Help for your dog’s behavior problem is just a click away. When you work with us, you’ll have over 30 years of combined experience behind you. We’ve developed behavior modification programs based on what we’ve learned works best and is most effective over the years. We have a whole team ready to help you solve problems and get you some much-needed relief. After all, we’re in the business of creating happier dogs and happier humans.
During these training programs, you’ll get practical solutions that get real results, in addition to peace-of-mind, sanity and a big sigh of relief. We use science- and reward-based methods to solve behavior problems, and we’ve got the credentials and experience to back it up.
Private Training Packages
Each private training package includes:
- An initial 60 minute consultation get you help ASAP – either in-person at our facility or virtually, you choose!
- Two to four hours of additional hours of support with your dog for the duration of your package, broken up into 30 or 60 minute sessions depending on the package.
- The option to utilize in-person and/or virtual sessions to maximize your support hours and your success
- Written materials, handouts, goal-setting notes and video review, as necessary
- A training plan that makes sense, is humane and effective, fits with your lifestyle and that you’ll feel comfortable and confident doing (our job is to decrease your stress, not throw you into the lion’s den!)
- We do not use aversive methods. This means we will not correct your dog, ask you to use a pronged collar, choke chain or shock collar. In fact, we do not allow these on the premises and enjoy helping folks figure out what gear works best for them. Always be sure to ask your prospective trainer about methodology. What happens if they get it wrong? What happens if they get it right?
Fear, Aggression & Anxiety Package | Initial Consultation + Hours of Private Support
$745
CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF:
Your dog is generally anxious, aggressive, fearful or aggressive towards people, their own shadow, other dogs – you name it. They can have one trigger or many, we’re here to help!
This package is especially important to choose if your dog has more than one behavior issue or concern, or if it’s severe (like they can’t function outside of your house, are debilitated by anxiety, are very reactive or aggressive towards dogs or people, etc).
WHEN
Session availability will depend on which instructor you work with. In general, we have availability on Monday thru Thursday between 10am and 3pm, some Wednesday evenings and some weekends.
WHERE
Happy Dog Institute Headquarters
7924 Sweet Iron Ct SE, Suite 109, Olympia WA 98501
SESSION STRUCTURE
Usually, your sessions will go like this:
-Session 1: 60 Minute Initial Consult at our facility (or you can choose virtually if it’s a human fear and aggression case)
-Session 2: 60 Minute follow-up session
-Session 3 and beyond: 30 minute follow-up sessions
Basic Manners, House Training or Puppy Raising Private Package | Four Hours of Private Support
$595
CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF:
-Your dog has one specific pesky issue like house training, poor recall, pulling on the leash, needs help with crate training, is jumping on other people, etc.
-If you are looking for a group class alternative for manners and obedience or puppy support and socialization. If you need help problem solving puppy issues, adolescent dog problems (are they blowing you off all of the sudden?), or other adult dog training support.
-You are overwhelmed with your new dog or puppy and need help developing a schedule, routine, helping them settle in, etc.
-Your dogs are struggling to get along with each other/fighting in the same household.
-You need help integrating a new dog into your home.
-You want some strategies to help your dog tolerate husbandry, handling, grooming or vet visits.
-Your dog is starting to show signs of some anxiety that hasn’t fully progressed yet.
-You want to learn a sport privately like Agility, Scent Work, etc.
WHEN
Session availability will depend on which instructor you work with. In general, we have availability on Monday thru Thursday between 10am and 3pm, some Wednesday evenings and some weekends.
WHERE
Happy Dog Institute Headquarters
7924 Sweet Iron Ct SE, Suite 109, Olympia WA 98501
SESSION STRUCTURE
Usually, your sessions will go like this:
-Session 1: 60 Minute Initial Consult
-Session 2 and beyond: 30 minute follow-up sessions, either at our facility or (sometimes) offsite field trips
Kick Starter Package | Three Hours of Private Support
$495
CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF:
-You’re not sure what package to choose, or none of the ones we have resonate with you or sound like they quite fit.
-You need some support before your group class starts (like Chaotic Canine).
-You are currently signed up for group class and would like some one-on-one support at the same time for a specific issue
WHEN
Session availability will depend on which instructor you work with. In general, we have availability on Monday thru Thursday between 10am and 3pm, some Wednesday evenings and some weekends.
WHERE
Happy Dog Institute Headquarters
7924 Sweet Iron Ct SE, Suite 109, Olympia WA 98501
SESSION STRUCTURE
Usually, your sessions for this package will go like this:
Session 1: 60 Minute Initial Consult
Session 2 and beyond: 30 Minute follow-up sessions
Group Behavior Classes & Packages
Stranger Danger Class Program | Initial Private VIRTUAL Consultation + Group Class Orientation (VIRTUAL) + Six Weeks of In-Person Group Classes**
$550
- Dogs that are nervous around human strangers – this may look like hesitancy to approach, cowering/hiding, or rushing towards/barking when meeting new people. Ideally these dogs are interested in interacting with strangers but don’t have the skills to do so.
- Dogs who are fearful or reactive towards humans (strangers)
- Dogs who need help building confidence around new people
- Guardians who are committed to positive reinforcement training and who do not/have not used aversives (punishment, shock collars, pronged collars, etc.)
- Guardians who can commit to doing required coursework and managing dog-human interactions, and who understand that slow and steady wins the race!
- Guardians who are able to commit to at least one to two hours of initial virtual sessions (an individual assessment/consult and an hour-long virtual group orientation)
Who this class is NOT a good fit for (we will offer a private training package):
- Dogs who have separation anxiety and cannot be left alone in the car
- Dogs who have a severe or significant bite history (contact us if you are unsure about this)
WHEN
Group classes are on Sundays. Initial consults will be scheduled during regular private training availability hours. Once you purchase a package, you’ll get an email with a booking link for your private session. **If we determine that your dog would be a better fit for private training after the initial consultation, the remainder of your class payment will be applied towards a private training package**
After the initial consultation, we will put you on the list for the next group Stranger Danger class.
WHERE
Virtual Sessions are held via Google Meet
In-Person sessions are at Happy Dog Institute Headquarters
7924 Sweet Iron Ct SE, Suite 109, Olympia WA 98501
WHAT
Have you ever wondered why your sweet companion canine is so wonderful with your family and people they know but is absolutely different when strangers come around? This class is for you. Learn the reasons your dog may be worried or hesitant around strangers (hint – it’s probably not your fault!) Learn how to best set them up for success in any environment and keep everyone safe. Learn how to change their underlying emotions about strangers. And finally – teach them the skills they need to interact with or ignore strangers.
What is covered in virtual individual session (mandatory if they have not had private consultation/private training with HDI previously):
Review of intake paperwork
Individual dog history
Anxiety med/health/muzzle/bite history review
Any pre-class desensitization work that will need to be done
What is covered in group virtual orientation (mandatory to continue class):
Welcome and group intros
Housekeeping
How class works
Goal setting
The LEGS of behavior
Threshold review
Treat-Retreat concept and skill introduction
Chaotic Canine for Adults: Embracing Big Feelings in Dogs | In-Person Orientation + Six Weeks of Class
We are offering this course for $395 through January, 2025.
WHO
Reactive, barky, over-aroused dogs over six months old. Read the entire description below if this sounds like your dog, but taking a class is worrisome to you. We get it!
Reactive and barky dogs under nine (9) months old should join our Zesty Teens Class. Dogs under 23 weeks should join our Puppy Classes.
WHEN
Thursday evenings. Click here to see the schedule.
WHERE
Happy Dog Institute Headquarters
7924 Sweet Iron Ct SE, Suite 109, Olympia WA 98501
WHAT
This compassionate class equips pet owners with effective techniques to handle intense emotions like anxiety, excitement, and fear in their dogs, promoting a balanced emotional state and a harmonious household. Discover strategies to navigate unique challenges and foster a calmer atmosphere.
This class is a precursor to our Focus & Control for Teens or Foundation Skills for Adults class, specifically geared for these excitable dogs, and distracted dogs. We will focus on skills to help these dogs be successful by channeling this energy for good with impulse games, building focus, and confidence. This class is designed to promote confidence, teamwork and problem solving skills to help you and you be more successful out and about with your pup, and have a stronger bond to move forward.
**Does taking your reactive dog to a group class with other dogs sound terrifying or overwhelming to you? Not to worry, you’re not alone! That’s why we’ve designed this program as a small, semi-private class with four dogs and two instructors. What’s more, your dogs will have a lot of foundation work and will work at their own pace so when it’s time to see another dog, they’ll be ready. We use cars, barriers, visual blocks and distance to ensure they are successful and not explosive. We want everybody to feel comfortable and successful in this class!**
OTHER DETAILS
This first class will be HUMANS ONLY, so please leave your dog at home. You will bring your dogs to the remaining six classes. These classes will include implementing some simple skills and rotating the dogs into the building so they have a short time to acclimate to the space without others present.
This 7-week class has a fixed start and end date. In this class, we will build upon the skills learned the prior week. There may be occasional skip week(s) due to holidays, or special events – outlined in the schedule.
Dogs with severe generalized anxiety, fear of humans and/or a bite history are not appropriate for this this program. If your dog fits the bill, check out our Fear, Aggression & Anxiety package. This is also not a good fit for dogs who have issues with livestock or those who need help working through separation anxiety issues.