Positive Approach Dog Training
About us
Your one stop dog shop! Training, grooming, food, toys, even fun apparel for people who love dogs!
Business highlights
31 years of experience
Services we offer
For more than 18 years dog owners have learned to use positive methods and skills to last a life time so they can continue their dog’s education long after their sessions at Positive Approach are over.
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.723 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 87% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 9% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 4% |
Showing 1-23 of 23 reviews
Theodore B.
Feb 2016
This was a scheduled full service grooming for two large dogs, including wash, nail cutting, and teeth cleaning. We have been using Positive Approach for at least two years, and recognize it has a good reputation. We've also done training here for one of our dogs.
In terms of quality, we've started to notice a decline. Our last grooming visit, while we paid for teeth cleaning, it did not appear it was done. This visit, we observed bruises on one dog, who was also cut on the paw in the grooming area. The other dog's nails appear shattered more than cut, which may reflect equipment needing replacement or personnel needing retraining. Bathing quality remains consistently good, however.
The groomer released the dogs from their cages on pick-up before they had the dogs' leashes and collars ready, causing chaos. I really consider that poor judgment. She did not appear to understand how to use a chest harness on a dog that we actually bought from the store there. I spent twenty minutes figuring out how the straps were rearranged from their proper position. I'm still not sure why the straps were adjusted. If there was confusion, they could have asked me to set up the harness before they released the dog. I am concerned that the dog is also flinching when my wife and I attempt to pet her.
In terms of quality, we've started to notice a decline. Our last grooming visit, while we paid for teeth cleaning, it did not appear it was done. This visit, we observed bruises on one dog, who was also cut on the paw in the grooming area. The other dog's nails appear shattered more than cut, which may reflect equipment needing replacement or personnel needing retraining. Bathing quality remains consistently good, however.
The groomer released the dogs from their cages on pick-up before they had the dogs' leashes and collars ready, causing chaos. I really consider that poor judgment. She did not appear to understand how to use a chest harness on a dog that we actually bought from the store there. I spent twenty minutes figuring out how the straps were rearranged from their proper position. I'm still not sure why the straps were adjusted. If there was confusion, they could have asked me to set up the harness before they released the dog. I am concerned that the dog is also flinching when my wife and I attempt to pet her.
Patricia N.
Nov 2015
I love Positive Approach!! I moved to Tacoma in December 2013 with two elderly Dalmatians, Dottie and Shady Lady, and a cat, Sugar. I found Positive Approach online before moving and they were fantastic to work with. We arranged for them to care for my dogs while I went to work everyday (we were living in a hotel for a month). They are the most awesome group of people I could have ever hoped to care for my dogs. They took such good care of my girls!!
Now Jump forward two years. I sadly lost my Dalmations to old age and currently live with a two year old Shepherd mix, Oso, and Sugar. Oso is a handful, to say the least. He is smart, funny, energetic, but also stubborn, stubborn, stubborn. He would go into barking rants and I could not calm him down, he would bark non-stop in the back yard at the neighbor dogs through the fence, he would jump on me constantly, he would do "sit" and "down" if he felt like it, he would never come when called. Most worrisome was when we were on walks and another dog was in the vicinity, Oso went into this rage looking like he wanted to attack the other dog. He pulled me down numerous times. It was not safe.
We started out in Jeri Lynn's group dog training class at Positive Approach, but Oso became too disruptive. So we went to individual sessions with Jeri Lynn. They saved me and Oso because I was not sure how we were going to continue to co-habitate. Jeri Lynn taught me the most important things to focus on initially, how to reward him, how to be more assertive with him, etc. It has been slow progress (really only a few months, but it felt painfully slow at times), but Oso is now a joy to live with. He definitely knows I am the one who makes the rules, he obeys my commands, including come, his barking is hardly ever an issue anymore and he rarely jumps on me. I ADORE HIM. I don't know what I would have done without them.
Oso is also getting better when around other dogs. Eventually, my hope is to have him in doggy day care to continue on his path of healthy socialization with other dogs.
I also attended the Leadership Workshop and highly recommend that, as well.
I have never known a facility more loving to dogs and their owners than Positive Approach. Whatever your goals for your dog(s) are - Positive Approach will help you achieve them!!
Now Jump forward two years. I sadly lost my Dalmations to old age and currently live with a two year old Shepherd mix, Oso, and Sugar. Oso is a handful, to say the least. He is smart, funny, energetic, but also stubborn, stubborn, stubborn. He would go into barking rants and I could not calm him down, he would bark non-stop in the back yard at the neighbor dogs through the fence, he would jump on me constantly, he would do "sit" and "down" if he felt like it, he would never come when called. Most worrisome was when we were on walks and another dog was in the vicinity, Oso went into this rage looking like he wanted to attack the other dog. He pulled me down numerous times. It was not safe.
We started out in Jeri Lynn's group dog training class at Positive Approach, but Oso became too disruptive. So we went to individual sessions with Jeri Lynn. They saved me and Oso because I was not sure how we were going to continue to co-habitate. Jeri Lynn taught me the most important things to focus on initially, how to reward him, how to be more assertive with him, etc. It has been slow progress (really only a few months, but it felt painfully slow at times), but Oso is now a joy to live with. He definitely knows I am the one who makes the rules, he obeys my commands, including come, his barking is hardly ever an issue anymore and he rarely jumps on me. I ADORE HIM. I don't know what I would have done without them.
Oso is also getting better when around other dogs. Eventually, my hope is to have him in doggy day care to continue on his path of healthy socialization with other dogs.
I also attended the Leadership Workshop and highly recommend that, as well.
I have never known a facility more loving to dogs and their owners than Positive Approach. Whatever your goals for your dog(s) are - Positive Approach will help you achieve them!!
Trudy M.
Aug 2015
At Positive Approach the idea is only praise your dog when he is doing what you want him to do and not to correct bad behavior. When you have a dog that will be 100 lbs. full grown, this just doesn't work. We used this approach religiously and one day our dog was asked not to come back to Doggie Daycare, because when he barked at one of the women who worked in the office, he scared her.
We took the puppy class, and then it was suggested we take several extra classes for dogs with behavior issues, all the time they just happily kept taking our money. Since then we've done a lot of research and realized that this approach might work well for a few types of dogs but not one who is bred to protect, to work, and be a part of a family. Even a puppy's mother will reprimand it when it is doing wrong. Positive Approach's concept is flawed. With a child, yes, praise is important, but what would happen if you never teach him right from wrong, never tell him when he's doing something wrong or harmful to himself? You'd end up with a nightmare of a child and an ill functioning adult.
We started working with our dog, teaching him in a kind way right from wrong, but unfortunately he became very ill from a genetic illness and he passed in Aug 2014. I will never bring another dog to Positive Approach.
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"Since the service described was performed over two years ago, and we received no complaints, we are shocked to see this review. Additionally, this client brought another one of their other dogs to us in 2014 and our interaction with her was pleasant and friendly. The description of our training methods is inaccurate and incomplete as is the reason given by this individual for why we declined to have their dog in daycare. We are one of the few dog training facilities in Washington that have CPDT-KA professionally certified dog trainers; impossible to obtain unless a trainer has much experience and knowledge. We are also the #1 Vet referred daycare. We are sincerely sorry that this individual is so upset and wish her much happiness in the future. Di Inman, Co-Owner Positive Approach, Inc."
Amanda C.
Jun 2015
I drop the dog off & when we arrive, there is always someone to greet me & take the dog. They have a variety of activities throughout the day for the animals & meet the special needs of any of the dogs. The staff is responsive when I call and when I pick up the dog. They bring her to me. It is a great place for both owner and dog.
Jeff O.
Jun 2015
Great, always take the dogs here now since we first tried them out. We have taken our dogs to other places and after using Positive Approach we wouldn't consider going anywhere else. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable, they are passionate about dogs and it shows. They even offer training in groups, private lessons, grooming and more. Our dogs come back tired and happy.
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"Thank you, [Member name removed]. You made our day even better at Positive Approach today! Di"
KATHRYN S.
Jun 2015
The people at Positive Approach love dogs. It makes it easy to trust them with my dogs. Not only do they provide a safe atmosphere for dogs, but they send the dogs home tired and happy.
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"Thank you, (removed member name)! After we play with your furry kids, we are tired and happy too! Di"
Marilyn R.
Jun 2015
The staff at Positive Approach are always great! I've been going to them for classes, daycare, grooming and boarding for years.
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"Thanks, [Member name removed]! We think you and your furry kids are great too!!! Di Inman, Co-Owner Positive Approach"
David V.
Jan 2015
They were nice, but it didn’t work out as well as I would have liked. They charged a lot to come out to our house, and they didn’t really have a workable solution for us. They said there was no solution other than to contain the dogs in a cage. We would consider using them in the future for a different type of need, and if the cost was lower. I don’t have anything to compare it to, but it seemed expensive to me.
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"We were surprised to see this review because the service was provided a year ago and we've heard nothing from [name removed] about any dissatisfaction prior to now. The charge for the one hour private lesson was not $150, but was $75 plus $40 for extra traveling distance. Since I am an Internationally Accredited dog trainer, (CPTD), our rates are very competitive. Without going into confidential details, this situation was more complicated than this review makes it seem. If [name removed] had advised us of any dissatisfaction, we would have been happy to discuss other training options and/or alternative solutions to make him another one of our happy clients. Jeri Lynn Vosburgh, CPDT-KA, Head Trainer - Positive Approach Dog Training & Daycare"
Sheila F.
Jul 2014
They are a lovely group of people. They really do speak dog.
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"Thank you, [Member name removed]! Your words made us smile today. Di Inman, Co-Owner Positive Approach"
Robert P.
Jun 2014
The classes were well-run. They started and ended on time. There was plenty of time for dogs and their owners to socialize if they wished. The training was very effective and there was a lot of opportunities to try the training techniques out in class under the watchful eye of the instructor.
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"Thank you for your clear and positive feedback, [Member name removed]. We appreciate knowing we did well AND we want you to know that in order for you to have gotten the full benefit of our classes, you must have worked hard at practicing what we were teaching. Pat on the back for you, too! Di Inman, Positive Approach, Inc."
Tony M.
Jun 2014
I use them for doggie daycare and grooming. They are very caring about the animals and my dog always leaves happy.
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"Thank you, [Member name removed]. It is always a pleasure to see you and your furry kid. Di Inman, Co-Owner"
Martha S.
May 2014
I've been taking my two 6 month old puppies here for the past several weeks and they LOVE it! The staff is professional, warm and caring. You can tell they really love working here. The hours and location are extremely convenient.
My dogs love coming here...they jump out of the car excited to have a day of play. This is great socialization for them since they are interacting with other dogs and people. I can tell that the dogs are more confident and less anxious in new situations. They come home exhausted!
I had both dogs groomed the other day (they were a mess with paint on them, etc). The groomer did an exceptional job getting their coats looking and feeling great and their nails very nicely trimmed. I will definitely have them groomed here again!
My dogs love coming here...they jump out of the car excited to have a day of play. This is great socialization for them since they are interacting with other dogs and people. I can tell that the dogs are more confident and less anxious in new situations. They come home exhausted!
I had both dogs groomed the other day (they were a mess with paint on them, etc). The groomer did an exceptional job getting their coats looking and feeling great and their nails very nicely trimmed. I will definitely have them groomed here again!
Response from Positive Approach Dog Training
"Thank you (removed member name)! Yes, they did have paint on them and I think they were disappointed when we removed it! Just a note-the $120 charge included a full bath for both pups, anal gland expression, nail trims, ear cleanings, blow dry and daycare that day. Di Inman, Co-Owner"
Sylvia W.
May 2014
unknown
Christie A.
May 2014
The whole staff is very friendly and professional. They love dogs and are very knowledgeable on how to train them. My dog needed socializing due to negative experiences as a puppy. Now, thanks to the classes we attended to get her socialized, she absolutely loves to go to the daycare. Also, I have tried another training course at another facility in the past. They were ok, but just not a right fit for us. At positive approach they make sure you get the most out of every class available. When I had to miss a class they were very easy to reschedule a makeup class with. I feel very comfortable leaving her at their daycare. The live web cams are awesome. You can check up on your dog at anytime and see how much fun she is having playing with the others. I would recommend them to anyone with a dog!
Glenn M.
Apr 2014
Positive Approach Dog Training helps you train your dog without saying no, that there is always alternative, a positive approach. They’re amazing people.
Lisa M.
Oct 2013
(We purchased a 3-pack visit and paid a surcharge for travel because we live in Kent.) Our newest rescue is a great guy, but had some aggression issues towards our cats, and a few other things that were beyond our ability to fix on our own. In a single session the trainer gave us clear directions and feedback and we formulated a plan to start altering his behavior -- and we saw immediate results. Session two built on that training and again we saw immediate improvement. Session three reinforced the training and gave us skills to carry forward.
The trainers were wonderful people with a huge mount of knowledge about dogs and people! I literally can not say enough good things about how much they helped us. This is the best money you will ever spend on your dog. 100% recommended.
The trainers were wonderful people with a huge mount of knowledge about dogs and people! I literally can not say enough good things about how much they helped us. This is the best money you will ever spend on your dog. 100% recommended.
Maureen A.
Sep 2013
My dog has been going here for several months. The staff and owners are fantastic. The atmosphere is very upbeat and positive. My dog can't wait to get in the door.
Trudy M.
Apr 2013
Positive Approach Dog Training have been very good. They helped us with issues of barking. They have a different approach than most trainers. You're not saying "no" to your dogs, you're just ignoring the negative behavior and praising the good behavior. I just really, really like the people they work with. They obviously love dogs. There's somebody there all the time. They also board dog there and have a doggie daycare. There's always someone there 24 hours a day if a dog is being boarded. You know that your dog is not being left alone. They are excellent.
Adam I.
Feb 2013
It went fantastic, we have had both of our skiddish chocolate labs do everything from bathe and clip, to board to purchase several pieces of food and merchandise.
They have a caring, compasionate staff that always remembers our dogs and details about them that show they are truly invested in the care and safety of our little ladies.
I would reccomend them head and shoulders above anyone else (Including several other local vendors)
Thanks so much Positve Approach!
They have a caring, compasionate staff that always remembers our dogs and details about them that show they are truly invested in the care and safety of our little ladies.
I would reccomend them head and shoulders above anyone else (Including several other local vendors)
Thanks so much Positve Approach!
Patricia W.
Apr 2012
They are very good. They also have classes for helping you learn about your animal, very knowledgeable.
Juli N.
Mar 2012
They are absolutely wonderful. I rate them high overall.
Julia A.
Dec 2011
Actually, my services with them are ongoing. They are a wonderful dog training center--positive reinforcement, understanding your dog's behavior, etc. I've done basic well-behaved dog (and better trained human) training, as well as leadership. My little rescue guy has come a long way with their help, support and advice. I continue with what I call "doggie continuing ed" and he continues to improve his behavior and become better-adjusted. I want my dogs to be happy, well-adjusted, secure, and good citizens, and that is also their approach. In addition, he goes there once a week for daycare. They continue to work with him, as well as all the other dogs. He has such a good time, he's sometimes in play position in the car as we pull in. I can also check in during the day via doggie daycare webcam--it is clear that the entire staff loves dogs. Today, I signed up for another class to help deal with some continued difficult behavior. I also did holiday shopping in their awesome retail store.
Christopher J.
Dec 2011
We have used them for dog obedience classes, daycare and grooming. Always good, any questions always resolved.
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FAQ
Positive Approach Dog Training is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.
Positive Approach Dog Training accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Positive Approach Dog Training does not offer free project estimates.
No, Positive Approach Dog Training does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Positive Approach Dog Training does not offer a senior discount.
No, Positive Approach Dog Training does not offer emergency services.
No, Positive Approach Dog Training does not offer warranties.