WELCOME to A WORK of HEART!
We are so glad you are here!!
As a life-long lover of Labradors and a Labrador owner since 1989, I always went to training classes with our family pups. I believe training is integral to the overall health of a dog and an important part of their life. A well-trained dog is typically a happy, confident, secure dog, who is a joy to have in your home. A well-trained dog is easy to take with you on family outings and vacations.
A Work of Heart Is Becoming a Nonprofit Organization - Paws with a purpose. Hearts that Heal.
Therapy Dog Programming
With 17 years’ experience, we’ll help you build a thriving therapy dog program by:
- Developing clear policies
- Creating dog-friendly spaces
- Scheduling your dog’s visits
- Crafting community messaging
- Hosting information nights
Our Training Services
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or refining an adult dog’s skills, our certified trainers provide small-group and one-on-one programs tailored to your needs.
- AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Classes & Certification
- Basic Obedience Classes
- AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training & Certification
- Crate & Potty Training
- Therapy Dog Training & Certification (AKC & RocDog)
- Individual Consultations & Customized Programs
Success Stories
From first certifications to therapy work in the community, these teams have accomplished incredible things together. Visit our Success Stories to see how training has made a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
Tori has completed her AKC Star puppy training
Tori is one of Charlotte’s puppies from her March 30, 2026 litter and she has already completed her AKC STAR puppy training successfully at 5 months old! This sure was a sweet, smart litter. Joanne and Tori are well on their way to earning their AKC Canine Good Citizen Title. She hope that she and Tori will be a handling team for A Work of Heart Therapy and Service Dogs in the future.
Congratulations to Joanne and Tori!
Bear's journey to be a therapy dog
Meet Bear! We traveled to Ohio to meet him when he was only three weeks old. Even at that young age he immediately let me know we belonged together as he nestled under my chin. It seemed like he’d always been a part of me.
Julie Brennan and her beautiful girl Blue
Some years ago, my husband and I were visiting his grandmother in a nursing home, and as we strolled her down the hall it was quiet, no activity… When we returned, we noticed all sorts of activity and animation… Then we saw them… Two black labs with their handler, stopping and visiting the residents… People came from out of their rooms and perked up if they were sitting in the hall… It really brought a tear to my eye! My husband and I looked at each other, decided right then, this is something we need to do!
Fast-forward about 10 years and I began to realize that my wonderful Golden Retriever is in her prime at seven years old, and now is the time to share her sweetness!
Very grateful to have met Terri and her love for people and animals yet her excellence in training, & consistency made her very approachable! She is excellent without being intimidating! Also, logistically, she was very flexible and was easy to work with and schedule.
