Let’s Talk Dogs #2

Ranked #4 in Olympia and #91 in Washington

4.8 Stars,5 Reviews
8410 30th Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98516

Service area: The primary training location is in Lacey, WA. Trials are also held in Rainier, WA. Dorothy Turley resides in Rochester, WA.

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
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Group Classes
  • Private Lessons
  • Private Facility

Program Formats

  • 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: 

  • Clickers
  • Food Rewards

Let’s Talk Dogs specializes in K9 Nose Work®, a scent detection activity for dogs, teaching handlers and dogs to work as a team using birch, anise, and clove odors in various environments (interiors, exteriors, vehicles, containers). Classes use positive methods to build the dog’s hunt drive and confidence, with dogs worked one at a time.

Foundation K9 Nose Work classes include Introduction to K9 Nose Work Level 1 & 2, focusing on independent hunting, odor obedience, handler observation, and orientation. These are followed by Introduction to Odor Level 1 & 2, which systematically introduce specific odors and refine handler reinforcement timing and strategy. Continuing Odor classes are for intermediate and advanced teams, expanding search areas and skills across all four elements, preparing teams for competition or continued enjoyment as a hobby.

Additionally, “The Basics Class” is offered for general obedience, covering behaviors such as sit, down, come, go to bed, name recognition, stay, leave it, loose leash walking, and beginning heeling. The business also hosts seminars, workshops, and official K9 Nose Work trials and Odor Recognition Tests (ORTs).

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Introduction to K9 Nose Work Level 1 and Level 2 classes are $200 per dog for 6 sessions each. Introduction to Odor Level 1 and Level 2 classes are also $200 per dog for 6 sessions each. Continuing Odor classes cost $180 per dog for 6 classes. Discounts are available for multiple dogs in Continuing Odor ($170 per dog) and Intro Nose Work/Odor ($190 per dog). Drop-in classes for established clients are $35.00 USD.

Policies

For K9 Nose Work classes, dogs are worked one at a time, and owners should plan to leave their dog in the car until their turn. Dogs with social issues are welcome, but prior discussion with the instructor is recommended. An auditing option is available for owners to attend class without their dog and practice exercises at home.

COVID-19 protocols include not attending class if sick or exposed, maintaining 6 feet distance, limiting lobby occupancy, not rearranging chairs, and frequent sanitization. Masks are welcome. Specific parking and dog toileting etiquette for the facility are outlined in a video and map provided to students.

About the Trainer

Let’s Talk Dogs, LLC, founded in 2004 by Dorothy Turley, specializes in positive, common sense training and management techniques that are friendly for both dogs and humans. These methods are versatile, applicable from basic training to competition work and addressing fear or aggression issues. The business primarily focuses on K9 Nose Work®, an activity designed to build strong, happy search teams.

The goal is to help dog owners and their dogs enjoy searching as a team, fostering a unique partnership and bond. K9 Nose Work® serves as an excellent physical and mental outlet for dogs, significantly increasing their confidence and helping them become better family and societal members. Let’s Talk Dogs also hosts educational seminars, workshops, and official K9 Nose Work trials and Odor Recognition Tests (ORTs).

While Dorothy Turley no longer offers private lessons directly, the business facilitates K9 Nose Work private lessons through Mary Oberson and refers clients to other trusted trainers for behavior help and general private lessons. Group classes are offered, including foundational and continuing K9 Nose Work classes, as well as “The Basics Class” for general obedience and manners. The training takes place at The Canine Co-op facility in Lacey, WA.

Accomplishments

Dorothy Turley has been training dogs since 1995 and founded Let’s Talk Dogs, LLC in 2004. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) since 2011. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and holds multiple roles with the National Association of Canine Nose Work (NACSW), including National Trial Coordinator and Trial Judge.

Dorothy has extensive experience, including assisting animal behaviorist Kathy Sdao and graduating from Bob Bailey’s Chicken Camp. She won the Dogwise John Fisher Essay award in 2007 and has taught at Nose Work camps across the US. She has competed with her own dogs in Nose Work, attending Nationals in Boston, MA, in 2017. Other instructors associated with the business include Rachelle Bailey-Austin (CNWI) and Mary Oberson (KPA CTP, Fear Free Certified), both with extensive experience in positive reinforcement training and various dog sports.

How to Get Started!

To begin K9 Nose Work, new clients typically start with the Introduction to K9 Nose Work Level 1 & 2 classes, followed by Introduction to Odor Level 1 & 2. Registration forms are available online to sign up for classes or to be notified of new class schedules. For continuing K9 Nose Work classes, clients are advised to contact an instructor to determine the appropriate class level and check for space availability before registering. For “The Basics Class” or other general training inquiries, clients are directed to contact Rachelle Bailey-Austin via email or phone. A general contact form is also available on the website.

Let’s Talk Dogs #2 featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 29 Years Experience

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Certifications

  • CPDT-KA
  • KPA-CTP
  • Credentialed

Associations

  • APDT
  • Accredited

Languages

  • English
  • wheelchair accessible entrance
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Location

8410 30th Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98516