About Me | Heel - dog training

(Me at 19, graduating from Animal Behavior College, as a certified dog trainer)

Mattison Hope Gulatto

Founder & Trainer

My Background:

Ever since I was a kid I've loved dogs and other animals!

When I was younger I would watch dog training shows on Animal Planet and then go practice what I learned on my dog at the time, Pudgie the Shih-Tzu.
My first e-mail address was dogexpert1 in middle school and like the dog nerd I was, I would tell people dog facts whenever I could!
When I was in college taking business classes (because I knew I was an entrepreneur) I decided that dog training was for me!
My interest in dog training started when I was in high school and needed my dog, Ruby, to be my service animal. I couldn't find a trainer that could help in the area, so I decided to train her myself.
Then came the decision to go to Animal Behavior College to earn my certificate as a dog trainer (2019-2020).
That lead to more experience with different dog trainers in Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ.
I have also worked at a pet store and a doggy daycare/boarding facility where I learned even more.
I now specialize in dog psychology and dogs with anxiety.

Currently:

I continue to further my education on all things dog and am currently working towards becoming a canine nutritionist.

My Training Style:

I am a balanced trainer: this means that I use yes and no when training dogs. I also use whatever tools work best for the individual dog and owner team - whether that is a prong collar, slip lead, e-collar, etc. I always use positive reinforcement because that is one thing that every dog needs!

About Me:

I moved to Flagstaff right before the beginning of my Sophomore year of high school - stayed here for almost 7 years and then moved to Phoenix for a little bit to gain some more dog training experience, now I'm back in Flagstaff! I am definitely a small, mountain town girl who loves all things outdoor. I also love reading and creating art when I'm not doing dog related things.

(602) 826-9649

Mattison@Heel-dogtraining.com

Ruby

Portuguese Water Dog

Ruby was bred by a breeder in Mesa, AZ and was bought by a man who got her and her brother for his wife as a surprise. However, his wife had two new babies.. and two new puppies was just way too much! So Ruby and her brother were returned to the breeder. Lucky for me! We have been inseparable ever since.

She is a service animal for my medical needs, and has previously been registered as a therapy dog. She now works at Heel as a co-dog trainer. Her favorite foods are anything leafy green and lamb!

She dislikes escalators and puts up with car rides.

Her favorite toys are interactive treat dispensers and crinkle stuffed animal toys.

Korvo (RIP)

Eyelash Crested Gecko

My very first reptile, Korvo loved to jump around and bury himself in moss.

His favorite foods were mealworms and Mango.

Terry (Adopted)

Cuban False Chameleon

My second reptile. He changes colors depending on his mood and his eyes look in different locations which is why scientists thought his species was a chameleon at first, but because of his other features like his feet, they figured out he's actually a type of Anole lizard. They are very lazy lizards which is why Terry's favorite activity is sitting on his stick and waiting for his food to come to him.

Summer

Leopard Gecko

When Summer was adopted I realized that she is blind and can only sense movement. She had been at a pet store in a cage with other leopard geckos and wasn't fast enough to eat any crickets so she was very underweight and on the verge of not making it. After hand feeding and some special care she is doing great and can even hunt her own food now!

She loves basking on her hammock and hunting her food!

Morty "the Torty"

Russian Tortoise

Morty was also in bad shape when I adopted him. He was being kept with no heat lamp and no water bowl in his enclosure so he wasn't eating and was underweight and lethargic. Once adopted it was a journey to recovery including lots of soaks and sun bathing and slow introductions to different foods.

He's now doing great, he loves to explore, climb ramps, and his favorite food is squash!

"Rick D." Sanchez (Adopted)

Ball Python

Sanchez was adopted from an enclosure with 4 other Ball Pythons, he was very stressed out and had a lot of stuck shedding. Through a long recovery his shedding is now normal and he is a very friendly snake who loves people! His favorite activities include traveling to parks and exploring any new space.

Warner (RIP)

Cuban Tree Frog

Warner got her name from Warner's plant nursery here in Flagstaff as that is where she was rescued from. An employee found her hiding in a plant that had been shipped from Florida! She wouldn't have survived in the dry, cold weather of Flagstaff so the employee rehomed her to me and she was living her best life! She loved swimming in her water bowl, jumping from plant to plant, and eating crickets. I know Warner was a she because she was a very quiet tree frog while males are very loud.

Sokka

Red Eared Slider Turtle

Sokka came from the Humane Society. I immediately knew I had to take him home as soon as I saw him (I mean look at that face!)

He loves leafy greens and minnows the best and is very friendly, though he does enjoy his alone time.

Shadowfax

Rex Rabbit

Shadowfax is an adorable rabbit that is super smart and very cuddly!

He surprisingly has no fear when it comes to dogs and people and loves to make friends with everyone. He loves carrots and apples as his favorite treats and will perform his tricks for them.

Usnavi

Green Cheek Conure

Usnavi was named after the main character in the musical, "In The Heights", by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

He is a funny bird who loves to play with his toys, (his favorite are shredding toys). He also just loves to be anywhere we are and earn treats through training. His favorite trick is "dance"!