NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF CANINE STUDIES
Superior Education. Unrivaled Success.
The only dog behavior professional certification program in the USA conducted entirely in person.
Olympia & Seattle
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“… This Program was the hardest, most emotional project I have every engaged in. [Cristine’s] knowledge and compassion for dogs but more important, her students, in my opinion is unprecedented. I have never been taught by a more able individual (and I have 9 years of college). The bond that is created with the participants and alumni of this Program is the equivalent to the bond created in the military and the academy. I HIGHLY recommend this Program for anyone interested in working with clients regarding dogs, just wanting to be better in tune with your own dog(s) or simply using your knowledge and compassion for animals to "pay-it-forward". Her work with me both in class and on a personal basis will enable me to save thousands of dollars in not have to hire someone to train the Sheriff Office Foundation dogs. Our dogs will be working with Juvenile Detainees, and the Superior Court as EAS K9's because of what NWSCS teaches….”
— Jared Karstetter, 2019
The NWSCS is Different
The NWSCS is designed for those interested in behavior modification of the companion dog rather than just training. While we value and teach training foundations such as obedience, manners, and control, we do so only as a function of how those behaviors contribute to a dog's overall behavioral soundness and success.
Dog AND Owner
While all trainers and behavior modification practitioners love working with dogs, their human partners have been greatly ignored in the professional landscape. We study and apply cutting-edge behavior techniques to support a partnership between dog and owner, focusing on rock-solid communication and coaching support.
ENVIRONMENT
TEMPERAMENT
BEHAVIOR
LIFESTYLE
ABILITIES
COMMUNICATION
dog
owner
PRACTICE
KNOWLEDGE
SKILL
ccs
BETTER SUCCESS
THINKING
JEAN DONALDSON, Director, The SFSPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, Author of The Culture Clash, Oh Behave!, and Dogs are from Neptune says:
“Seattle is a city of thinking, sophisticated people and so it’s very fitting that Cristine Dahl has given it Seattle Dogworks. Cristine’s methods are science-based, on the cutting edge, and completely dog and people friendly.”
PRIZED
DR. JAMES HA, Research Associate Professor, University of Washington, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist says:
“Cristine is a wonderful ambassador for the application of educational and scientifically-based behavior research. She has become a highly-prized colleague of mine here in the Pacific Northwest, a fellow professional with whom I can consult on cases and to whom I can refer cases in need of a high-quality trainer. In addition to her strong professional background, Cristine is an excellent teacher, which is probably the most important characteristic of a successful dog trainer. She has a true genius for conveying difficult, and sometimes technical, information in a way the average dog owner can understand and she conveys not only the immediate concept, but the underlying principle as as well.”
CUTTING EDGE
JANIS BRADLEY, Author of Dogs Bite but Balloons and Bedroom Slippers are More Dangerous says:
“Every great city in the country needs a place like Seattle Dogworks, where cutting edge, scientifically grounded training methods are presented in a way that supports the needs of people and dogs alike, enhancing the bonds between them.”
Trainer Health
The NWSCS recognizes the need to support practitioners in a field that has a high burnout, low wellness rate. While students receive a top notch education in canine behavior and client management, the program also integrates activities, material, coaching, and education promoting emotional health and career longevity.
boundaries
authenticity
community
support
WELLNESS
Facilities
The NWSCS lecture and activity sections operate in a classroom setting. All hands-on sections are held mostly outside.
Seattle Area Puget Sound Locations
Our OLYMPIA lecture section is held at the main South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) campus , with hands-on sections at one of the two properties run by the school, also in Olympia.
Our SEATTLE lecture section is held in a comfortable private classroom off hwy 99 on Dexter Ave N., with easy access and ample off-street parking. Hands-on sections, also in Seattle, are held mostly outside. Exact locations and times provided after the first day of class.