Meet the Trainer

Academics and Certification
Heidi went to the Academy for Dog Trainers at the San Francisco SPCA and studied under leading thinkers in positive reinforcement training methods including Jean Donaldson, author of Culture Clash. Heidi received her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) in 2002.

In 2004, Heidi was the first in Rhode Island to be nationally certified as a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an organization of dog trainers committed to the use of positive and humane dog training methods.

Heidi is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.

Heidi is a certified Delta Society Pet Partner Team Evaluator.

Heidi is a graduate of Barrington High School and Providence College.

Previous Career
Prior to becoming a dog trainer, Heidi spent 20 years in high-tech marketing and public relations. (Which just goes to prove that you CAN leave the corporate rat race and do what you love!)

Experience
After graduating from the Academy for Dog Trainers in 2002, Heidi was hired by Sirius Puppy Training, founded by Dr. Ian Dunbar, the creator of Puppy Kindergarten classes and founder of the APDT. Heidi taught Puppy I, Puppy II and Adolescent classes.

Heidi established Pooch Pawsitive in Santa Clara, California in 2002, teaching classes for Sirius and offering private lessons and behavior evaluation/modification for private clients. Heidi moved 'back home' to Rhode Island in 2003. Since then, she has owned and operated Pooch Pawsitive in Rhode Island.

Heidi was voted Best Dog Trainer by readers of Animal Print magazine in 2006. She has been in the Top 3 "Best Dog Trainer" list by Animal Print in 2005 and 2007.

Heidi has written several articles that have been published:

"Homeward Bound" September 2009, RI Monthly (This article is about what to do when bringing home a new dog.)
"Preparing for the Dog Park", March 2008, Providence Journal ProJo Pets Supplement
"Is your dog ready for the Holidays?", December 2007, Providence Journal ProJo Pets Supplement

Non-Profit Work
Heidi is currently President of the South Kingstown Dog Park Association (SKDPA). SKDPA raised close to $40k to build a new dog park that opened in May 2010. It is continuing to raise money to further expand the dog park and is looking for additional volunteers to help with the cause! For more information, please visit the SKDPA website.

Heidi has also volunteered with local shelters including the Animal Resue League of Southern RI, Providence Animal Rescue League and Defenders of Animals.

Heidi Palmer McNeil, CTC, CPDT-KA and her husband, Bart, live with their Poodle Colby, Lhasa Apso Rufus, and cat Cumby in Saunderstown. Heidi and Colby are certified Delta Pet Partners and can visit hospitals and nursing homes!