About Wild Hearts Canine Academy

Wild Hearts Canine Academy works out of 13 Shannon Drive in Asheville and states its position up front: "we don't believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all training." The business describes itself as local to WNC and LGBTQ+ owned and operated.

The sequence they teach

The academy publishes its own order of work, which is unusual and worth reading. It starts by teaching clients to recognize the subtle signs of stress and arousal in their dogs; then helps them change the dog's environment to reduce unwanted behavior; and only then builds the skills that let a dog respond calmly in real situations. Its stated conclusion is that dogs need outlets for energy, consistent cues and clear indicators of correct choices.

Four programs

Small Group Academy Day Training is structured day training with guided play, enrichment and field trips. Connected Canine Coaching is one-to-one work on reading the dog and supporting better choices. Camp Wild Hearts is an immersive in-home board and train aimed at lasting behavior change and at replacing reactive behaviors. Purposeful Packs are trainer-guided playgroups where dogs practice appropriate play and learn to regulate excitement. Every route opens with a free consultation.

Who teaches

The about page names River Eure, who holds a dog training certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a master's in Psychology from UNC Wilmington, and a second trainer who is enrolled in the Dog Trainers Crucible run by Sue Alexander and works under River's mentorship. Both describe backgrounds at Asheville Humane Society; the team states over fifteen years of combined experience in shelters, private facilities and client homes.

Method

The stated methods are science-based: positive reinforcement with play and food, mentally stimulating activity and appropriate socialization, with choice framed as what builds confidence.