Notre Dog Academy

Notre Dog Academy offers various training programs. Day School involves a flexible daily schedule for up to 5 dogs, including socialization, play, individual and group training, and enrichment activities, with nap times. They emphasize that owners must participate in training for generalization. Preschool is a one-hour play group for puppies aged 9 weeks to 6 months, monitored by a certified trainer to ensure safe and appropriate socialization. They also offer 6-week obedience group classes, private lessons, workshops on specific subjects, and canine behavior consulting and modification.

Pricing Summary

Preschool sessions are $27 per puppy per session, with packages of multiple dates available at a discount (e.g., 4 Preschool sessions for $88). An extra fee may apply for early drop-off or late pick-up for day school, and for administering medications. Specific pricing for other services like private lessons and group training can be viewed on their website.

Policies

Cancellations for services must be made 3 business days in advance (Monday through Friday) to guarantee no loss of paid credits. If unable to make a scheduled day, there are no refunds. To change a scheduled day, clients must do so at least two business days in advance or forfeit their purchase, and availability for the desired new day is not guaranteed. For phone calls, they only return calls if a voicemail is left.

Notre Dog Academy is a dog training and day school located in Tacoma, WA, committed to solving dog behavior problems. They offer a variety of services including private lessons, day school, workshops, structured puppy playdates (Preschool), and 6-week obedience group classes. They also provide canine behavior consulting and modification, as well as comprehensive training programs for all ages.

The academy emphasizes a science-based, positive reinforcement approach, adhering to the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive Effective Behavior Intervention Policy (LIMA). Their certified trainers are assessed by third-party international organizations and have completed PetSaver™ Pet CPR, First Aid & Care courses. A unique aspect of Notre Dog Academy is its commitment to environmental sustainability, being the first certified eco-friendly dog training center in the Puget Sound Area.

For day school, dogs participate in a flexible schedule that includes socialization, play, individual and group training, and enrichment activities, with a maximum of 5 dogs per day. They incorporate nap times to prevent over-tiredness and teach containment. While they train dogs, they stress that owners must also put in the work for generalization of behaviors. They also run the Ethical Pet Care Alliance, a non-profit organization aimed at creating a trusted network of ethical pet professionals in the south Puget Sound area.

Accomplishments

Stephanie Beausoleil, owner, is a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) and Certified Pet Dog Training Instructor-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) since 2015, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She interned at Prison Pet Partnership for 3 years, training mobility service dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs. Jean Whitehead, CBCC-KA, graduated from Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management Program and has been helping families since 1994, with experience in zoos, aquariums, and TV/movie work. Gabz Puz, CPDT-KA, has worked professionally with dogs for over seven years and earned her certification in 2019. John Amadeo, KPA CTP, has 32 years of professional teaching, coaching, mentoring, and training experience, and is working towards his CPDT-KA. The academy is the first certified eco-friendly dog training center in the Puget Sound Area by EnviroStars. All certified trainers have completed the PetSaver™ Pet CPR, First Aid & Care course.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can enroll online. They can also book a free 15-minute Zoom info session with the owner. For general inquiries, text or email is preferred, and messages will be responded to when a volunteer is available.