Today we’d like to introduce you to Halle Roberts.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Halle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got started with dog training by how many people get started: not knowing a single thing about dogs and rescuing a behaviorally challenged one, at a young age. Every time I look back, I laugh at the many ways it could have gone wrong!
Like all very smart people, I hired my first dog trainer to work with me and my one-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix, Oscar. Long story short, I went through four more before I realized how much help we really needed – no one had enough time (or patience) to work with Oscar in a way that was constructive and conducive to his style of learning. He was reactive, had a tendency to aggressively guard his food and toys, and I couldn’t even take him on a walk. He was way out of my league. I enrolled in school, got my training certification, and shadowed the best in San Diego until we met our goals. I have since been training for close to eight years, helping others reach the same level of communication Oscar and I were able to achieve. It wasn’t perfect – nothing is, but Oscar learned to look to me for everything he needed and leave the naughtiness behind.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. I took a lot of risks along the way to get to where I am today. Just like anything else in life, there are always consequences to your choices whether they are good or bad. I have to say that without my family’s support, I wouldn’t be nearly as far as I’ve come! (So thank you, fam!)
My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting out? Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Seriously, though! There is only ONE you. You are unique and beautiful, and can do anything you set your mind to, and trust me – there is only one person who can be you as good as you can. Celebrate yourself and get creative! Also, don’t give up. EVER. You never know what is waiting for you around the corner!
what should we know about Heel House K9 Training? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started my career by working with rescues on Shelter-to-Home Transitioning and aggression cases. There’s no challenge I won’t try to tackle. My favorite thing about our dog training is its versatility. There is never only one answer to any problem – you just have to think outside of the box! We will meet you where you’re at – what may work for one Dog/Owner Team may not work for another.
Heel House is a family run business. Mostly what we do is find a flexible solution for unique individuals, curating a specific training plan by using Balanced Training (both positive and negative reinforcement) to reach common, workable, and realistic goals. Having a full set of tools is important! We also offer several different programs including Private Lessons, Destination Lessons, Board and Trains, Walk and Trains, Group Hikes, and a full Puppy Course.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Don’t take “no” for an answer. “Maybe later” is acceptable, but never take a “no” when trying to reach your goals. The only one ever truly standing in your way is you.
Contact Info:
- Website: heelhousek9.com
- Phone: 309-319-1038
- Email: heelhousek9@gmail.com
- Instagram: @heelhousek9
- Facebook: Heel House K9 Training
Image Credit:
Javier Luna
Lauren Turner
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