Happy Dog Institute

Happy Dog Institute offers structured group classes divided by age and skill level: Puppy Primer (8–16 weeks), Puppy Life Skills (16–24 weeks), Adolescent & Adult Training, Behavior Modification, Advanced Training, and Dog Sports (agility, scent work, rally). They also offer Puppy Play Groups and Puppies About Town field trips. Private training is available for individualized support. All programs use positive reinforcement and are designed to build foundational skills, prevent behavior problems, and enhance the human-dog bond. Clients begin with a Class Placement Quiz to determine the best starting class.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $180 to $270 per session, with puppy packages priced at $450 (Bronze), $535 (Silver), and $720 (Gold). Private training is available but pricing details are not listed publicly. Class packages bundle multiple sessions for cost-effective, comprehensive training.

Happy Dog Institute is a dog training business based in Olympia, WA, that offers science-backed, positive reinforcement training for dogs of all ages. Founded in 2009 and expanding to their own facility in 2021, they provide both group classes and private training sessions tailored to individual needs. Their programs focus on building strong human-dog relationships through reward-based methods, with specialized offerings for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs. They specialize in puppy socialization, separation anxiety, fear-based behaviors, leash reactivity, and dog sports like agility and scent work. They also offer workshops, behavior modification classes, and continuing education for advanced students. Their team includes certified trainers with over 30 years of combined experience, and they emphasize understanding canine body language and behavior science.

They provide structured class packages that bundle multiple sessions for comprehensive training, such as the Puppy Bronze, Silver, and Gold packages, which cover foundational skills through adolescence. Their approach is designed to prevent future behavior problems and promote lifelong confidence and communication between dogs and owners. All training is conducted at their private facility by appointment only, and they offer a Class Placement Quiz to help new clients find the right starting point.

Accomplishments

Happy Dog Institute has been training dogs since 2009 and expanded to a dedicated facility in 2021. Their team includes co-owners Heather Ringwood (Director of Training) and Emma Holly (Director of Operations), with over 30 years of combined experience. They are recognized leaders in positive reinforcement training in Olympia, WA, and are aligned with current veterinary and behavior science standards, including the AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin by taking the online Class Placement Quiz to determine the appropriate class level. Afterward, they can register for group classes or inquire about private training through the website. All sessions are by appointment only.