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Happy Dog Institute

Tumwater, Washington

4.8/5· 56 Google reviews

About Happy Dog Institute

Starting in a small pet shop holding group classes we expanded to our own facility in 2021! Work with one of our certified trainers today in either private sessions or group classes. We pride ourselves in staying up-to-date with science backed approaches. We are open by appointment only and look forward to working with you!

Training & services

Training goals

  • Behavior consultation
    Program details
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
    Program details
  • Obedience training
    Program details
  • Puppy training Customer-reported
    Program details
  • Socialization Customer-reported
    Program details

Behavior support

  • Aggression training
    Program details
  • Barking
    Program details

How training happens

  • Group classes
    Program details
  • Private training
    Program details

Dog age

  • Adult dogs
    Program details
  • Puppies
    Program details

Training level

  • Advanced obedience
    Program details
  • Beginner training Customer-reported
    Program details

Assistance and working dogs

  • Service dog training
    Program details

Dog sports

  • Agility
    Program details

Training approach

  • Positive reinforcement
    Program details

Additional services

  • Dog walking
    Program details

Other listed services

View 15 additional details
  • Accredited Dog Trainer
    Program details
  • Adventure Hikes
    Program details
  • Akc Scentwork
    Program details
  • Animal Behavior Consultants
    Program details
  • Basic Manners Class
    Program details
  • Behavioral Challenges
    Program details
  • Dog Jump
    Program details
  • Dog Manners
    Program details
  • Dog Sports
    Program details
  • Dog Whisperer
    Program details
  • Family Dog Mediation
    Program details
  • In-Person Consultation
    Program details
  • Nail Trimming
    Program details
  • Specialty Classes
    Program details
  • Week Class
    Program details

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Questions & answers

From Google

What people have asked about this business.

Do you work with Rottweiler's? Hes a pup and needs strict training not to bite people. Good dog, pure blood lines, from Germany.

I work every breed Kate. I hope you find some help for that awesome Rottie. Fill out a contact form on my website so we can touch base.

Community answer · StructuredK9training · 2019-09-21

Question on Google
Where are the classes?

Hi! Thanks for reaching out! We offer most of our classes - including our puppy and adult classes at our new facility located at 7924 Sweet Iron Ct, Ste 109 Olympia, WA 98501 We have a few classes that we offer offsite as well: About Town, and Truffle Hunting are two offsite options

Community answer · Happy Dog Institute · 2025-10-21

Question on Google

Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.

Customer reviews

Google listing
4.8
out of 556 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • knowledgeable trainer 5
  • positive reinforcement 5
  • barking 3
  • puppy class 3
  • reactivity skills 3
  • behavioral training 2
All 10 topics
  • body language 2
  • class size 2
  • compassionate trainer 2
  • puppy socialization 2

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

61 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Amanda Herndon
5/5
I have a truly happy and well-mannered dog thanks to HDI. I hadn't done any kind of training classes before first signing up with HDI in 2016. HDI trained me to train my dog and better understand what my dog needs to be successful. I've had three different trainers and they have …Read full reviewClose full review

I have a truly happy and well-mannered dog thanks to HDI. I hadn't done any kind of training classes before first signing up with HDI in 2016. HDI trained me to train my dog and better understand what my dog needs to be successful. I've had three different trainers and they have all been fantastic. We took two puppy classes, two manners classes, a sport sampler class, and we have been long standing agility students. We learn something every class. I really appreciate that the classes are focused on positive reinforcement. It is also super rewarding to see my dog loving class and loving agility. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but that's not true. My dog is still learning and improving at 10 years old. As a point of comparison: I did take a class with another school early on because I thought it might be good to experience a different training style. The more punishment-oriented training was not for me. If you don't think that's for you, then I would definitely give HDI a try.

Tonya Kinney
5/5

The Happy Dog staff are responsive, professional and caring. When we were having difficulties with our dogs they took the time to give advice to use at home and set up private lessons to address the issues. They continued to stay in touch by inquiring how things were going and offer alternative options.

Emily Gray
5/5

We love Happy Dog! We’ve taken multiple classes with them, and each has been awesome. They are kind, thoughtful, engaged trainers willing to work with us, our pup, and even our kiddo who is excited to help out. Highly recommend!

Emily Novoa
5/5

Happy Dog Institute has been a game changer for my “spirited” GSD-husky mix! I’ve taken multiple group classes starting at the Puppy Primer. Paul has been a WONDERFUL teacher/trainer. They have all the foundational/behavioral theories and research paired with real-world experience. We have learned so much at Happy Dog and recommend them highly!

Lindsay McCoy
5/5
When we signed up for the class, our puppy was one year of age. He already knew the basics like sit and wait, but we really needed help with his teenage behavior, like tugging on his leash, jumping on people, and counter surfing. The class we took gave us the skills and tools to …Read full reviewClose full review

When we signed up for the class, our puppy was one year of age. He already knew the basics like sit and wait, but we really needed help with his teenage behavior, like tugging on his leash, jumping on people, and counter surfing. The class we took gave us the skills and tools to curb this behavior and is useful for future training. We asked the instructor for how the advice and tools in the class could better and more specifically work for our dog. Instructor was happy to provide custom recommendations. Each session had a lesson plan. Class size is appropriate and the procedures for class preparation are all helpful. All of the training is compassionate and positive. Would be interested in taking more classes!

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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