Shelby S.
Shelby S.
Kirkland, WA
2 repeat clients
2 repeat clients
KPA Certified Training Partner
I am a positive reinforcement, force-free trainer. I’m certified through the Karen Pryor Academy. I’m a former service dog trainer and current zookeeper, so I have experience training a wide variety of animals effectively without any aversive training methods.
Behavior experience
Training skill set
What to expect
Consultation
During your consultations, we’ll discuss what goals you have for your dog and how to fit training into your lifestyle and workload. I’ll also answer any questions you may have about positive reinforcement training methods and why I use them.
Sessions
In a typical session, we’ll prioritize your dogs’ needs. I believe it’s important to meet every dog where they’re at with training, so I’ll let them tell us how much they’re ready for. My priority is you and your dog feeling safe and building confidence. I will ask you to have some small treats ready for rewarding all of the good behavior we’re going to work on!
More info
My training philosophy is simple: Animals learn best when they feel safe, understood, and motivated. I rely exclusively on positive reinforcement-based training — Rewarding the behaviors we want to see, rather than punishing the ones we don’t. This means using markers, high-value rewards, and clear communication to teach your dog what we’re asking — no choke chains, prong collars, or intimidation tactics, ever. The result is a dog who listens because they want to, and a relationship built on trust and joy.
Reviews
Services
Consultations
Sessions
Availability
I generally have a flexible schedule on Thursdays and Fridays, but I can usually make weekend appointments as well if needed. I am unavailable Monday-Wednesday.
Days available to train
What to expect
Consultation
During your consultations, we’ll discuss what goals you have for your dog and how to fit training into your lifestyle and workload. I’ll also answer any questions you may have about positive reinforcement training methods and why I use them.
Sessions
In a typical session, we’ll prioritize your dogs’ needs. I believe it’s important to meet every dog where they’re at with training, so I’ll let them tell us how much they’re ready for. My priority is you and your dog feeling safe and building confidence. I will ask you to have some small treats ready for rewarding all of the good behavior we’re going to work on!
More info
My training philosophy is simple: Animals learn best when they feel safe, understood, and motivated. I rely exclusively on positive reinforcement-based training — Rewarding the behaviors we want to see, rather than punishing the ones we don’t. This means using markers, high-value rewards, and clear communication to teach your dog what we’re asking — no choke chains, prong collars, or intimidation tactics, ever. The result is a dog who listens because they want to, and a relationship built on trust and joy.
Reviews
Shelby S.
Shelby S.
Kirkland, WA