Evolution Dog Training

11/29/2024

Whether it's a new dog or an established member of the family that needs a brush up, I can help!

$75/hour* in your home or at a public location.
First session is two hours. From there, we will formulate a plan to help you and your pooch be successful in the goals you want to achieve.

*Sliding scale available if cost is prohibitive

10/24/2024

If I had to describe training dogs, I don’t think I’d describe it as something I do.

It’s never like driving or writing or swimming; it doesn’t require the same type of effort. With those things I have to take control of thoughts and use them to order my body; with them I consider in charcoal, measure with a ruler and commit in black marker and I’m never completely happy with the outcome - but there is a pride in the effort that went in to the creation anyway. But the creation is separate to me.

Dog training is more like breathing or sleeping or drinking water. It’s a part of something I am combined with a part of something the dog is. It’s the space inbetween our thoughts filled with emotion and a collective that is more than the sum of its parts. Being around animals is built in - always a part of me. And training is never something I do to an animal it’s something we are together. And then afterwards we’re both forever something a bit different.

I guess that’s how it’s saved me so many times - people talk about family grounding them; or listening to music or journaling. None of that has felt possible in the hardest times but I’ve always nested into training - explaining it and how it feels and what I’m doing comes after. That’s the effort, never the being together with the dog. That just feels like breathing air. x

08/28/2024

Great. Now they all have the zoomies 🙄

08/26/2024

🐾 Show me your dogs! 🐾

08/25/2024

Today's Dog Training Myth of the Day: "Only tell them once!"

What if you ask a dog (whatever age, breed, s*x, background, training level) to do something, but there is no response?

Set aside the myth of "only tell them once." Good rule of thumb: if it were a toddler, what would you do? Probably wait a few beats, be sure you had the kid's attention, then ask again.

Just like us, dogs may not be tuned in 100% because they are busy having their own experience of life which may or may not include you at any moment.

If you *do* have the pup's attention, and they did hear you, next step is to consider that they do not understand and/or don't see the point!

I've often asked clients to stand on a chair and sing happy birthday. I've done it while they were trying to take notes. Result: no compliance, and they say usually say, "Sorry - I was focused on taking notes. What did you say?"

If they are paying attention to me but look at me as if I'm crazy, I ask, "Did you understand what I asked? You did? So why aren't you doing it?" Inevitably the answer is, "I don't want to" or "Why would I do that?" It helped them understand how their dogs might be responding.

So give your dogs the courtesy of clear communication, engage attention first, be sure there is understanding, and make it worthwhile for the dog to work with you. Respect, courtesy and taking responsibility for what we are communicating and how we are communicating -- those are all supportive of healthy dog/human relationships.

This does not mean repeating, Sit-sit-sit-sit-sit-sit which is not good communication no matter who you're talking to! 😊

If you want and need response to just one request (and this has great value!), you first have to teach understanding, understand that connection and attention must come first always, then develop the skill, tighten the criteria and make it worthwhile. Then practice!!!

08/09/2024

Hey, Seattle! I'll be teaching a round of classes for Sound Animal Services in Interbay!
I will be filling in for trainer Julie for the Thursday night Basic and Intermediate classes starting August 22nd.
Spread the word because they're filling up fast!

https://www.soundanimals.com/Basic_Dog_Classes.htm

https://www.soundanimals.com/Inter_Dog_Obedience_Classes.htm

08/07/2024

Some of the most memorable seminars I've been to over the last 20 years were the Dr. Dunbar seminars I attended. And guess what?
HE'S COMING BACK TO SEATTLE IN OCTOBER 🙌🏼
I'll be there! Who else is going?

What is your favorite thing about attending Dr. Dunbar's seminars?

He's going to give two seminars in Seattle this October and more locations will be announced soon.

If you're interested in attending in Seattle you can register here: https://www.dunbaracademy.com/courses/seattle_dog_training_seminars

07/24/2024

I am currently not running puppy classes so I'm sending all puppy parents to Michelle at Ready, Pup, Go. She sees clients virtually so she's available no matter what region you're in!
Michelle helps you prepare your home before puppy arrives and gives continued support for the first few months puppy is home!
If you or someone you know is getting a puppy soon, I highly recommend Ready, Pup, Go!

07/23/2024

Morning snack in the shed in a bin of empty paint
cans = mental enrichment without spending money on fancy food puzzles.
Get creative and use what you have at home! This works on her problem solving skills while building/maintaining her confidence with novel noises. It took her about 10 minutes to finally dump the bin and get the food and now she's having a nap!

07/22/2024

Space is limited so reach out soon!
The first session is two hours, in your home, $150. From there we will formulate a plan for what is needed beyond the first session.
Shout out to for my graphics, logos, and helping me dial in my color palette. If anyone is looking for social media graphics, Dawn's your person!

07/21/2024

In 2003 a spunky little Border Collie mix named Roxy waltzed into my life. It was with her I found my love for dog training and signed up for dog training school. After spending a decade as a licensed massage therapist, I graduated Animal Behavior College in 2004 then did a year-long apprenticeship program with a local trainer.
Since becoming a trainer I have spent hundreds of hours at seminars, workshops, and other continuing education. I do my best to keep up with the latest canine behavior science and pass that knowledge on to my clients.
Through positive reinforcement training, I help people build a solid foundation of mutual respect. Training should be fun for both ends of the leash!

07/19/2024

❤️

07/18/2024

"The most important environmental issue is to keep puppies thin and not let them get overweight."

This is a great read!

Over the years, many breeders, trainers, and owners have said that puppies should not be exercised until the growth plates are closed. I have been asked to radiograph 12-month-old dogs to make sure their growth plates are closed. Recently, a well-regarded colleague told me that he had an owner that....

07/04/2024

I am fortunate to now have three dogs that are ok with fireworks but for 15 years before this crew, my dogs were not. I still choose to give them all CBD just in case. CBD is *not* a sedative but it can help with anxiety and bounce-back if the dogs do get spooked. We use Austin and Kat peanut butter biscuits and all my dogs love them!

Get your dogs exercised early and keep them inside tonight during the peak fireworks times.

Good luck today. Fireworks started at 10am in my neighborhood in a city where fireworks are not legal...

07/04/2024

Good luck to all over the holiday weekend.