Mystic Paws Academy

Mystic Paws Academy offers six progressive levels of obedience and manners training, starting from beginner to master-level behavior. Each level builds on the previous, integrating play and real-life scenarios. Specialty classes include Trick Dog, Hoopers, Treibball, Scentwork, Rally, and AKC Fit Dog, with titles available through AKC and Do More With Your Dog. All classes are family-friendly and include drop-in access for ongoing practice. A Canine Communication Workshop is required before children under 18 can participate. Rescue and shelter programs include multi-tiered support for staff, fosters, and adopters.

Pricing Summary

Classes are invoiced after the first of the year, with a 10% discount for sign-ups before Christmas Day. Pricing details are available via the BusyPaws app and online portal. Drop-in sessions are included for graduates of basic classes. Rescue partners receive a 10% “give back” discount.

Policies

Classes are invoiced after the first of the year. New student orientation is sent out after the new year. A 10% discount is offered for sign-ups before Christmas Day. All participants must download the BusyPaws app for scheduling, homework, and messaging. Children under 18 must complete the Canine Communication Workshop before participating in classes.

Mystic Paws Academy is a family-friendly dog training facility in Crystal Lake, Illinois, that teaches obedience, manners, and fun dog sports through play-based, positive reinforcement methods. Founded by Heather Pohlman, a certified professional dog trainer with over 30 years of experience, the academy offers six levels of obedience and manners classes, including AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen programs. They specialize in making training a joyful, everyday lifestyle rather than a scheduled chore, helping dogs become trustworthy, well-mannered, and reliable in any setting. Additional offerings include Trick Dog, Hoopers, Treibball, Scentwork, Rally, Obstacle Coursing, and AKC Fit Dog classes, all designed for families and children. They also provide seminars on dog bite prevention, canine communication, and neuropsychology, and run a dedicated rescue program to support shelters, fosters, and adopters. The facility is clean, warm, and intentionally designed with families and children in mind.

Heather is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (Animal Behavior College), Certified Trick Dog Instructor, AKC Canine Ambassador, and Dog Bite Prevention Educator. The academy encourages the entire family to participate, with a required Canine Communication Workshop for children under 18. They offer drop-in sessions for ongoing practice and support, and provide a 10% discount for those signing up before Christmas. They also offer a 10% “give back” program for rescue partners and collect monthly donations for featured shelters.

Mystic Paws Academy is not just a training facility—it’s a community hub for dog owners seeking joyful, science-backed, family-inclusive training that builds lasting bonds and prevents rehoming.

Accomplishments

Heather Pohlman has over 30 years of professional dog training experience, began showing dogs at age 6, and earned her first Best in Show and Best of Tricks at age 7. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (Animal Behavior College), Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Canine Conditioning Coach, Stunt Dog Instructor and Judge (Do More With Your Dog), AKC Canine Ambassador, AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluator, Fit Dogs Instructor, Hoopers Instructor, Treibball Instructor, and Certified Dog Bite Prevention Educator. She is currently pursuing certification to train service dogs.

How to Get Started!

New students must schedule an evaluation with a trainer or provide proof of prior training (such as a CGC title) to enroll in specialty classes like Trick Dog or Rally. All families must download the BusyPaws app and complete the Canine Communication Workshop before children can participate in any class.