Get to Know Us!
Mr. Merv’s School for Dogs: Dog and Puppy Training for Northern New Jersey and New York Dogs and their Families
Meet Heather
Heather has a passion for all things dog, including dog behavior and evolution. It all started when she adopted Merv and enrolled in a dog training class, and found that she loved it. She began seeing how dogs learn and was bitten by the dog training bug. She sank her teeth into dog videos, podcasts, and classes, eventually leading to a career as a professional trainer. Dogs continue to fascinate Heather every day. Barely a day goes by when she doesn’t listen to another podcast or read a book about dogs.
Heather loves working with dogs, but she equally loves working with their humans. Her delight in witnessing those “aha” moments—where dogs grasp new concepts—is only matched by the excitement and pride she sees in her human clients’ faces when their dogs learn a new behavior. Heather understands the mix of emotions that come with training; she excels in reassuring those who might feel embarrassed or uncertain about their dog’s progress. She loves dogs of all ages, from puppies to adolescents to adults. No dog is too old to learn.
The truth is, Heather falls in love with every dog she meets.
Heather’s Credentials and Memberships
- CPDT-KA – Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed
- Aggression in Dogs Master Class
- Mission Possible Course in Separation Anxiety
- Friends with Four Paws, Volunteer.
- PetSmart Certified Dog Trainer
- Petco Certified Dog Trainer
- Certified Pet First Aid and CPR
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Karen Pryor Academy, Dog Training Foundations
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers – Member
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants – Member
Photo Credit: The Joy Crew
Meet Merv
C.T,O. (Chief Treats Officer), Mr. Merv’s School for Dogs
Merv was Heather’s friend, healer, partner, hiking buddy, antidepressant, and most importantly, her beloved dog. Half cairn terrier, quarter Chihuahua, and quarter dachshund, Merv came into Heather’s life about a decade ago, and lifted her up when the course of life was a lot to bear: divorce, illness of loved ones, and loss. After a stressful day, Merv’s calm and loving demeanor was a magic elixir.
Merv was a total charmer. In fact, he was such a charmer, that he realized he had a special gift, and wanted to “give back.” He suggested to Heather that he open a charm school for dogs and their parents. Heather thought that was a great idea but thought he might need help with tasks that required thumbs and speaking with humans. That’s where Heather comes in and how Merv’s School for Dogs was born.
Mr. Merv is no longer with us, but Heather feels the impact he had on her life every day. He will always be Heather’s “spirit dog.”
Merv’s Credentials and Memberships
- Canis lupus familiaris, Member
- Good Boy Club, Member
- Mr. Merv’s School for Dogs, Professor Emeritus, CTO*
*Chief Treats Officer
Our Mission
At Mr. Merv’s School, we’re dedicated to bridging the communication gap between humans and dogs. Understanding that dogs navigate the world uniquely, our mission is to decipher their language and behaviors through evidence-based, positive reinforcement methods. By teaching humans to “speak dog” and empowering dogs to understand, “human” we foster harmonious relationships, nurture desired behaviors, while compassionately modifying undesirable ones. Our commitment lies in speaking the language of empathy, effectiveness, and joy, ensuring every interaction reinforces the profound bond between humans and their canine companions.