Our Dog Training & Coaching Philosophy:

At Puppy Dreams (Shoreline, WA) we practice only positive reinforcement training or coaching.  

We’ve researched, practiced and developed a variety of different training methods with a variety of dogs.  Through this experience we are confident we can find the method that works best for you and your pup.  

We focus on the following 4 principles when working with dogs and their owners. 

The Importance of Relationship – It’s easier to communicate with and train a dog when you’ve taken the time to establish a positive relationship with her, i.e. bond with your pup.  Despite what you may be thinking, this doesn’t need to take a long time.  In fact, with many of our clients, we’ve found it only takes a little bit of playing/exercising together to establish enough of a bond to effectively begin doing basic training.  But, the fact is, you need to show your dog that being with you and pleasing you means she will have fun, be rewarded and fulfilled.

Motivation – It’s simple, dog training is about positive motivation.  Find out what motivates your dog and use it to show her the behavior you are looking for.  This can be done through clicker training, choice training or a variety of other methods.  Motivation comes in many forms from treats and toys to more elaborate “life rewards” like playing together, retrieving or playing with other dogs.  Take the time to figure out what truly motivates your pooch.   

The Power of Silence – Many people simply talk, yell or repeat themselves too often when trying to communicate with their dog.  Dogs are so smart that it’s easy to forget that they don’t speak our language.  One of the best things you can do around your pup is be quiet.  Keep communications to a single word or no words at all.  Visual signs, eye movements and body language are more effective communication techniques for dogs than vocal cues are.  So, if you’re having trouble communicating with your dog, maybe it’s time to keep the voice quiet and find other ways of getting through to her.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise – Dogs are born to run!  If your pup isn’t getting enough physical activity she is going to show it, somehow.  It may be through excess barking, it may show through destructive chewing or anxiety.  When it comes to behavior problems, the majority of them can be solved through getting your dog the exercise she needs.  This can be the toughest thing for dog owners to accept because of the commitment required.  But if you help fulfill this basic need, your dog will reward you through improved behavior, less anxiety and by bonding with you more than you ever could have expected.  In our experience there is no better way to bond with your dog than to exercise and play with her, everyday!  It’s what she needs and it’s good for you too.  

In Home Dog Training/Coaching Rates: (we come to you)

30 minutes = $30 a visit

60 minutes = $50 a visit

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Puppy Dreams is a member of "Pet Sitters International" and the "National Association of Pet Sitters" so you can be sure that you're choosing someone that takes the care of your animals seriously and responsibly.  We love animals, and it shows. 

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