Approachable, Professional, & Compassionate

MindfulMutz Training & Behavior Consulting

Community Trusted, Veterinarian Recommended

At Asheville’s Mindful Mutz, we offer expert dog training and behavior solutions designed to fit the unique needs of your dog and family. Whether you're looking for help with a puppy, addressing complex behavioral challenges, or needing enrichment services, we're here to guide you with kindness, professionalism, and care.

If you want to have a better understanding of your dog tomorrow,

Get in touch today >

Mindful Mutz uses techniques that are rooted in behavioral science and built around positive reinforcement. That means no force, fear, or outdated “dominance” tactics—just respectful communication, structure, and trust.

We can help you and your dog with:

No Intimidation. No Gimmicks. Just Smart, Effective Training.

Not Just “Training Time”—Every Interaction Matters.

Dog Training with Respect, Empathy, and a Little Bit of Humor

See the World Through Your Dog's Eyes (and Nose!)

Meet your dog's needs and better navigate challenges like anxiety, reactivity, or high energy.

Mindful Mutz offers Puppy Training & Early Socialization

Mindful Mutz offers Behavior Help for Anxiety & Aggression

Mindful Mutz offers Rescue & Shelter Dog Support

Puppy Foundations

Basic to Advanced Manners

Problem Behaviors

Enrichment Outings

Rescue & Shelter Dog Support

Anxiety, Fear & Aggression

Specialized Training Programs

Off-Leash Freedom & Recall

Whether you need a single session or a training plan, we provide practical, compassionate guidance that works.

Learn More About Our Services >

Meet Your Trainer:

Heather Polechio
CPDT-KA, CTC, FPPE

Hi! I’m Heather Polechio, CPDT-KA, CTC, FPPE, a nationally certified trainer & behavior counselor. I offer personalized dog and puppy training for Asheville & surrounding Western North Carolina areas.

With over a decade of experience, I blend deep knowledge with a down-to-earth approach. I’m one of the region’s only nationally certified trainers—and I’m passionate about helping dogs and their people thrive together!

Learn more about my qualifications >

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

Heather Polechio, CBCC-KA, is a Certified Behavior Consultant for Canines.

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

Heather’s Certifications:

Heather Polechio teaches Family Paws Courses. These offer cutting-edge information geared to help young families and expectant parents safely navigate life with dogs.

Why choose Mindful Mutz?

Experienced and Certified

Mindful Mutz trainer Heather Polechio is nationally recognized and highly trained to address a wide variety of behavioral challenges.
Personalized Solutions

We understand that each dog and family is unique, and we offer tailored recommendations to fit your needs.
Vet Recommended

Our services are trusted by local veterinarians for their proven success in addressing behavior issues.

Our Training Approach

We take a thoughtful and compassionate approach to dog training, focusing on:

Clear Communication: We teach you how to communicate with your dog in ways that promote respect, structure, and understanding.
Practical, Real-Life Results: Our training is rooted in techniques that can be applied in everyday situations, from housebreaking to leash manners and beyond.
Comprehensive Support: Whether you're dealing with puppy challenges or complex behavior issues, we offer support every step of the way.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're welcoming a new puppy, seeking behavior solutions, or looking for enrichment activities, we have the right program for you.

Contact us to schedule your initial consultation or enrichment outing and get the support you need to improve your dog’s behavior and strengthen your bond.

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.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- 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.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-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!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-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!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-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.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-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.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- 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!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- 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.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- 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.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Patricia Beam, Director, Mitchell County Animal Rescue

Follow us on social media!

Come see us, Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville & tons of amazing-adoptable pups this weekend! ❣️🐾

$Hi Everyone! Voting for the WNC Best Of, 2025 is happening! Just a few days left to vote, until the end of April. I would be so grateful for your vote this year in the Pets\Trainer, section. Thank You!!!! &hearts;️ Heather Here is the link to$