Port Angeles, WA
Cali Y. McAffrey is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed as well as a Certified Behavior Consultant – Canine. She is the founder of Blue Dog Training & Behavior, a dog training business dedicated to working with dogs and their loved ones using science-based, fear free training methods. She began working professionally as a trainer using positive reinforcement in 2008.
Blue Dog is named for the dog that came into her life early in her training career, a fearful, blue merle Australian Shepherd named Kitty. Working through her behavior struggles cemented a love of helping fearful dogs gain confidence. Kitty was at Cali's side for 14 beautiful years and was laid to rest in February 2023.
Cali is dedicated to and passionate about continued education. She regularly attends seminars, workshops, and conferences to remain as up to date on the current science as possible.
Blue Dog offers professional dog training services in Sequim and Port Angeles, Washington. We can also work with you remotely anywhere!
Private Training - In Person
Starting with a consultation, together we will assess your dog's behavior, your goals, and come up with management strategies and a training plan.
After your consultation, additional lessons may be scheduled. We do also offer discounted packages when purchasing lessons upfront.
Consultation (60-90 min): $175
Lessons (60 min): $125
Homeschool
We're so excited to offer this program to residents of Port Angeles and Sequim! Benefit from your dog directly receiving professional training and attention while you follow up once per week with your trainer. Your pup stays at home with you during this time, and your trainer visits 3 times per week. This program is open to clients who have completed a consultation.
Click here to read more about the Homeschool Program.
Board & Train
Small-scale board and train takes place at your trainer's residence and includes multiple training sessions per day. When not working, your dog will be engaging in enrichment activities, exercise, rest, and playtime with people and with other dogs (where appropriate). We take a very limited number of dogs at one time to help promote a more quiet, relaxed environment than what may be found at many boarding facilities, and to allow for a lot of one-on-one time between the dog and your trainer. Your pup will be worked inside of/around your trainer's home to help all skills transfer well to yours. Depending on goals and length of stay, your dog will also be taken for outings to dog-friendly locations such as stores, patios, and parks, to further help generalize their behaviors and work around distractions.
Your package includes:
- A training plan tailored to your goals for your individual dog.
- One lesson per week of board and train. The first lesson is conducted at drop-off.
- Weekly emailed updates, with videos of your dog.
$875 per week.
An initial consultation is required ($175) for new clients. This is a training session for you! You will need to learn how to work with your dog and understand the type of training that we will be doing. We'll also discuss goals and expectations for your dog's stay.
Certifications
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed
Certified Behavior Consultant - Canine
Specializations
puppy training, basic obedience, loose leash walking, polite greetings, barking, lunging, resource guarding, aggressive displays, housemate issues, handling concerns for grooming or vet care, reactivity, low-level aggression
Training Methods
positive reinforcement, fear-free techniques, rewards-based methods, food as a reinforcer, management techniques, holistic approach
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. Our 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 our 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.