Hi! I’m Ruth Hegarty, a certified positive dog trainer and the founder of Creature Good Dog Training. My journey into dog training wasn’t something I planned—it all started on October 20, 2010, when I adopted a young, feral dog named Jake.

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The Dog That Changed Everything

 

Jake had severe behavioral challenges due to his past, and honestly? He scared me. But I loved him with all my heart ❤️. I was desperate to help him (and myself!), but living with him felt like chaos—he tore through my home, knocked me down to steal food, and left me covered in bruises from his frantic energy. I was stressed, overwhelmed, and lost.

 

I sought help from multiple trainers and classes, but the advice I got was outdated and harsh. I was told to be the “alpha,” use collar corrections, try an e-collar—even one trainer suggested I mount my dog to show dominance (yes, she meant it that way!). I didn’t know better at the time, so I followed their advice—except for the mounting part.

 

The result? Jake’s behavior got worse.

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My Breaking Point & The “Aha” Moment

 

One day, I looked at Jake and saw sadness in his eyes. It hit me like a truck. I had become the monster I was trying to protect him from. I had taken a traumatized, anxious dog and tried to force him into being “normal.” But Jake couldn’t do that—and neither could I.

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That day, I apologized to Jake. We had a long talk (yes, really!), and I promised him we would move forward as partners, not adversaries.

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Discovering Positive Reinforcement Training

 

Determined to do better, I ditched the punishment-based methods and started researching modern, science-backed training techniques. That’s when I discovered positive reinforcement training—a humane, effective, and compassionate approach to behavior change.

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I dove headfirst into learning everything I could:

✔️ Took classes
✔️ Read books
✔️ Studied canine psychology
✔️ Enrolled in the Victoria Stilwell Academy, earning my dog training certification

 

Over time, Jake and I built an unbreakable bond. His behavior transformed—and so did mine.

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From Side Hustle to Full-Time Passion

 

As I helped Jake, I realized how many other people were struggling with their dogs in the same way. I wanted to help them avoid the painful mistakes I made.

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What started as a small side gig quickly turned into Creature Good Dog Training, a full-time business dedicated to helping anxious, reactive, and fearful dogs find peace—and teaching their humans how to support them.

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Today, I Train Dogs with Love & Science

Now, I specialize in fearful, anxious, and reactive dog behavior, helping owners see their dogs in a new light and guiding them through behavior change with compassion, customization, and kindness.

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✔️ No punishments, no fear-based methods—just science and understanding.
✔️ Tailored training that meets your dog where they are.
✔️ Sustainable transformations for a happier, stress-free life.

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Jake’s Legacy & Shadow Dawn’s New Beginning

 

My beloved Jake passed away on December 27, 2022, after a year-long illness. It was the worst day of my life, but his impact didn’t end there.

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In 2024, I became certified in pet grief and loss support to help others navigate the pain of losing a beloved companion. And in Jake’s honor, I adopted Shadow Dawn—a dog with even more trauma than he had.

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Creature Good Dog Training is Jake’s legacy, and every dog I help is a tribute to him. 💙

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If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, you’re not alone—and I’m here to help.

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Ready to start your journey?

 

Let’s work together to help your dog feel safe, understood, and confident.

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👉 Book a Consultation