Seattle Dogworks

First and foremost, we realize that our students and clients are real people who live real, busy, and sometimes hectic lives. Our approach takes a candid, realistic look at client needs to build a system of training right for them. This approach does have a secondary element of obedience, but its primary focuses are manners and emotional soundness. In other words, sit, stay, and lie down are great and are somewhat useful, but more relevant challenges are things like jumping on visitors, pulling on leash, surfing the counters, jumping on furniture when not invited, barking, bursting through the door, etc. We frequently find ourselves saying, "I don't care if my dog can sit if he eats my turkey off the table!" We also aim to relieve our clients of the task of training. While well versed in clicker training and other technical applications, our founder, Cristine Dahl, dislikes the idea of finding time each and everyday to sit down with her own dogs to train uninterrupted. Because of this, we strive for a lifestyle approach to good dog behavior comprised of checks and balances. Discipline can be applied in a kind, gentle, and effective way without suppressing any of the great personality traits a dog has. Owners shouldn't have to give up the intimate relationship they have with their dog just because he's poorly behaved, as many currently popular methods would suggest. Instead, that relationship can actually grow by putting a few simple guidelines in place. Our staff is comprised of highly educated, dedicated, compassionate people who share the same goal: helping people and their dogs live harmoniously through education and effective training methods. Because we are well versed in a broad number of techniques, we are suited to modify a vast array of behavior challenges faced by today's companion animal owner. Our behavioral staff is highly experientially and formally educated. For details, please see our pedigree.