Healey Lockett has been training dogs for more than 20 years, starting with her first Belgian sheepdog she got as a puppy in 1991. She trained to compete in multiple dog sports including conformation, obedience and agility. Healey has taught both group and private, in-home obedience classes.

Healey developed her training expertise working with exotic animals in two zoological facilities. She volunteered her time at the Santa Ana Zoo while working on her Biology degree. After graduation she was hired as an Animal Trainer at the San Diego Zoo and worked there from 1994 to 2002. She worked with multiple exotic species, sea lions, wolves, cheetahs, birds of prey and even domestic dogs.  During her time there she was awarded the Behavior Management Department’s Excellence in Training Award.

Healey’s philosophy of dog care is wholistic. That to be a good, responsible dog parent requires caring for a dog’s physical, mental and emotional health. This is best done by learning to understand your dog:  Body language, vocalizations, facial expressions and subtle emotional energies shared will all play a role in human-dog communication and bonding

Although she no longer takes on clients, Healey loves to educate people about dog care, behavior and training through her writing, sharing her expertise and observations. Her book, Dog Care and Training for the GENIUS is a comprehensive guide to wholistic dog parenting.