Amanda Dwyer
Amanda adopted her first rescue dog when she was only 19. The late, great Spice was her constant companion for over 16yrs, and during their time together Spice taught Amanda so much about patience, compassion, love, basic household repair skills, and the need to shed attachments to material possessions (Spice had a minor chewing fixation) It was hard to say goodbye to her dear friend, but it opened up room in her home for Newt, the tireless cattle dog. She was 5yrs old when Amanda adopted her, and she hasn’t slowed down a bit. Newt’s inexhaustible energy motivated Amanda to become a disciplined long distance runner. In 2016, with help from many of her dog clients/running buddies, she completed her first marathon. We sadly lost Newt suddenly to cancer in 2019. She was so special to us that we quite literally adopted her doppelganger a few months later. Fig came to us very shut down and traumatized, but has melted our hearts and has become a very endearing member of the family and Westward Hound crew!
Amanda’s journey in training and behavior began As a regular volunteer at the Seattle Humane Society, and she is committed to giving back to the community of dogs she is so enriched by. In 2020 she graduated with honors from the academy of dog trainers, an immersive program that specializes in applied behavior analysis as it relates to dog training.
In 2021 she co-founded the humane alliance of rescue trainers, a non-profit that connects qualified, professional trainers to shelters and rescues in need of no-cost behavior support.
Training Philosophy
At Westward Hound we are committed to treating your fur-babies with the same love and patience as we lavish upon ours! Every dog has a different lesson to teach us, and we are looking forward to befriending yours. We understand the immense responsibility you are entrusting with us, and we look forward to working with you!
Our goal at Westward Hound is to provide the right combination of training, exercise and mental stimuli for your dog's ultimate health and well being.
Services
Private in-person and remote sessions are available for most behavior issues and challenges you are facing with your dog. Day training is available for fear of grooming and other phobias.
Basic manners, recall, and polite greetings
Puppy socialization and exposure
Leash reactivity
Fear of grooming, veterinary procedures
Resource Guarding
Fearfulness and Shyness
Separation Anxiety
Certifications
Certified, educated, experienced, and compassionate coaching.
Amanda is also a certified fear-free trainer.
Specializations
Separation Anxiety
Training Methods
positive reinforcement
Customer Reviews
- Best Trainers in Washington State, Sniffspot, March 29th
- From Abandoned to Adored: How one Non-Profit is Helping Rescue Dogs with Separation Anxiety. Be Right Back Podcast, April 25th
- What to do when your dog is a thief? This Dog’s Life, by Dianna Bocco, June 18th
- How To Crate Train an Older Dog—and What To Do If It Isn’t Working. The Dog People, by Shoshi Parks
- Do You Need To Crate Train Your Dog? What the Experts Say. The Dog People, By Shoshi Parks and Liz Coleman
Media Appearances
- Best Trainers in Washington State, Sniffspot, March 29th
- From Abandoned to Adored: How one Non-Profit is Helping Rescue Dogs with Separation Anxiety. Be Right Back Podcast, April 25th
- What to do when your dog is a thief? This Dog’s Life, by Dianna Bocco, June 18th
- How To Crate Train an Older Dog—and What To Do If It Isn’t Working. The Dog People, by Shoshi Parks
- Do You Need To Crate Train Your Dog? What the Experts Say. The Dog People, By Shoshi Parks and Liz Coleman
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
