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Certified dog trainer
Laurel Anne Saville
Laurel Anne Saville

Bellingham, WA

Laurel Anne Saville

Laurel Anne Saville is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) with a certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from UWashington and specialized training in dog aggression and canine cognition. She uses only modern, science-based, positive-reinforcement training and behavior modification techniques.


Services

  • Private lessons


Certifications

  • CPDT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer)
  • Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from UWashington


Specializations

  • Dog aggression
  • Canine cognition
  • Rescue dogs


Training Methods

  • Modern, science-based, positive-reinforcement training and behavior modification techniques


Customer Reviews

  • “Laurel’s patience and positive approach to training and rearing a puppy turned me from a nervous dog owner to a confident puppy mama! I saw the results that consistent training and loving interaction can bring. I truly don’t know how I would have managed my Brittany’s first year without her.”
    Tina
  • “Laurel is patient and made training fun while not distracting from the task at hand. When my dog was not cooperative one day, instead of singling us out, she flawlessly continued class and later used it as a one-on-one teaching moment and actually pointed out the positive in the misbehavior. She was quick to point out behaviours that could take significant time, consistency and commitment to correct, ensuring I didn’t have unrealistic expectations. That said, sometimes results were so quick when working with Laurel, it was almost surreal. If you want a healthier relationship with your dog, training with Laurel will undoubtedly yield results.”
    Katie
  • “In one visit Laurel shifted my relationship with my new dog. I adopted Lola, an eight-year-old English Cocker Spaniel. She is a great dog but had some behavioral issues. Within ten minutes of entering my house, Laurel was working with Lola and getting a great response. Laurel taught me how to be a better partner with my dog and to establish a bond with her that gave her a sense of her place in the world. One visit. I was sad to think we didn’t need more because Laurel is just amazing to watch and learn from.”
    Leslie
  • “Laurel is a superb trainer. She has great insight into animal behavior and shows you how positive reinforcement training works, is fun, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. I have a rescue dog, Moose, who was very reactive and aggressive towards other dogs when I first got him. Through much training and support Laurel has taught me how to help Moose relax, tolerate the company of other dogs, and even make some really good dog friends! It has been an incredible transformation and a rewarding journey.”
    Meghan
  • “Laurel is fantastic to work with – her knowledge of dog behavior and how to use their own instincts and tendencies to reinforce the behaviors we want to encourage is amazing, but it’s her ability to communicate and impart that knowledge to others that make her a really effective trainer. She’s also just a delightful human being!”
    Wendy
  • “Laurel understood our particular needs, worked with our family of three, including our teenage daughter, and found a way to bring us all onto the same page to connect with our new family member and make him successful so that we all experienced a positive loop of his success reinforcing our success.”
    Heather
  • “It was a pleasure to work with Laurel. She is a knowledgeable, compassionate trainer as well as just a delightful human. My cautious Aussie loves Willow, her canine sidekick. It was so helpful to have someone observe my training interactions to be sure I was actually communicating clearly.”
    Lynn
  • “I was nervous about adopting a new puppy so I hired Laurel before I brought him home to provide me with tips and reassurance. She gave me wonderful recommendations from potty-training and curbing common undesirable behaviors, to managing interactions with our cat. Once Finni was home, I attended Laurel’s puppy classes where she taught easy lessons, always keeping things positive and fun for both human and pup. Laurel’s understanding of canine behavior is amazing.”
    Linda
  • “Arya is extremely loving and kind but she is very stressed and timid when it comes to meeting people. We were blown away by how quickly she responded when she was approached in the correct way. Laurel managed to let her know that she was not here to crowd her or hurry her and as a result Arya responded by relaxing into a laying position and barely grumbling at her in less than 45 minutes. WE LEARNED SO MUCH! If you have considered training or even just acknowledged that you really should do it…Just do it. Make that call today so you can reduce the stress and improve your life and the dog’s life. It’s not intimidating and trust me, it as if you finally have someone to help you know what to do and share your struggle. Laurel is not condescending, she doesn’t criticize you for trying your best, she’s understanding about your lifestyle and she truly is there to help you to understand how to help your dog.”
    Nancy
  • “Years ago, my husband and I got a dog together. We adored her, but she was not very well behaved –she jumped on visitors, was very slow to housetrain, pulled on walks and did not do well around other dogs. I knew that my next dog was going to be well trained! Maybe she would even learn how to do tricks?! Our friends referred us to Laurel, Dog Trainer Extraordinaire, and we set up a session to work with our very sweet, 12 week old Lab mix puppy. We appreciated that Laurel came to our house and she worked with all of us, including my two kids. She was patient, knowledgeable, reassuring and gifted. It’s so evident that Laurel loves dogs, and that she loves what she does supporting dog owners. Laurel creates a community of happy and confident dog owners and well trained dogs.”
    Spring

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

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