Laughing Dogs Academy

Laughing Dogs Academy offers ongoing Sunday group classes year-round, with summer sessions held outdoors at Frog Holler Park and indoor classes during rainy seasons. Each group class includes guided playtime for puppies and small dogs, socialization exercises, and real-life training scenarios. Private lessons and intensive training are available for individualized needs. Programs include Puppy Primer, Walk and Train, behavior evaluations, and masters-level off-leash work. Training emphasizes voice control, recall, impulse control, and building trust through play and positive reinforcement. Clients receive homework hand signals and access to training videos and blogs to support weekly progress.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $225 for four sessions, with a bonus fifth class included. Mid-session enrollment is available at a prorated cost. Private lessons and specialized services like walk-and-train are offered but pricing details are not listed publicly; clients are directed to text for pricing information.

Policies

Group classes include a bonus class to accommodate missed sessions, ensuring clients do not lose their investment. Mid-session enrollment is allowed with prorated pricing. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated beyond this flexibility.

Laughing Dogs Academy is a dog training business based on Vashon Island, Washington, offering force-free, pain-free, and fear-free training focused on building a strong, positive relationship between dogs and their owners. They provide group classes, private lessons, and mini friend groups with an emphasis on real-life socialization, communication, and behavior modification. Classes are held outdoors at Frog Holler Park on Sundays at 10 AM during summer and indoors during rainy seasons. They welcome all dog ages and temperaments—including shy, reactive, anxious, and excitable dogs—and tailor training to individual needs. Their methods use positive reinforcement with treats, verbal praise, and play, phasing out food rewards as dogs master skills. They emphasize teaching dogs to earn freedom through reliable recall and impulse control. Additional services include walk-and-train sessions, pet sitting, dog walking, puppy primers, and behavior evaluations. The business is LGBTQIA-friendly and prioritizes compassion, respect, and accessibility, offering prorated fees and payment flexibility. Their philosophy centers on the idea that “you are your dog’s greatest prize” and that dogs don’t need to love everyone—they just can’t bite anyone.

The owner, Cayce Wallace, has been training since 1992, and staff include Shealyn, who specializes in shy and anxious dogs, and Ben, who supports clients with financial concerns. Training videos, blogs, and homework resources are available online to reinforce learning. They do not use prong, choke, or shock collars and focus on leash safety through voice and movement, not gear dependency.

Accomplishments

Cayce Wallace has been a professional dog trainer since 1992, with over 30 years of experience. The business has built a strong local reputation on Vashon Island through consistent community engagement, positive client outcomes, and a commitment to humane, science-based training methods.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to text 530-574-6646 to inquire about availability, schedule a private lesson, or discuss their dog’s specific needs before joining group classes.