Pupstanding Academy

In-Person Private Dog Training

Get one-on-one help for your dog's training and behavior from a certified professional dog trainer and canine behavior consultant.


Services:

Specializing in complex dog behavior issues: aggression, resource guarding, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and other anxieties.

Also offered: Puppy training, basic and intermediate training skills, dog matching, and pre-adoption planning.


Serving the North Seattle Area:

Edmonds, Shoreline, Green Lake, Richmond Beach, Lake City, Lake Forest Park, Maple Leaf, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Woodinville

Looking for a Group Dog Training Class?

Cathy currently teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane in Bellevue, Wa.

Check out group class options here.

cathy training Sookie in off leash heel

About Your Trainer

Cathy Madson

MA, FDM, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP-T

Cathy Madson 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 and his 10-year-old son, who adores their two Welsh 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.

With over a decade of experience working with dogs in shelters, dog daycares, grooming salons, group classes, and private companion dog training, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs and on a wide variety of behavioral challenges. She 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 resource guarding, canine separation anxiety, leash reactivity, and dog aggression.

Cathy is a Family Dog Mediator (FDM) and certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, earning both the CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA designations. Cathy is a Fear Free Certified 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. Cathy has also completed the Aggression in Dogs master course.

She has appeared on local news stations (KING5, Q13, New Day Northwest, Evening) highlighting dog health and training topics and has been featured in a variety of online articles and print magazines.

Your First Session

All initial intake consultations are held virtually via Zoom. These virtual consultations are 45 minutes long and Cathy will ask about your dog training and behavior goals, history, and map out a training plan with you.

At the end of your initial consult, you'll schedule your included in-person session with Cathy to work in your home or at an appropriate dog-friendly location. The first in-person session is 90 minutes long. Any follow-up sessions are 60 minutes long.

Cathy and Bubba the Black Russian Terrier

In-Person Dog Training Pricing:

NEW CLIENTS

Initial Virtual Consult & In-Person Session: $375

RETURNING CLIENTS

1 Follow-Up Session: $245

3 Follow-Up Session Package: $725

6 Follow-Up Session Package: $1,420


Availability:

Initial Virtual Consults are typically available within 1-2 weeks.

In-person sessions on weekdays are typically available within 2-3 weeks. Weekend appointments within 3-4 weeks.

If you have an urgent case that needs attention right away, email Cathy at [email protected].

We cannot guarantee sooner availability.

Fall/Winter Weather Advisory:

Certain weather conditions (ice/snow) may require session rescheduling. Cathy will contact you re: any weather that may affect your scheduled in-person session as quickly as possible.

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 [email protected] to find out whether she can accommodate your location. In-person sessions outside of the regular service area may 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 by clicking the link included in your receipt.

Intake 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, you can purchase single follow-up sessions or a 3-pack or 6-pack.

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 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, private in-person sessions are limited to household members or pre-approved caregivers only (e.g. dog walker or pet sitter).

Can I share an in-person training session with another family member or friend and their dog?

Yes! We call this a semi-private dog training session and it's like your own mini group class. Perfect for sharing a private session with friends or family who also have a dog that needs training help. Contact Cathy at [email protected] to request this service and receive a discount code for each dog's enrollment.

*This setup may not be appropriate for all cases and requires trainer approval prior to purchase. Maximum 3 dogs per semi-private training session.

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

All 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.

As stated in Teachable's Terms of Use, Coaching IS NOT covered by Teachable's 30-day student refund policy.