Pawsitive Dog Training School
Service area: Serves Bellingham, WA and surrounding areas in Whatcom County, including nearby communities within the Pacific Northwest region.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Resource Guarding
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Private lessons offer one-on-one training tailored to the dog’s personality and goals, addressing obedience and behavior issues. Group classes include Basic Obedience and Competition Dog Sport training for rally, agility, and obedience trials. Board & Train programs are intensive, 2- to 3-week immersive programs conducted at their 9-acre facility, focusing on foundational obedience, off-leash reliability, and behavior rehabilitation. All programs include homework and follow-up sessions to ensure long-term success at home.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website. Clients are encouraged to book a free consultation to discuss individual needs and receive customized pricing for private lessons, group classes, or board & train programs.
Testimonials
Amazingly skilled and loving trainers! Thank you Shea, Jess, Amanda and all staff! Your work is proof that old dogs CAN learn new tricks! My pups – age 5 and 7 – are enjoying a whole new world with calm energy, obedience, predicable and controllable movements, and lots more options for hiking and fun together! So many places that used to be off-limits to us because of their uncontrolled leash pulling and aggression are now open for us to explore!
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We are quite pleased with Shea after we did the board & train for our dog, Eddie. He needed work on his resource guarding and basic obedience. Shea introduced us to the E-collar, which has helped us manage Eddie’s reactivity and commands, and it’s helped us work with Eddie in high stress situations. Since he’s been home with us, we’re continuing our training with him. Eddie is doing great!.
I also appreciated Shea’s kindness and compassion toward Eddie while he was with him. It was clear that Eddie really likes Shea.
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My young pup (German Shepherd and white Lab mix) was needing consistent training-something my partner and I tried to dedicate time to. Being a hyper pup, Shea has been instrumental in helping her (and us!) learn new tricks. Shea is knowledgeable, personable and so very patient. We opted for the two week board and train and it has been SO INCREDIBLY helpful. Not only does our baby have the basics instilled-she walks more confidently and is way more responsive than before. We have a long way to go-Shea is definitely our go to for training! Highly suggest Shea and the amazing work he does!
About the Trainer
Pawsitive Dog Training School is a professional dog training business based in Bellingham, WA, offering customized training solutions for dogs of all ages and backgrounds. Founded by Shea Hughes-Gorman, a certified balanced trainer with over 17 years of hands-on experience, the school provides private lessons, group classes, and intensive board & train programs at their 9-acre facility. They specialize in building lasting obedience, addressing behavioral issues like reactivity, resource guarding, and leash pulling, and preparing dogs for competition sports such as obedience, rally, and agility. The business is closely linked with Puget Hound, offering integrated pet services including daycare, boarding, and grooming. Their approach combines science-based methods with compassionate, individualized training to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
Trainers Shea Hughes-Gorman and Jessica Webb are both certified professionals with advanced training credentials and extensive experience in behavior modification and performance sports. They offer tailored programs for puppies, rescue dogs, and advanced learners, with ongoing support through follow-up sessions and home homework assignments. Their facility-based training ensures a structured, distraction-free environment for effective learning.
Pawsitive Dog Training School is recognized as the Best Dog Trainer in Bellingham Alive Magazine’s “Best of the Northwest” awards, reflecting community trust and proven results. They emphasize transparency, communication, and long-term success, helping families achieve calm, confident, and well-mannered companions at home and in public spaces.
Accomplishments
Shea Hughes-Gorman holds a Master Course certification from the Starmark School for Professional Dog Trainers and has over 17 years of hands-on training experience. He is the owner of Puget Hound, voted Best Doggie Daycare and Best Dog Boarding Kennel in Bellingham Alive Magazine’s “Best of the Northwest.” Pawsitive Dog Training School was voted Best Dog Trainer in the same awards. Shea was mentored by renowned trainers Joan Fetty and Rosemary Jorgenson and co-reopened their training school in 2019.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients can book a free behavioral consultation with Shea or Jessica via phone, email, or text. During the consultation, trainers assess the dog’s needs, discuss goals, and recommend the most suitable program—private lessons, group class, or board & train.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
6am-6:30pm
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
- Pet boarding service
- Pet groomer
- Pet trainer
Location
1997 Harmony Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226Listing Tools for Trainers
For Pawsitive Dog Training School Only
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