About Heart & Hound

Heart & Hound is a dog training and behavior consulting business in Maryville. It carries a 5-star Google rating from 8 reviews.

What they publish

The published philosophy is unusually explicit, and it is a philosophy about method selection rather than a single method: "we don't believe every dog fits neatly into a single training method. We prioritize the individual dog in front of us rather than adhering to one philosophy." They describe dogs as "emotional, sentient beings, each with their own genetics, experiences, motivations, and learning styles" who "deserve training that honors their individuality – NOT a one-size-fits-all program".

How the training runs

They state their work is "rooted in animal behavior science, dog psychology, neuroscience, and learning theory", and that they build customized training plans per dog and family. On goals they draw a distinction: "our goal isn't to simply suppress unwanted behaviors; it's to understand and address the underlying emotions and root causes driving them". On tools they are equally direct – a variety of methods and tools are used "based on needs, goals, and safety considerations", always "thoughtfully, ethically, and with clear communication and education".

Who it suits

Owners who want the root cause of a behavior addressed rather than the symptom managed, and who prefer a plan written for their dog over a fixed curriculum. Their own summary of the offer is "deeper understanding for both ends of the leash". Contact them for a plan and a quote.