Wendi's been our dog trainer and boarder for many years before she moved out to Utah. She helped train our very dominant, skittish yorkie and boarded him during our vacations through the years. He always came back from his times with her a more confident and comfortable dog. I highly highly recommend Wendi for training and boarding. I'm so bummed that we no longer live close to her. read more

Purchased expensive dog treats, horrible quality - my dog wouldn't touch them. Tried repeatedly to contact the company to explore refund process, but no one will respond! Horrible - at $44 for a bag, customers should be shown the respect to at least be reachable and respond timely. read more

Wendi Obayashi is an amazing trainer! Wendi has helped our rescue rehabilitate many many fearful and fear biting dogs into adoptable dogs in literally a very short period of time! Heart of Paws professionally tips and techniques short cut what could have been a very drawn out process of transforming an unpredictably and reactive dog into a mindset of train ability! We have had great success w just one zoom session and a fine tuning session by phone. As a rescue it's very important to help a dog achieve confidence and balance through Wendi's high rate of success techniques that are fear free and positive! Thank you for saving the day each and every time read more

See all

Thank you so much! Wendi is an incredible dog trainer! I knew as soon as I adopted my Shiba Inu I was in for it as he pulled so hard on leash and was hard to control despite being only 24 pounds. Wendi came highly recommended by a friend and so I did a group class with Wendi! I almost left right after arriving to the first group class as my dog, River, was letting out a super high pitched bark called a Shiba scream. I was so embarrassed by his bark I never even heard before that moment but Wendi was so kind to not let me leave and reassured me it would be okay and taught me what to do so that he stopped screaming and we could be successful during the group training class. That group class changed my relationship with my dog as I learned how to communicate and bond with my dog. I also did a few private lessons with Wendi to really learn how best train and lead my tough, independent, and stubborn Shiba. She truly changed my life and his as I could never imagine that I could walk him on a leash without pulling, let alone have him be calm enough to be able to take him kayaking with me! read more

A Heart For Paws - River kayaking - Pet Training Near Me

Wendi is the best! We adopted a really anxious rescue dog who needed positive reinforcement training rather than alternative tactics that would only further her anxiety/fear (things like shock collars and so on). We've had private and group classes with Wendi and they have both been SO helpful! She's taught us tools to help train and empower our dog in our own home and daily lives. Because Wendi helped teach us how to positively communicate with our dog, my husband and I and our dog all have a much greater confidence and bond with each other. Our dog's life is completely changed for the better! We will recommend Wendi 1000 times over to anyone searching for the right help! read more

I LOVED working with Wendi! As a first-time dog owner, I was panicked on Day 1. I had no idea what I was doing! I called Wendi to set up a consultation, and she came over THAT DAY to talk me through the basics. I just finished her Paws I class, and it was so great! The classes were fun and engaging, with a mix of hands-on and background learning. And Wendi was so flexible when I had to miss a couple classes; she let me switch into another group so I wouldn't miss a thing. I can't wait to take Paws II! read more

A Heart For Paws - Graduation Day - We all got these laminated certificates! - Pet Training Near Me

From the second Wendi walked in, the training started. And believe me when I say that she is an actual dog whisperer!! I have a 1yr old beagle who definitely thought she was the boss. Wendi worked with us and Pepper for just under 2 hrs. And holy cow, what a difference that made! Wendi is thorough, kind, patient and made use of every second she was here. And all of her training methods did not harm Pepper at all. She came in the morning for the 90 min session and my dog continued to do great the rest of the day. After our session she emailed me the evaluation of Pepper, a full description of what we learned today and some supply recommendations. She is the ABSOLUTE BEST! Don't hesitate, book her! read more

A Heart For Paws - Pepper - Pet Training Near Me

Love our dog and Wendi had a very big role in that! read more

A Heart For Paws - Pet Training Near Me

We had a very difficult puppy. We realized right after we brought her home. We found Wendy through a mutual friend and she changed our life. She cares so much about your dog (and all dogs) we did the 3 week board and train and it was the best thing we did. At the completion we had the same dog we loved so much but she came back obedient, sleeping good , no biting or chewing no barking. The difference has been night and day. Wendy sent us daily videos exp what they were working on and at completion she spent so much time w us training us on what to do. read more

Really and truly the most amazing dog behaviorist ! Calm, loving, knowledge just the best! read more

You cannot find a better dog trainer anywhere. We started working with Wendi after a couple months of having our dog. He was not well crate trained or knew how to walk on a leash. We were really having a difficult time. Wendi spotted our issues right away. She is a wealth of knowledge and helped not only my dog, but US! She took the time to teach us how to maintain his training and what to look out for. I truly cannot speak higher of Wendi. TRULY A DOG WHISPERER read more

A Heart For Paws - Otis - Pet Training Near Me

It's so hard for me to write a review about Wendi because I simply cannot put to words how thankful and amazed I am for her skill and willingness to help my fur baby and I. All my words seem inadequate and I'd hate to downplay her skill. I adopted a 6 year old Norwich/Cairn terrier from the shelter and she came wrapped in anxious aggression. I have tried everything I could during the time she was with me, including anxiety medication, diffusers, exercises, tinctures, but nothing has worked. I decided to reach out to a trainer for help. Wendi had reasonable rates and excellent reviews. I am so happy that I had reached out to Wendi. She has changed my baby's and my life for the better. As soon as our session began, my dog had already transformed into a calmer and more submissive dog. She continues to check in on us and cheer us on with every success. Wendi is everything I had hoped for in a trainer. She is kind hearted, very patient, and supportive. Please, please, please book her to help with your fur baby's training. You will not regret it. read more

A Heart For Paws - Pet Training Near Me

Wendi was an absolute delight to work with. I got a new puppy at too young of an age and he's had a lot of issues with biting. She evaluated his temperament, then gave me tons of tools to handle his behavior. I feel a lot more confident and capable as a dog owner, just based on one private session. We went ten minutes over time, but Wendi made sure all my questions were answered before she left. And after the session, she sent me comprehensive notes, reviewing everything we went over and more. I cannot recommend Wendi enough--the private session was worth every penny. Already, life with my puppy has become so much more manageable. I'll definitely seek her out again next time I feel overwhelmed with my dog's behavior. read more

A Heart For Paws - Pet Training Near Me

See all

Wendy is a long time family friend. Let me start with saying she is amazing. We recently got a new golden pup to our family and I thought I was in the darkest of days. I contacted her and we had a virtual training. She has helped us get this guys set up for success. Thought the conversation she made us feel so confident and reassured us we are going to do great. We are forever grateful for her. read more

I am so glad I went with Wendi, and am so so thankful and grateful for her knowledge and help. She is the sweetest person in the world and is honest and helpful. She gave us answers that let us know why our dog developed the aggression that she did, and how we can change the behavior. Within a single day of our training with Wendi, we saw a huge difference with our dog, and we are very excited about our dog's future. Wendi didn't push future lessons or services with us, but I plan on attending her group sessions in the future. She is affordable and 100% worth every penny and more. read more

Wendi is an amazing dog trainer. Not only does she teach how to train a dog but she also gives her students insight to how a do thinks. She is patient and even visited my home and gave me a recap of what we had missed that first week. She helped me identify some ways to combat some aggression my puppy was showing and it's been working. I love her classes and I plan to keep working with her as my puppy transitions. I love her use of positive reinforcement, treats and the gentle leader which seems a more harmonious way to train a dog vice using a shock collar, pinch collar or choke chain. I have nothing against these methods but her model works best for us. So if you are looking for a knowledgeable experienced trainer to help you and your dog then she is an awesome choice. read more

A Heart For Paws - Gentle leader works great. People thought I was muzzling my puppy. - Pet Training Near Me

See all

Wendi is a miracle worker! Began working with Wendi in 2009 when we adopted a German Shepard, Leo. She worked with our Australian Shepard mix, Bandit and Leo to establish the pack leader and reinforce their behavior. Later, she worked with Leo, who was terrified of anything with a "stick-like" appearance. This was an issue because my son plays baseball and would hit baseballs into the net in our backyard. Leo would bolt and jump up on the 6-foot wall in back of our home. Same thing with a broom, net to clean the pool, etc. We would not see him for hours. Wendi worked with us and taught us how to handle it. We have worked with Wendi since 2009 and she just left our home. Our neighbor's dog is kept outside 24/7, and barks through the night. The dog is never allowed in their house. Outside only. This is a large dog that is so powerful it repeatedly attacked the fence and pushed the panel off the fence post - and this is a sturdy fence (~14 people live in the house, and only 1 speaks English). The dog is threatened if we go into our backyard. Wendi came over and taught me in 1 hour how to handle the dog. The transformation was nothing but amazing. I can now step outside, go the the fence, tap it, and the dog remains silent. If I step out onto the balcony in back, I now know how to make the dog understand that I am the Pack Leader, stop it from barking, then sit, lay down and look away in less than 30 seconds. 1 hour with Wendi was all it took. Have done it twice since she left with the same result! I could go on and on, but Hire Wendi!!! She is beyond a 5 * rating. She is nothing short of a miracle worker and simply the best! read more

We recently adopted a dog from the shelter. We were at our wits end trying to get him to not pull on leash, and bark at other dogs. I was looking for training and then I was so lucky to find A Heart for Paws. Wendi Okabayashi is a real game changer. After just one lesson, I feel like we are in control! Wendi can teach you how to get the dominance back from your dog without using shock collars, choke chains, and other types of negative reinforcement. I have gone to other places with other dogs, but never had results like this! If I could give her 10 STARS I would! She has taught us that any dog can be trained when you have the right tools! read more

Wendi has completely changed the relationship i have with my dog for the better! I had a very dominant German Shepard and was taught the correct ways to get my dominance back with him and it's been nothing but great for us! My boy would pull on walks and had slight aggression issues which i learned why and how to correct that. It's been 3 weeks since my training and my dog is completely different since in the best way possible! read more

A Heart For Paws - Kona - Pet Training Near Me

I have no words! What an incredible experience we had with Wendi! She is gentle, strong and so very knowledgeable! She gave us tools that we can use for both of our puppies, one being six years old, the other seven months old. She taught us a lot about ourselves and how to improve our techniques to have happy behaved puppies that don't rule our house. She suggested products to help facilitate our needs She was incredibly generous with her time and we are forever grateful. read more

Wendi is THE BEST dog trainer you could ever hire. She trained my dog Molly and my grandfather's dog Yuki. Molly and Yuki stayed at her house for board and train and they came back as totally different dogs. They were well behaved and learned lots of new commands. Wendi said that Yuki was one of the most stubborn dogs she's ever met and I agree. Yuki was so extremely stubborn to do anything you'd say, but Wendi gave her back to us as a totally different, well trained dog. Not only that, she also does dog watching, so if you plan on going on vacation, Wendi is there with open arms! Wendi is absolutely amazing, kind, and totally worth it! I'd definitely recommend her to anybody! read more

What a great experience! My dog and I learned so much in just one session it was incredible. Wendi packed so much into our class it was worth every penny. read more

What a wonderful experience this puppy training class was. Wendi is the best. Her husband and Cara is also very friendly and helpful! They are hands down the best dog trainer team I have seen. At the puppy training class my dog learned many commands including sit, stay, down, leave it, wait and so much more. Wendi is very knowledgeable and is always available with helpful tips and recommendations. At the end of the course I am more confident in learning about my dogs behavior to better give him commands. I definitely will reccomend her to all my family and friends. read more

I wish there were 10 stars! We stumbled upon Wendi and I can't believe we did! We have a lovable English Cream Mini Golden-doodle, Cubby. We didn't think he could get any better, enter Wendi. We understand more about how to give him exactly what he needs to be confident and happy. I don't speak dog, but Wendi does. Cubby is perfect on his leash now and less anxious. We love Cubby so much we got a second doodle. Wendi was crucial in helping us select the right pup. Through a series of tests (that blew my mind) we learned about her temperament, coach-ability, and aggression. A dog is a big commitment and it is important for you and the pup that you match. We can't wait yo begin training our new little girl. Thanks to Wendy's help our two pups are thriving. I can't say enough about Wendi's expertise and character! read more

Wendi and her team are miracle workers. My gut reaction was to correct my dog Miles with negative feedback, saying "No." Wendi only uses positive reinforcement, saying "Yes" when they win, and it works so amazingly well. My dog Miles is so eager to connect with me as a pack member, letting me be a leader. After his two weeks with Wendi on the Board and Train program, I can barely believe it. Equally important is how she trains you to be a better leader for your dog. She goes so far above and beyond to get your dog comfortable in training with the right appliances and love, I really can't say enough good things. read more

Everyone always comments on how well behaved our four month old puppy is and we owe it all to Wendi! She's truly the best:) we have a golden doodle and as you know they are usually hyper. Thanks to Wendi's private lessons, he's become a really sweet dog. It's because of Wendi's encouraging direction and homework for us that he's bell trained, he's learning how to behave well in distracting environments he is really growing up to be an amazingly calm and loving dog. A dream for all dog parents is to have a well behaved sweet natured dog and she's given us the confidence and ability to accomplish that dream. The techniques that she uses are never harsh or cruel, they are positive and nurturing and I love simply knowing that our baby is in good hands with her. We love Wendi because she customizes each lesson for Satchel and not only teaches Satchel how to behave, but spends time answering all of our questions and giving us tips that have helped now and in the long run. My husband needs a service dog and Wendi educated us on the laws that protect service dog owners and their dogs and trained us on how to handle service dogs. I feel so proud of where Satchel is headed and we couldn't have asked for a better teacher for him. Many people stop to ask who trained him since they seem him behave so well and see that he's just a puppy, and we always tell them about A Heart for Paws and we highly recommend her to all dog parents!!! She not only has a huge heart for each of the dogs she trains but you can tell she genuinely cares about the doggie patients too, and helping her families family grow together!! Thank you Wendi! read more

A Heart For Paws - Everyone always comments on how well behaved our four month old puppy is is and we owe it all to Wendi! She's the best:) - Pet Training Near Me

I have been going back and forth for a long time on whether I should write this review or not, mainly because I thought Wendi was really awesome, personable, and warm - not the kind of person you enjoy writing bad reviews about. But for the sake of other people who might be going through what we went through, and with the knowledge we have now, I thought it best for me to leave this here. I also can't speak for others who she seemed to have helped, this review is strictly for my experience in hiring Wendi for help with an aggression case. So we met with Wendi last year for help with a new rescue dog whom we've only had for 3 weeks, that was starting to show signs of aggression towards my parents who were living with us. It had gotten so bad that he would react and bark at my dad on sight. Our session went as follows: Wendi comes in, my dog is of course going nuts. We proceed to put him on a "tie down" this mainly meant tying our dog Loki on a small leash to our couch until he calmed down. After a few minutes, we realize this boy wasn't calming down. As he continuously barks she mentions that and I quote, "I have been a trainer for 20 years and I would never get a dog like him" because he was "too dominant." She mentions that he acts the way he does because he thinks he is the alpha, & her advice is that whenever he starts barking my dad should stare him down and tell him "No" in a low tone to assert his dominance. Also to not use any treats during these sessions because the goal is, once more, to show that you are in charge and the "alpha". She then gave us her honest opinion in that my dog will be really hard to work with, that he will bite, and that her recommendation was that we should rehome him to another family because rehabilitating will be hard and dangerous work. She was the first trainer we met with and with her years of experience, hearing this was incredibly disheartening. Of course it wasn't what we wanted to hear. I was heartbroken, disappointed, sad. But I'm not writing this review because she didn't tell us what we wanted to hear. I'm writing this because it's been a little over a year since then of working with our crazy boy (spoiler alert, we kept him), and from what I've learned and tried during that time (also 2 canine behaviorists and an aggression specialist later), I realize that everything that happened in that session was the exact opposite of how we should've dealt with his aggression. In fact, it most likely set us back. Before I go in though, I would like to give credit in the things Wendi was right about. It was hard work. & Yes there were bite incidents like she predicted (not terribly bad ones & it happened rarely, but they were there and it was frightening). But the intimidation tactics she outlines was the absolute worst thing we could've done & the alpha/dominant dog theory is something that is quickly debunked with a google search. My dog wasn't dominant. He was fearful and anxious and insecure. After a couple of weeks doing what was advised and seeing my dog get worse (nipping my dad's leg after an advised walk session) we decided to hear a few other opinions. All the trainers I met with after pretty much completely debunked what happened in our previous session with Wendi. Rather than staring my dog down, our new training sessions consisted of short, positive, TREAT-FILLED experiences at a DISTANCE my dog could handle. On top of this we did training working on relaxation protocols so that he knew what he should be doing rather than reacting. Now the incidents happen much much less frequently and with less intensity. In fact, my dog eagerly waits for my dad to come out of his room because he knows it means he's getting a treat. I wish we could've made this work with Wendi because she seemed like a kind and knowledgeable person & I enjoyed speaking with her, but alas her methods simply did not work for us. TLDR; If your problem is aggression/reactivity - don't use this trainer. Just don't. Our session was traumatizing. Not only for my dog but also for me (though that part is not entirely Wendi's fault). Do research on finding a veterinary behaviorist or certified behavioral consultant with experience handling aggressive dogs and read up on the C.A.R.E. Protocol for reactive dogs which outlines a scientifically backed method for counter conditioning and desensitization using positive reinforcement. Also, muzzle train!!! Not all dogs can be saved, and I applaud Wendi for being upfront with us with her professional opinion, but luckily we've been able to make some progress on our end using other methods. It will be a long, long road for us and am hoping that this review can help make those roads a little shorter for anyone who's going through the same thing. read more

I would highly recommend using Wendi @ A Heart For Paws! We had such a great experience with our puppy, Thrasher. He is definitely a dominant dog, but she has equipped us with tools that have turned him into an obedient and sweet boy. We've also learned a lot on how to show him who is the leader of the pack! We had one private lesson and just completed the PAWS I 6 week course, which was great! Also, Wendi is so sweet and so helpful! Grateful for her heart for paws. :) read more

Wendi is so awesome!!! She helps us understand how we need to act as owners, so that our dog would understand who is the Alpha... Thank you so much for training us Wendi We obviously needed it If you ever need a trainer, don't think twice... Call Wendi read more

I live in Idaho and Wendi and I had our first session using Face time on my cell phone. I have a German Shepherd puppy (she's almost 2 years old) and I thought I needed help with recall. Wendi gave me such useful tips that I have corrected other behaviors I didn't even realize were problems. After only a week, and after following her advice to the letter, my puppy is eating better, not running out when I open doors, waiting for me to go upstairs and outside first and on walks is not pulling on the leash at all. It's truly amazing how training works when we understand dog psychology. I love how she posts little training videos on her Facebook and Instagram pages...they are super helpful, too. I can tell she loves her work and clearly she understands dog behavior. Can not recommend her highly enough! read more

THE BEST!!! That is how I would describe Wendi and her dog training. After watching a few group classes that my best friend was in, I knew I would take Wendi's group classes the second I got a dog. And that is exactly what I did when I rescued my dog, Flash. My dog was very skittish and did not trust people or other dogs. From the moment I stepped foot into class, Wendi helped me right away as my dog was barking and backing away from the group. Wendi's group classes helped me grow in confidence in handling a rescue dog and building our bond. I learned so much from her group classes. I have also done private lessons with Flash to better understand my rescue dog and what I can do to help my dog. Now, my dog is so different from when I first rescued her. She trusts me and our bond is so strong that she is less skittish around everything and everyone. Wendi is soooooo knowledgeable and wants you and your dog to succeed! Wendi gave me all the tools to do it! I would 1000% percent recommend her for you and your pup! read more

A Heart For Paws - Pet Training Near Me

Wendy give us so many tools to use for our dog Charlie and we also found out that Amy our other dog that we thought had no problems was actually contributing to the behavior problems we had with Charlie!! Wendy has a great personality and is so knowledgeable. read more

While in the process of moving from Hawaii to Maryland, we stopped in California to visit family for a couple of months. Flying from Hawaii with our dog Momo was very stressful, as he normally is terrible with traveling by car. We had never had a positive experience and have tried training him in and around the car, feeding him in and around the car, crating him during car-rides, using a harness-type seat belt, everything. The fact that we were planning to drive a full week from California to Maryland, we knew we needed help. Traveling was not the only issue, as Momo is not a social dog, did not like strangers, has fear-aggression, he was afraid of being out in public/going into buildings, problems with barking, separation anxiety, and problems with other dogs. After doing some research on the Internet, I found A Heart for Paws and decided to give Wendi a call. We enrolled Momo into Wendi's Board and Train Program, where she kept him for 6-8 weeks and trained him in her home. After we met Wendi for an evaluation of Momo, she provided some helpful insight about his naturally dominant personality. She picked him up the very next day and I was able to meet her in a public place a couple of weeks after that to train with Momo together. I was amazed that he wasn't barking at the people walking by or screeching at the top of his lungs like he usually did! Throughout the program, we continued to meet up occasionally in public places, at my workplace, and in my family's home. Each time, his behavior became more and more manageable. He is now able to walk without pulling on the lead, can focus enough to obey his commands - even with distractions, is more comfortable around strangers, barks less around the house, and can walk into the pet store without screaming his head off. Our road trip was much easier after the training. It did start off a bit rocky, but he was very well behaved for the most part and was an angel in the hotel rooms we stayed in each night! This would not have been the case before Wendi! We are very grateful to Wendi for helping us with Momo. She seems to really understand dog behaviors and it is obvious how much she enjoys what she does. She always gives 100% and goes out of her way to answer questions, offer help, she's a great listener, and is very patient in training the dogs and their owners :) Although the training is long since over, Wendi still checks in from time to time and when Momo lapsed (from changes in our household), she was available to answer my questions and offer help. Thanks, Wendi! read more

Wendi is truly an exceptional lady! In 30 minutes she had our little Diva behaving and obeying commands. If you need help with any obedience training for your best friend, you wont go wrong with Wendi. read more

Wendi is far and away the most amazing dog trainer I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Everyone wishes they could speak the same language as their dog, and it seems that she somehow can. Prior to Wendi, my pup couldn't walk on a leash, was easily distracted, had extreme separation anxiety, and was somewhat of a menace. After a board and train, I feel like my pup could run for mayor now. read more

Yes! Yes! Yes! I do admit she is my sis but she helped me choose the perfect dog from an entire litter knowing exactly what I was looking for and has helped me along the way to the best pup I could ever hope for. Beyond my wildest dreams my pup is perfect. She is my service dog at the age of 12 now. She walks at the side of my walker her leash just hanging on the handle. Listens to my every command! We are now once again training another pup at 7 months. We weren't able to have her test this one and the circumstance of testing myself was not optimal but she is helping us along the way. I know this pup has potential and she is making progress. But if you are looking for a pup she can test them and tell you the temperament of that pup. Please call her. I can tell you she practically speaks dog and can solve any issues you are having without a doubt. read more

Wendi worked with our 10 month old Golden Retriever. Our pup is very confident and strong willed. In our first visit she was able to observe her behavior and work with us on some specific things we were looking to correct. What an amazing change we have seen in such a short time. Wendi's patience and training techniques are amazing. I wish we would have started training with her months ago! read more

Incredible! The trainer, Wendi Okabayashi, is truly talented. I hired her for private training and by the end our first session, my dog had shown such improvements. The difference between Wendi and a lot of other trainers is her knowledge of dog psychology. She gave me the tools to understand and actually communicate with my dog in getting him to do what I ask. I were the one doing so many things incorrectly. Now..... "we" (the humans in the family) are the pack leaders! She also trains service dogs! read more

Wendi is a phenomenal dog trainer, to say the least. I had a puppy that I nicknamed "Monster" because she was exactly that! She would cry and bark non stop in her crate, jump on people, chew up everything in sight (including the couch!), and so much more. After Wendi was finished training her, she was and still is a fabulous, well-trained dog!! Besides being a talented trainer, she is also a very friendly, lovable person. You will feel very comfortable having her work with you and your dog. It is very evident that she loves what she does! Her energy is infectious! She does private lessons, group classes and even trains service dogs! read more

We brought home a beautiful new puppy named Charlie on Sunday. Our first 2 nights with Charlie were horrible. We put him downstairs in a puppy training crate we got from the breeder and he wailed and barked all night long. Our first training appointment is not for 2 weeks, so Wendi gave me some advise for night time. She told me to put Charlie in a cat carrier (small breed puppy) and place him in the room or on the bed with us while we slept so he would not feel alone. It worked! He slept all night in the carrier, no whining, no barking, no accidents. I did get up once in the middle of the night to take him outside. But he slept for 5 hours straight without a peep. Fabulous! We have not even met Wendi yet and already she is having a positive result in our house and with our puppy. Sleep is good! Thank you Wendi!!!! read more