Seminars

We offer several seminars to help you learn about your dog  here at Dog’s Day Out. Some are human-only and some are attended with your dog. Check them out!

REACTIVE REHAB SEMINAR -2 hour, human only.
Does your dog bark, lunge, pull towards other dogs, people, bikes etc. when on leash? Whether your dog is reactive because he is fearful or because of a lack of impulse control, in this 90-minute human-only session we will cover techniques to use with your reactive dog. We will discuss appropriate equipment, leash techniques, focus cues, counter conditioning and desensitization, emergency exit “tricks” as well as how to facilitate meeting other dogs and appropriate play.
REGISTER HERE for February 8th class

LEASH WALKING/RECALL 90 minute class for dogs + humans. Dogs must be 4 months and older. This class will tackle two of the biggest issues people have with their dog – walking on a loose leash and getting their dog to come! We will discuss, demo and practice easy loose leash walking techniques as well as easy ways to teach your dog a reliable recall cue.

Dogs must be non-reactive with others dogs (meaning that are not lunging, barking, snapping at others when on leash). Normal young dog exuberance is OK but if your dog is not able to redirect to you please ask us if our Difficult Dog class may be more appropriate for you.

This class is open for dogs 4 months and up! So, if your dog is too old for PUPPY and too young for BASICS this is a great class to give them a jump start! This is also a good class for those dogs (and humans) who need a little “refresher.”
INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA REGISTER HERE!

BARKS & BABES  a 90 minute class for humans only that helps prepare and guide expecting parents with the tools and knowledge they need to prepare their pup for the arrival of a new baby. The class covers household safety, desensitization (how to!) for all things baby, reading body language, dog bite prevention, exercise and helpful training cues.  Click the Barks & Babes link for more details!

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HE THINKING? 75 minutes, human only. Most dogs don’t do what we want them to do not because they are “spiteful,” “mad,” or “bored;” but because they just don’t get it! It is imperative for us humans to try to understand some basic canine behaviors and thought patterns before we can teach them anything we want them to do. This short and lively seminar delves into your dog’s mind to figure out how he thinks and how to understand canine “language”.  We will discuss theory, management and training techniques. An excellent course for learning effective ways to communicate with your dog. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA

UNDERSTANDING CANINE BODY LANGUAGE a 2 hour class for humans only. Your dog is “talking” to you all of the time but are you listening? So many of the problems we have with our dogs stem from miscommunication and the human’s misunderstanding or inability to read the dog’s body language. Do you really know when your dog is anxious, afraid or happy? Studies have shown that many dog guardians do not. In this seminar, you will learn how to “read” your dog and understand just what he is trying to tell you. We will also cover body language in dog-dog play. Your dog has a voice and you should be listening! INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA. REGISTER HERE!

BE A TREE! An educational program geared for school-age children that focuses on fun and interactive activities to teach children how to read canine body language and how to act safely around their own dog and strange dogs. Great for grown-ups too! Click the Be A Tree link for a full description. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA, Mom!

PITTIE PARTY – 90 minutes, human only. What exactly is a “Pit Bull”? What do we know about these dogs? Are they different from other dogs? What specific challenges or issues may guardians of these dogs incur? In this seminar we will discuss all of these questions as well as the history, temperament, management and behavioral/training issues specific to “Bully” breeds, including Pit Bull-types, American & English Bulldogs, Staffordshire and American Bull Terriers (even Frenchies!) and mixes thereof.

PUPPY 101: 90 minutes, human only. Have a new puppy or thinking of getting one? Just miss getting into a puppy class? This  seminar will get you started on the basics of what you need to know to raise a great pup! We will discuss the best methods of management, house breaking, desensitization, socialization  and stages of canine development. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA

SPORTS & FUN!: 3 hour seminar for dogs + humans, covers Agility, Nosework and Tricks Do you want to have more fun with your dog but don’t know what sport is for you? Maybe you think your dog could excel in ALL sports but just don’t know how to get started? Here, you get to test drive them all!

For this class, dogs must be non-reactive and friendly to dogs and humans. Working dog spaces limited, audit spaces available too. INSTRUCTORS: Erica Wells, CNWI and Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA

K9 NOSE WORK DEMO: 3 hour workshop for dogs + humans
This 3 hour workshop (which you can attend with or without your dog) will introduce you to the newest dog sport sweeping the nation! Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. Almost any dog can do it including your puppy, senior or “difficult” dog. Got a nose? We’ve got fun for you! INSTRUCTOR: Erica Wells, CNWI.

Check out out our Specialty Classes and K9 Nosework pages for more information on the individual courses.

Not all seminars are offered each season. Please check our SCHEDULE for current listings and locations.

How do I register? For more information, please contact us by phone, 206-706-4875 or email Danette at danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com.