Notre Dog Academy

11/06/2024

Quick reminder that Notre Dog Academy is a safe and inclusive space. We believe in ethics above all else and will not tolerate unethical behavior from our staff, clients, or colleagues.

We approach all circumstances with compassion and education. All who seek to learn are welcome here.

Puppies for positivity ❤️

11/04/2024

More puppy pictures!

11/02/2024

Today’s puppy pics!

10/28/2024

Never a dull moment!

10/17/2024

Oh my gourd! I just can’t!
Want to get a pic like this of your pup? Windell Portraits is having a fundraiser for Nourish Pierce County on Friday and Saturday! I’ll be there helping!

10/08/2024

Oh man! After our weekend, this makes me want to right out all of the learning principles at play!
Capturing, shaping, use of a marker, reward types, conditioning types, etc.
And! It’s happening to Michael and the photographers simultaneously! 🤓

10/01/2024

Does your Dino need training? We can help!

Use promo code: CHOMPCHOMP to get 20% off your first package!

New customers only. Package must be paid for by October 21st, 2024. Can be used on the first month of a membership plan as well.

08/18/2024

Counter-conditioning success!!!
He’s so comfortable with booms and flashes from fireworks that this thunderstorm has him relaxed and waiting for treats!

08/17/2024

A potential client just asked me a question that made me so happy:
Where did I get my credentials?

I have a degree in Psychology, which is the basis of all dog training. I have 3 years of experience as an intern with a service dog program. I have 13 years of experience in professional dog training. My certification is from an international certification agency for professional dog trainers and I was required to have 300 hours of experience with dogs that required behavior modification for fear, reactivity, aggression, etc.
I then sat for an exam that was compiled by professionals in my industry and passed with a score that indicated my proficiency in my field.
Before I received my current certification, I had to go through the same process with 300 hours of “regular” dog training and teaching clients to train.

It warmed my heart to have someone actually investigate to make sure I have the correct education to help him with his dog!

Picture: Dasher receiving his birthday hamburger with the same enthusiasm I had for answering this question!

07/26/2024

Our most popular workshop is back!
One day
2 hours
$80
Evidence-based methods to imporove communication with your dog!

Please share this post so we can reach as many dog owners as possible!

This 2 hour outdoor workshop will teach you the basics of how to train your dog!

07/26/2024

Just came across this image and it hits hard. I need to know why. If it doesn’t make sense to me then I will question it.

I firmly believe that is one of the things that makes me a good dog trainer, and hopefully a good boss as well. Here, we dont don’t do things if there isn’t evidence that it will be beneficial. We don’t believe in arbitrary rules. If something isn’t working or benefiting you, your dog, your relationship, your health, etc., we can change it.

There is always another way to reach a goal. If you don’t understand why we do something, we WANT you to ask!

What arbitrary rules have you eliminated from your life?

07/26/2024

Come join us!

📸🐾 Attention dog owners! Our next PawPrints charity event on August 2nd is coming up, and spaces are still available! Don't miss your chance to get a unique photo of your furry friend and support a great cause: Layla's Project to Fight Hunger benefitting Nourish Pierce County. Book your slot today! 🌟 📸🐾

More info/sign up: https://windellportraits.com/pawprints-pet-photography/

07/22/2024

Have you heard of this? As an eco friendly business, we are always looking for things like this!
Tell us your favorite eco friendly businesses and products, too!

The app that lets customers rescue unsold food from shops and restaurants to save it from going to waste. Try it today.

06/24/2024

Re listening to some training texts for a refresher while I clean and came across this interesting example:

A prominant trainer in history recommended a physical aversive punishment for certain unwanted behaviors, immediately followed by praise “to communicate to the dog that it is still loved.”

What is actually taught through that repetition is that the punishment becomes a reinforcer to the dog.

In other words, it teaches the dog to enjoy the painful experience.

This brings to mind a lot of other things I have studied in humans. Any guesses on what those might be? Bonus points if you can tell me when we use a very similar procedure for positive behavior modification!

This is exactly why we teach you how dogs learn when you work with us! If you understand why we do what we do, your chances of not needing our help go up! As the idiom says, we teach you HOW to fish!

Picture of what I saw when I opened my eyes at the end of my yoga routine for Facebook tax!

06/22/2024

Someone nominated us for best Dog Training and Best Dog Daycare! We'd love your vote! 🥰
Please tell us your favorites in the other categories!

Vote once per day from June 17 through July 8.

06/16/2024

The training techniques you learn will prepare you to solve this problem for the rest of your pups' lives. You will need to implement them at home after this class to make that permanent change!