About Wonder Dogs
West Seattle’s top spot for puppy and adult dog training, puppy socialization groups and all around fun with your dog.
We are not your average dog training facility. Every dog has their own personality, genetic make up and reason for doing or not doing any one thing on any given day. Our job is to help humans better understand their dog, what drives them, what makes them feel safe and happy, and how to shape their behavior so that they can have a great relationship with the humans in their life.
Whether you are a first time dog owner with a puppy suddenly running your life, an adoptive parent helping a dog adjust to a new environment, or a human looking for ways to engage with your dog in a way that is fun for both of you, we are here to help.
Our training methods are based on animal learning theory and positive reinforcement. We believe strongly that fear, pain, and punishment are not necessary to change a dog’s behavior or to teach new skills.
Our Team
Laurie C., MS, CCS
Owner
Laurie earned her Certificate of Canine Science from the Northwest School of Canine Studies in 2012. She started the program during her 4th year in business as See Spot Run where she took groups of dogs to the off leash park. Later that year, Laurie purchased 25 acres in SE Renton and rebranded as Unleashed Dog Camp, hired her first employees and added overnight boarding to her outdoor day camp program. In September of 2020, she took over a dog training and small dog day care business in West Seattle, rebranded as West Seattle Wonder Dogs and started teaching puppy classes non stop to meet the needs of all the new puppy owners during the pandemic. Laurie is forever grateful for her education and the network of exceptional dog trainers that she has connected with as a result. Though most of her time is spent behind the scenes, she always makes time to walk in the woods with the dogs at Unleashed or to stop in to play with the puppies at Wonder Dogs.
Erika T., CCS
Lead Trainer
Erika earned her CCS through the Northwest School of Canine studies in 2015. She has always loved dogs and got her start volunteering at the Tacoma Humane Society. She is passionate about improving owner’s relationships with their dogs and helping everyone be the best versions of themselves that they can be! She coaches play groups, teaches class and does private training. When she isn’t working with clients she enjoys spending time with her chihuahua mix, Garbanzo, and is a proud member of the Beyhive.
Skye F., CPTD-KA, CCS
Trainer
Skye earned their CCS through the Northwest School of Canine Studies in 2017 after starting their dog career in New Orleans as a dog walker and sitter. With a lifelong love of learning, Skye focuses on the human/dog bond and has worked in rescue, daycare, private training, and classes. Skye specializes in puppies and adolescent dogs. You can find them walking their dog in North Seattle and observing birds and insects in urban areas.
Hope A., CCS
Trainer
Hope, a West Seattle native, earned her CCS from the Northwest School of Canine studies in 2022. She has a French Bulldog-Pug mix named Duke, as well as a cat and a leopard gecko. She has always loved dogs, especially rescue pups, and she is looking forward to working with your puppy in class. In the future she hopes to train seizure alert and other service dogs.
Kaitlyn R.
Trainer
Kaitlyn received her trainer certification from the Victoria Stilwell Academy. She is also an AKC CGC Approved Evaluator. She became interested in training after getting her Border Collie Mix Luna and has a particular interest in dog nutrition. She recently started volunteering at Seattle Humane Society where she provides exercise and enrichment activities to the dogs there. You can find her in play groups or assisting during classes.
Sandy H., CCS
Trainer
Sandy earned her CCS from the Northwest School of Canine Studies in 2015, having previously worked in dog daycare and boarding. She enjoys teaching the fundamentals to dogs of all ages and coaching the humans who love them. When not training Sandy, is having adventures with her American Staffordshire, Tess, or practicing bass!
Zayne,B.
Trainer
Zayne grew up around dogs, thanks to his cousin and uncle, and chose to train them full-time in 2020. He started as a balanced trainer, but quickly discovered his love for positive reinforcement and developing relationships between owner and dog. He currently manages his own company, Royal Families K-9 LLC, and their objective is to teach owners how to better communicate, understand, and have fun with their dogs, resulting in a more healthy connection in which the dog wants to be obedient rather than being forced to. He has completed the Dog Sports Essentials Course with the Karen Pryor Academy and is now studying for the Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessment test (CPDT-KA). He is always seeking other programs to further his knowledge so that he can better serve those around him.