Family education in
animal behavior and training

Helping families and their pets live harmoniously together

Proudly serving the Twin Cities and Greater Mankato areas

Our Services

  • A black dog wearing a red and black checkered bandana with 'Baby Security' written on it, sitting outdoors with a man and woman in the background holding ultrasound pictures, in a field.

    Expectant parent preparation

    -Transitioning pets to life with a newborn

    -Introductions

    -Safety and management techniques

    -Preparation exercises

  • A mother supervising her young daughter and dog playing in a backyard.

    Child and pet conflict support

    -Education for families with conflict in the home

    -Safety and management techniques

    -Animal communication training

    -Support through developmental stages of childhood

  • Close-up of a black and brindle dog with its tongue out, walking on a dirt trail in a wooded area.

    Dog Walking

    -Nature adventures for pets with busy families

    -Door to door service

    -Leash training while on walks

    -Tailored to individual needs

About us


With over 15 years of experience, Alison has helped thousands of families and their pets live harmoniously together. When she became a mother herself, she quickly learned that a home with pets and kids was more chaotic than she expected – even as an animal professional! This experience jump started her journey to helping other families and their four-legged friends. Thus, Hearts and Paws was founded. Alison understands that every animal and every human is unique, so our services are tailored to meet everyone’s individual needs. Her innovative approach combines positive reinforcement techniques with a deep understanding of animal body language and human psychology. Alison has a B.A. in Psychology, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed, and a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator.

A cute golden retriever puppy sitting on stone patio with a small bouquet of flowers in its mouth, outdoors with a background of trees and cloudy sky.

Book a free consultation

We want to make absolutely sure that this is the right fit for your family, and your beloved pet. Complete the form below, or contact us through phone or email and we will reach out to you within one business day.

Insured and Bonded via Business Insurers of the Carolinas