Welcome to the Washington Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2022. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Washington based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 45,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used
Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.
This list is compiled by Sniffspot, which is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with 100% private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches and more. Sniffspot has worked closely with dog trainers to create safe spaces for dogs and our top trainer lists are a natural extension of that relationship. You can browse Sniffspot's local dog parks here.
The Best Washington Dog Trainers in 2022
Amanda Boyd
Amanda is equal parts dog person and people person; you and your dog are both important to her! She is committed to using progressive, force-free training methods to improve dog and human communication and relationships. After graduating from Olympia High School in WA state, she earned a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Stanford University and has a strong background in the art and science of animal learning.
She has been working professionally with dogs since 2000 and has supplemented her hands-on experience with formal training in classes, seminars, and workshops given by leaders in the field of dog behavior and training. In 2006, she became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and founded her training business, Sidekick Dog Training. Amanda worked for nearly ten years as Senior Trainer with Seattle Humane Society in Bellevue, where she helped hundreds of families build relationships with their newly adopted dogs and puppies. In addition to puppy classes and basic manners, Amanda has developed and taught a wide range of innovative courses including Double Dog Manners, Manners About Town, Reactive Rover, and Shy Dog Manners.
Amanda was a regular contributor to the Journal Newspapers' "Pampered Pets" column, and her training advice has been featured on The Animal Rescue Site, The Bark Blog, and in both City Dog and Dog Fancy magazines. Most recently, she has been featured on King 5 TV's "Evening" in the role of dog behavior expert and contributes regurlarly to the Northwest Canine Coalition newsletter. She enjoys mentoring new trainers and collaborating with others in the field. She was an online instructor for the FDSA Pet Professionals Program, created by Denise Fenzi to educate current and future dog trainers.
Amanda is also a big believer in giving back to the community and regularly contributes to organizations that work to improve the lives of human and non-human animals, including numerous animal shelters, retirement homes, senior centers, and schools in the Puget Sound area. Amanda was Adoption and Admissions Supervisor for Seattle Humane Society for more than three years and was Dog Program Manager at Woodinville's Homeward Pet Adoption Center for more than a year.
In 2006, she set a record for the number of dogs adopted from Homeward Pet. She also volunteered weekly with the Canine Connections program at Echo Glen Children's Center in Snoqualmie for more than five years. Amanda lives in Port Orchard, WA (near Gig Harbor & Tacoma) with her own canine sidekicks and a large mischief of pet rats. She regularly competes in agility and barn hunt and also enjoys dog parkour and disc dog training. She is a member of Puget Sound Positive Trainers (PSPT) and recently co-founded Kitsap Peninsula Positive Trainers (KPPT).
With over 15 years of experience in the field and a true passion for her work, Amanda is an excellent choice for any dog guardian seeking the best possible relationship with his/her/their canine sidekick(s). Sidekick. Train happy!
Services include:
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://sidekickdogtraining.com
Danette Johnston
Danette Johnston, Owner, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP) Trainer and has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in the state of Washington. She has trained dogs (and people!) working in animal hospitals (Seattle Veterinary Associates) and shelters prior to opening dog's day out in 2000.
She has published articles on dog day care and dog-dog interactions for The Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She has lectured on dog behavior to Veterinary Technicians and students at the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians conference. Danette is a Licensed Canine Good Citizen evaluator for the the AKC and worked as a Delta Society Pet Partner's (animal assisted therapy) Instructor and Team (with her dear departed dog Georgia).
She is a Be a Tree presenter for Doggone Safe teaching bite prevention to school age children and is the creator/instructor of Barks & Babes, a specialized class for expecting parents on how to prepare their dog for the family's upcoming human addition. Danette started a Shelter Training Program in which she works with shelter and rescue groups educating staff and volunteers working to improve the lives of shelter animals and to innovate modern sheltering.
Danette is passionate about learning and continuing education. She attends conferences, workshops and seminars on a regular basis to keep up on advances in canine science and behavior. She has attended seminars by: Karen Pryor, Jean Donaldson, Patricia McConnell, Ian Dunbar, Susan Friedman, Chiraq Patel, Ken Ramirez, Victoria Stilwell, Pat Miller, Emily Larlham and Ken McCort among others. She is currently working on her Family Dog Mediator Certification.
After recently losing her beloved Pittie/Border Collie mix Rufus to lymphoma she currently shares her home with Ernie, a brown tabby with many extra toes, one human teenager, and a very tolerant husband. She is currently searching for her next dog!
Certifications:CPDT-KA, CFFT, FDM
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
Reactivity and Shelter/Rescue Consultations and Training
Training methods:
We use a scientific, evidence based method of training that is Cooperative, Effective and Fun! We practice force-free, fear-free training offering clients several different ways to work with their dogs all of which involve gentle, kind and fair techniques. We strive to help humans understand how their dogs think and learn so that they can live peaceful, happy and fulfilling lives with their canine companions!
Our Process: Because each dog is different, we take care to approach each private dog training session based on your dog's temperament and what will work best for him and YOU. We begin each private session by taking a full behavioral history, evaluating the dog's behavior and then create an appropriate training plan to cover the needs and expectations of the dog and human. The sessions will vary to suit your family, the dog's temperament, environment and what you want and need from your dog.
Service area:
Facilities for group classes in Ballard and Burien. In-home private training in West Seattle/South only.
Website: https://www.dogsdayoutseattle.com
Stephanie Nilles
My name is Stephanie Nilles. I am a certified professional dog trainer. I love helping owners and dogs fall deeper in love with one another using up to date, humane training practices backed by science.
Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Board and train
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://www.pawsitiveconnectiondogtraining.com
Ezra Tapia
Hi there, I'm a professional pet dog trainer & behavior consultant whose been working with pet dogs since 2010. My experience ranges from daycare, board & train, shelter, puppy school, group classes, daycare & train, & online & in-person private lessons.I love working with all types of dogs & challenges.
My passion in pet dog training is reactivity & cooperative veterinary/husbandry training. Continuing education is a cornerstone of my practice. Some notable CE courses I've completed in the last 3 years are Aggression in Dogs Master Course- Michael Shikashio, Handling Problem Behavior & Mistakes Seminar- Ken Ramirez, & LLA for Veterinary & Animal Professionals- Dr. Susan Friedman.
Certifications: CPDT-KA, Fear Free
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Dog-dog aggression & reactivity, Dog-human aggression & reactivity, Foundation obedience, Cooperative husbandry care, Resource guarding, Off-leash skills
Training methods:
I'm a member of The Pet Professional Guild, no shock, prong, or choke collars are used in my training plans. We begin with a thorough assessment of the problem behaviors including a medical check to rule out health issues as a cause for problem behaviors. After understanding the problem and the guardian's goals, we create a custom training plan and set up weekly 1:1 sessions.
Service area:
Thurston County
Website: https://olymoderndog.com
Elisa Rivera
I come from a background in training service dogs for people with emotional and physical disabilities. Equipped with this methodology, I apply these same training techniques to dogs as pets. The results are emotionally balanced, well-behaved dogs and people that can communicate better with their animal.
I believe Positive Reinforcement Training can train dogs to do just about anything, from helping people with disabilities to just being chill, awesome dogs. Using skills learned from Bonnie Bergin, who pioneered service dog training, at Bergin College of Canine Studies, I apply these methods to your beloved pet.
Certifications: Graduate of Bergin College of Canine Studies in Rohnert Park, CA
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Board and train
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Leash reactivity, separation/isolation distress and anxiety, temperament testing, companion dog selection from reputable breeders, rescue dog selection and temperament assessments before adoption, fear-free grooming and husbandry handling and preparation, enrichment and intro-level nosework, dogs and humans with disabilities, military veterans, therapy and facility dog assessment and preparation, territorial struggles and "stranger danger", safety and management, multi-pet households or preparing for a new pet, child safety and family training.
Training methods:
Consultation and behavioral assessment in our first session, where I will get to know you and your dog and see where they are at in their training. I then create a training plan with you to meet your goals. We meet in private sessions and I teach you and any members of your household to train your dog at home. Typically clients do weekly sessions until their goals are achieved.
I only use force-free positive reinforcement training methods. No aversive methods as that can instill a fear of humans in a dog.
Service area:
Burien, Seattle, West Seattle, Nearby areas and remote virtual sessions
Website: https://www.powerofdogtraining.com/
Mercedes Moore
I was born and raised right here in Pierce County, Washington where today, I've built my life around dogs.I became a professional dog trainer in 2011, after earning my dog training certification through Animal Behavior College (ABC). But that was just the first step - I'm devoted to staying current on the most effective and humane training methods and on our evolving understanding of learning and behavior.
The better my understanding of the science behind why and how behavior and learning works, the more effectively I can help you and your dog. So in 2015 I pursued my CPDT-KA - that stands for Certified Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed. A CPDT-KA certification requires trainers to have over 300 hours of training experience, recommendations from other industry professionals, and to pass a written exam. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) also requires trainers to pledge to follow their code of ethics. That means my methods will always take how your dog and you feel about our training heavily into consideration, and I try to make the experience as positive as possible for everyone
Two years later, in 2017, I went back again to test for CCPDT's advanced certification and earned my CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant - Knowledge Assessed) certification. This requires experience and knowledge specifically in canine behavior consulting (fear, anxiety, and aggression). In 2021 I took the brand new L.E.G.S. - Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course to further my understanding of Behavior and expand my tool box to better help dogs and their humans.
I continue to pursue advanced training opportunities, and my certifications require that I earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) from approved experts each year. I haven't always been a positive trainer (I'm what dog people call a 'cross over trainer') but today I believe in and am dedicated to following methods that are founded on the idea that dogs are doing the best they can, with the information we give them .
My goal is to teach both you and your dog the skills you need to cooperate more effectively in the modern world. That's why I follow the guidelines outlined by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), including LIMA: Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive and the Humane Hierarchy of Behavioral Change. But this isn't just my profession - training dogs is also my hobby.
I currently share my home with an American Pitbull Terrier, an American Bully, a Labrador Retriever, and a German Shepherd. Together we train in dozens of sports. Such as Schutzhund (IGP), Scent work, Agility, Rally, and Competitive Obedience.
Certifications: ABCDT, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, FDM
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Board and train
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
Reactivity, aggression, anxiety
Training methods:
LIMA based. Utilizing CC, DS, BAT, CAT
Service area:
Puyallup, eatonville, graham, Spanaway, orting, bonny lake, tacoma, auburn, federal way
Website: https://www.themotivatedk9.com
Karen Beattie Massey
Karen Beattie Massey has been a dog training professional since 2012 and has worked with a wide variety of breeds and behavior issues. Karen is an active member of the dog training and dog sports community in the Pacific Northwest, and participates in ongoing professional training. She is active in the Pumi national breed club and competes in agility, rally, and conformation with her dogs. She teaches manners, obedience, sports prep, and agility classes and private lessons and does behavior consults.
Karen has competed successfully in Obedience, Rally, Conformation and Agility competitions since 2003. As well as teaching basic life skills and enjoying time hiking and hanging out with her pack of Pumis and Cavaliers, Karen enjoys trick training and dabbles in freestyle when she is not training or competing in agility. Her Pumi Bella was on the European Open Agility team from 2012-15, the World Agility Open Team 2016, IFCS World Team 2016-18, and finalist in AKC, UKI, and USDAA national events. Her Pumi Aria and Cavalier Teddy were medalists at the Americas and Caribbean Agility Championships in 2017.
Karen is currently training and competing in agility with Bella's grandson Everett. Karen a is a CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) trainer and an AKC CGC/Tricks evaluator. Her university studies in psychology and work experience in staff training and creating instructional materials in the software industry made a career in training people and their dogs a natural fit. Karen enjoys creating learning experiences that are goal oriented, fun, and rewarding for dogs and handlers.
Certifications: CPDT-KA
Services include:
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://karenbeattiemassey.com
Heather Ringwood
Specializing in Agility and Advanced Manners training, Heather's heart, love, and training focus is in showing others how to have fun with her dogs. In addition to dogs, Heather also coaches and trains people. These two skill sets play a major role in her ability to help people communicate more effectively with their dogs, and learn how to embrace and engage with their dog's temperament and personality.
Heather is very active in the Agility world, both in teaching agility through HDI and in running her own dogs. She brings a wealth of knowledge in training and sporting, and working with the 'whole dog' from nutrition and impulse control to interactive games and physical exercise. She is committed to working with you and your dog to be successful in meeting your training goals.
Certifications: FDM, CPDT-KA
Services include:
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://www.happydoginstitute.com
Diana Simonsen
Diana has been involved in dog sports for over a decade - training, competing, and teaching. She is a patient, dedicated instructor, and passionate advocate for positive, force-free dog training.
Certifications: Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Fear-Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
AKC CGC and ATT Evaluator
Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
Services include:
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://dianasimonsen.com/
Sara Cohen
With a background in her work with search and rescue dogs, working breeds, and service dog training, Sara brings a diverse range of experience to any team she collaborates with.
Sara is passionate about guiding pet parents through the training experience with their adolescent working breeds and the challenges that come with that time. She is excited to work on behaviors such as recall, predatory drive, and foundations for recreational and trail activities with the dog. Sara serves the greater Bellingham area, but is also available for remote coaching. and can be reached at saracohen.stellarcanines@gmail.com.
Certifications: KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Services include:
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Solutions for dog-directed reactivity, under-socialized adolescents, problems with safely being off-leash on the trail, problems with multi-dog households, greetings at the door, relationship building, and improving general house behaviors.
Training methods:
The training techniques that I utilize are humane, science-based methods for both humans and canines. I am a clicker and positive reinforcement trainer, meaning I guide in building and changing behavior through the least intrusive and minimally aversive methods. I do not teach or endorse any methods that are rooted in force, dominance, or punishment.
My methods are rooted in relationship building between the dog and human, building training skills, fine-tuning management skills, species-specific enrichment, and developing strong foundations for outdoor pursuits. I provide additional resources post-session through our collaboration in a variety of mediums that best meet the needs of the team.
Service area:
I primarily serve the Bellingham, Washington area including Whatcom and Skagit counties in-person, but also work remotely with clients around the country. I frequently travel for in-person sessions to Oregon, New York, Colorado, and Maine.
John Knuth
Hi! I'm John and the pretty girl sharing the view is Kaya, our 11 year old Siberian Husky who is the inspiration behind our logo and so much more. While I've always been a dog lover and outdoor enthusiast, Kaya's addition to our family a decade ago completely transformed my outlook on life.We began spending more and more of our free time out on the trails, up in the mountains, or along any shoreline we could find. My adventures with Kaya in addition to time spent volunteering at animal shelters, opened my eyes to what's now become a true passion in my life - helping dogs & their humans too.
My time spent volunteering at animal shelters in New York and the Seattle area got me hooked on positive reinforcement training. Its effect on the dogs in these shelters who were simply trying to cope with everyday life was immediate and extremely inspiring. Through my work with dogs of varying backgrounds & challenges, I developed a solid set of practical skills while learning the fundamentals of animal learning theory & positive reinforcement training but I wanted to learn more &much more.
In early 2017, I was accepted into a Dog Behavior & Training Certification Program at the Northwest School of Canine Studies in Seattle. Upon achieving a Certificate in Canine Studies (C.C.S.), I had the opportunity to assist at two well established dog training facilities in the Seattle area. My experiences at both locations were rewarding in that they enabled me to gain hands on experience outside of a shelter environment. I served as a basic manners and obedience class instructor, facilitated private training sessions, and managed play groups as part of a traditional doggie daycare program.
At the same time, I continued my career in Corporate America in various leadership roles in both sales and customer service channels. I did not realize at the time how valuable the skills I had developed in that part of my life would carry over into the dog training world. Successful Dog Training requires an ability to work and communicate effectively with people first & foremost. This realization helped to change the course of my life and in April of 2018, I left my career in Corporate America and DogSmart was born.
This is an exciting time in the dog training community as more and more scientific studies are promoting the benefits of training with positive reinforcement. Staying up to date on the latest information is required which is why I'm committed to continuing education which includes private study as well as attending seminars & conferences hosted by leading trainers from across the US. All of this adds up to a minimum of 50 hours annually.
Certifications: C.C.S., L.E.G.S. Family Dog Mediator
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://www.dogsmartseattle.com
Patti Howard
I am President, CEO of Your Canine Resource, Inc. in Olympia Washington, a thriving company which specializes in canine behavioral training and nutritional consulting. I bring 27 years of hands-on experience and extensive study to Your Canine Resource. My training techniques are grounded in rigorous research in behavior modification as well as the conviction that kindness, consistency and respect are great teacher companions.
A consistent contributor to the dog training industry, I am co-founder of Society for the Promotion of Applied Research in Canine Science (SPARCS). Although no longer actively engaged, I continue to support the organization's mission and annual conference. I'm also co-founder of Washington Assistance Dog Education Center (WADEC). WADEC is a non-profit organization that support service dogs and their human team member with disabilities.
My experience training service dogs gives me unique clarity and precision when helping people train and socialize their companion dogs. I'm a graduate, and in good standing, of Northwest School of Canine Studies (CCS), an intensive and thorough study of canine behavior. In addition, I hold a Bachelor of Science. Finally, I'm certified in Advanced Canine Nutrition and certified as Family Dog Mediator (FDM). I dedicate my education and passion to the canine loves of my life, whether they were under my guardianship or influenced through the relationship we build while training.
Certifications: Certified Canine Specialist CCS, Family Dog Mediator FDM, Advanced Canine Nutrition
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://yourcanineresource.com
Heather Rush
Heather has been training family dogs since 2002. After interning with Becky Bishop at Puppy Manners, she opened Flying Ace Puppy School in 2003. Her training techniques are influenced by her experiences with some of the most forward thinking people in dog training, including Brian Kilcommons, Sue Sternberg, Patricia McConnell, Sarah Wilson and Kathy Sdao.
Heather's training philosophy is aimed at opening the lines of communication between handlers and their dogs. With fun, fair and practical methods she helps dogs and handlers find a common ground of trust and connection.Heather is a Certified Nose Work Instructor through NACSW. She is a therapy instructor and evaluator for Reading With Rover, as well as a Director on Reading With Rover's Board of Directors.
Heather has volunteered in therapy work for over 18 years, first with Ace, then with True, and currently with Thea. She spent many years volunteering foster care for Homeward Pet and MEOW Cat Rescue. She currently competes in Nose Work with her beagle, Thea.
Certifications: Certified Nose Work Instructor with National Association of Canine Scent Work
Behavioral issue focus:
New puppy issues (sleeping, mouthing, jumping, housebreaking, safe socialization), working through distraction, leash pulling, distracted recall, polite greetings, anxiety/stress
Training methods:
Each dog/handler team is treated as an individual, and we make a training plan specifically tailored for the level/issues/goals for each team. Clear communication and helping the dog understand expectations before requiring performance is a key component to any training plan, as is helping the handler understand the dog's motivations.
Service area:
King County, Snohomish County, Woodinville, Redmond, Bothell, Snohomish, Maltby, Mill Creek. Online training also available.
Website: https://www.flying-ace.com
Alisa Sibley
Alisa has been very active in Pug rescue, and enjoys running her own dogs whenever she can, including several pugs and a young Boston Terrier. She's been teaching for many years. She has over 100 titles on her dogs. She teaches with love of the Agility sport, her dedication to positive training methods, and her strong desire to show everyone how to have SO much fun with their dog!
One of her fortes is teaching dogs and their handlers to work at distance, especially for those who can't keep up with their speedy dogs. Alisa offers private lessons for everything from starting out in agility or rally to working on specific issues. Alisa graduated in 2016 with distinction from the distinguished Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program, and is now a Certified Training Partner.
Certifications: KPA-CTP
Services include:
- Deaf dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Dogs using Agility to build confidence and communication with their human. Dogs learning to focus on their handler and to develop impulse control.
Training methods:
Offer both six-week class sessions and private lessons in Agility and Dog Sports. Karen Pryor graduate. Uses clicker training for success in dog sports.
Service area:
Seattle Metro
Website: https://fourpawsports.com
Cheryl Frantz
At the Zoom Room, we don't train dogs. We train the people who love them. We've redefined dog training, with classes specially designed to build confidence and success as dogs master skills in a simple, step-by-step process.We utilize only positive dog training methods, which your entire family can easily master and embrace.
You will be actively engaged in your dog's training, working as a team as you learn to communicate more effectively with your dog. So what you learn at the Zoom Room doesn't have to stay at the Zoom Room. Behaviors will naturally transition to life at home with your dog.
Certifications: CPDT-KA
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
We commonly work with dogs with issues in high arousal, reactivity, and shyness.
Training methods:
At the Zoom Room we practice only Positive Reward or Positive Reinforcement dog training. Positive training means rewarding your dog or puppy when she does what you want her to do. And a wonderful feature of positive reward training is that it is extremely easy once you learn how. Every member of your household can take part.
Positivity also means a generosity of spirit and benevolence. You're going to keep things light and upbeat, always. If you try to dominate or act aggressively toward your pup, she'll develop mistrust, disaffection, and perhaps even aggression. See yourself the way you want her to see you: as her benevolent leader. Yes, you make the rules. But you do so with a gentle hand full of treats and petting.
Positive training requires patience and restraint to shelter your dog from the inevitable frustrations you might occasionally feel. Dogs crave our attention, but they don't distinguish between positive and negative attention praise vs. scolding. That's why we don't teach with punishment. The only attention your dog will know is approval and it will come when she performs the desired behavior.
Always Remember: Every moment of every day can be an opportunity for your dog to learn.
Service area:
If you're looking for the best dog trainers in Seattle, Shoreline, Greenlake, North Seattle, Mountlake Terrace, Ravenna, Sandpoint, Edmonds, Bothell, Lynnwood, Ballard, Magnolia or Queen Anne, please stop on by or give us a call.
Website: https://zoomroom.com/
Jen Gumas
Jen Gumas, owner of Wiggles and Woofs Dog Training and Pet Care, helps pet owners resolve canine behavior concerns using positive, ethical, effective methods that are based in science. Jen utilizes rewards-based methods to modify behavior, and she does not use tools or techniques that are frightening, painful, or uncomfortable for dogs.Jen enjoys working with dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds.
She especially appreciates working with rescue dogs and helping families develop good relationships with their adopted pets. Fearful and reactive dogs hold a special place in her heart. As a former National Board Certified Teacher with a master's degree in education, Jen's teaching style reflects her knowledge of best practices for both human and canine learning. It's Jen's philosophy that dog trainers must excel at working with both dogs and their guardians to help families succeed in living happily with their pets.
Certifications: CPDT-KA, CBATI, M.Ed.
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
Reactivity, fear, anxiety with grooming or handling, cooperative veterinary care, resource guarding, dog-dog aggression, dog-human aggression.
Training methods:
I offer behavior consultations as well as foundation skills and basic manners training. My training methods are ethical, science-based, and centered around positive reinforcement. My consultations come with written behavior plans and ongoing support.
Service area:
My service area in Washington State includes Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Woodinville, and north Mercer Island. I also see clients outside my service area virtually on Zoom!
Website: https://wigglesandwoofs.com/
Jen Lewis
We revolve our training around fun, focus, communication and positive reinforcement so you can have a well behaved dog at home and in public settings. We want help you build a happy, healthy relationship with your dog and give you confidence in each other. Jen Lewis has been working with dogs professionally for 20 years, training for 19 years, and she has a wide variety of experience with all breeds, ages, and temperaments. She has a deep understanding of canine behavior and communication and has many professional accreditations.
Certifications: PPG Pet Dog Ambassador Instructor/Assessor, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, APDT
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Potty training, puppy issues, reactivity, anxiety, aggression, basic manners-advanced obedience
Training methods:
We use all force-free, positive methods based on the most current science and research.
Service area:
Serving Pierce County, WA
Website: https://www.k-9confidence.com/
Sarah Forde
I use the most modern, science-backed methods to produce lasting results that will make you and your dog happy both during and after training.
Services include:
- Board and train
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://dogdefined.com/
Michelle Reindal
I'm a welfare-based dog professional who uses canine ethology, neuroscience, and kindness to work with both human and dog to build an understanding of each other's needs.
Certifications: FDM (Family Dog Mediator), CPDT-KA
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Dogs who have big feelings. Nervous and overwhelmed dogs. Fearful dogs. Frustrated dogs. Dogs who bark and lunge at other dogs or people on leash. Dogs who've bitten people and other dogs. Dogs with trauma.
Training methods:
I use the L.E.G.S Method (Kim Brophey) for getting to the "why" behind the behaviors.
L.E.G.S stands for Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self. We need to take each of these elements into consideration when assessing the why behind our dog's behaviors.
Learning - Your dog's experiences and education.
Environment - The many aspects of your dog's external world.
Genetics - The DNA that designed your dog inside and out.
Self - The unique interior world of your dog: health, development, age, sex, and individuality.
Service area:
Seattle, Remote
Website: https://www.thepaidpup.com
Shawna Gallagher
Shawna is a "Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed" (CPDT-KA) and a graduate of Animal Behavior College dog trainer program. This means she is certified by both the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers via an extensive examination and Animal Behavior College via an extensive examination and mentor program.
She is also a big advocate for continue education and is always taking a course or attending a conference to add to her knowledge. In 2019 she completed her certificate of completion in Aggression in Dogs and continues her studies in this area along with attending their annual conference in 2020. She is also diving into a technique called Controlled Unleashed that helps in creating a focused and confident dog, these techniques can be used in many ways from building foundation work in puppies, preparing a dog for sports and even aggression issues.
She just attended their first annual conference and can't wait to dive in and share this new knowledge with you all. Shawna works with all breeds at all stages of life specializing in varying levels of aggression whether it is dog-dog or dog-human situations. She also loves to work with crazy puppies to adolescent dogs that need a variety of core manners to be able to have a skill set for good manners out in public or build a foundation for dog sports. No matter what issues you face or goals you have Shawna will create the perfect training program to help you achieve your goals.
Certifications: CPDT-KA, ABCDT, FDM
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://www.pcttr.com/
Sniffspot Washington Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions
How are Washington dog trainers selected for this list?
These are the top dog trainers in Washington as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.
How can I get in touch with dog trainers?
Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.
Are these Washington dog trainers certified professionals?
Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.
What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in Washington?
Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.
What methods are used in the dog training sessions?
There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the Washington trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.
Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?
Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.
Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?
Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.
How much does dog training in Washington cost?
Washington dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.
Is training a dog good for the dog?
Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!
Can an aggressive dog be trained?
Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.
I am a Washington dog trainer. How can I get listed here?
As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Washington you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.
How much do dog trainers make in Washington?
Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in Washington was $37,610 per year and $18.08 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.
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