Services

You and your dog are invited to spend a fun evening developing valuable skills. This is a great introduction to positive training techniques for those who are new to training, and it's a wonderful way for more experienced owner/dog teams to brush up on some of the skills dogs find most challenging.

* REDMOND : Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th Street Redmond Class Schedule
 

Fido Come!: a hands-on workshop that will help you gain you dog's attention and teach him to drop whatever he is doing and come happily running to you each time you call. Designed for dogs over 4 months old and current on vaccinations. Children 8-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Prerequisites: a positive attitude and a willingness to learn . Workshop fee: $35.

Heel Rover!: a hands-on workshop that will teach you and your dog to walk nicely as a team. You will learn how to prevent pulling and develop beautiful leash manners so you can both enjoy your walks. Designed for dogs over 4 months old and current on vaccinations. Children 8-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Prerequisites: a positive attitude and a willingness to learn . Workshop fee: $35.

On my Tips page I offer suggestions for finding a competent instructor. My hope is that you will find an instructor who uses dog friendly techniques, is approachable, and provides clear explanations and demonstrations. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to observe a class before enrolling.

• WOODINVILLE : Rivendale Learning Center,  off 9 and Maltby Road
  (directions provided upon registration) Woodinville Class Schedule
  
• REDMOND : Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th Street Redmond Class Schedule
• KIRKLAND: Google Campus (for Google Employees only) Google Class Schedule

Basic Manners: a 4 or 6 week course that covers polite greeting behavior, moving attention (heel), loose leash walking, and a number of basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, and come. Learn how to get the results you want while building a better relationship with your dog! Designed for dogs over 6 months old and current on vaccinations. The first class is for owners only. Children 8-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Prerequisites: a positive attitude and a willingness to learn . Class fee: $100 for 4 week class & $120 for 6 week class.

Marvelous Manners: a 4 week course that picks up where we left off with Basic Manners. You and your dog will continue to improve your skills while working with greater distractions and challenges. Practice out-of-sight stays and off leash heeling, get responses to cues from a distance, and learn new tricks.  Designed for dogs 8+ months old who are current on vaccinations.  Children 8-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.  Prerequisite: Basic Manners or instructor permission. Class fee: $100.

Canine Good Citizen : a 6 week certification program designed by the American Kennel Club to reward dogs who have goo d manners at home and in the community. The CGC course will help you strengthen your basic obedience s kil ls.  You'll develop a solid stay and recall, improve your dog's polite greeting skills, work on appropriate b ehavior in the face of distractions, and master loose leash walking while having fun and preparing for the CGC test. Visit www.akc.org for more information. At the end of the course you'll have the option of taking the CGC test (an additional $10 fee is required in Redmond) . Children 8-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Prerequisite: Basic Manners or instructor approval. Class fee: $120.

The spring schedule is in the works. Please contact me at 425-372-8761 or via email and I'll help you find a class at RLC (with me or another fabulous instructor) that meets your needs.

Coming in 2010

Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of private lessons while reaping the benefit of a group class setting (practicing around controlled distractions).

After taking a free orientation class you can purchase a membership punch card and begin taking classes that focus on the skills you want to build, when it's convenient for you to attend. Each skill taught is broken down into easy to follow steps so you can work at a pace that's right for you and your dog.

For example, the Self Control Building Block will focus on Down, Stay, Leave It, and Loose Leash Walking.

 This class is open to Google employees only.

Initial 1.5 hour session: $110
Subsequent 1 hour sessions: $75 or package of 3 lessons for $200

Perfect for people who: can't find a group class that works with their schedule want to fine tune their skills in the comfort of their own home (come, heel, sit, down, stay, etc.) are interested in working on behavioral issues in a real world environment (barking, aggression toward dogs or people, jumping all over guests, chewing, etc.) enjoy one-on-one time with an instructor, want to have more time to ask the questions that are most important to them, and want to move at their own pace

1.5 hour session: $110

Whether you’ve brought home a new puppy or an adult dog, it’s important to start off on the right foot to create a happy and harmonious relationship.  During this private session in your home we'll discuss effective house training and crate training strategies, canine development and the importance of socialization, and how to correct mouthy behavior and encourage polite greeting behavior (aka how to keep your dog from jumping all over guests).  We will also begin working on "come" and other obedience exercises as time allows.

Semi-Private Lessons $40/hour/dog Training can be especially fun when you experience it with friends. Semi-private lessons enable you to enjoy the convinience and individualized attention that private lessons offer at a discounted rate. And you'll have the added benefit of training partners you can work with through the week. So ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to join you and we'll get started!

$75/hour or package of 3 lessons a week for $200

Home School is perfect for those who want to provide their dog with some wonderful mental stimulation while they are at work or out of town. I can work with your dog for an hour or more each week on some of the basics such as sit and down, practice polite leash walking, or teach your dog some fun tricks.

$150 Includes: 2 hour consult, written individualized training plan, and post consult phone support (You will not be charged for 2 full hours if I am able to assess the situation and provide you with helpful information in less time.)

Sometimes people don't need to commit to a lengthy training program, they just need good information so they can move in the right direction. If what you've been trying doesn't seem to be doing the trick, I'm happy to assess your situation and provide you with a plan that will enable you to get things back on track. A consultation is appropriate for people struggling with: Shy or fearful dogs Shy or feral cat socialization Anxiety and/or aggression Elimination problems (cats or dogs) Inter-household problems Naughty behaviors (scratching furniture, digging, chewing, dumpster diving, counter surfing, barking, etc.)

Canine Good Citizen Evaluation $75 Includes: an assessment of your handling skills and your dog's understanding of basic obedience as they pertain to the CGC test and a written evaluation to help you pinpoint the training areas you should work on before taking the test.

$40/hour

There are many things to consider before brining a new pet home. During an adoption consultation we'll discuss what you're looking for in a dog or cat, what you have to offer a furry friend, and how a new pet will fit into your life. After we've discussed breed traits and the personality characteristics you are looking for, I can help you with your search for the perfect companion, go with you to meet and assess the final candidates, and help you transition him or her into your home.

If you decide to select a pet from a breeder or pet store please be mindful of the fact that many breeders are not interested in providing adequate care for their animals or insuring that you get a healthy, mentally sound pet who has been well socialized. Unfortunately, for many breeders this is simply an easy way to make money and many animals suffer as a result. Please visit the Humane Society of the United States to learn more about puppy mills and talk to your vet about reputable breeders in your area.

We are fortunate to have many wonderful animal shelters and rescue groups in our area where you can find both mixed and pure breed pets that will cherish your love!