Experienced Trainers. Relationship-Based Approach.

At Tail Waggin’ Dog Training, we believe training should strengthen the relationship between you and your dog—not complicate it.

Our approach is practical, positive, and rooted in real-life results. Whether you’re raising a new puppy, working through behavior challenges, or looking to build stronger obedience and communication, we’re here to help you create a better life with your dog through thoughtful, relationship-based training.

With decades of combined experience, our team is committed to helping dogs and their people build confidence, trust, and lasting skills through modern, reward-based methods.

Meet Our Founder

Heather Garre Day, KPA-CTP

Tail Waggin’ Dog Training was founded by Heather Garre Day, a certified professional trainer with more than 30 years of experience working with animals.

Heather has dedicated her career to helping dogs and their owners better understand one another through positive, science-based training methods that prioritize communication, trust, and long-term success.

She specializes in puppy development, obedience, behavior modification, and helping owners navigate real-life challenges with practical solutions that work beyond the training session.

Credentials & Certifications

  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)

  • Certified Animal Training & Behavior Specialist

  • Advanced Dog Educator/Trainer Certification

  • Certified Puppy Start Right Instructor

  • Certified Agility Instructor

  • AKC Evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC & Therapy Dog Certification

Heather is also an active member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and regularly pursues continuing education to stay current on best practices in modern dog training.

Meet the Team

  • Katie Tracanna, CNWI

    NOSEWORK INSTRUCTOR

    Katie discovered Nosework in 2015 while helping her fearful rescue dog build confidence, and quickly developed a passion for the sport and its transformative impact on dogs.

    Since beginning her Nosework journey, Katie has trained and competed extensively while deepening her expertise in canine scent work and confidence-building through enrichment.

    In 2021, she entered the Nosework certification program through the NACSW to help other teams experience the same joy and growth she found through the sport.

    Katie loves helping dogs tap into their natural instincts while building confidence, focus, and stronger handler relationships through Nosework.

  • Paul Chiano, CPDT-KA

    TRAINER

    Paul is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with more than five years of experience in animal welfare and canine behavior.

    Before joining Tail Waggin’ Dog Training, Paul served as a Professional Responder with the ASPCA, where he logged more than 750 hours in behavior and welfare roles including Behavior Specialist, Shelter Lead, and Enrichment Coordinator.

    Paul apprenticed under Heather Garre Day for two years before joining the training team and has completed additional certifications in canine communication, Fear Free handling, disaster response, and emergency sheltering.

    Paul is passionate about helping owners build thoughtful, compassionate relationships with their dogs through positive reinforcement training.

  • Andy Snow

    RALLY INSTRUCTOR

    Andy and her dog, Jetty, are active dog sports enthusiasts who regularly train and compete in Obedience, Rally, Agility, and Nosework®. Living on the Outer Cape, Andy spends much of her time exploring the National Seashore and understands the importance of having a well-mannered dog in real-world environments.

    Andy developed a passion for Rally through the teamwork and communication it builds between dog and handler, both in and out of the ring. She enjoys helping teams strengthen their connection while building confidence, focus, and engagement through positive training.

    Together, Andy and Jetty have earned multiple AKC Rally titles and continue to actively train and compete while working toward advanced Rally achievements.

  • Sue James, ANWI

    NOSEWORK INSTRUCTOR

    Sue brings more than 50 years of dog training experience spanning obedience, police K9 work, and scent detection.

    During her 34-year law enforcement career, Sue developed and led the first K9 Unit for the Duxbury Police Department, training and handling police dogs for patrol, narcotics detection, and tracking. She also trained extensively in Germany and competed nationally and internationally with her K9 partners.

    Today, Sue is a certified Nose Work instructor, CNWI, and Nose Work Trial Judge through the NACSW.

    She is passionate about helping handlers discover the joy of scent work while showcasing the incredible abilities of their dogs.

Ready to Work With Our Team?

Whether you're starting with a puppy or working through behavior challenges, we’re here to help.

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