Brown Dog U.

4.7 Stars,62 Reviews
11501-, 11599 142nd Ave Ct NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98329

Service area: Serves Gig Harbor, Washington and surrounding areas in Pierce and Kitsap Counties, within approximately 30 miles of 11501 142nd Avenue Court Northwest.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Competition / Agility

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Jumping on People
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Facility
  • Private Lessons
  • Board and Train

Program Formats

  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Giant
  • Sporting
  • Working
  • Terriers
  • Doodles

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Obstacle Courses

BDU offers beginner dock diving lessons starting in May, designed for dogs learning to swim and jump from the dock independently. Advanced competitors can enroll in season passes for ongoing training and preparation for NADD trials. Boarding includes daily group play, hikes, and swim sessions, with customized care based on temperament and needs. All programs are conducted by appointment with individualized instruction.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Pricing for dock diving lessons and boarding is available by appointment; no rate increases are planned for the year. Season passes for ultimate competitor lessons are available for purchase. Boarding is limited to ensure personalized care, with pricing structured for overnight stays and daily activities.

Policies

Appointments are required for all visits. Boarding is limited to ensure personalized care and compatibility among dogs. All guests undergo temperament testing prior to admission. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated on the website.

Testimonials

We LOVED this facility for our NADD distance jumping! We will be returning in the future to use the pool.

Took my 4 year old corgi out for a swim lesson. She swims in local rivers but only been in a pool a couple times. The instructor was wonderful. Very loving and encouraging. There was a big focus on helping my girl trust her life jacket and gain confidence in the pool. Historically she will only swim if I’m in the water too. At the end of the lesson she was asking us to toss the toy and leaping off the ramp independently! Highly suggest this place. Now I’m just sad I waited until the end of the warm season to try.

Kristie is an AWESOME trainer we used for dock diving. She has a critical eye to see what adjustments in dog placement, recall, and throwing need to occur for the dog to perform their best. New to the sport, in just 2 weeks time we got ready for our first competition with Kristie’s help!! And we earned Henry’s Dock Diving Master title. Best money I EVER spent on dog training.

About the Trainer

Brown Dog University (BDU) is a specialized dog training facility founded by Kristi Baird, a World Champion Trainer and multi-organization Hall of Fame handler, dedicated to canine dock diving and aquatic sports. BDU offers private and group training lessons for dogs of all skill levels—from beginners learning to swim and jump from the dock to advanced competitors preparing for NADD trials. The facility features a 33,000-gallon swimming pool and regulation-sized docks, providing a safe, controlled environment for dogs to build confidence and skills. In addition to dock diving, BDU offers premium pet boarding on 5.5 acres of countryside with group playtime, guided hikes, swim sessions, and cozy indoor accommodations, all overseen by a trainer with over 40 years of experience. All boarding guests undergo temperament testing to ensure a harmonious and stress-free experience.

BDU hosts multiple NADD-sanctioned dock diving events annually, including themed competitions like “Big Kahuna Canine Luau” and “Mutts Ahoy! Pirate Plunge,” allowing dogs to earn titles recognized by the American Kennel Club. Training emphasizes positive, encouraging methods tailored to each dog’s needs, with instructors focused on building trust, confidence, and performance. The facility operates by appointment only and provides personalized attention to every dog and handler.

Boarding and training services are designed to minimize separation anxiety and promote relaxation through a home-like setting with round-the-clock care and photo updates for owners.

Accomplishments

Founded by Kristi Baird, a World Champion Trainer and multi-organization Hall of Fame handler. BDU hosts official NADD dock diving trials and is recognized as a premier facility for canine aquatic sports. Dogs trained here have earned NADD titles recognized by the American Kennel Club.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must schedule an appointment to begin training or boarding services. Beginners can enroll in May dock diving lessons, while boarding reservations are made through the scheduling portal. An initial consultation is required to assess dog temperament and suitability for group activities.

Brown Dog U. featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 41+ Years Experience

  • Insured

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Associations

  • AKC
  • NADD

Languages

  • English

Other Services Offered

  • Pet boarding service

Location

11501-, 11599 142nd Ave Ct NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98329

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