dog being trained by a certified professional

Pupstanding Academy
Private Dog Training
Seattle, Wa

Coaching dogs and their people since 2008

Get one-on-one help with your dog's training and behavior with private in-person sessions.

Whether you need help with puppy training, basic obedience, or are facing challenging behavior issues, we can help! Schedule a private dog training session with a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant to address your specific needs and goals.

Dog Training Services include:

Puppy socialization and training, all-age dog training, leash manners, obedience skills, separation anxiety, leash reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, and more!

North Seattle Service Area:

Bothell
Kenmore
Lake Forest Park
Lake City
Edmonds
Shoreline
Woodway
Richmond Beach
University District
Phinney Ridge
Green Lake
Wallingford

If you are located outside of the Seattle area neighborhoods listed above, contact us to inquire about availability. Travel fees may apply. We are also happy to refer you to vetted professional trainers in your area.

In-Person Dog Training Pricing:

  • Initial Virtual Consult & In-Person Session: $200
    • Includes a virtual 45-minute intake session held via Zoom & a 60-minute in-person training session at your home or pre-approved dog-friendly location.

  • Follow-Up In-Person Sessions: $125
    • 60–90 minute in-person sessions held at your home or pre-approved dog-friendly location.

Cathy training Sookie at green lakeMeet Your Dog Trainer

Cathy Madson

MA, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Fear Free Certified Professional

Cathy became a dog trainer in 2008, but she likes to think that her career began when she was six years old and a stray wandered into her yard and became her first dog companion. She shares her life with her partner, his 9-year-old son, and two Cardigan Corgis, Sookie Bean and Fozzie Bear.

As a dog trainer and canine behavior consultant, Cathy strives to help humans and their pets build a strong relationship based on trust and clear communication through force-free dog training methods. Cathy believes that preventive and proactive training is key to helping dogs live a happy, well-adjusted life with their family. Beyond companion dog training, her specialties include puppy raising, canine separation anxiety, leash reactivity, and dog aggression.

With over 13 years of experience working with dogs in Seattle area animal shelters, dog daycares, grooming salons, group classes, and private companion dog training, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of behavioral challenges.

Cathy is certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, earning both the CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA certifications. Cathy is a Fear Free Certified Professional, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and a training professional member of The Pet Professional Guild (PPG). She's also a member of the Dog Writer's Association of America.

She has appeared on podcasts and local Seattle news stations highlighting dog health and training topics, as well as being featured in a variety of online articles and print magazines.

puppy training seattle session green lake-1

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm not located in the North Seattle service area?

If you live in the Greater Seattle area and would like in-person training, contact Cathy at training@preventivevet.com to find out whether she can accommodate your location. In-person sessions outside of the regular service area do incur travel fees.

Cathy also offers virtual training sessions via Zoom or is happy to help you connect with a certified trainer who services your area.

If you do not live in the Greater Seattle area, we offer virtual training sessions for anyone, anywhere in the world!

How do I schedule my appointment?

Upon purchasing a training session, you'll be able to immediately schedule your initial virtual intake session with Cathy on the post-checkout screen.

Sessions are held via Zoom. You will receive a unique zoom meeting link via email. During your initial virtual consult, you'll then schedule your in-person training with Cathy.

Can I purchase more than one training session?

Absolutely! If you find yourself in need of in-person training more than once, Cathy will help you schedule any follow-up sessions.

Different training goals require varying numbers of sessions. Some training issues or plans only need one session for you to feel comfortable moving forward on your own. More complex training plans or behavioral issues often require multiple sessions before clients feel comfortable moving forward without in-home trainer support.

Many clients will start with in-person sessions and then start a hybrid program, with virtual "check-in" sessions in between in-person sessions.

What dog training methods do we use?

Training should be fun for both you and your dog! Our training methods are force-free and focus on positive reinforcement — this will help you build a strong and trusting relationship with your dog. You'll learn how to read canine body language and better communicate with your dog so they actually listen to you.

Positive training doesn't mean permissive — you'll learn how to use effective consequences that don't rely on using force, pain, fear, or intimidation.

Positive training isn't just about food treats — although they are a powerful tool. You'll learn how to figure out what your dog finds rewarding besides food, and how to use this to get the behavior you want!

Can more than one person participate in the training session?

Absolutely! The more members of your household involved in your dog's training the better! However, in-person sessions are limited to household members or pre-approved caregivers only (e.g. dog walker or pet sitter).

Can I get a refund if I'm unhappy with my purchase?

All private dog training sessions (virtual and in-person) are non-refundable.

If you cannot attend your scheduled private training session, please let us know no later than 24 hours prior to your scheduled session. If we do not receive a reschedule request at least 24 hours before your session, it will be considered a no-show. Rescheduling requests are limited to once per student per session purchased.