Danette Johnston, Owner, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP) Trainer and Fear Free Coach, and a Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM). Prior to becoming a dog trainer and behavior consultant, she worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in the state of Washington. Danette has years of experience training dogs (and people!) and working in animal hospitals and shelters prior to opening dog’s day out in 2000. She has published articles on dog day care and dog-dog interactions for The Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She has lectured on dog behavior to Veterinary Technicians and students at the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians conference. Danette is a Licensed Canine Good Citizen evaluator for the the AKC and worked as a Delta Society Pet Partner’s (animal assisted therapy) Instructor and Team (with her dear departed dog Georgia). She is a Be a Tree presenter for Doggone Safe teaching bite prevention to school age children and is the creator/instructor of Barks & Babes, a specialized class for expecting parents on how to prepare their dog for the family’s upcoming human addition. Danette started a Shelter Training Program in which she works with shelter and rescue groups educating staff and volunteers working to improve the lives of shelter animals and to innovate modern sheltering.
Danette is passionate about learning and continuing education. She attends conferences, workshops and seminars on a regular basis to keep up on advances in canine science and behavior. She has attended seminars by: Karen Pryor, Jean Donaldson, Patricia McConnell, Ian Dunbar, Susan Friedman, Chiraq Patel, Ken Ramirez, Victoria Stilwell, Pat Miller, Emily Larlham and Ken McCort among others. Currently Danette lectures in person and via webinar on a variety of topics and teaches group classes: The Basics (in-person and virtually for dogs and their humans anywhere!), Beyond Basics, Teens & Tweens and Reactive ReDo at DDO as well as virtual and in-person private behavior consultations and lessons. Her private behavioral consultations and training cover a variety of issues including: fearful, reactive and aggressive behaviors as well dog-human (children/baby) dynamics in the home. Danette shares her home with Ernie, a brown tabby with many extra toes, one human teenager, and a very tolerant husband. After losing her beloved Border Collie/Pitbull mix, Rufus to lymphoma last year, she and her family have now downsized and gone a totally different direction by adopting Boogie, a 20 pound fluffy mop-dog.
Training Philosophy
At DDO we use a scientific, evidence based method of training that is Cooperative, Effective and Fun! We practice fear-free training offering clients several different ways to work with their dogs all of which involve gentle, kind and fair techniques. We teach students using “mark & reward” training that can involve the use of a clicker, or a verbal marker if the client is not comfortable using a clicker. We do not use leash “corrections” and shock collars, choke chains or pinch/prong collars . We strive to help humans understand how their dogs think and learn so that they can live peaceful, happy and fulfilling lives with their canine companions!
Services
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Group Classes:
Puppy Pounce, The Basics, Beyond The Basics/CGC Prep, Courteous Canine Crash Course, Tricks, K9 Nose Works, Agility, and Reactive Rehab.
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Private Training:
Offered virtually or on-site at their facility in Ballard or at your home (limited area).
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Day Training:
Tailored specifically for your canine companion. This program works best for teaching and proofing basic skills such as sit, down, stay, wait, leave it etc. This is not an appropriate program for a reactive dog.
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Daycare:
Available at their Ballard location only. They offer a structured, stimulating day for your dog, including supervised socialization, quiet time, and rest.
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Shelter Training & Consulting:
Danette Johnston offers a comprehensive training program for animal shelter staff and volunteers. Rescue organizations can opt for the full 3-module program or set up 1-4 hour sessions on topics addressing the organization’s specific needs at the time. She also offers consulting and training for dog day care facilities and dog businesses.
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Webinars & Workshops:
A variety of webinars and workshops are offered on topics such as Reactive Dog Training, Canine Body Language, Behavior Basics, Puppy Parenting, and more.
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Dog Bite Prevention for Kids:
Danette Johnston offers a 30-45 minute presentation for kids between the ages of 5 and 11 years old on how to read canine body language and how to act safely around dogs.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP) Trainer and Fear Free Coach
- Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM)
- Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Specializations
- Obedience Training
- Puppy Training
- Reactive Dog Training
- Behavior Modification
- Dog-Human Dynamics
- Shelter Training
- Dog Bite Prevention
Training Methods
- Science-based, positive reinforcement training
- Force-free, fear-free training
- Mark & reward training
- Clicker training
- Verbal marker training
Social Media Links
Media Appearances
Danette Johnston has published articles on dog day care and dog-dog interactions for The Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She has lectured on dog behavior to Veterinary Technicians and students at the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians conference.
