Business Details
19 Years
experience
Professional Dog Training for Lasting Results
At Tug Dogs, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality training that creates a better life for you and your dog. Our team of highly dedicated and experienced trainers knows how to help you and your dog reach your training goals so that you can enjoy life together. Tug Dogs trainers complete some of the most rigorous education standards in the country and continue with ongoing education all so that we can provide you with training that will make your dog more enjoyable to live with. Founded in 2007, our training system integrates a combined brain and body focus that goes beyond just giving your dog obedience commands. We help dogs change how they feel in challenging situations so they can make better choices independently while looking to you for guidance.Our certified trainers have worked with thousands of dog owners, canine rescue groups, and animal shelters to resolve problem behaviors and build cooperation. We offer private lessons, board-and-train programs, and specialized training for aggression, anxiety, and fear-based behaviors. Our services cater to all breeds, ages, and behavioral challenges, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for both dogs and their owners. We provide regular check-ins and full habit-change support for long-term success, particularly for dogs with moderate to severe behavior problems. Our clients consistently report life-changing results, and our trainers are recognized experts in canine behavior and aggression evaluation.
Services
Dog Training
Boarding Services
Behavior Rehabilitation
Private Lessons
Aggression Management
Puppy Training
Anxiety Treatment
Leash Training
Resource Guarding
Separation Anxiety
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer scientifically proven training methods addressing root emotional causes of behavior
- Our trainers hold advanced certifications from the University of Washington and other institutions
- We provide full habit-change support for long-term behavioral transformation
- Specialized programs for aggression, anxiety, fear-based behaviors, and resource guarding
- Proven success with thousands of dogs through personalized brain-and-body training approaches
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator
What people say
Life-changing results
Professional expertise
Patient approach
Behavior transformation
Excellent communication
Services
Dog Training
Our dog training programs use scientifically proven methods to address behavioral issues through a combined brain and body approach. We help dogs develop better decision-making skills and emotional regulation while teaching owners effective communication techniques. Our training focuses on understanding canine psychology to create lasting behavioral changes rather than temporary fixes.
Boarding Services
Custom Care Boarding provides a safe, stress-free environment for dogs with behavioral challenges. Our home-based facility offers individualized attention, advanced safety measures, and regular updates for owners. Dogs receive personalized care in a family environment with access to a half-acre play space for physical and mental stimulation.
Behavior Rehabilitation
Specialized rehabilitation programs address aggression, anxiety, fear-based behaviors, and resource guarding issues. Our certified trainers develop customized plans using positive reinforcement techniques and environmental management strategies. We focus on changing how dogs feel in challenging situations to create lasting behavioral improvements through systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning.
Private Lessons
Personalized training sessions teach owners how to communicate effectively with their dogs while addressing specific behavioral challenges. Our trainers provide hands-on guidance for implementing training techniques in real-world situations. Lessons include homework assignments and follow-up support to ensure consistent progress and long-term success.
Aggression Management
Specialized programs for dog and human aggression cases use systematic desensitization techniques combined with positive reinforcement training. Our certified behavior specialists conduct thorough assessments to identify triggers and develop customized management plans. We teach alternative behaviors and coping mechanisms while helping owners establish clear communication with their aggressive dogs.
People
Erin Kramer
Owner, Lead Trainer, and Trainer's Course Instructor
Certified dog trainer with a University of Washington Applied Animal Behavior certificate. Expert in canine behavior and aggression evaluation, with experience training dogs for TV, film, and law enforcement. Develops training programs used by shelters and rescue organizations.
Michelle Hawk
Behavior Specialist, Virtual Coach Specialist
Certified trainer with a psychology degree specializing in primitive breeds. Completed three Tug Dogs trainer courses and apprenticeship program. Owns Sage Canines training business in Southern Washington.
Stacy Dugdale
Behavior Specialist, Sport Dog Trainer
Certified Canine Nosework Trainer with extensive rescue experience. Former shelter volunteer and foster home provider. Specializes in training Belgian Malinois for competitive sports while helping owners with behavior modification.
Rachelle Skinner
Behavior Specialist, Grooming Behavior Modification Trainer
Certified trainer with dual expertise in grooming and behavior modification. Former co-founder of prison dog training program. Specializes in anxiety and aggression issues while operating her own training business, Good Sense Dogs.
Cheantelle Camaioni
Behavior Specialist, Sport & Working Dog Coach
Certified Canine Nosework Instructor with expertise in training Belgian Malinois for multiple sports disciplines. Completed Tug Dogs foundation and advanced courses with apprenticeship. Specializes in off-leash training techniques.
Questions
What training methods does Tug Dogs use?
We use a combined brain and body approach focusing on canine psychology and physiology to create lasting behavioral changes through positive reinforcement techniques.
Do you work with aggressive dogs?
Yes, we specialize in aggression rehabilitation using systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques developed by our certified behavior specialists.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Northern California, Sacramento, Berkeley, Danville, Oakland, Portland, OR, and Camas, WA with both in-person and virtual training options.
What types of training programs are available?
We offer private lessons, board-and-train programs, and specialized training for aggression, anxiety, and fear-based behaviors with customized plans for each dog.
How long does training take?
Program duration varies based on individual needs, with our Ultimate Program providing ongoing support for comprehensive behavior modification and lasting results.
Can you help with puppy training?
Yes, we offer puppy training programs focusing on early socialization, basic obedience, and developing positive behavior patterns for young dogs.
