As a Fear Free certified hospital, Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital highly recommends trainers that have a dedicated commitment to positive, reward-based training! Whatcom and Skagit county are home to many wonderful trainers who share our commitment to fostering the best possible life for our canine friends. Here is a list of Bellingham-based, certified professional dog trainers using a positive, force-free approach:
Embarking Dogs- Amber Todd, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB
Tails-a-Wagging- Angie, LVT, Certificate Applied Animal Behavior
The Dog Guy- Michael Nichols, BA, CPDT-KA
Nosey Dog Training- Sarah, Certified K9 Nose Work
Confident Canine- Siw Lea, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB, Fear Free Certified Trainer
Clever Canine- Celeste Patten CTC, CPDT-KA
The Pawsitive Pooch- Nea
First Friends- Jen Walker, CTC, APHE, FPPE, KPA CTP
Dogwell Behavior and Training- Erin Truchan, Dip CBST, LVT, CPDT-KA, FDM
*CPDT-KA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed: Comprehensive certification exam and 300 hours of dog training experience.
*KPA-CTP: Karen Pryor Academy, Certified Training Partner: Graduate of the Dog Trainer Professional Program, demonstrating a high level of technical knowledge and hands on skill both training canines and teaching people.
*LVT: Licensed Veterinary Technician: 2-4 year college program and national board exam
*UW-AAB: University of Washington, 9-month PT Applied Animal Behavior Certificate
*CTC: Certificate in Training and Counseling, Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers
*APHE: Association of Professional Humane Educators
*FPPE: Family Paws Parent Educator
*Dip CBST: Diploma in Canine Behavior Science and Technology from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute
*FDM: Family Dog Mediator