Which Dog Training Service Is Right For You?

Choosing the right dog training service can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to working with a professional trainer. This page is designed to give you a simple, honest overview of the most common training options available so you can make the best decision for you and your dog.

At Evergreen School For Dogs we offer most of these services. Where we don't, we will point you in the right direction.

Initial Behavior Consultation

Not sure where to start? An Initial Behavior Consultation is a great first step. This 90 minute session includes a behavior evaluation and a hands on training lesson. By the end of the session you will have a clear picture of your dog's training needs and a recommended plan going forward.

This service is ideal for owners dealing with concerning behavior who want professional guidance before committing to a full program.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are one on one training sessions between you, your dog, and a professional trainer. This is the most customized and effective format for most dogs and owners. Sessions are tailored specifically to your dog's needs and your training goals, and you get direct feedback and guidance every step of the way. Private lessons work well for dogs of all ages and for addressing everything from basic obedience to serious behavior issues.

We recommend private lessons as the starting point for most new clients at Evergreen School For Dogs serving Arlington, Marysville, and the greater Seattle area.

Board and Train

Board and train programs involve your dog living with the trainer for a set period of time, typically two to four weeks, while receiving daily training. This is a great option for busy owners who want to see significant results quickly. Board and train works especially well for dogs that need intensive behavior modification or when an owner's schedule makes consistent private lessons difficult.

One important thing to understand about board and train is that owner follow through after the program is essential. The trainer teaches the dog, but you will need to maintain what has been learned. A good board and train program includes a thorough handoff session so you feel confident continuing the training at home.

At Evergreen our board and train programs are based at our five acre facility in Arlington, WA and are overseen by Corday Rice.

Group Classes

Group classes are training sessions conducted in a group setting with multiple dogs and owners. They can be a good option for owners who enjoy a social training environment and want to practice around distractions. However the group format means less individual attention for you and your dog compared to private lessons.

At Evergreen we use our group classes as an opportunity to practice and reinforce what your dog has already learned. To ensure every dog is set up for success in a group environment, we require that dogs have completed at least one private lesson with us or a course with another training facility before joining a class.

Day Training

Day training is a great option for busy owners who want rapid results without having to do the initial heavy lifting themselves. In this program Tommy does the majority of the training for the first two to three weeks, working with your dog in your home or a public location

Online Dog Training

Online dog training has become increasingly popular and can be a great option for motivated owners who want professional guidance from the comfort of their home. It works well for general obedience and common behavior issues. The key to success with online training is consistency and follow through on the owner's part.

Tommy Grammer offers a comprehensive online dog training program through Tommy's Canine Academy, serving students throughout the United States and beyond.