Our Training Philosophy
Our training is science based, positive reinforcement training. We practice force-free, fear-free training offering clients several different ways to work with their dogs all of which involve gentle, kind and fair techniques. We teach students using “mark & reward” training that can involve the use of a clicker, or a verbal marker if the client is not comfortable using a clicker. We do not use leash “corrections” and shock collars, choke chains and pinch/prong collars are never used. We strive to help humans understand how their dogs think and learn so that they can live peaceful, happy and fulfilling lives with their canine companions!

Danette Johnston, Owner, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer and has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in the state of Washington. She has trained dogs (and people!) working in animal hospitals (Seattle Veterinary Associates) and shelters prior to opening dog’s day out in 2000. She has published articles on dog day care and dog-dog interactions for The Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She has lectured on dog behavior to Veterinary Technicians and students at the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians conference. Danette is a Licensed Canine Good Citizen evaluator for the the AKC and worked as a Delta Society Pet Partner’s (animal assisted therapy) Instructor and Team (with her dear departed dog Georgia). She is a Be a Tree presenter for Doggone Safe teaching bite prevention to school age children and is the creator/instructor of Barks & Babes, a specialized class for expecting parents on how to prepare their dog for the family’s upcoming human addition.  Danette started a Shelter Training Program in which she works with shelter and rescue groups educating staff and volunteers working to improve the lives of shelter animals and to innovate modern sheltering. Danette is passionate about learning and continuing education. She attends conferences, workshops and seminars on a regular basis to keep up on advances in canine science and behavior. She has attended seminars by: Karen Pryor, Patricia McConnell, Ian Dunbar, Susan Friedman, Chiraq Patel, Ken Ramirez, Victoria Stilwell, Pat Miller, Emily Larlham and Ken McCort among others.  She currently shares her home with a brown tabby with many extra toes, one Pittie/BorderCollie mix, a 6th grader and a very tolerant husband.