After completing a B.A. in Zoology at the University of Washington in 2003, Judy Bardsley started professionally walking, running, caring for, boarding and training dogs while raising two daughters. After years of part time professional experience training and caring for dogs, Judy was accepted into the Professional Dog Trainer certification program with Karen Pryor Academy, which she completed with distinction. Judy went on to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, through the internationally recognized Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. In addition to experience, Judy strongly values current research, education, training and certification in this evolving field, and she continues to add to her own body of knowledge and experience through continuing education, including her most recent certification as a Fear Free Training Professional through the Fear Free Organization, and completion of Behaviorwork’s Living and Learning with Animals course.
Training Philosophy
“Redirecting unwanted behavior by asking for and reinforcing wanted behavior is much more enjoyable than punishment for both people and their dogs, and so it works better.”
My training philosophy is based upon scientifically proven positive reinforcement training methods, including clicker, or marker training. Reinforcers can include treats, toys, playtime, praise, and anything else your pup LOVES. Of course it all starts with the basics: good food, secure home with a warm place to settle, plenty of people and dog socialization and respectful affection. I teach dog people the importance of physical exercise for their pups including walks, chew time and play time as well as mental exercise, such as training, games and puzzles.
Redirecting unwanted behavior by asking for and reinforcing wanted behavior is much more enjoyable than punishment for both people and their dogs, and so it works better. Training our four-legged friends is framed within consistent, kind and respectful treatment which they love, and which earns their trust. When they love training, and they trust us, they are engaged, focused, and ready to be, go, and train with us anytime. They are well mannered and relaxed in the home; confident and calm on walks, around other people and dogs, and are much easier and more enjoyable to live with.
Services
Happy Pup Training offers positive reinforcement dog training classes and private dog training services in the Anacortes, North Whidbey, La Conner, and Mount Vernon areas. We also offer online video conferencing options for private and group coaching sessions.
Dog Training Classes
- Puppy Start Right Preschool Program
- Basic Manners 1
- Basic Manners 2
- A.K.C. Canine Good Citizen Test Prep Class
- Doggy Quaren-Tricks & Enrichments Zoom Sessions!
Private Dog Training
- Puppy Start Right Preschool
- Private Day Training
- Private Coaching
Other Services
- Initial Consultation Session
- Online Video Conferencing Classes
Certifications
Judy Bardsley, BA, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
- B.A. in Zoology from the University of Washington
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
- Fear Free Training Professional
- Certified American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen trainer and evaluator
Specializations
Puppy training, socialization, leash manners, anti-jumping, recall, basic manners, anxiety issues (dogs, people, separation), tricks, enrichment
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement training methods, including clicker, or marker training. Reinforcers can include treats, toys, playtime, praise, and anything else your pup LOVES.
Customer Reviews
“Truly, Judy is one in a million! We loved she came to our home to meet our dogs in their environment and watched them function within our family dynamics to access individual training needs. Within minutes of the initial greeting our incredibly spunky puppy was miraculously sitting and then shortly after in a down position with her positive training approach. She has a unique train/play philosophy to keep the dog’s attention during each session. We were amazed with the connection she had with our dogs, knowledge, support and professionalism. Honestly, our puppy sits by the front door and waits for her when she leaves after the session. We are fortunate to have crossed paths with Judy and highly recommend her.”
- Katie and Brad Reading
“I worked with Judy in private sessions with my challenging standard poodle puppy. We had multiple sessions together and, with her alone working with my pup. She was very knowledgeable and skillful especially with a number of puppy difficulties. She was easy to work with and communicated well with me and especially with the puppy. Her way with dogs is gentle, magical. She was one of the best trainers I have worked with in my many years of having dogs.”
— Helen, Oak Harbor
“Judy Bardsley worked with our two Shiloh Shepherd puppies for two months. They presented quite a challenge because there were two to train. Judy’s “Happy Pup Training” was well organized and she gave us a “Reminder for Happy Pup Training” at the end of each session. Her training is based on kindness and lots of rewards/treats. She understands the markers in doggie body language for their mood and temperament. For example she knew Rainbow did not want to be petted at first so she gradually built up the level of trust between them.
Her techniques are consistent and based on years of study and education. She also did a great job with her human trainees. That might be her biggest success, training the humans how to interact correctly with their dog. She went the extra mile for us and we recommend her highly. She knows her stuff!”
— Judy and Wayne Thompson
“Just as if we brought home a new baby, we discovered that we knew nothing about having a puppy. Fortunately for us, we soon found Judy Bardsley to train us. Her system works! Daisy was soon sitting, lying down, coming and going to her “place” on command. She stopped whining and crying in her kennel. She’s getting good at walking on a leash without pulling. Everywhere we take her, people comment on how well behaved she is. We were able to avoid ruining our little sweetie, even though she has a bit of a stubborn streak. Now when that shows up, we strap on a treat bag, get out the clicker and put her through a training session. She’s soon back to that lovable, playful and happy Daisy that is a joy to be around.”
— Annie Johnson
“We recommend Judy’s training at home because our whole family was able to learn the best ways to have our dog behave. She could see how we live and our challenges with space, time, and kids coming and going. Judy was able to give us several great tools that we have incorporated into our daily lives. Our dog, Bailey was eager to please Judy because she expects good behavior and ignores bad. We look forward to taking more classes with Judy.”
— Carrie Worra
“I’ve know Judy for a few years now and found her to be the kindest and most patient of souls. With the dogs and with the owners! She always makes a nice, effective connection with both.”
— D. Exley, retired dog trainer
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