InStep Dog Training
Service area: Snohomish, WA
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Competition / Agility
- Family Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Basic Obedience
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Sporting
- Herding
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
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
InStep Dog Training offers group classes and private lessons. Group classes include Beginning Novice, designed for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months old, providing a foundation for novice, open, and utility exercises using treats, toys, and games.
Novice classes cover all novice exercises and introduce the first steps of open and utility exercises. Open and Utility classes focus on all open and utility exercises, with continued work on heeling, fronts, and finishes. Private lessons are tailored to address specific issues a dog and handler team may be experiencing. Additionally, Jennifer teaches Pet Obedience and Nosework classes.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Group classes are offered via a punch card system, with 6 classes for $175, effective January 1, 2024. Private lessons are priced at $80 per hour.
Testimonials
“I have been taking classes from Sharon for a little over a year now. I enjoy the low-keyed approach letting each of us aim for our different goals. Sharon’s approach is very down-to-earth backed up by proven common sense positive techniques.”
– John Cox UDX, RAE2
“I never thought I’d get back into competitive obedience training again…..and LOVE it so much! I’ve enjoyed training with Sharon for the past three years. She is such a kind, thoughtful and caring person. I’m always amazed at Sharon’s level of expertise, attention to detail and patience with everyone! I have learned so much about my relationship and teamwork with my dog, I would highly recommend Sharon Colvin at In-Step Dog Training for anyone, at any level, wanting to learn in a fun, friendly and positive place.”
– Deb Pampiks UDX, Rally Novice
“Sharon employs training methods that are fair to the dog, and that help to build precision and consistency. She recognizes that a single method won’t work for every team, and is not afraid to try new things. Mostly Sharon makes training fun! Her proofing methods challenge the dog (and handler!) to think, but they’re done in a way that feels more like a game than a test, which minimizes the stress and maximizes learning and enjoyment. As an example, I love how Etta’s eyes shine when she demonstrates her commitment to retrieve, despite Sharon laying on the floor, hiding her dumbbell! You can almost hear her saying “I can do it, I can do it… HA-HA! – showed you two!” Both Etta & I appreciate Sharon’s approach to obedience!”
– Jill Petersen UD, TDX, RE, ME (master earthdog!)
About the Trainer
InStep Dog Training, led by Sharon Colvin, specializes in competition obedience training for dogs and handlers. Sharon’s career began at age 11, training in 4-H, and she started showing in AKC obedience in the early 1970s. Her primary focus is on obedience, but she has also competed and titled in rally, agility, freestyle, dressage, dock diving, and field.
The business aims to help students achieve their obedience competition goals, from perfect scores to simply gaining confidence in the ring, while emphasizing fun and consistency. Training incorporates games to instill a love of learning in both dogs and handlers. Jennifer also teaches pet obedience and nosework classes.
Accomplishments
Sharon Colvin began her dog training career at age 11 and started showing in AKC obedience in the early 1970s. Most of her Golden Retrievers have earned a place in the Obedience Hall of Fame with the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA).
She has earned 3 Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) titles with multiple High in Trial (HIT) and High Combined (HC) awards. Her dog Chilly achieved 6 perfect 200 scores and earned his Obedience Grand Master (OGM) title in August 2013, becoming the 79th OGM of all breeds and the first in Washington State. Chilly was also 1st runner up at the 2013 National Obedience Invitational. Sharon has competed and titled in various dog sports including rally, agility, freestyle, dressage, dock diving, and field.
How to Get Started!
To schedule private lessons, clients are instructed to call or e-mail InStep Dog Training for appointments.
Contact Information
Associations
- AKC
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Location
19625 99th Ave SE, Snohomish, WA 98296Listing Tools for Trainers
For InStep Dog Training Only
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