Linda
“If you're looking for the best dog trainers in the PNW, look no further. And I've tried several other dog trainers before I found Julia, so I know what I'm talking about. I even created a Google account just so I could rave about Julia and the other trainers here - that's how much I recommend them!
I have a Belgian Malinios that had some difficulties with other dogs and people, so I did a board and train with Julia, and he's a different dog today. We're currently having the follow up sessions that are included in the package where you learn how to handle your dog in different scenarios (outside, at home, in Home Depot etc.). Yes, it's a pricier package, but wow, how much it has helped us!
One of our biggest hurdles to overcome with our dog was aggression at the vet; to the extent where the vet office required him to be sedated before hand. We had our first vet appointment since his board and train and were unable to sedate him, but he did fantastic! The veterinarian staff was incredibly impressed with his progress and Julia's work. They even said that it's a night and day difference. Before, they couldn't even touch him, let alone doing any procedures. Now they were able to fully examine him and even give him infusions while being fully awake!
I've worked with Julia throughout this entire time and couldn't recommend her enough! As I boarded my dog over the Christmas holidays while I was overseas, she not only trained him tirelessly, but also took such great care of him and treated him like he was a part of her family. She even send me some pictures of my dog on Christmas morning, sitting in front of the tree wearing a bow tie, knowing how much I missed him ❤️ I was also able to follow along her Instagram stories and the daily training sessions, and see what else he's been up to. If you're traveling and you miss your dog like crazy, it's such a relief to see him being in such good hands. And even today that he's back with me, I can always ask her for advice, recommendations and more.
So to summarize it: if you're still looking for a dog trainer, comparing different ones, and reading through endless amounts of reviews, here's my permission for you to stop and just give Julia a call. You won't be disappointed, I promise!”
Christina
“Julia has done an amazing job training our Doberman since she was a pup. Her calm demeanor, positive reinforcement and consistent messaging is well accepted by both pups and their owners. We now have a 1 1/2 year old dog that is the absolute best companion.
She also helped us create calm in our home between two dogs that don’t get a long. Within a one hour training session in our home she had both dogs comfortable around one another and confident on their safety.
We can not recommend Julia enough to pet owners. She will fall in love with your pet as much as you! She builds outstanding relationships and trust immediately.”
Erica
Highly recommended! Was seeking help for reactivity in my GSD puppy as well as E-collar training. Within a few sessions of working with Julia I was able to curb a lot of the reactivity out of my girl. A month or two later and we are working the E-collar and I can now play fetch in parks and other off leash activities which has changed my pups life. We are able to have fun with training, I have almost no anxiety taking my dog with me like I used to which has only built a better relationship with my pup and allowed more freedom for the both of us. Julia has been very accommodating to my schedule and is also very responsive to any questions or concerns I have had along the way. Each lesson is tailored to my end goal as well as specific issues so I feel I have gotten valuable information every time we train. I did puppy training previously in a group class and I wish I would have started training here from day one as I've gotten more out of the last few months then the 8 before at other places.
Danette
“Julia is the absolute best trainer we have worked with! Our Izzy was struggling with both dog and human reactivity and we needed help in giving her a solid foundation of training to work past these issues. Izzy did a 4 week board and train with Julia, and it was the best investment we have ever made. Not only did Izzy learn manners, but we (the humans) now have to tools we need to continue to work with Izzy in giving her the best life.
I highly recommend Auntie Julia!”
Katie
“Julia is the absolute best! She is so personable, skilled, and fun and really makes it fun for the dogs she is working with. She also cares about how the dog is doing outside of their training sessions and takes the time to check in and help out if anything comes up! I’m so glad to have met her and she has helped in so many ways!”
Jerika
“I was referred to Julia by a friend as we were looking for a good trustworthy dog trainer as well as last minute boarding and I’m so happy Julia was available. Right off the bat she responded and was ready to chat over the phone, answering all my questions and was super knowledgeable. I could tell right away she was passionate about what she does and helping out dog owners. She is always available by text if I have questions or need advice. We boarded our puppy for 10 days with her while we were on vacation and I could already see an improvement with her listening when we got her back. Shortly after we sent her back for her actual board & train for 3 weeks and throughout the time Julia was sending me progress updates, pictures and videos. She’s made this process much easier and less stressful for us.
She’s straight up and real which is hard to find now days. I appreciate the care and time she’s put in to us and our pup Luna! I’ve already recommended her and Motivation K9 to several people!”
Nicole
“we reached out to Julia after our older dog bit our puppy. Julia was quick to respond and scheduled a home visit right away. we decided a board and train for both dogs would be the best to help with
Lux's reactivity and build Maisy's confidence around other dogs. we were a bit nervous to send our dogs away for so long but Julia put our minds at ease with constant updates, pictures, and even videos.
I would highly recommend Motivation K9 to anyone looking for training, weather it be for behavior modification or just basic obedience.
This training has greatly improved our home life as well as our relationship with our dogs and I regret not reaching out sooner!
Big thanks to Julia and Motivation K9!!!!”
Carolanne
“Julia is a godsend. My husband and I considered ourselves to be experienced dog owners until we suddenly found ourselves with a 5-yo fear reactive rescue Doberman and absolutely no idea what to do. Vet visits, grooming, neighborhood walks, and having guests over to our house were all nightmare scenarios. We cancelled all travel plans for a year--including a highly anticipated trip to Spain--because no one was willing to board our dog. We went through a number of "highly recommended" trainers and training approaches (all of which made Cash's reactivity worse) and decided to contact Julia as a last ditch effort. Well--my dog is tough, but this lady is tougher! She was not phased WHATSOEVER by his behavior and immediately reassured me that there was hope for us. I knew that we had found the right person when she recommended we take a slow, multi-phase approach that primarily focused on building Cash's trust and confidence as opposed to just jumping straight into behavioral modification. 5 months later I can say that her approach was the right one for us and while we're still on our reactive dog journey (there are no quick fixes) our quality of life has greatly improved. There is no one else I trust more with my dog and Cash now looks forward to training sessions and boarding with Auntie Julie and all her pups! Stop deliberating and hire this woman.”
