Emily is the head trainer and owner of Puptown Northwest. She is a CPDT-KA certified trainer (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed). This means that she has passed a rigorous examination process that tests her knowledge of learning theory, dog training techniques, and instruction skills. Her curriculum and individualized lesson plans adhere to the code of ethics and policies outlined by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

She is also an active APDT member (The Association of Processional Dog Trainers). This organization unites dog trainers from around the world and provides science-based education and resources to promote ongoing professional growth.

Through extensive research and study over the decades, humanity has gained a deep understanding of how dogs learn, communicate, and develop. While traditional training techniques may rely on outdated myths and methods, our modern dog training philosophy is cruelty-free, force-free, and uses scientifically-proven positive reinforcement techniques. Our training is always consent-based and voluntary. This means we will never force your dog to do something that causes fear or aggression, as studies have shown that aversive and dominance-based techniques may be detrimental to long-term learning and beneficial behavior change.

According to a recent comprehensive study, "Using aversive training methods (e.g., positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical and mental health of dogs. In addition, while positive punishment can be effective, there is no evidence that it is more effective than positive reinforcement-based training."

- Ziv, Gal. (2017). The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs – A Review.

Using the fundamentals of animal behavior science and dog psychology, we can teach your dog how to behave respectfully and listen to you reliably, while also maintaining a healthy bond that sets your family up for a lifetime of success. We assert that this can be done without using aversive techniques, many of which involve tools such as prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, citronella sprays, bitterant, or other devices used to cause sudden fear, discomfort, or alarm.

At Puptown Northwest we stand by the principles of Progressive Dog Training, which means that we:

1) Teach and reinforce desirable behaviors so they will be more likely to occur in the future.

2) Prevent and interrupt undesirable behaviors without the intentional use of physical or psychological intimidation.

3) Take the learner’s physical and emotional wellbeing into account.

4) Continue to educate ourselves with the goal of employing humane, effective training based on the latest scientific evidence.

We also comply with the positions and policies set forth by The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and make it a priority to stay up-to-date on the latest research through their continuing education programs.

Every dog is unique, but the more time you spend training, the more your dog will learn. Dog training takes time, consistency, and commitment. Booking a multi-session training package allows our trainer to develop an ongoing lesson plan to ensure that you and your dog's training needs are appropriately met.

6 sessions works best for most dogs and puppies to thoroughly learn good behaviors and for pet parents to establish a solid foundation of training techniques. This lets the trainer follow through on specific areas of training with an ongoing lesson plan that leads to consistent, reliable results. This is best for learning advanced tricks or for eliminating behavioral issues.

3 sessions is good for focusing on one or a few areas of training, whether it be loose-leash walking skills, preventing an unwanted behavior, or teaching a new puppy owner foundational dog-raising skills. The trainer will have some time to get to know your dog, overserve your lifestyle, and teach you ways to live a more harmonious life together.

1 session will allow our trainer to meet your dog, assess their home environment, and give you a basic understanding of how to reinforce positive behavior. The trainer may be able to to pinpoint certain areas of focus, or guide you to local resources for further assistance. Each additional lesson will reinforce skills, help prevent unwanted behavior, and strengthen the relationship between you and your dog.

10 sessions or more will guarantee that your dog will proof behaviors long-term, with little chance of regression. This allows for the solid establishment of fundamental skills and allows for advanced cues that lead to true obedience and reliability. This also gives time to learn complicated tricks like rolling over, jumping through hoops, and more!

Training at home allows us to see how your dog behaves in their natural environment. This promotes training with lasting results, and ensures that your dog feels confident even while the trainer is not present. We can address your specific needs based on the layout of your home, and offer practical advice that suits your lifestyle. We can train using the tools and furniture that your dog interacts with every day so that there is no regression or confusion, and to maximize the value of our training time.

We can also discuss following along with your dog's daily routine, whether that includes going for a walk or going to the dog park. We're here to guide you every step of the way!

No problem! You are hiring the trainer per hour, not per pet. That means that our lesson plans can be tailored to your specific needs. We can discuss how to train your dog in a multi-pet household, and work on skills that are realistic for your lifestyle. We can also discuss how to train dogs in a household with cats, small animals, and children.

Socialization is an important part of every dog's development, and interactions with diverse people and animals will teach your dog to be calm around other creatures. We can also teach your dog about individuality and politeness in the presence of other dogs, how to play appropriately, and how to avoid issues such as resource guarding.