I'm shocked by some of the negative reviews here. I took my rescue pup Diesel, hoping Julie and Sound Animal Services would be able to help. Diesel has a trauma history that makes him leash reactive and easily overstimulated. The first night, he had to stay behind a barrier and barked the whole time. I told Julie I didn't think we could come back but she encouraged me to stick it out and I'm so glad we did. We're almost done with basic obedience and it's been a game changer. Diesel can sit in the main room now and participate in the off leash playtime without problems. He has amazing recall and I've enjoyed working with him to grow our bond and enrich his life. I'm hoping to take the intermediate and advanced classes in the future to keep working on Diesel. I'm so glad I was referred to SAS. We'd tried other trainers who didn't actually let us practice with the dogs during the session, just talked at us. As a hands on learner, I appreciate that Julie has us all practice together and walks around, giving feedback. It's like I have a different dog now. read more

This place has been a lifesaver! I was having trouble finding ANY social play groups for my new puppy, and I finally found Sound Animals when she was 11 weeks old. It's absolutely amazing that they offer this 2 hour play session for FREE, and owners are allowed to stay with the puppies. Many places are currently doing drop-off only because of COVID, and this was a deal breaker for us because our puppy is very shy around new people, especially if they try to handle her. This group has been perfect (limited to 10 people currently and everyone must wear a mask and socially distance) - she's gotten exposed to more new people and gotten some valuable playtime with puppies having similar levels of immunity. She's really come out of her shell and I can't thank Sound Animals enough for this!! read more

Sound Animal Services - Puppy play - Pet Training Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Absolutely love this training school. Kendra is magnificient and is always more than willing to help out after class to teach us a few tricks on how to get my 1 and a half year old dog to stop acting like such a d-bag. Jeff Tinsley has also been extremely helpful replying to some of my inquiries on specific dog behavioral problems that I've encountered. I have tried Ahimsa at first but I believe that this training style is much better at working with more dominant, stubborn breeds. read more

Took my 12 week old puppy for playtime. No one verified our vaccinations, and there seemed to be no one verifying age either. Some very large, clearly-not-puppies were in attendance. I was slightly concerned about this for exposure reasons since small puppies are especially vulnerable until fully vaccinated. The second time we attended, my puppy was actually attacked (twice) by an aggressive dog. The staff handled this poorly. On top of all of this, the facility is not well kept and when dogs pee or poop it is not cleaned up in a timely manner. I would not recommend this facility. Look elsewhere for your puppy. read more

You should know my dog is kind of a train wreck. Well, she *was*. I have a rescue dog who has been one of the most difficult and challenging dogs in my life. She came to me as an adult with a lot of baggage in tow. I'd already gone to a couple of other trainers and classes in an attempt to help socialize and relieve her anxiety. I was referred to SA and Jeff by a friend, and attended the Growl Class. Growl Class is limited to six dogs and the focus is on safety, keeping the dogs under reactivity threshold, and learning social skills many rescue dogs have missed. My own personal dog had a hard time tolerating being in visual line of sight with any other dog, and would lunge at the hint of eye contact from them. The best part for me as an owner? I never felt judged for having a dog that was a hot mess which made it easier to continue working with her. I attended Growl class a few times. Repeat takers get a discount, and the dogs benefit from the repetition. If your dog needs to be in this class, there isn't a quick fix, but there is this class, which is a kind, if slow, fix. The methods Jeff uses are positive approach and positive reinforcement. I've seen other comments here on Yelp to the contrary, but I can tell you after having attended many classes at this point, I've never seen Jeff use anything other than positive methods. When my anxious dog has reacted to him with lunging and barking in his face, he's been very calm and quietly stood with her while she settled down. If you are concerned about the comments about the water bottle he uses, then understand this: it's just water and it's generally sprayed on the ground near or in front of the dog to distract the dog that is obsessively focused on another dog. My dog has since gone from Growl Class to the general population classes. She still has some issues, but she continues to improve. She rarely barks or lunges at other dogs. The neighbors can walk by without her harassing them. I continue to go, not just for improvement, but because it's become pretty fun to hang out with my dog and teach her things. She's come a long way from being too reactive to do anything but bark and lunge at other dogs. I can't tell you how nice that is. read more

Jeff is an incredible trainer and a really nice person. He has helped us train 3 dogs with classes and in-home training. He is creative and fun with training - and includes our kids in the process. I can't say enough good things about Sound Animal Services. read more

Both my sister's and my dog use daycare regularly. My sister's dog was rescued and out of control before he got trained by Jeff. My sister also needed to go through the classes with her dog first but very happy with the outcome. This day care is excellent place for dogs to socialize and learn dog-good-behavior but not the place for your dog to get pampered, watch TV and sleep whole day. "Tired dog is a good dog". I like seeing my dogs to be tired when they comes home. read more

Although I only attended training at this facility once that's all I needed to know I did not want to return. The studio was cold and un inviting, and there was about 15 dogs which seemed like entirely way too many. I've found I prefer a training style that promotes my pup into being my helpful buddy not my scared slave and I found that was the vibe at sound animal. One of my least favorite lessons learned that evening was that as a female I was going to have to work harder to train my dog because they don't respect my submissive nature. Maybe that's true for fear based training but that furthers the reasons I would not recommend this studio... Remember, do you want your dog to be your slave? Or buddy?? Right away when you get into class the dogs are permitted to introduce themselves and play, my dog felt overwhelmed and tensed up about to snap I noticed and corrected my dog thankfully one second before Jeff was about to squirt him in the face with a water bottle. Wouldn't you at least like your child's teacher at school to ask if they can spank your child rather than take liberties regardless of your stance on "spanking." If old fashioned fear based training is the route you'd like to go Jeff is your guy, I myself prefer a more positive style of training one where my dog is left confident and eager to please not fearful and scared to disappoint. My tuition was included in my adoption fee for my dog, when I requested a refund I was denied and told too bad since I'd already taken up a spot in class. All I can say to that is there was entirely way too many dogs in this class to begin with. read more

I've never taken my dog here, but I work in an extreme close vicinity to this business. What I, my co-workers, and customers have witnessed from this place is appalling. The owner and employees scream at the dogs on a continual basis (the doggie daycare, I have no clue about the dog training), spray them in the face with a squirt bottle and eat in front of the dogs so the dogs go crazy. I can hear smaller dogs screaming out in pain all the time (probably from bigger dogs going after them since they aren't separated like in most doggie daycares), and I hear them howling because they are lonely. I've gone out and talked to the dogs, when I can see that no one is watching the dogs and they all come to the fence, starved for attention. The best is when I've seen dogs escape out of their fence, run across the road and into different businesses. How is that for your dog being protected? I am a dog owner, and take my dogs to a doggie daycare. I know there are better options out there for your dogs. read more

I would not take your pets here. I witnessed a worker pulling a dog up by its collar choking it. He dragged the dog to get back into the facility. I was walking by when I saw this and also heard dogs howling as if they were scared. I felt so bad for all of those pups. Please don't put yours through that!!! read more

I found myself referring two persons today to Jeff's Sound Animala Svcs., and this is after more than five years since the training! Jeff provided one-on-one training (at that time he came to my residence; not sure he still does that svc.). It made all the difference with Maxine, a Rhodesian Ridgeback/mastiff mix who had been abused by the former owners, first determined by neglect but later determined as physical abuse by the vet. Even though Maxine is no longer part of my pet family, she received two good years of love and care, and Jeff's training helped me provide such when I might otherwise have given up since I was critically ill and already had (and still have) another abandoned pup. Jeff is patient, listens to the pet parent's concerns and tailors the training. I have no hesitation referring Jeff and S.A.S. to anyone needing help. read more

We took 4 classes with Jeff, my one year old, took back to back classes, Jeff is a great dog person, Sullivan did great today 7/4/11, on a walk left dogs, alone,joggers , bike people, I know it is because we went to class, he's half Shepard, Heeler, his barking has clamed down too, His sister, had not taken a class in 2 years it was great for her to go, on the heeling class, she still will not leave my side , Dilla Dew. If you have big dogs in the city, I would recommend these classes, read more

I'd have to agree with the previous reviewer. I signed up for the Intermediate Dog Training class with my 7 year old dog, even though we hadn't taken a formal training class together in years. Before I signed up, I talked to someone on the phone who told me that it'd be okay. Upon entering for the first class, the place was incredibly crowded. There were about 14-16 dogs in the building on the first day, which was overwhelming because the class room wasn't all that big. My dog felt overwhelmed since he hadn't been around so many dogs like that in a long time, and he got a little growly and clearly very nervous. My dog actually didn't like the place very much at all, and wanted to leave. Jeff did not provide any comfort, either. Because my dog had been initially growly and nervous around all of the other dogs, Jeff immediately deemed him as the "troublemaker" of the class and did nothing about it. He would squirt my dog in his face with his water bottle whenever he started acting nervous and frightful again. The first class had so many people and dogs, it was hard to pay attention and my dog was all over the place. I thought I'd give it another shot, and since there were no refunds, I might as well have gotten my money's worth. Fast forward to the next week, still the same thing. Lots of dogs, lots of humans circled around. My dog felt really stressed and overwhelmed still, and Jeff did nothing to help. He paid more attention to certain dogs in the classroom than others and pretty much ignored me and my dog. If he thought a dog was being a "troublemaker" or they were "bad" he would not really interact with them further and would praise other dogs instead. I felt like he was very discriminatory towards specific dogs than others. If he did not like you, he wouldn't really talk or try to work with you at all. My dog felt very stressful going to class, and I was as an older dog, he did not want to tolerate all the puppies and younger, energetic dogs in the class, but Jeff never said anything about my dog's behavior or even tried to comfort him. He excluded my dog from playtime and my dog was the only one excluded, and he never offered any reasons why. One time after a session, he said, "I guess your dog can stay to play next week.. if we decide we want him to." Needless to say, I did not go back after that week and decided to skip the last class since my dog had not been benefiting at all. I would not recommend this place. I had a more positive experience with the PetSmart training than this, and that is saying something. If you want to waste your money, and deal with a condescending and cocky dog trainier, then come here. Otherwise, stay away. read more

Jeff came to our house to help to help us with our 16 month old dog that was regressing into bad behavior. He was terrific. He had ideas for our dog that made perfect sense. Everything was easy for us to implement and affected Bruno's behavior almost immediately. I understand he teaches classes, which I imagine would also be very worthwhile. We would not hesitate to recommend Sound Animal Services to any dog owner! read more

Had Jeff do a one-on-one with our new dog we adopted (she had been in foster care because she was so scared.difficult). She was extremely aggressive towards other dogs encountered on walks (though sweet at home with our other dog). She hadn't done well with another expert we'd seen for a number of sessions, but after one session with Jeff she was doing better and we were much more confident that we'd be able to help her be calm (and not vicious) on walks. We feel much better equipped to continue to train her, and she continues to improve! read more

Took my lil pup here for the obedience class and while I was skeptical at first thinking there was no way she was going to do the things Jeff TInsley said she would do. By the end of the course, I was proven wrong.. Not only did my little Bailey pass with flying colors.. after some time when I thought she would have forgotten the skills I havent really been "working on".. I know - my fault.. she listened immediately, understood, and was able to recall the commands she was taught. I am not only impressed with the training here.. I am going back for the next course.. Cant wait. SOOOOOOoooooo love this place and all the people who work here!! Thanks guys! TWO THUMBS UP!! Highly recommended! read more

I found this place BEFORE i moved up from LA, took a leap of faith in total desperation and signed my dog up for the 6 week "growl" class for dog agressive dogs. long story short, we took the class twice because we loved it so much, then went on to take the basic obedience class as well. jeff and his assistants really put me at ease, especially on that first class where i was in tears for fear that my dog would be shunned. They were so supportive, they taught both my dog AND me confidence and how to interact with other dogs. Best part is, classes are at all hours pretty much, and if you take one series, the next series is discounted by alot... LOVE THEM and am forever indebted to Jeff for helping my beast be happier in this world. read more

I have used Jeff's services for one-on-one, in-home training as well as classes for my two dogs very successfully. Jeff's advice is practical, effective and easy to implement. His style is casual and friendly, yet professional. I am very happy with the service I've received from Jeff and give him a high recommendation. read more

Jeff and his crew walk on water (on all 4 paws that is). They offer wonderful classes w/ play time that have really helped me train my nearly 12 mos old Golden Retriever aka the monster. Jeff has come to the house for a one-on-one training session which helped us solve a house training issue. I'm about to have him back again. Would highly recommend him, the group classes, and the doggy photographer that works with them. read more

We rescued a 6 year old German Shepard and part of the agreement was that we take him to training soon. He already had the basics down (sit, lay down) So I called Jeff and his team and they let us in intermediate, which was great. Jeff was very helpful in getting our dog not only trained, but what we needed even more was socialized. He is still working on that but the training did is all a world of good. read more

Today marks my almost 2 year olds second time at Sound Animal Daycare that he is attending once/week. He looks forward to being picked up and is returned absolutely exhausted. He is dropped off with a Daily Dog Report; activities, dog friends for the day, overall grade, mood, behavior challenges, health notes, and comments. So far we've gotten all A's! I couldn't be happier and my lil guy seems to enjoy it too! Thanks Jeff and team! read more

Very disappointed in their "puppy preschool" or whatever it was called. No, it's not because I didn't pay attention, or attend every class, or because I didn't put in the time at home with pup. It's because the class is literally a play time and then he sends you home with a sheet of paper that tells you to work on this, work on that... I totally understand that puppies need socialization. They need to play with other puppies, get handled by strangers, etc. However Jeff's "class" had no structure and I finished the program feeling like I had been ripped off. My suggestion: go to UCLA (University Canine Learning Academy). It's such a better value, with better instructors and training and... I could go on and on. Jeff is a very nice dude and I certainly cannot speak of his obedience training classes. However, I'd say pass on the "kindergarten/preschool" and take your dog elsewhere. read more

My two little dogs went through training classes as puppies and now have spent the last 3-4 years attending daycare once a week. I love that Sound Animals picks up and drops off my dogs at my home. When they arrive, my dogs can overhear the other end and immediately recognize that it's time for them to go to daycare. They start shrieking with excitement -- which they don't do for any of their other life pleasures -- and promptly run to the door. It's the highlight of their week! read more

I did not get our 2nd puppy socialized because our first was so easy I didn't think it would be necessary. By the time she was one year I knew we were in trouble. I took her to the obedience classes I had used for my first dog but she was so busy being aggressive towards the other dogs she was not able to calm down. She was becoming a burden for our family. A friend recommended Jeff. I had him out for a one on one evaluation and based on that enrolled her in his class while still taking her to my other trainer. The socializing in Jeff's class has turned her around. She is a much happier dog now and so are we. It was Jeff's expertise and his style of classes that gave her the opportunity to improve. Most grateful customer. read more

Our dog's behavior worsened before our eyes while we were in Jeff's obedience class. This program's positive reinforcement training style (rewarding positive behavior with food treats) with little in the way of correction (squirting a water bottle) for bad behavior may work for user-friendly breeds but is not effective for all breeds, and certainly was not effective for our dog. Buyer beware! read more

Jeff is an awesome dog trainer! He is very good at his job and very patient with my crazy dog. I adopted my 3 year old black lab a year ago. She has done three of his classes and has improved so much. Jeff encouraged us to stay positive even though our dog is a super spaz. Our dog was also kicked out of another doggie daycare (barking issues). After telling Jeff this he said he'd be happy to take her. I know she has barking issues still, but I also know he's taking the time to try and stop them. I would recommend Sound Animals to anyone, especially if they had a difficult dog like mine. The trainers and staff see the potential in all dogs. read more

The whole obedience class with Jeff was amazing! He has a knack of understanding what your dog needs as well as what you need to feel confident in class. He is calm, patient, funny and always looks for ways to compliment your dog as well as you. We have a very shy collie pup and Jeff knew what to do to bring him out and make him feel more confident. Strongly recommend Sound Animals to anyone! read more