Our Training Philosophy:
Our training is science based, positive reinforcement training. 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 teach students using “mark & reward” training that can involve the use of a clicker, or a verbal marker if the client is not comfortable using a clicker. We do not use leash “corrections” and shock collars, choke chains and pinch/prong collars are never used. 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!
Danette Johnston, Owner, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Fear Free Certified Professional 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 currently shares her home with Ernie, a brown tabby with many extra toes, Rufus, a Pittie/BorderCollie mix, one human middle-schooler, and a very tolerant husband.
We have several options for training here at dog’s day out…
GROUP CLASSES
Group classes include: Puppy Pounce, The Basics, Beyond The Basics/CGC Prep, Courteous Canine Crash Course, Tricks, K9 Nose Works, Agility, and Reactive Rehab. All of our group classes are limited in size so you are guaranteed individual attention. Select classes also offered in Georgetown at Tails of the City!
To find out current class descriptions, dates and times see our West Seattle and Ballard dog training schedule here
PRIVATE TRAINING
If you have a specific problem or your schedule just won’t permit a group class, these are offered virtually (take from anywhere!) or on-site ($100/hr) at our facility in Ballard or at your home-limited area ($125/hr).
DAY TRAINING
Our day training program is tailored specifically for your canine companion. Because so much of training is about the handler and dog this program works best for teaching and proofing basic skills such as sit, down, stay, wait, leave it etc. This is not an appropriate program for a reactive dog since it is important for the human handler needs to be “trained” on that as well. At the initial private consultation with the trainer, a specific curriculum will be designed for each dog according to the needs and goals of the dog and owner. During the day, dogs will spend exercise and socialization time with our regular day care dogs and will receive a minimum of 1 hour of private one-on-one work with a trainer/s on staff. *Full – currently unavailable.