Dog Training

We do positive reinforcement training based on proven, scientifically sound methods.  Our emphasis is on teaching you how to build a bond with your dog based on understanding, cooperation, and fun!

Positive reinforcement training is effective for any type of dog and can quickly address a wide variety of behavior issues. These are the same methods that are used to train the animals in zoos and aquariums in a wide variety of behaviors successfully and are recommended by Veterinarians.

It is not! Any breed of dog can be trained using positive and humane methods to learn various tasks and skills. By finding out what motivates that particular dog or breed we can tailor our training to their individual needs.

There are no dogs or breeds that we can’t or won’t work with. Every dog deserves to be happy, well-behaved, and treated with kindness.

Of course! All of our methods can be modified to meet your individual dog’s needs. Our Trainer even has experience working with several deaf dogs and dogs with other disabilities.

We do not use any aversive equipment (slip or choke collars, prong collars, electric collars, etc.) in our training program, but we also do not advocate any specific equipment. Every dog is an individual and has different needs based on their size and temperament. The goal is to get your dog walking and working comfortably on the equipment of your choice, but we may make suggestions based on the needs of you and your dog in classes or lessons.

It depends! Just like each individual dog has things that motivate them more than others, they also have things that they dislike more than others. What we can promise is that if your dog does make a mistake or does something incorrectly we will work through it in the least invasive and minimally aversive way possible to get quick and effective results.

Our Trainer has 7 years of professional training experience, 18 years of experience training and competing with her personal dogs, and is a Certified Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. This certification involves 300+ documented hours of training experience, a recommendation from a current certificant, and passing a 650 question exam on dog training, dog behavior, and learning theory.

There are many benefits to hiring a professional to help you in your dog training journey. A professional can help you get started down the right path, look at an issue from a new perspective, help you problem solve things you are having trouble with, and share their years of experience and insight to help you with your dog’s issues in a manner that is quick and effective.

Training is truly a lifelong process and it is never really over. While learning new behaviors can be done fairly quickly they must be maintained throughout the life of the dog. Just like any skill, if you don’t continue to practice it, it goes away over time.

We can address behavior issues in Private Lessons and/or in Board and Train depending on the nature of the issue.

That all depends on what your goals for you dog are! We have options that have more owner involvement (Group Classes and Private Lessons) and we have options that have less owner involvement (Board and Train and Day Training), but all will need your participation in order to ensure success. The greater your goals are, the more time that will be involved in training and maintaining the skills involved.

We do not have a training guarantee and it is not something that is realistic in this profession. The only way to truly guarantee results is for you, the owner, to continue to work with your dog and build on the training we have done here. We can promise that we will give you all of the tools that you need to be successful, but it is up to you to keep it up after our time together. We are also always available for continued help and support.

Immediately! From the very first lesson we will be giving you skills and management plans that you can begin working into your life right away. With time and practice those skills will get better and better until you have achieved or surpassed your goals.

We offer higher level Group Classes and can work on more advanced training in Private Lessons or any of our other services. We have experience with everything from training for competition to creating a dog that is reliable off leash so we can meet your goals, whatever they may be.

The goal of all of our training is for you and your dog to learn how to work together. You are the most important part of your dog’s life and should be the most important part of your training.

That depends on your dog and your goals for them! Give us a call or send us an email talking a little bit about you, your dog, and your goals and we can make suggestions as to which program will be the best fit for you both.

There is no such thing as being too old for training. While young dogs may acquire new information quickly, it’s gone just as fast. An older dog is just as capable of learning whatever skills you are looking for them to master. Do remember that when it comes to behavior issues, the longer it has been going on, the longer it will take to undo, so the sooner you reach out to get started, the better!

Right away! If you have a new puppy or a new adult dog in your life training should start immediately. Every interaction you have with your dog is technically training whether it is a planned session or not, so better to help them learn how to exist in your household successfully right from the start. Puppies at least 7 weeks of age are permitted in classes and lessons with age appropriate vaccinations and adult dogs are always welcome with completed vaccinations.

Puppy Classes and/or our Puppy Start Right Private Lesson Package are the perfect way to get your new family member off on the right foot!

We ask that you extend us the courtesy of letting us know if you are unable to make a lesson or appointment at your earliest convenience, but we do understand that things can happen that are out of your control. If you are going to need to cancel or reschedule please call us no later than one hour before your scheduled time.

All Classes and Lessons are conducted at our facility in Woodinville.

That depends on which of our offerings you choose, but all of them involve your participation and cooperation in some capacity. If you would like for your dog to learn with us and then work on teaching you the skills, Board and Train or Day Training are for you. If you would like to learn to work with your dog as a team, then Private Lessons and Group Classes are the best approach.

Of course! Please reach out to us via phone, email, or in person to get started on the path to a well behaved dog.