Diane Garrod
is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a minor in Journalism. She has been writing, speaking and teaching in one form or another for over twenty years. Diane has a keen interest in communication between humans and animals and specializes in dogs and reactivity. She has been training dogs part-time since she was 18 years old.
Diane is a Certified Tellington Practitioner (P1) and is a Clicker Professional training parrots, dogs and other companion animals. Diane believes strongly in constantly continuing training and studying positive reward-based training. She has attended and held workshops with trainers such as Kathy Sdao’s “Cujo vs. Pavlov” focusing on leash aggression; Brenda Aloff on Aggression in Dogs; Kathy Cascade on S.A.N.E. Solutions for Extreme Dog Behavior; and Pia Silvani on Dogs and Aggression. Diane has worked with aggressive dogs her entire career as dog trainer since 1971. Her very first reactive dog was a black cocker spaniel with dog human reactivity and what would be known today as rage syndrome. Diane had a special understanding with this dog “Lady” and got her first taste of training a reactive dog, a fourth grade companion, and has built on this talent over the years. It was the start of a unique understanding and communication with reactive aggressive behavior.
Diane grew up with dogs and training. Her father was a K9 Corps trainer and competed in Schutzhund with German Shepherds and dinnertime conversation resonated animals. At one point she had two monkeys, several hamsters, rabbits, cats, and 7 dogs. She always has had a German Shepherd in her life until now. Her breed of choice today is the Belgian Tervuren and she currently owns two, Kody and Chancellor.
Her Belgian Tervuren, Chancellor came into her life, a genetically reactive and challenged male. While wonderful, responsive, Chancellor has grown, matured and become a wonderful dog with decreased reactive tendencies. The journey is not yet done, as Chancellor excels in tracking, herding and Rally-O. When Diane realized Chancellor was reactive to humans she decided to train him with positive reward-based methods despite the advice of other trainers, breeders, friends. Diane uses the same respect and gentle approach in her training of dogs and their people.
Diane is active on the Island with the “Love On A Leash” Pet Assisted Therapy Program, and shows in conformation, and Rally-O. Recently, Diane worked seven days at Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah in the Parrot Garden, showing staff how to do ttouch with parrots and clicker training. She adopted a Mitred Conure, Paco. Diane is also a moderator of Melissa Alexander’s popular discussion list “Clicker Solutions”. Melissa Alexander is author of “Click For Joy” and Clicker Solutions is one of the most popular clicker lists with the largest membership online today.
Diane lives on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound just north of Seattle, Washington in a little town called Langley. Langley is fondly named “Village By the Sea” and paradise to Diane, her husband, two Belgian Tervurens and a parrot. She trains on the island, as well as with her mobile unit in a 50-mile radius.
Training Philosophy
Diane believes in constant continuance of education for dog trainers and especially in learning the tools and techniques of positive training reactive dogs. She believes there is never a need for pain devices and believes creating trust is the key to transforming an animal. Learning how to communicate with your dog is the key to understanding and training.
Services
Diane Garrod offers a variety of dog training services, including:
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Private Classes:
Available Monday through Thursday from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Openings can be found in the class schedule, which changes weekly.
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Group Classes:
Currently limited to four dogs and must be pre-approved as class ready candidates. Classes are held twice per week and include:
- Puppy Socialization and Manners I and II
- Basic Cues and Manners
- Intermediate Cues and Manners
- Advanced Cues and Manners
- Super Dog Finishing Class
- Competitive Rally-O
- Competition Obedience
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Learning Labs:
90-minute to 2-hour one-time subjects pertaining to various subjects on training, living with, communicating with, or working with your dog. Topics might include:
- Back Packing with my Dog
- Clicker Training Introduction
- The Power of Clicker and Tellington Touch Method of Training
- Communicating with my Dog
- Why Does My Dog Do That?
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Mobile Unit:
Covers a fifty-mile radius for private classes.
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Reactive Dog Class:
For those completing a series of private sessions, allowing their dog to be in an environment where several other dogs will be involved. There are three levels to this class, and it costs $250 for six weeks.
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Recall Class:
Owners work on one thing – Coming When Called. Reliability and voice control are key to learning in this class.
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Seminars:
One to three-hour labs offered periodically throughout the year on various topics.
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TTouch:
The Tellington TTouch Method is a unique approach to animal training and care developed by internationally known author and teacher, Linda Tellington-Jones. The foundation of this method is a specific form of body work known as TTouch, which induces a state of relaxation and increased body awareness in animals and people alike.
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Workshops:
Two to three-day workshops on various topics with various speakers.
Certifications
Certified Tellington Practitioner (P1), Clicker Professional
Specializations
Reactive dogs, dog-dog reactivity, dog-human reactivity, dog-sound reactivity, jumping, pulling, digging, barking, chasing, wandering, Rally-O, Obedience, companion dogs, puppy socialization, manners, basic cues, intermediate cues, advanced cues, loose leash walking, heeling, tricks training, impulse control, recalls, Tellington Touch Method of Training, clicker training
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement only, clicker training, Tellington Touch Method of Training, classical conditioning, counter conditioning, desensitization methods
Customer Reviews
Diane is extraordinarily skilled at working with dogs and their people. Thanks to Diane, Lucca is a much happier dog and we are a much happier family.
- R.W.
Clinton, Washington
The changes I’ve seen so far in Leo are more than I expected in the three weeks. Can’t wait for more changes.
- T.B.
Langley, Washington
Diane is a great teacher as well as a trainer. She has knowledge of dog behavior and is also ‘human friendly’ so she communicates well with both! Diane always seems happy to see my dog.
- C.J. and Ponder
Clinton, Washington
I have had the pleasure of working with Diane Garrod during the past year (2004/2006) while she’s been in training to become a Tellington TTouch Practitioner.
- Cindy Van Vleet
Diane clearly loves working with dogs and has enthusiasm to face challenges and to help other dog owners find the strength and the commitment to do so as well.
- Jennifer White
Thank you so much for your outstanding teaching. The homework plans are very thorough. I know you must spend a lot of time personalizing them.
- J.V.
Diane, you are truly blessed to have such a gift for understanding dogs and being able to help them. I am amazed and awed and so grateful for your help with Murphy.
- Janice
Mount Vernon, Washington
We adopted Vera, a 2.5 year old German Shepherd, 6 months ago.
- K.M.
Bellingham, Washington
Thank you for everything you are doing for my dog and me. We LOVE our training and she has been a different dog These past couple of weeks.
- Kirkland
Kirkland, Washington
I don’t know where I’d be without you, Diane – who knows. Clicker training has changed my life and my approach to both domestic animals and humans.
- N.L.
Sedro Woolley, Washington
I was able to handle the veterinarian visit with Jai with another dog there. I had tools to use in another real life situation.
- V.F.
Clinton, Washington
After TTouch, I have been able to take Chelsea back to the dog park with comments from friends (who have no idea that we are practicing Ttouch on her) that she has mellowed, become accepting of all dogs.
- W.K.
Langley, Washington
The results of Ttouch has been Oliver’s acceptance of older puppies and adult dogs and wonderful improvements on the grooming table, which is so much of a poodle’s life.
- W.K.
Langley – Langley, WA
Belle is our 65lb. Lab/Shepherd Mix now 3 yrs. Old. My daughter brought her home to us when she was 5 months old.
- D. Ayers
Bellingham, WA
Christopher is more tuned into us in low-distraction environments. Even when he reacts the time he’s ‘out of his mind’ is less. You are a wonderful, patient instructor. You are very good at explaining what needs to be done and how to do it. Christopher and I are so thankful to have found you.
- S.K.
Arlington, Washington
We have learned more from Diane than any other dog trainer I have ever encountered. Her knowledge of canine is deep and well -rounded.
- Rocky and Susan Knickerbocker
Freeland, WA
