Diamonds In the Ruff #2

Diamonds in the Ruff offers positive group classes for families that start monthly, year-round. Sessions are 4 weeks long, with each class lasting 1.5 hours, once per week. Beginning classes are selected based on the dog’s age at the start date: Puppy Preschool (under 4.5 months), Puppy Kindergarten (under 6 months), or Beginning (6 months to adult of any age).

Puppies can begin as soon as their veterinarian provides a permission slip. The “Beginning all ages” and Puppy classes share the same curriculum and homework, allowing families with both new puppies and adult dogs to attend together. All beginning-level students progress to the Intermediate Prep class, and after completing intermediate, they can move on to advanced classes.

The first week of beginning classes is an orientation for human handlers only, with pups staying home, though demo dogs may be needed. Dogs join starting week two. Class sizes are limited to 8 dogs with two instructors to ensure personalized attention. Training takes place in a cozy, homelike studio with warm floors and settle-down mats, encouraging whole family participation. In good weather, outdoor practice for door manners and leash work occurs on sidewalks and at Emerson Park. Many advanced classes are held in a safely fenced outdoor training field.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are $175 for a four-week session, 1.5 hours once per week. Discount packages are available.

Diamonds in the Ruff offers kind and gentle training for pets and their families, focusing on positive reinforcement methods. They provide positive classes for whole families, welcoming well-behaved kids. Class sessions are four weeks long, with each class lasting 1.5 hours, once per week.

The business was opened in 1996 by Carol and Dana Byrnes with the goal of providing positive, dog and people-friendly training. Their instruction aims to help students understand how dogs learn and view the world, not just the mechanics of training. They teach students to train their dogs a few minutes at a time within their normal lives, providing tools to help dogs become the best friends they can be.

Diamonds in the Ruff operates as a “force free” and “fear free” zone, adhering to the LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) principle. They do not condone or allow painful training collars or setting dogs up to fail for corrections. Their focus is on teaching and strengthening appropriate behavior by “catching them doing it right” and rewarding good behavior.

They offer group classes and private lessons for dogs of all ages and their families. Limited classes are also available at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile on South Hill. The instructors strive to build communication and a satisfying relationship based on mutual respect and trust through kind and gentle training, emphasizing that training should be fun and build confidence.

The business supports scientifically-based methods of training and behavior modification, promoting interactions with animals based on compassion, respect, and scientific evidence. They work closely with area rescue organizations, occasionally providing foster care and rehabilitation for dogs with special needs. Carol Byrnes is also involved with the Pawsitive Dog Prison Training Program at the Airway Heights Corrections Center, where offenders train shelter dogs for adoptability.

Instructors also teach Pet Therapy Skills classes and evaluate teams for Pet Partners. Some instructors offer in-home behavior consultations and day training. Carol Byrnes has a background in humane education, pet-assisted therapy programs, and has authored and illustrated dog training materials, including a PowerPoint series on canine communication. The business has been voted “Best Dog Trainers” in Spokane multiple times by local publications.

Accomplishments

Diamonds in the Ruff has been making tails wag since 1996. Owners Carol A. Byrnes and Dana L. Byrnes are Certified Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) since 2004. Carol has been involved with dog training and showing since 1974, assisting since 1977, and teaching since 1978. Dana began instructing in 1989. Carol was awarded the Ken-L-Ration Medal for Good Sportsmanship in 1994.

Carol initiated the first pet-assisted therapy programs in Spokane hospitals in 1991, with her whippet Rio being the first dog to enter a Spokane hospital in 1992. She served as a certified Pet Partners evaluator until 2001. Carol also worked as a humane education director for SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. for 32 years (1984-2016), presenting bite safety seminars and speaking at conferences. She is an illustrator for dog training publications, including award-winning video covers.

Carol’s PowerPoint presentation “What is My Dog Saying?” was released as a CD in 2008 and is part of the curriculum for the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy. Her dog, Stanley, appeared in Lifetime movie productions “The Family Holiday” (2007) and “Falling Up” (2007). Diamonds in the Ruff, along with Carol and Dana Byrnes, have been voted “Best Dog Trainers” in Spokane by The Inlander (2011) and KREM’s Best in Spokane (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014), and also in the A-List competition. Several other instructors also hold CPDT-KA certification, and Taryn Winegardner is an IAABC-ADT.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients should choose their desired class from the online schedule and then complete the online registration form. Payment can be made online, by mail, or by dropping off a check or cash at the training studio. Prior to attending class, a Veterinary Permission Slip must be downloaded, printed, and signed by the veterinarian, as puppies may begin as soon as vet permission is granted. Additionally, an online Student Profile form needs to be filled out to provide information about the client and their dog. The first week of beginning classes is an orientation for human handlers only, with dogs joining from week two.