Brush Up Training offers a variety of training classes, from basic to CGC certification, pooch parkour, games, and skills building/proofing exercises. New classes are added regularly. They employ positive methods, often utilizing clicker training to keep the learning experience enjoyable for everyone.

Private sessions are available to assist fearful or reactive dogs. The training equipment used includes basic leash and collar, with Gentle Leaders or Easy Walk harnesses as needed. No choke chains, pinch collars, shock collars, etc., are utilized.

The philosophy at Brush Up Training is centered around the belief that the relationship with animals should be the most crucial aspect of training and that it should be enjoyable for all involved. They primarily serve the Spokane area, with some classes offered in Chewelah.

With over 15 years of experience in teaching dog classes and working with various breeds and behavioral issues, their goal is to create positive experiences that encourage people to enjoy their dogs long after mastering the basics. The focus is on skills acquisition and proofing, mental and physical activity, and relationship building and enjoyment.

The trainer has assisted individuals with dogs having disabilities such as blindness, deafness, and even a blind/deaf dog, using creativity to develop desired behaviors. They also work with low to mid-level dog aggression and fear issues, drawing from their extensive involvement in animal rescue to address common issues faced by rescue pets.

In addition to dogs, Brush Up Training has experience with a variety of exotic species, including tigers, pumas, an African crested porcupine, coatimundi, Patagonian cavies, horses, and more. They particularly enjoy training with the clicker and have helped students improve their general training skills by offering a chicken training course.

Carolyn A. Martell

Carolyn is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) who has been training dogs for over 10 years using reward-based methods. She is a Spokane native who has volunteered in shelters, fostered for rescue, and competed in AKC obedience. Her journey into dog training began when she started volunteering at a shelter and befriended the shelter's trainer, becoming her assistant. This experience sparked her passion for training and behavior. She has dedicated herself to learning everything she could about dog training, attending seminars, devouring books and videos, and gaining hands-on experience while working towards her certification.

Training Philosophy

Carolyn is passionate about helping owners discover their dog's full potential. She believes in using positive reinforcement methods and creating a fun and enjoyable training experience for both the dog and the owner. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong bond between the dog and owner and provides personalized training plans tailored to each dog's unique needs and personality.

Services

• Private 1-1 Dog Training: In-person sessions in the client's home or a desired location. Tailored to the client's needs and pace. Single session: $165 card | $155 cash. 4-Week Package: $600 card | $550 cash.
  
• Online Private Dog Training: Virtual sessions over Zoom for clients outside Spokane or needing quick advice. Personalized training plans are emailed after 1-hour virtual consults. $75 - 30 minutes. $150 - 60 minutes (includes written training plan).
  
• Puppy Class: For puppies 8-18 weeks at the start of class. 4 consecutive weeks. $150 - 4 weeks of class.
  
• Puppy Play Group: Weekly 30-min puppy play group. $5 per session.
  
• Good Dog Classes: 3 different levels of 4-week classes focusing on good manners and obedience. Out & About classes are offered seasonally throughout Spokane. $150 - 4 weeks of class.
  
• Reactive Dog Class: Exclusive mini-class for dog-reactive dogs. 6 weeks. $245 - 6 weeks.

Certifications

Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)

Specializations

Obedience training, puppy training, reactivity training, behavior modification

Training Methods

Positive reinforcement, reward-based training, clicker training

Customer Reviews

• Millie: “Thank you so much for the great training session! I love that you recapped and organized everything, and the attachments you included are awesome… I am so hopeful that we are on the right track now, and I can’t wait for class to start!”
  
• Emmy: “You gave me some great tips to get started with and I appreciate your followup email so I can refer back to all the info!!”
  
• Toph: “Thank you so much for all your help! … We are so grateful for your work on helping us give her the best home she needs. You’re the best trainer!”
  
• Bpo Bpo: “Our vet was very impressed with Bpo Bpo’s behavioral changes!”
  
• Bear: “Thank you so much for all of the help with Bear! You’ve made such a tremendous difference! We can’t thank you enough!”
  
• Tater: “Thank you! This has been so helpful! I wish I’d found you sooner.”
  
• Jax: “Just wanted to say thank you again for all the help with training! He has come so far in training! You did an awesome job!'“
  
• Sara & Dante: “Carolyn, I can't thank you enough for your thoughtful training guidance. Even our vet was impressed at how much calmer and less aggressive Dante is. You really were such a blessing, and I appreciate the impact you've made for Dante and me. He's so much happier and less stressed, and I feel like I know how to work with him now. The written training plans were so helpful, and I really appreciate you being available between sessions to answer questions.”
  
• The Crane Family & Stella: “We really thought about sending Stella back to the rescue because she was just so overwhelming - anxious and hyperactive, and we didn't know what to do with her. We booked a package with Carolyn, and it was so helpful. She was so empathetic to our situation and gave us so many helpful suggestions. While Stella is far from perfect, she's now a dog we can have as part of our family.”
  
• Meghan & Winston: “My corgi, Winston, was so reactive to new people. I couldn't have anyone over for fear he'd bite, and walking him was so embarrassing I just gave up. I was at my wit's end when I found you, and I'm so glad I did! Now I know how to help Winston stay calm when people come over, how to safely introduce him to new people, and we can go on walks again! We're both so happy that we worked with you!”
  
• Vincent, Melissa & Tucker: “With our schedules, we just couldn't make puppy class work, but we really wanted to get a good start to Tucker's training. It was so helpful having Carolyn come to our house and see Tucker's behavior at home with us. His puppy biting is so much better, he's using the dog door now, and he's doing great in his crate.”
  
• Amanda & Chico: “Carolyn is an exceptional dog trainer. She helped us work with our reactive rescue dog, and the change in him has been tremendous. She really listened to us and was so helpful and patient. I would highly recommend training with her over Zoom.”
  
• Carol & Shea: “I had worked with several local trainers with little success, and I was at a loss with my shepherd. She was so hyper and out of control, and even though Carolyn never met her, she was more helpful than anyone we worked with in person. She taught me so much about how to work with Shea and help her be a better dog, and even our neighbors have noticed how much calmer she is!”
  
• The Beck Family & Bruno: “We were a bit skeptical as to how working with a trainer over Zoom would be helpful, but boy were we surprised! Bruno's leash reactivity is a million times better, and we are so happy we worked with Carolyn!”
  
• Catherine & Ava: “I wish I lived closer to Spokane to work with Carolyn in person, but I'll happily settle for online sessions with her. I've worked with her for over a year, and she's helped raise my Vizsla puppy into a lovely dog! I love the 30-minute sessions for just a quick check-in or if I have a few questions. So pleased to have found Carolyn.”
  
• Susan & Aspen: “I can't say enough good things about this class. It's been an absolute game-changer for us, and I'm so thrilled and relieved that she made such amazing progress.”
  
• Charlotte & Bear: “I really thought Bear would just bark and lunge at other dogs for the rest of his life. Walking him was so stressful, and I can't thank you enough for helping us both through this. Class was so informative, and I loved getting to work with another person who was going through the same thing I was.”
  
• Amy & Lily: “This class helped so much. Lily is so much calmer around other dogs, and I still can't believe that she was able to be so relaxed and calm in class. She still barks sometimes, but it's much less and I know what to do now.”
  
• Liz & Duke: “I did a board and train with another trainer, which ended up being a huge waste of money. I spent thousands of dollars and got him back even worse than when I dropped him off. I'm so glad I found you and so thrilled to have helped him without the e-collar. Duke was always so happy to come to class, and he is so much less stressed overall, but especially around other dogs.”
  
• Jennifer & Cooper: “My new rescue dog had no training at all, and we loved him, but he was such a pain to live with. We hated walking him, and he constantly jumped on us. After just the Level 1 class, we learned a ton, and he was so much better. We look forward to continuing with classes!”
  
• Abby & Bailey: “I learned so much more in just one week of class with Carolyn than I did in months of class with another trainer. Carolyn is so patient and has been a huge help in our training.”
  
• Dan & Koda: “I honestly can't believe the difference in Koda in just a few classes. He hardly pulls at all anymore, and it's so much easier to get his attention. Thank you so much!”
  
• Chelsey & Hunter: “These classes are so fun! Hunter and I look forward to them every week and love learning all the new things. This has been so much more helpful than other classes we've been to.”

As a professional dog trainer, the expert at 'Diamonds in the Ruff' brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. With a passion for canine behavior and a commitment to positive training techniques, the trainer aims to help dogs and their owners achieve a harmonious relationship.

The approach is rooted in understanding each dog's unique personality and tailoring training methods to suit their individual needs. Through a blend of patience, consistency, and clear communication, the trainer works diligently to transform behavioral challenges into opportunities for growth and learning.

With a focus on building trust and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners, 'Diamonds in the Ruff' offers a comprehensive and effective training experience that yields long-lasting results.

Diamonds in the Ruff offers training classes for pets and their families, along with certifications.