Paws Down Pets Dog Training

Training is offered in progressive 5-week group classes: Perfect Puppy (9–16 weeks), Junior Puppy (4–7 months), Good Dog (8+ months), Super Star (prerequisite required), Out and About (prerequisite required), Canine Good Citizen (4-week course ending with 5th-week test), and Scent-Sational K9. Private sessions and in-home day training are available for customized needs. All programs focus on positive reinforcement, behavior problem solving, and building owner-dog communication. Handouts are provided after each class to reinforce learning at home.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are $155 for a 5-week session. Private in-home or studio sessions are $95/hour; phone or Zoom sessions are $85/hour. In-home day training starts at $450 for 5 sessions (2 visits/week). Canine Good Citizen class includes testing fee but not certificate mailing fee.

Policies

Classes require a deposit to secure a spot; deposits must be received within one week of sign-up if mailing. Cancellation policy is referenced but not detailed in content. Private sessions and day training require scheduling via contact form or phone.

Paws Down Pets Dog Training is a dog training business based in Vancouver, WA, led by Julie, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with a CPDT-KA certification. They specialize in positive reinforcement training methods to help dog owners build strong, trusting relationships with their pets. Services include small-group classes (4–5 dogs per class) held at Orchards Feed Mill, private in-home or studio sessions, and in-home day training packages where trainers work with the dog while the owner is away. Classes are structured by age and skill level: Perfect Puppy (9–16 weeks), Junior Puppy (4–7 months), Good Dog (8+ months), Super Star, Out and About, Canine Good Citizen (AKC CGC), and Scent-Sational K9 scent detection. All classes include take-home handouts and ongoing support via email. Julie emphasizes understanding canine behavior, building confidence, and solving common issues like leash pulling, barking, biting, potty training, and reactivity. The business also offers phone and Zoom consultations for remote clients.

Julie has been training dogs since 2016 and holds certifications from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and has experience working with rescue dogs, including those with trauma or fear-based behaviors. The facility is sanitized for puppy safety, and puppies do not need full vaccinations to enroll in the Perfect Puppy class. All training is rooted in fear-free, reward-based methods.

Additional services include video classes and event participation, but they do not offer grooming, boarding, walking, or pet supply sales.

Accomplishments

Julie is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with CPDT-KA certification, graduated with honors from Animal Behavioral College in 2016, and maintains recertification through annual continuing education. She helped develop three dog parks in Clark County and has trained rescue dogs to achieve AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. She is also certified in feline management and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact the business via phone or the online contact form to schedule an evaluation if they are unsure if group classes are suitable. New clients must create an account to register for classes. For private or in-home training, a consultation is recommended to assess needs before scheduling.