About Us

Mindful Mutz offers a range of flexible, results-driven training options—from single-session solutions to full-service programs.

Nationally Certified Dog Trainer, Educator, & Behavioral Consultant
CPDT-KA | CTC | FPPE | Licensed Educator

Hi! I’m Heather Polechio, founder and trainer at Mindful Mutz.

I’m one of Asheville's only nationally certified dog trainers, and I have over a decade of experience helping dogs and their people live better together.

Asheville Roots, National Expertise

A proud Asheville native, I share my home with four beloved pups—Cosmo, Sage, Otchot, and Molly—who keep me learning every day.

I’m an honors graduate of the prestigious San Francisco Academy for Dog Trainers, and I hold top certifications in dog training and behavior. I’ve also been voted Best of WNC multiple times and I’m a longtime professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Professional Highlights:

👍 Over 10 years of hands-on experience

🎓 Nationally certified (CPDT-KA)

🐶 Former Head Trainer at The Dog Door

🦮 Behavior Team Member at Camp Unleashed

🎤 Trusted speaker for local shelters & rescues

⭐️ Approved trainer for Best Friends Animal Society

I stay on the cutting edge of science-based training by regularly attending national conferences like APDT and IAABC.

Heather Polechio teaches Family Paws Courses. These initiatives are geared toward 'Creating Dog-Aware Generations' by helping young families and expectant parents safely navigate life with dogs.

Heather Polechio is certified by the Association for Professional Dog Training, APDT.

Heather Polechio graduated from the prestigious SFPCA Academy for Dog Trainers.

Heather Polechio is an honors graduate of the prestigious San Francisco Academy for Dog Trainers and holds top certifications in dog training and behavior.

Want to work with someone who truly gets dogs and people?

I’m here to help—with knowledge, compassion, and results.

Get in touch

What our clients have to say…

Testimonials

Progress in our First Session

“Amazing. Heather made progress with our dog in the first session. I’m amazed by what she taught our puppy and us. Highly recommended! Don’t waste your time on group lessons! This is the way to go!”
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- Stephanie Carson, Asheville

Knowledge in Training

“Beyond amazing!!! Highly recommend Heather, she has way more knowledge in training than I could have even imagined ♥”
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- Rachel Weisberg, Asheville

She Understands Dog Psychology

“My husband and I have operated a pet hotel and doggie daycare and been involved in animal rescue for the last 8 years- Heather helped us with the most difficult foster we’ve had. Thanks to Heather we are able to manage Juniper’s aggression and work on her issues- she has improved and continues to live with us. Heather goes in depth with dog psychology and biology and combines that knowledge to form a plan. We highly recommend Heather.”
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- Susan Menard, Marion NC

Excellent Communication Skills Both with Dogs AND People

Excellent Communication Skills with Dogs AND People

“I found Heather after 5 difficult years with my extremely intelligent and troubled dog, when I was determined and heartbroken to give him up. Heather has excellent communication skills both with dogs AND people, she has given me invaluable resources, like links to lectures by academics in the field. Most importantly, she takes the time to make sure I understand how to implement new exercises.”
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-Alsace Young-Walentine, Asheville

Major Improvement with Fearful Dog

“When I became the proud but naive owner of Chloe, a nine month old terrier mix that had been rescued from an outdoor puppy mill, I didn’t know what I was in for. Chloe was scared of every sound and movement. Heather assessed our living quarters and suggested we give Chloe ”safe places.” Several hours after Heather left, Chloe bounced upstairs, approached me, and wanted to interact. We’re staying on course with tricks and treats, and I am thrilled. Her tail soon went up and now she’s started to play!”
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-Leah Black, Asheville

Two Paws Up!

“Titan had a rough few years before he found his way to me and had HORRIBLE leash reactivity towards other dogs. After he dragged me down and busted up my knees on pavement to get to another dog across the street, I couldn’t risk him coming into contact with another dog off leash. Heather gave me the tools and skills I needed! Now when he sees another dog, he waits patiently and sit for treats and praise.I cannot speak highly enough of her and Titan gives her two paws up!”
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-Katie Edmonds, Registered Vet Tech, Pinnacle Animal Hospital

Calm and Informative

“Asheville: if you need a dog behaviorist, advice, training or whatever… I highly recommend Mindful Mutz Training & Behavior Consulting LLC. She is so calm and informative and photographing her dog Eppy is proof that change can happen with patience and positive reinforcement. Photographing Eppy for Dog Tag Art was magical today – she is a fantastic listener and lover of treats.”
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-Terrah Johnson, Asheville, Le Howl Photography

Explanation of Behaviors and Signs of Stress In Our Dog...

“Heather was absolutely awesome! Her explanation of behaviors and signs of stress in our pooch has given me so much hope in what I feared could be a hopeless scenario. I am eager to see all the homework she gave us pay off (it already has in the education she gave me). Looking forward to working with her more in the future and highly recommend her!”
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- Amity Pedroza, Arden

Professional and Patient

“I am so grateful to have found Heather. From the initial consultation all the way through both private and group sessions, it was clear that I made the perfect choice. Hap, my golden retriever puppy was six months old at the time and was going through a wild and mischievous streak. Thanks to Heather, Hap is now calm, attentive, mindful, and loyal. Heather has been such a valuable resource, and I treasure the education I received.”
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- Randy Shelley

Down-to-Earth Approach

“Heather is awesome! She helped my family and our dog Goblin with leash manners and reactivity, and she'e incredibly thorough in her initial consult and assessment. Her positive reinforcement methods not only modify behavior but change the dog’s state of mind to be more receptive to and actually enjoy training. I particularly appreciate her down-to-earth approach and ability to adapt to unique circumstances. Her advice is always practical and “do-able.” Heather is excellent at communicating and is great at explaining what to do and why to do it. Thanks to Heather we have a calmer, well mannered, happy pup!”
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- Ann Bean, Asheville

Professionalism and Compassion

“Working with Heather was a truly wonderful experience. Her professionalism, compassion and thorough knowledge of canine behavior and training were very apparent. She is able to make a difficult situation understandable and thus more manageable. She is a true asset to those who love and care for animals who exhibit challenging behaviors and are in need of solutions.”
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- Beth Marchitelli, DVM, 4 Paws Farewell, Mobile Pet Hospice and Home Euthanasia, 4pawsfarewell.com

Great Asset for Mitchell County Animal Rescue

“Heather Polechio has been a great asset for Mitchell County Animal Rescue, Inc in dealing with difficult dogs. Her assessments of the dogs are honest and complete. The solutions she offers have been sensible, effective and have resulted in three dogs we have asked for her help on being adopted into the right kind of home. Shelter staff uses her methods on a daily basis to improve the time the dogs spend in the shelter and keep them happy so they can get adopted. We and our dogs highly recommend Heather.”
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- Patricia Beam, Director, Mitchell County Animal Rescue