OUR STORY

About Us

"Everything I know, I've learned from dogs."

– Nora Roberts –

Our Vision

To create a world where humans and dogs live in mutual understanding by bridging the gap in their communication.  Our mission is to educate both as a team and set them up for success, so together they can have the most rewarding life based on love, trust, respect and knowledge.

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Meet
our team

Meet the main team of Heartdog Obedience Academy LLC.  

Stefanie Swan
owner / head trainer

Stefanie has been studying animal behavior and training since childhood. She completed formal education in dog training and obedience instruction in 2011, and shortly after began professionally training dogs and their people.

Chris Swan
Business Manager / Trainer's Assistant

With a Masters in business, Chris helps hold things together. He also has a natural ability with dogs and is a great trainer's assistant.

Dr. Amy Keyt
Consulting Veterinarian

Dr. Amy is a friend of Heartdog Obedience Academy LLC. We occasionally consult with her on cases or techniques, and you will often see her assisting in our group classes and seminars.

Frequently Asked Questions

A heartdog is a dog that seems to connect with the owner’s soul.  A heartdog is so strongly bonded to their owner, that the communication between owner and dog gradually becomes effortless.  Heartdogs are bonded through mutual respect and understanding, creating a relationship that is unbreakable.

  • Heartdog Obedience Academy LLC. currently offers:
  • Group training classes
  • Private training
  • Behavior modification
  • Board and train
  • Workshops
  • Informational seminars
  •  Overnight boarding 
  • Dog walking
  • Drop-in pet-sitting
*See our “Services” page for more information

Dog training is not a “one size fits all” service.  Every dog and owner has different goals and learning styles.  We train for goals, not for time-frames.  Depending on the case, some goals are met quickly while others take a little longer.  Setting up a consultation and discussing your goals with the trainer is the best way to get a better idea of what your individual training plan will look like.

Currently we do not have a training studio.  Classes take place in an indoor horse arena located in Sheridan, Mi.  Private sessions generally begin in your home with occasional “field trips” to locations of trainer’s choice.  Board and Train and overnight boarding takes place in trainer’s home located in Six Lakes, Mi. 

Heartdog Obedience Academy LLC services all of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.  Mileage charges may apply.

Heartdog Obedience Academy LLC strongly believes that training is more  successful with the establishment of a respectful relationship.  We start by encouraging owners to provide holistic structure to their dog.  From there we begin working on better communication between owner and dog.  We use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage your dog to retain new information being taught.  Occasionally, in difficult cases, we may discuss training tool options with the owner.  We only use training tools that owners are comfortable with and that we know to be safe.  We fully train owners in the appropriate usage and application of the tool in order to help us meet our goals, and then remove the tools to proof the work we have accomplished. 

Currently we are not hiring, but we may be looking to add an assistant or apprentice in the near future.  Please send an email to heartdogacademy@gmail.com if you are interested in being considered for future positions with Heartdog Obedience Academy LLC. 

Heartdog Obedience Academy LLC is committed to helping you achieve your goals. Contact Us