Dog Defined LLC (dog training)

Ranked #1 in Lacey and #17 in Washington

5 Stars,21 Reviews
4212 Galena St SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Service area: Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Thurston County, and virtually worldwide.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Competition / Agility
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Basic Obedience
  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Resource Guarding
  • Fearfulness
  • Stealing Food
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Group Classes
  • In-Home
  • Day Training
  • Board and Train
  • Video Calls

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

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
  • Flat Collars
  • Martingale Collars

Dog Defined offers a variety of training programs tailored to different needs and preferences. Private training provides one-on-one, customized plans, starting with a 90-minute initial consult (in-home or virtual) followed by 60-minute follow-up lessons, including notes, resources, and unlimited support.

Group classes are held in-person at Avonlea Park in Lacey, covering “Manners Level 1” for adult dogs (16 weeks+) and “Super Puppy Skills” for puppies (8 weeks to 6 months), both utilizing positive reinforcement. Online classes are available globally via private Facebook groups, structured over 6 weeks with small class sizes, offering 2 months of access, instructor support, and video feedback for topics like loose leash walking and nail trims.

For intensive puppy training, “Puppy Camp” offers hands-on learning for challenges like biting, potty training, and leash walking, with personalized progress tracking and weekly Zoom calls. Additionally, Dog Defined provides virtual evaluations for AKC Trick and Virtual Home Manners titles, where clients submit videos for assessment.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

AKC Title testing evaluations cost $25 per title with a ribbon, $10 for evaluation only, or $20 for a ribbon only, plus $5.75 shipping. Puppy Camp pricing starts at $250 per day or $1500 per week. Initial Consults are 90-minute lessons, and follow-up lessons are 60 minutes, with package options available.

Testimonials

“Sarah Forde is an amazing trainer! We got our puppy, Rosie, at seven weeks old and we knew nothing about having a puppy. She helped us navigate having a puppy and what kind of behaviors to expect. She is so awesome!!!”
– Molly K.

“Sarah is a knowledgeable, patient, creative, and fun positive dog trainer and my pup loves her!!! I have been working with her for support with my very high end energy (and vocal) 2 year old German Shorthair Pointer since Mika was 4 months old. We have taken private lessons to work on a variety of issues including loose leash walking, recall and general manners. I highly recommend Sarah to anyone interested in having a great relationship with their dog!”
– Laura F.

“We adore teacher Sarah who has worked with both of our fur kids. She’s clear and loving. They both can’t wait to see her when it is school time and they always come away feeling good about themselves as Sarah is very successful at making training fun for them.”
– Felicia O.

About the Trainer

Dog Defined LLC is a dog training business led by Sarah, who is passionate about helping owners build the best possible relationship with their dogs through communication and trust. All training is customized to each dog’s unique needs. Sarah has been training professionally since 2016 and launched Dog Defined in 2019, continuously updating her skills by attending conferences and workshops like Clicker Expo.

The business is committed to using modern, science-backed methods, focusing on positive reinforcement with rewards for good behavior and management for unwanted behaviors, adhering to AVSAB’s guidelines for humane dog training. Dog Defined offers flexible scheduling, including mornings, evenings, weekdays, and weekends, and provides caring, individualized service. In addition to training, Dog Defined offers AKC Title testing evaluations and operates an online store selling dog-themed apparel and ribbons.

Accomplishments

Sarah has been training dogs professionally since 2016 and launched Dog Defined in 2019. She is committed to lifelong learning, regularly attending conferences and workshops such as Clicker Expo to stay current with modern dog training techniques. Sarah actively competes with her three border collies in various dog sports, including agility (AKC, USDAA, UKI), rally, barn hunt, disc, dock diving, and obedience. Her dog Quest achieved gold at the 2021 Barn Hunt NW Regionals and secured high placements at the 2022 UKI West Coast Open, Cynosports USDAA world games, and Barn Hunt Nationals.

How to Get Started!

To begin training, clients must schedule an Initial Consult. This 90-minute session, available in-home or via Zoom, involves getting to know the dog and owner, discussing goals and problems, building a customized training plan, and starting initial training. Clients receive session notes and a follow-up email with video and written resources, along with a specific homework plan. After the Initial Consult, clients can schedule consistent follow-up lessons, typically once per week, or enroll in Puppy Camp.

Dog Defined LLC (dog training) featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 8 Years Experience

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Evening

Associations

  • AKC
  • Accredited
  • LGBTQ-owned
  • Women-owned
  • wheelchair accessible parking
  • LGBTQ-friendly
  • transgender safespace

Other Services Offered

  • Pet supply store
  • Pet trainer

Location

4212 Galena St SE, Lacey, WA 98503