Bellingham, WA
Sandra Bowers has over 23 years of experience training dogs. She has raised 23 puppies for Leader Dogs for the Blind and Freedom Service Dogs of America. She has been a Puppy Raiser Training Assistant for Leader Dogs for the Blind and a contributor to training protocols for both organizations. She is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
Training Philosophy
Sandra Bowers believes in positive reward-based training, using praise, treats, or toys to reward dogs for desired behaviors. She emphasizes that training should be positive and fun for both the dog and the owner.
Services
- Private Lessons: Individualized instruction and training plans for owners to teach their puppies. In-home lessons are 30 minutes, while lessons at the private facility are 60 minutes. Package prices are available.
- We Teach Your Puppy: A trainer comes to the owner's home and teaches the puppy. Two sessions per week for a month are included, along with a training tool kit and one training session with the owner present to transfer skills. Multi-dog households may incur an additional charge.
- We Teach Your Dog: A trainer meets with the owner and dog to create a program specific to the dog's needs, which may include training new behaviors, added enrichment, or other behavior modification. The process begins with a meet and greet, followed by progress updates after each session. The program includes 1-2 private sessions with the owner present for training and a training tool kit to transfer lessons.
- Private School: Initial Meet and Greet Session for $150, which includes meeting the owner and dog, establishing goals and a training plan, and estimating the number of training sessions and cost. Private training sessions are approximately $150-$200/session, with package pricing available. Training progress updates, 1-2 private sessions with the owner present for training, and a training tool kit are included. The Meet and Greet session may lead to recommendations that do not include further instruction through Good Paws (e.g., aggression toward people, significant reactivity, etc.). In these instances, the cost of the Meet and Greet session is nonrefundable.
Certifications
Sandra Bowers is a Karen Pryor Academy Dog Training Professional (KPA-CTP), a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and a Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer.
Specializations
Sandra Bowers specializes in positive reward-based training for dogs of all ages and breeds. She has extensive experience in puppy training, service dog training, and behavior modification.
Training Methods
Sandra Bowers uses positive reward-based training methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors with praise, treats, or toys. She avoids using force, shouting, harm, pain, or other negative forms of coercion.
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.
