Every dog has potential

Meet the trainer

My name is Ariel McCray. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology; I focused my studies on Learning and Motivation. I’m also an Approved AKC CGC Evaluator with over a decade of teaching group and private pet training classes. You may see me volunteering at local dog events.

I love working with all kinds of dogs and have experience with all kinds of drives and energy levels.

Why I started Heart & Spark

Many pet owners had aspirations for their dogs to be more than just pets, but lacked the resources to get from the puppy or rescue dog they brought home to dog sports star or a hiking buddy. Or the take anywhere dog. Or just a nice dog to have coffee with.

Perhaps their dogs are perfect at home but struggle in group classes. Or their dogs are wild at home, but angels in the classroom for their trainer.

Heart and Spark Dog Training helps by providing the team with a custom curriculum for each dog. Click the button below for more information!

All about my dogs

  • Piper

    Pip Pa Pi Piper TEAM1 ATD PFS-O ADP-L1

    Piper is a project dog adopted from the animal shelter. She had several behavior and health issues. So many people have become a part of Piper's journey. She helped me meet amazing people in dogs as we worked together to bring out her best self. Piper is sharp and intense.

  • Koroviev

    TDCH UKC-CH Bellator's Voila RI SCN FCAT2 CGCA CGCU TKA ETD-M PKD-N

    Koroviev is my first puppy I raised up all on my own. He's my heart dog for sure. Like Basenjis ought to be, he is aloof, intelligent, sharp, poised, and curious. He's my favorite dog I have ever trained. He's versatile with titles in multiple sports. His favorite sports are tricks and FastCAT (sprinting).

  • Kiddo

    Ryoshima Coast Black Mamba CGC NTD

    Kiddo is my newest dog. She's a Japanese Akitainu. I got her to protect my property. My goal is to have a versatile Japanese Akitainu. She definitely solidified my love and interest in primitive breeds. Her energy rounds out my household very well.

Start training with Heart and Spark today!

Private Sessions

Following a custom curriculum based on your dog and your goals. Many dogs start with private sessions in order to prepare for our Canine Culture Club outings or to successfully attend group classes.

($75-$100+ per hour)

AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluations

I can evaluate AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, and AKC Urban Canine tests. I can also evaluate for AKC Trick Dog titles, all levels. As well as AKC Virtual Home Manners. All of these are official titles for your dog.

($15 per test)

Canine Culture Club

Dogs learn best from each other. The Canine Culture Club is an exclusive membership where you get access to a variety of excellent quality socialization experiences for your dog with guidance on how best to support your dog!

Your dog can learn how to relax and focus on you even with other dogs around. Or, your dog can make new friends. Usually a balance of both to ensure a well-rounded pup.

($40, single outing)

Save by purchasing membership plans. There will be at least two Canine Culture Club outings per week.

Canine Culture Club Membership Plans

($120 for one month)
($300 for three months)
($500 for six months)

Email, call, or text to get started

  • heartandsparkdogtraining@gmail.com

  • (717) 318 - 4046, text or leave voicemail