Mellow Hound

Mellow Hound offers tiered training programs starting with a consultation. The Foundations Program builds basic engagement and obedience. The Life Skills Program reinforces real-world reliability. The Behavior Program addresses fear, aggression, and reactivity with structured progression from home to community. The Structured Socialization program is an intensive 8-week, twice-weekly plan for reactivity, using controlled exposure on private property before transitioning to public settings. All programs include personalized weekly plans, written protocols, and weekday trainer support.

Pricing Summary

Consultation: $185 for 1.5–2 hours. Single sessions: $135. Foundations Program: $520 (4 sessions). Life Skills Program: $750 (6 sessions). Behavior Program: $960 (8 sessions). Structured Socialization (reactivity): $2,000 (16 sessions over 8 weeks). Follow-up coaching: $240 (3 sessions). All programs include written plans and email support.

Policies

Consultation cancellations: No fee if canceled 48+ hours in advance. 50% fee if canceled 24–48 hours prior. Full fee charged for cancellations under 24 hours or no-shows. Emergency exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Mellow Hound is a certified dog training business based in Sequim and Port Angeles, Washington, offering personalized, positive reinforcement-based training for dogs of all ages. Founder Sam Henderson, a graduate of the Peninsula School for Dog Trainers, specializes in behavior modification, puppy raising, rescue support, and foster home transitions. Her approach focuses on understanding the root causes of behavior, using engaging, game-based methods to build confidence and strengthen the human-dog bond. Services include in-home consultations, one-on-one coached sessions, and structured programs designed for reactivity, leash walking, recall, and impulse control. Sam provides detailed written plans and weekday email support to ensure progress between sessions, and she partners with local rescue organizations like WAG and Everett Animal Shelter to support dogs in transition.

Mellow Hound’s training takes place either in the client’s home or on their private property, offering safe, controlled environments for exposure work. The business emphasizes compassion, clarity, and long-term results over quick fixes, making it ideal for families, reactive dogs, and rescue owners seeking gentle, effective training.

Sam’s background includes a prior career in cancer research, which informs her detail-oriented, evidence-based approach to behavior change. She continues her education with advanced courses in aggression and reactivity from experts like Michael Shikashio and Meagan Karnes.

Accomplishments

Sam Henderson graduated from the Peninsula School for Dog Trainers (PSDT-A certified) in 2022. She completed advanced training in aggression in dogs (Michael Shikashio, 2024) and behavioral toy play and reactivity (Meagan Karnes, 2023). She is recommended by Welfare for Animals Guild (WAG) and Everett Animal Shelter.

How to Get Started!

New clients must book a 1.5–2 hour consultation first. After booking, clients receive a dog behavior questionnaire to complete beforehand. The consultation includes an in-home or agreed-location assessment, goal setting, foundational skill coaching, and a written plan with program recommendations.