To Vote!):
https://ballot.bestofwnc.com/index.php/627278

04/07/2024

Hi everyone-Heather here!
Don’t get tricked, like Tracker & Sable are by this fish! Lol-
FYI, I do not sell shirts/merchandise. Please don’t be fooled if you are tagged randomly. Unfortunately, there have been several fake accounts trying to sell merch w/ my logo tagging ppl. 🥴 I’ve attempted to block, but they just keep coming back… So persistent! And so annoying…
Don’t fall for it! Thanks!!
♥️Heather

03/28/2024

I am sharing this for a dear client of mine that is in a difficult situation and is looking for the perfect home for Huxley.
If you or anyone that you know, might be interested in this sweet boy, please reach out and feel free to share.❣️🐾
Below is his bio that his current mom put together….

If interested, please contact: [email protected]
…….
Huxley is a 6 year old neutered male 62 lb. scruffy terrier mutt, likely a wheaten terrier mix, who is extremely well-loved.

Temperament: Loving; well-trained; mostly laid back, with occasional bursts of energy, in the form of afternoon zoomies around the yard; smart; protective, without being overtly aggressive; excitable with new people; greets his people lovingly by parading a toy around when they come home; occasional kisses in the morning.

Huxley is house trained, not destructive, and is able to stay at home alone for several hours at a time uncrated. He does love being around people, and would be best suited for a home where he’s not regularly alone for more than 5-6 hours. He loads up and rides well in the car, and is adaptable to new places when we travel.

Huxley is well-mannered and doesn’t bark excessively - he will let you know if someone is at the door or on your turf. He doesn’t beg at mealtime, and is very watchful of his people. He loves being with his people and prefers a quiet and stable home life.

He is not safe in direct contact with children (fearful of them, growls and barks).
Best in a home with no children and no cats. He gets along with most other dogs, but not all dogs. Huxley gets along best with female dogs or smaller male dogs.

Fears: Skateboards, one-wheels, bicycles, kids, loud music; he generally gets startled by loud unexpected sounds or unusual movements.
Limitations: Huxley doesn’t do well in the heat or on very long or rigorous walks/hikes.

History: Huxley was adopted when he was 3 months old and has been extremely well loved, consistently cared for, professionally trained with positive reinforcement training techniques, and he is all around an amazing companion and precious dog.

Huxley is used to having a fenced yard with a dog door. While he loves his short daily walk around the neighborhood, he can sometimes be reactive on the leash to certain stimuli, such as skateboarders, one-wheels, and bicycles. This is something we have been working on with active positive reinforcement training.

Veterinary History: Current on all vaccines and annual vet exams. Owner can provide vet records via West Asheville Family Vet. He does well at the groomer, and typically goes 2–3 times per year.
Medications: Takes Nexgard and Sentinel monthly for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

Food: Eats ¾ cup of Science Diet Chicken & Barley Recipe for sensitive stomach/skin twice daily, morning & evening; Is used to getting treats on his daily walks and when he is showing off his manners.
Favorite human foods: Fresh boiled chicken, peanut butter, dog treats, watermelon, carrot sticks
Favorite toys: Nyalbones, antlers, rubber stuffed/treat kongs

Huxley is the sweetest, cutest, smartest dog I have ever owned and he makes me feel so safe and loved. The hardest thing I have ever had to do is rehome this precious boy, due to him not being safe around my fiance’s 6 year old daughter. After taking the time to have professional consultation by a behavior specialist, we have come to this difficult decision. I hope to find him a new home that welcomes him with open arms where he will be comfortable, loved, and taken care of.

Please contact : [email protected]

12/25/2023

The “other” 4Paws here at MindfulMutz wish everyone a Merry Christmas! 🌲❣️🐾

11/17/2023

Check it out!
Heather Polechio of Mindful Mutz Training & Behavior Consulting llc will be joining founder of Auntie M Pet Care, MaryBeth Benton to share insights on how to avoid an emergency vet visit with your dog this holiday season.

🎉Join us Monday, November 20th, at 6:30 pm Eastern for a FREE webinar:

Holiday Pet Safety 101: Prevent Your Dog From Visiting the ER Over the Holidays

Comment 'FREE' to reserve your spot!🎉

10/30/2023

We had a blast this weekend at the The North Carolina Arboretum Pawllinators event! ❣️🐕

10/22/2023

So honored to have been interviewed for this great piece in the Carolina Spark Magazine by the fantastic Meg Hale Brunton!-
So cool!❣️—

By Meg Hale Brunton Certified dog trainer and behavioral counselor Heather Polechio, owner of Mindful Mutz, has always had a fascination with animals — dogs in particular. She worked in the animal rescue field, in veterinary offices and shelters, throughout her young adult life and discovered tha

09/25/2023

❣️ WOW!! Thank You! We won 2nd place in the WNC Best Of 23’— to all of my amazing community, clients, colleagues, friends & family, Thank You from the bottom of my heart for continuing to trust & support us! It means the world to me! —— ❤️, Heather

08/06/2023

Such an inspirational update. ❤️ My hearts work! …………… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Hi heather, it's Susan Menard. Do you remember Juniper? I wanted to show you how she is still with us and getting older than dirt. I credit you with saving her life.
You enabled me to understand her and manage her in a way that worked for us and spared her from euthanasia. I am eternally grateful to you.”—. Susan Menard, Marion NC

07/30/2023

MindfulMutz has a new member of the team! Meet Worvle. He’ll be helping out w/ office work❣️🐾

07/02/2023

This so cool- What an honor! Thank you Sniffspot and to those who recognized our commitment in using positive reinforcement to help dogs and their people learn.
Thrilled to be one of the top trainers in North Carolina! Thank you!!!❣️- Heather

07/02/2023

West Asheville folks- keep a lookout for this guy!… Miles is a very fearful and newly adopted dog who is one of my clients pups that panicked on a walk during a scary event tonight, slipping his harness-Thanks for sharing!🐾-

04/25/2023

Luna is looking for a home, located in Asheville NC currently… courtesy post for a client. 🐾

Please feel free to share and reach out directly for more information!
She is an awesome dog, but needs a home with someone that is interested in continuing to work with her and meet her needs.
She would make a great companion for someone that is interested in dog sports/has an active lifestyle… She is certainly not a couch potato, although she is comfortably kennel trained, and can be left alone for a few hours at a time with no problem… But she’s ready to go with the raise of an eyebrow! ☺️She can be reactive to new people at first and needs continued support in this department, although she warms up very quickly with the right introduction… She can also be a bit anxious when she is on leash in new environments. 
She loves dogs and goes to Doggiedaycare routinely with no issue. Unsure about children although I would not recommend a home for her with children under 12 and not sure about cats but I imagine she might have a good time chasing them… 
I know the right home is out there for her!

Here’s what her current human has to say:
“Luna has it all, brains, athleticism, sweetness, loyalty. She enjoys trail runs, ball chases,  oh, playing with her many friends at daycare, and riding in convertibles. She would thrive in a home with other dogs and would love a yard to run in. She is a high energy girl and very smart. We have consistently worked with a trainer, and she has made a lot of progress. She can struggle warming up to strangers initially, but is very friendly after. Due to job changes I can no longer give her the time she needs. She hasn't spent time around kids or cats, so unsure how she would do.”
Thanks for sharing !!
Let’s find a home for this girl ❣️🐾

04/06/2023

Doing life with our dogs in an intentional way. That’s really what “ dog training” is…
I’ve had a couple really interesting conversations recently with clients, centered around people feeling like they are just not doing enough. Have you ever felt that way? I know I have….
Ironically, this is not necessarily because of the dogs behavior, as in many cases, people share with me that they are actually perfectly happy with where their dogs are, but feel guilty for not having more time or bandwidth to devote to training tasks.
You guys, we are busy. All of us.
Life is so busy. It can be overwhelming and the goal that I have for my clients and their dogs is not centered around arbitrary, random tasks or behaviors.
It is centered around, having a balanced and harmonious life with our four-legged companions.
To have this life, it does not necessarily mean that we have to devote hours a week to training our dogs. It means that we have to devote intention into our daily interactions.
It’s a relationship that we have with our dogs. One day at a time. ♥️
Heather

Heather Polechio, CPDT-KA, CTC
FPPE, Licensed Educator

03/26/2023

Dog Folks.. Just take a moment to read this.🐾❤️

A lot of dogs want you to know this -

Instead of a fancy collar and bed? They’d rather have a fenced in yard - even if it has to be small and home made - so they can have off leash time to dog and dig.

Instead of daily neighborhood walks? They’d rather you drive to a dirt road and put them on a 30ft line and let them zig zag and smell as long as they like

Instead of twice daily meals in a bowl? They’d rather have food through enrichment activities that stimulates their brain and their nose.

Instead of basic obedience training? They’d rather have purpose driven training that feeds their genetic make up and needs AND helps them survive and thrive in todays world.

Instead of a human wanting something from them? They’d love a human wanting to understand them better.

Instead of focusing on perfect “heels” and “stays”? They’d love to learn how to be resilient and less stressed and cope with the outside world and our expectations.

Instead of harsh punishments and corrections? They’d prefer proactive management and rewards for good decisions.

We can’t change everything about the lives our dogs are forced to live with us in, but we can make these kinds of changes and see a huge improvement in their quality of life and wellbeing.

-Helen St. Pierre

03/26/2023

Loving this client update! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Pizza and beer last night with friends and two of their dogs - could not have done this a year ago!! He was stellar. Thanks again - for all his continuing quirks he really has made soooooo much progress”
-Mom of Roxas, Asheville, NC

03/23/2023

“I have a very old and very faithful attachment for dogs. I like them because they always forgive. ~Albert Camus

Credit:
(Book: The Fall https://amzn.to/3JVuu3s)
(Art: 'Fidelity', 1869 by Briton Riviere”

03/12/2023

You Guys, we have to give our dogs opportunities for “easy wins”… this week has been filled with lots of sensitive pups that have big feelings about the world; other dogs, people, bikes, yard art, you name it… I’ve recently seen lots of reactive dogs and have had many intriguing conversations over the week with dedicated clients trying to help their dogs navigate our stressful world.
Sometimes we really need to step back and not try to muscle through situations, as this is often counterproductive for our dogs progress.
It’s truly OK to turn and walk away if you know your dog is not ready. There’s absolutely no gain in forcing it. At all.
There is gain & value, though in allowing your dog to have some exposure, but at a distance and intensity that they can handle, while receiving coaching, and support about how to handle the situation from their trusted person.
We can often build on these successes, ultimately creating sustainable behavior change, because we are addressing the underlying emotion that is fueling the behavior.
Give your dog the opportunity for lots of “easy wins”. I bet you anything they will appreciate it and you’ll have a dog that is a more optimistic participant throughout the process!
Life can be stressful, make this process a little easier on yourself and your dog.
♥️ Heather, MindfulMutz

02/28/2023

Apparently this is how the dogs in Puerto Rico like to spend time! Rooftop chillin’

02/17/2023

It’s official! I‘m on vacation, out the office & we are closed until March 1st!
As always, I continue to be Incredibly grateful for all my amazing clients. So many of you have become like family to me & I am blessed to have you all & your soulful pups in my life. Thanks for being a part of Mindfulmutz!
See everyone on March 1st! ❤️🐾
Love, Heather

01/27/2023

Speaking my truth from a place of passion and quite frankly utter disgust as I had the opportunity to witness a live “dog training“ session, being led by what appeared to be apparently a “professional” happening at one of our local Asheville breweries this evening…
You guys, this industry is unregulated.
It is grossly unregulated…
I witnessed an eager young woman listening closely to terribly poor & outdated advice, while borderline strangling her dog on a slip lead, and hesitantly but sharply spray blasting compressed air into her dogs face, as this dog anxiously paced around in circles attempting to greet passerby‘s in the bar.
This training was in attempt to teach the dog to stop jumping on people, at least from what I could tell.
Here’s the thing. It worked.
I watched this dog attempt to jump on a couple people initially but very quickly the jumping ceased.
Problem solved, correct?
Here’s what I also saw…
I saw a dog that did not stop pacing, circling, heavily panting and breathing, unable to sit or lay down for close to an hour because he was so stressed and overstimulated in that environment.
I saw a dog that was hyper aroused, unable to relax. Unable to self regulate or make choices that were not prompted by the threat of punishment.
I saw an owner that looked somewhat satisfied but did not look like she was having a good time with her dog.
I saw a breakdown of communication, trust and compassion, not because this young woman did anything wrong.
She did exactly as she was told.
I saw a little break in a relationship… And it kind of broke my heart.
I’m sure this woman and her dog will be just fine and it’s quite possible no harm was done because there is evidence showing that using positive punishment does not always have fallout.
Sometimes it works and there are no unintended consequences.
Sometimes. But.
There are better ways….
I wish that people would trust their instincts a little bit more… there is a reason that this type of technique feels uncomfortable to implement.
Ultimately, this young woman and her little dog left the bar. No big deal, no harm done.
This will certainly stand out in my memory.

Not because there was barbaric abuse, rather because there was subtle neglect that this poor dog endured unnecessarily for an hour, with no ability or opportunity to remove himself nor receive proper coaching on what an appropriate expectation was.
It just made me sad…. We’ve gotta do better.
- Heather

01/17/2023

Hey y’all, MindfulMutz got a new ride, straight off the showroom floor, shiny as could be with 3 miles on the odometer! That was yesterday…
At the end of day one on the job, I think the new ride has been broken in well, complete with dog hair, dirt and 106 miles on the odometer, after a full days work!
And I couldn’t be happier to have a filthy brand new MindfulMutz mobile. Thanks to all of my wonderful clients for helping make this a possibility! ❤️ Heather

12/29/2022

I just want to take a moment to offer my sincere gratitude for the continued trust & support! We’ve had a great year, helping our community pups & their humans. Ready for 2023! Thanks, Everyone!
♥️ Warmly, Heather, Owner/Operator

12/24/2022

Hi Everyone❣️What are you doing this year to help keep your dog calm, cool & collected during holiday gatherings? Please share!…
The holidays are exciting… & stressful😳! Stress can be positive or negative, but can lower our dogs threshold.
Behavior can really deteriorate under stress … (For us humans as well!)Trigger stacking is so common for our dogs this time of year.
Great tips here to set your dog up for success❣️
https://petsandtheirpeople.education/articles/trigger-stacking-in-dogs-explained/?fbclid=IwAR22E2f7-M8J3qun-k-GpNJmAiPhwmHzShuAd6xkhpLjTY-nxkWzMCc_3e4

12/17/2022

🌟🐾Sharing this for a client that is looking for a home for this sweet boy! ….. Please feel free to share & contact his current person, located in the WNC/TN area for more info! ….
Ruta needs a home with someone that is dedicated to his ongoing success with a quiet/predictable social environment…. Ruta is a handsome 2 ½ year old Shepherd mix who is fixed and up to date on all shots. He loves long walks with his people, dog enrichment puzzles, butt scratches and snuggling as close to his people as he can. He has big feelings and will let you know when things are moving too fast or making him uncomfortable. He has a long history of working with a relaxation protocol which has helped him learn to settle well both indoors and outdoors whether he is home by himself or lounging near his people. Although he is large, he is a scaredy cat at heart who despite our best efforts still hasn’t learned to jump (which is great because he will never counter surf or grab something off the table even though it would very much be in his reach, but does mean he climbs his way into cars). Cats and children are a too much for Ruta, though he would do great with an older, wiser dog to show him the ropes and occasionally play and romp with him. Ruta is a quick learner and comes potty trained, can sit, go down, go to place, get a toy, leave it and play a variety of pattern games - ‘Look at That’ being a walk favorite as long as he has enough space from what he’s looking at. A spacious backyard with room for sniffing and tracking as well as games of fetch would be Ruta’s dream. Ruta would love to find a home with plenty of space to roam and sniff, with people who are patient and gentle while he learns to trust himself and others. Contact Rachel @ [email protected]
Thanks! 🐾


12/13/2022

✨⭐️ Gift Certificates Available Now!🐾❣️