Who will be training my dog?
At Pacific Northwest Canine, your dog will be trained by our lead trainers, Garrett and Brianna. We operate as a small, family-run business and plan to keep it that way, ensuring a personal and dedicated approach to each and every dog. Garrett and Brianna bring extensive experience and a genuine passion for canine training, providing your dog with the highest level of care and expertise.

How many other dogs will be staying with you while my dog is in training?
We take in a maximum of 5 training dogs per month to ensure each dog receives the individualized attention they deserve. In addition to our training dogs, we offer boarding services and take in foster dogs from various local organizations. The exact number of dogs in our home can fluctuate, but it typically ranges between 5-10 dogs on average. This allows us to maintain a balanced and nurturing environment for all the dogs in our care.

Is there a guarantee of results?
Given the numerous factors that contribute to developing a well-behaved, balanced dog—such as owner commitment, consistency, and follow-through—we find it unethical to offer a 100% guarantee. However, we carefully select the most dedicated and diligent owners, and in our experience, no matter the severity of the issues, we consistently witness remarkable transformations and breakthroughs. Our process involves teamwork and collaboration from the very beginning, continuing through the training and long after your dog returns home through continued client education.

Will I get to see my dog at all during the Board and Train?
You will be invited to follow our Instagram page to see updates through our stories and posts. This allows us to easily share videos and pictures with you as your dog progresses throughout the program. For our two-week program, you will see your dog when you pick them up at the end of the training program for the go home lesson. For our four-week program, you will come back at the end of week three for the first lesson and then again at the end of week four for the go-home lesson.

Why do you use herm sprenger prong collars?
We utilize prong collars because they are highly effective tools for gently communicating and establishing a connection with dogs. Although they are sometimes seen as harsh or dangerous, this perception is misleading. Prong collars are actually one of the safest and most gentle ways to communicate effortlessly with your dog, both during training and afterward.

Why do you use e-collars?
Modern e-collar training is incredibly effective because it is neutral, mild, and requires minimal mechanical skill, allowing for excellent communication and skill transfer from trainer to owner. While some worry that e-collars "shock" dogs into obedience, contemporary high-end e-collars actually use the same technology as TENS machines used in human physical therapy. This means your dog feels a mild, benign sensation that does not cause mental or physical harm. In fact, most dogs work at levels that are often undetectable to humans. Additionally, e-collars are highly effective in addressing challenging behaviors such as reactivity on walks, jumping, barking, and stealing food. They are also the ONLY reliable method for off-leash training, ensuring your dog can be safely recalled from a distance, a capability unmatched by any other tool.

Do you use treats?
For positive reinforcement, we use each dog's kibble as a reward. This approach allows us to create leverage and form an initial working bond between the trainer and the dog.

What does a typical day look like during the Board and Train program?
All dogs sleep inside in our climate-controlled kennel. First thing in the morning, we let all dogs out to potty and ensure we clean their crates and wash their water buckets and bowls daily. We do several rotations throughout the day where they will get time to sniff around in our backyard and use the bathroom while we clean, prepare food, and rotate/fold dog bedding. The training day then begins, with each dog receiving anywhere from 1.5 hours - 5 hours of focused training, depending on what we are working on. While this might not seem like a lot of time, it is sufficient for dogs to make significant, consistent progress without overwhelming them.

We do not allow free roaming or interactions with other client dogs. Only our personal, completely safe dogs will be involved, ensuring your dog is not at risk for injury. Importantly, every moment of the day is part of the training process. This includes crate behavior, thresholds, feeding, potty breaks, and every interaction, all of which contribute to the overall success of our training program.

I’ve already worked with other trainers before without seeing the results I’m looking for. What makes your program and approach different?
Many of our clients come to us after trying multiple trainers without success. Unlike other training methods that often focus on rehearsed behaviors, treat-based bribing, or temporary fixes, our approach fundamentally changes your dog’s state of mind. Once we address the underlying mindset, the possibilities for progress are limitless. We cultivate new habits, teach better decision-making, and emphasize calmness over excitability through our unique duration work.

Our training is conducted from within our home, creating an environment that closely mirrors yours. This helps us replicate real-life situations and ensure your dog’s training is practical and effective. We also prioritize owner education, teaching you about dog psychology and the importance of a calm state of mind for your dog. By focusing on these aspects, we consistently achieve success with dogs that other trainers have been unable to help.

Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We offer several payment options including PayPal Credit, Cash App Pay, and Afterpay. Additionally, we are happy to create custom payment plans for our Board and Train programs on a case-by-case basis to best suit your needs.