Meet Heather Mazahri | Certified Professional Dog Trainer| ABCDT

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Mazahri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One crucial aspect outsiders often overlook is that the dog training industry isn’t regulated, meaning anyone can claim to be a professional trainer regardless of experience or credentials. Unfortunately, some of the most popular trainers online and on television lack formal education and rely on methods that suppress unwanted behaviors through fear or intimidation. While such approaches may appear effective initially, they often compromise a dog’s emotional well-being and can worsen issues over time. For dog owners, this can mean a significant financial investment that ultimately exacerbates their challenges.

The lack of oversight is especially concerning when people seek quick fixes and become disappointed in themselves and their dogs for not meeting unrealistic standards. In contrast, ethical, science-based training focuses on a dog’s emotional health and truly addresses the root of unwanted behaviors. It takes patience, time, and intentional guidance to achieve lasting, positive change. Because there’s no governing body enforcing educational standards, it falls to each trainer to remain current on best practices and prioritize continued learning—all in the name of helping as many dogs and owners as possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Please tell us more about your work. What sets you apart from others?
Every single client, family, household dynamic, and dog is different. Some dogs have a natural knack for learning; others need more guidance. While many trainers claim to “personalize” their approach, they often still rely on cookie-cutter methods. Why? Because it reduces time commitment from the trainer. But it also takes away from the client’s experience and results. By truly tailoring each session to the unique strengths and needs of every family—and their dog—you create a program where everyone feels supported in the best possible way, leading to the most profound transformations.

What are you most proud of or excited about?
I’m proud of continually evolving my curriculum to provide the best experience for my clients. I want every family I work with to love training their dog, to feel empowered and invested. Dogs are a huge part of our lives, and when we learn how to teach and connect with them, we tap into a deeper part of ourselves that can truly change us. My goal is to guide each person toward discovering that sense of connectedness in their own, unique way.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?
Getting to where I am professionally has been a journey of hard work, passion, and continuous learning. I’ve held countless jobs in the dog industry, gaining hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds and working with owners from every walk of life. After high school, I attended Animal Behavior College and became certified in 2012. From that point on, I worked with every dog I could, always driven to learn more and pursue continuing education.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize the incredible impact of focusing not just on the dogs but on their owners as well. I have amazing clientele who work alongside me as a team, and my goal is for them to walk away with a deeper relationship and understanding of their dog. I also strive to ensure they feel supported throughout the entire process. I believe that prioritizing the client experience, as much as the dog’s outcome, leads to the best results. This approach has earned me a reputation I am deeply proud of and incredibly grateful for.

Watching my commitment to lifelong learning directly translate into better results for my clients has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Currently, I am enrolled in a Service Dog Training course to become certified in training service dogs. This program has already sparked new ideas and creative ways to elevate the experience I offer to both dogs and their owners.

Each step of this journey has shaped me into the trainer I am today, and I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and making a positive impact for my clients and their dogs.

Was it easy? If not how to do overcome those challenges?
It definitely wasn’t easy, but I’ve loved every moment. I’ve been training professionally since 2012, but I didn’t have to rely solely on my business for support until 2020, after my divorce. I walked away with my wonderful son, Zane, a lot of healing to do, a mountain of debt, and, thankfully, a strong skill set as a trainer.

I had no choice but to face all the aspects of running a business that I’d previously avoided. I overcame these challenges because I had to—for myself and for Zane, who is now 11 but was just 6 at the time. I worked hard to remove any mental blocks that stood between me and pursuing my passion, and I kept pushing forward. Having the support of my family and my program family was invaluable.

Starting a business during COVID, moving, going through a divorce, and becoming self-supporting overnight—it all felt overwhelming. Looking back, I see that I was put through those challenges to build resilience and prepare me for a bigger life. But in the moment, it was nothing short of daunting.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
There’s a saying in my recovery community: “Act as if.” I live by that. I’ve always been bold and brave, and at some points in my life, I was told I was “too much.” But that quality is what makes me successful, I believe many of us have bury that part of ourselves out of fear. A huge and powerful lesson I’ve learned is to lean into the fear. Embrace who I am. And when those moments of self-doubt flareup, I simply
“Act as if.” Taking calculated risks and trusting that I’m exactly where I need to be. I’ve also learned the value of seeking help for certain tasks—something I wish I’d done sooner. Delegating the mundane work frees me to focus on creating and growing, which has been incredibly fruitful.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want others to realize that no matter where you are in life, struggling with mental health, addiction, starting over, 19 years old or 60 years old if you find your tribe and trust the process, you can create a life, a business, and even a relationship with your dog beyond your wildest dreams. My story is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep connection to my purpose on this earth. We all have an inner knowing of what we’re meant to do. My goal—in my business, my story, and my life—is to chase that greatness to the ends of the earth, taking anyone who’s ready along for the ride. Training dogs and transforming lives it’s what I do!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: The Classic LA Experience
Morning: I would start with a leisurely stroll along the Venice Boardwalk, people-watching and soaking in the eccentric vibes. Bonus: it’s dog-friendly, and we’ll see plenty of pups enjoying the beach scene.
Lunch: Grab some fish tacos at Blue Plate Taco in Santa Monica. They have a nice patio where dogs are welcome.
Afternoon: Head to Santa Monica Pier to play some arcade games and enjoy the ocean view. Dogs aren’t allowed on the rides, but they can walk around the pier with you on-leash. Also a great spot for pictures!
Evening: Check into a spa experience at Burke Williams ), and then treat yourself to a nice dinner on a dog-friendly patio at The Misfit in Santa Monica this place is super rad.

Day 2: Hollywood & Hiking
Morning Hike: Kick off the day with a dog-friendly hike at Runyon Canyon—it’s an iconic LA spot and I LOVE going there.
Brunch: Refuel at The Sycamore Kitchen—their outdoor seating is pup-friendly, and the pastries are out of this world.
Afternoon Sightseeing: Head to Hollywood Boulevard to check out the Walk of Fame. It’s touristy, but something about being in a city where people from all over the world dream of going is intoxicating and fills me with endless possibility.
Dinner: Beso’s is a rad and chill spot they also have great food and a nice ambiance.

Day 3: Beach Day
Morning: Drive up the coast to Malibu. Stop by Malibu Country Mart to do a little shopping—most stores are pretty accommodating if your dog is well-behaved. Get some food for our beach stop.
Beach Stop: Head to Leo Carrillo State Beach, which has dog-friendly sections where pups can run around on leash, enjoy the sand, and splash in the waves. Take TONS of pictures.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe—dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck.
Evening: Finish with a sunset walk along the beach. A perfect way to relax and enjoy the California coastline there’s not much better then a walk on the coastline.

Day 4: Downtown LA Adventure
Morning Coffee: Start the day at Verve Coffee Roasters in the Arts District, known for its spacious patio that welcomes furry friends.
Cultural Tour: Take your pup to walk around Grand Park near City Hall—there’s plenty of space and interesting sights.
Lunch: Swing by Smorgasburg LA (on Sundays) yum!!!
Afternoon Activity: Check out the Broad Museum for some art , then explore the architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall from the outside—dogs can walk around the grounds with you.

Day 5: Griffith Park & Observing the Stars
Morning Adventure: Hike to the Griffith Observatory for stunning city views.
Lunch: Grab a picnic setup from Joan’s on Third and enjoy it in Griffith Park. There’s loads of green space to lounge and relax.
Afternoon: Explore the LA Zoo
Evening: Return to Griffith Observatory to check out the telescopes and planetarium shows you cant miss these.

Day 6&7: Relax & Reflect
Spa Day: Treat yourself to a final relaxation at the Wi Spa in Koreatown . This is my time to recharge after a busy week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shout-out to 12-step programs and all my fellows with whom I walk this journey. Without them, I wouldn’t be here sharing my story. The support, love, and community I’ve found in the rooms have nurtured my passion for what I do, stood by me through life’s ups and downs, and cheered me on, teaching me to lean into the many unknowns of running a business.

My relationship with program, its teachings, and those in the rooms keep me grounded in what truly matters: helping others. Their constant encouragement guides me back to that inner knowing that my work is precisely what I’m meant to do. Through the love and support of healthy people, I’ve transformed how I show up in the world, shifted my self-talk, and expanded my sense of possibility. If you run your own business, you understand the value of having people who hold space for you no matter what. Who I am today, where I am today, directly results from all I’ve learned in the fellowship and from my fellow travelers.

Website: https://zdogtrainingacademy.com

Instagram: @zdogla

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZDogLA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZDOGTRAINING

Image Credits
DFlux Photography