MuttSchool
is a dog training and behavior organization founded by
Mary
. Mary has over 35 years of experience in dog training and has taught private lessons and group classes in obedience, Rally-O, conformation, trick training, flyball and agility in Phoenix, AZ, Seattle, WA and now with MuttSchool.
MuttSchool believes in empowering dogs to make appropriate choices instead of teaching them to strictly follow commands. Their innovative training approach goes beyond teaching the basic “sit, down, stay, come and heel” (although they do that, too.) Their methods set them apart because they utilize an effective and personalized approach, rooted in behavioral science, to teach dogs FUNdamental life concepts such as:
- problem solving
- calmness
- focus
- disengagement
- confidence
- proximity
- and more.
MuttSchool teaches you and your dog a variety of fun and engaging exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine. These exercises, take only a few minutes a day, and can have a transformative impact on your relationship with your dog.
MuttSchool offers a wide range of services, including:
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Evaluations:
A 90-minute session where a professional trainer assesses your dog’s current training level and behavior, providing personalized attention and expert guidance.
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Puppy Group Classes:
Age-appropriate classes for puppies aged 8-15 weeks (Puppy Preschool) and 15 weeks to 6 months (Juvenile Jumpstart) to help them develop good habits and prevent unwanted behaviors.
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Group Classes:
6-week open enrollment classes for dogs of all ages, covering a wide range of essential skills and behaviors, from basic obedience to more advanced tricks.
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Private Lessons:
Personalized training sessions tailored to your dog’s unique needs and learning style, available at your home or at MuttSchool’s training center.
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DaySchool:
A structured training and care program that provides your dog with personalized training sessions, exercise, and mental enrichment.
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Boarding School:
In-depth, multi-week training programs that follow MuttSchool’s comprehensive grade-level curriculum, available for 2, 4, or 6 weeks.
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Short-Term Boarding School:
Boarding and training services for dogs that span less than two weeks.
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Discovery Dogs:
A program that allows you and your dog to try out a new dog sport, such as agility, flyball, barn hunt, tricks, disc dog, treibball, scent work, and rally obedience.
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Behavior Modification Program:
A program designed to help dogs with behavioral issues, such as aggression, anxiety, and fear.
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Events and Workshops:
A diverse array of events, workshops, and specialty classes offered on a monthly basis, designed to foster a better relationship with your dog.
MuttSchool trainers hold various certifications, including:
- CPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers)
- KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner)
- AKC CGC Evaluator (Canine Good Citizen)
- Service Dog Coach (SDC)
- Certified Trick Dog Instructor
- Fear Free Certified Professional–Trainer (FFCP)
- Animal Behavior College (ABC) Mentor Training Facility
MuttSchool specializes in:
- Puppy training
- Obedience training
- Behavior modification
- Therapy dog training
- Service dog training
- Agility training
- Flyball
- Barn hunt
- Tricks
- Disc dog
- Treibball
- Scent work
- Rally obedience
MuttSchool uses positive, behavioral science-based methods, rooted in the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) philosophy. They believe in cultivating a positive and enduring bond between you and your dog, and they never use training equipment that causes pain, fear, or intimidation.


