Monday, December 7, 2009
Fast Pup Clients' Well Behaved Dog Travels Cross Country
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fast Pup Dog Training Tacoma Sunday Classes
Imagine how wonderful it would be to be able to walk down a busy city street with your dog off leash and listening to your every command! Your dog walking beside you and not straying into traffic. You walking with your dog in the most relaxed state--even though cars are whizzing by just feet away. Most people just shake their heads in disbelief when we talk to them about such things. But check out our blog to see all the testimonials about what happened when people took a chance to learn our training methods.
Please be our guest! Fast Pup Dog Training holds classes twice a week in the Federal Way--NE Tacoma area. We offer no cost, no obligation demonstrations with our dogs and a free assessment of your dog immediately following our classes. We specialize in off leash control around severe distraction. We offer dogs the opportunity to live a full, rich life with off-leash privileges and we offer owners the greatest peace of mind about their dogs' safety. If your dog pulls on the leash, jumps up on people, runs away or has other more severe behavior problems--we can help!
Tacoma Dog Trainer Trains Chihuahuas & Pomeranians
FROM DANA of JAGUAR WOMAN DESIGNS
When Dana first came to us, she brought her big Shepherd mix Xena for help with her training. After having Xena in our program for several months, Dana decided that she wanted Lily to have the same freedom and quality of life that Xena enjoyed after learning to be reliable both off leash and on leash. By teaching dogs focus and self control, the dogs develop confidence they never had when driven to distraction. Whether you have a four pound Chihuahua, or a 200 pound Mastiff, Fast Pup Dog Training can help your dog live their best life.
What Dana Said About Lily's Training
Last night, I took Lily, my 4 1/2 pound long haired Chihuahua, on an off-leash cross-country walk we do with our trainer, Kate, from Fast Pup Dog Training, along with about 12 other grrrreat big dogs of all kinds: a giant Cane Corso, a energetic young Doberman, lots and lots of various rambunctious retrievers lurching and leaping through the brush around her.
We crossed many streets where all the dogs had to sit/stay and wait to be commanded, one by one, by their names, to cross the street and sit/stay on the other side. People often say that Chihuahuas are bad candidates for obedience training and at the very least you have to start very young. But there was Lily, doing her sit/stays and distant recalls and following at my heel and dodging and weaving as those heavy dogs shot past her. Yes, she was intimidated! No, not once did she snarl or launch herself as so many defensive Chihuahuas do.
Lily has always had a pretty calm temperament for a Chihuahua but she has learned to contain herself much more in the Fast Pup Dog Training.
I wish more people could have seen her, dainty little thing, trucking along at a steady clip in the middle of that pack of big old rough doggies, delicately sidestepping them and running under them when they came charging out of the underbrush straight at her, always returning right to my side! And sitting in a firm sit/stay at the side of the road despite the distraction of passersby and bicycles and loud children. I thank Kate, our terrific trainer at Fast Pup Dog Training.
This is the little dog who almost gave us a heart attack when she ran between our feet and out into the busy street one day. Now I do not worry about that because when I say "Lily, sit! Stay!" She does it. I have been able to have her do a successful sitstay reliably in front of our open gate now and trust that she will not set one foot outside our yard.
That peace of mind is worth a great deal to me. And on top of that, I'm able to take my favorite companion everywhere with me and nothing fazes her. She's never the nervous Chi people expect. She's always calm and open to the world. She does not shiver and freak out when meeting other dogs. She's a perfect intimate companion! The trainer is great! The training is fabulous. But let's give the balance of credit where it really belongs: to the dog!!!!!
www.jaguarwoman.com
At Fast Pup Dog Training we work with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. We believe all dogs deserve to live a rich, full life with the freedom that comes from excellent training.
To see more of Dana's fabulous paintings and designs, visit
www.jaguarwoman.com
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tips For Success With Puppies
We get many calls for help with house training. I always tell the caller that there is no "silver bullet" for house training. The greatest success comes with using a crate only big enough for the pup to stand, turn around, and lie down. So for a Labrador Retriever pup, I use a very small crate to begin with--one about the size of a cat carrier. The pup will outgrow it in one to three weeks, and then I replace it with the next biggest size. I progress through four to five different sizes of crates as the pup grows.
Dogs are naturally denning animals. They seek out small, dark places to sleep and for safety. Many people tell me they think that using a crate is "mean," or "cruel." It is definitely not! The first night home, I put the pup in the crate and set it on a chair--right next to where I sleep. This helps the pup feel safe. She can see me and hear me breathing. If she is fussing a lot, I might even move the little crate next to me in bed. She feels part of a pack and does not feel alone. But she can not go off in a corner and make a mess. Then, early in the morning I carry the crate with the pup in it to the sliding glass door and open the door to the crate to let her go outside. And praise her like crazy when she goes outside.
I start teaching the dog to come, sit and lie down, using food and praise for treats. (Most dogs love food, but enthusiastic praise is even more exciting for most dogs.)
Socialization around people and other dogs is super important. If you can find another puppy owner, it is a great idea to get together and let the pups play together.
Never hit or shake a puppy. This will only cause her to fear you, and possibly create fearful or aggression problems in the adult dog.
If you have a dog that you want to play retrieving games with, remember to keep retrieving super fun for the dog. And remember to quit playing with the pup before she gets bored or tired. Always leave them hungry for another play session.
Thanks For Stopping By The Fall Tacoma Home & Garden Show
Be sure to call us to get on the schedule. These are fun demonstrations of our dogs' training. You will get to see retrieving demonstrations, agility and obedience with our dogs. The demos are great fun for the whole family. We will have you bring your dog out for a free assessment and go over all of our programs and methods at that time.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tacoma Family Breathes Sigh Of Relief With Fast Pup Dog Training
As I sit down to write this letter I have to chuckle; I never thought I would be writing a dog trainer to tell her how well behaved my yellow lab has become!
Murphy, our 11 month old yellow lab has been in three homes from birth to the young age of 15 weeks. We considered ourselves his permanent family and we were determined to train him ourselves and have him meld into our family. After a month or so of having Murphy we realized he had some behavioral problems. Jumping, snapping, clawing the door, digging holes all day long, and knocking people over, pulling on a leash, barking at the fence and listening only to the sound of a food bowl rather than our requests.
After 6 months of having Murphy I was placed on bed rest due to complications in my pregnancy-With an 11 year old, a 4 year old, a baby on the way and many people in and out of our home (helping hands!) Murphy became increasingly difficult to deal with. My parents (self titled lab lovers!) took Murphy to stay with them while I figured out how to deal with our new life. Murphy continued to cause trouble and act out-We were faced with bringing home a new baby, a hectic family life and still another lab at home-We decided we should give Murphy to a better home. When we decided to look for a home for Murphy we felt like failures and it dawned on me that he would be the same dog just in a different home, how would someone else handle this situation? What if we were sending Murphy into a home that was also un able to deal with him and ended up harming him in some way?
I got online and began to research dog trainers-There were so many! I then called our vet to get a recommendation-they faxed me over your (Kate) website. I contacted Kate and talked for a long while over the phone. After talking with Kate I realized that she "knew" Murphy-She knew what was going on and she was so positive about his potential. My husband and I set up a consultation and within minutes we were stunned, impressed and convinced. Kate's dogs not only listened to her and obeyed but they were able to relax, be silly and play! We immediately enrolled Murphy in Kate's program. We have now had Murphy working with Kate for over a month. Murphy continues to have his normal lab puppy moments (pulling on my bathrobe in the morning, bringing me a tennis shoe as a gift and knocking his food over when he gets excited) but Murphy is also able to walk down a busy street with another dog, a toddler on a bike, neighbors waving hello and other animals passing by- all OFFLEASH! The off leash aspect lends itself to many other successful moments with your dog-Not only are you on a peaceful walk but your dog is able to get their exercise which leads to less negative behavior-Off leash also allows your family to enjoy the dog instead of kicking them outside for the day-Off leash allows the dog to learn to have fun and be attentive-Murphy is able to walk out the front door, go to the car, wait to get in and hop in calmly. Murphy is able to go to people's homes and wait at the front door while I chat, regardless of what they have going on inside. Murphy is able to sit and wait for our guests to come in the door, set their coats down and get settled before he says "hello"
We loved Murphy when we first brought him home-Now; we enjoy Murphy and look forward to many years of friendship. I would recommend Kate and Fast Pup to anyone with a puppy or even an older dog. If you consider yourself a dog lover give yourself and your loved dog the best gift, talk with Kate-The results are amazing.
Perry and Erin Smith
Tacoma
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tacoma Dog Trainer Kate Johansson Helps Calm Distracted German Shepherd

After veterinary technician Kelly Buchanan saw the incredible changes in an aggressive dog (Buddy) she referred to us, she was ready to try our training on her own rescue dog, Villa, a two year old German Shepherd. Here is her testimonial.
Into our life steps, Villa, a 2 1/2 year old german shepard that needed a home. When Villa came to us, she did not have any "household manners". She wouldn't sit, or come when called, she jumped and chased our cats, and knocked down kids. I wasn't sure how in the world we were going to make it work out! Villa wasn't able to go on a walk on the leash without her prong collar, and even then, she pulled and choked herself the entire way. I was terrified to walk her around other dogs, strangers, or small animals.
It is such pleasure to live with an animal. They are here for us unconditionally, for comfort and security and companionship. My relationship with Villa has changed dramatically after enrolling in Fast Pup Dog Training. We now can enjoy each other's personalities and play together without fear of all the bad behaviours. I can take Villa on walks/runs and be at ease. My children can take Villa to the school park and throw the ball for her and not fear she will run in the street or attack any animals they might meet. If I had one piece of advise for your future clients, "you owe it to your animal to at least come and see what the training is all about. And you owe it to yourself to give your dog the opportunity to have a better future. It really is worth it! Good luck!
Fast Pup Tacoma Changes Lives of Pit Bull & Disabled Owner
When Scott, who uses a wheelchair and has limited use of his hands. brought his dog Puka to us we loved her gentle, sweet temperament. But Puka was not obedient. If Scott dropped her leash by accident, she would slowly wander off--ignoring his calls to come back to him. Below is his testimonial about Fast Pup Dog Training.The Fast Pup Dog Training is the BEST PURCHASE I've made for my dog and myself ever! If you are tired of being embarassed because your dog pulls you down the street or you can't control your dog around other dogs and people in public. This training is the way to go. If I can train my dog being in a wheelchair, it can work for anybody and every dog!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Fast Pup Dog Training At 20th Annual Bremerton Blackberry Fest
Fast Pup Dog Training will have their dogs at the Bremerton Blackberry Festival on Labor Day Weekend, September 5th -- 7th. Fast Pup Dog Training specializes in off-leash control, aggression, and extreme behavior problems. Please visit our website or check out our Videos on our YouTube Channel:Come by and meet our dogs! They will be waiting with a wag of their tails. We all look forward to meeting everyone!
Fast Pup Dog Training at Tacoma Fall Home and Garden Show

Do you have problems with your dog at home? Fast Pup Dog Training, Tacoma, will have their wonderful, obedient, happy, tail-wagging dogs at the Tacoma Fall Home and Garden show. Come by the exhibit and pet our dogs. Talk to our trainers. Take some candy from our dogs as they carry baskets of gift candy through the show.
Our trainers have fast, easy solutions to your biggest dog training problems. Visit our website or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x_tJExmunk to find out more. We look forward to meeting you!
Fast Pup Retriever Training at Cabelas Lacey Waterfowl Classic

Tacoma retriever trainers, Fast Pup Dog Training, will be at the Waterfowl Classic at Cabelas in Lacey on September 19th and 20th. Kate Johansson will be conducting retriever training seminars throughout the weekend. Please bring your retriever for a free assessment.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tacoma's Fast Pup Dogs Earn AKC Hunting Retrieving Titles
Where To Turn When Dog Is Aggressive
Cindy, John and Cole with Buddy
Fast Pup Dog Training, Tacoma www.fastpupdogtraining.com recently was called for help with an aggressive Lab/Shepherd mix. "Buddy" had been taken in as a rescue and although he was very loving and affectionate around the house, he had been becoming more and more territorial about people visiting his home. Additionally, he had been developing aggressive behavior when one of his owners, Cindy would try to walk him on a leash.
At Fast Pup Dog Training, we get calls frequently for help with aggressive behavior. We believe that most of these dogs can be trained and rehabilitated. We teach the owners how to interrupt and redirect behaviors so that the dog will lose bad habits and replace them with better ones.
Testimonial from John & Cindy:
"We just want to give a big thanks to Kate at Fast Pup dog training. Our family has a Lab/German Shepherd mix that was having aggression problems when other people would approach us or our home. Our vet recommended a couple of different trainers for our problem. The first guy was all about the money and how there was no guarantee that he could correct the issues. We contacted Fast Pup and spoke to Kate. At our first meeting she explained how her training worked and showed us her dogs in action. At first we thought “yeah, right” but when we saw her 6month old lab respond and obey her commands, we knew she was doing something right. When we discussed the price, at first we were “WOW”, but then came to realize it was an investment we were willing to make. We never thought that our dog would listen to our commands and walk off leash, but we were wrong. I’m happy to say Kate was correct, that it only took a couple of sessions before we saw results! Our dog now sits in the front yard with all of the neighborhood distractions and lets people come over and say hi. We can honestly say this was a terrific investment, and we are so happy with the results."
Thanks again,
John & Cindy--Puyallup, WA
Friday, August 14, 2009
Fast Pup Dog Training Saves Aggressive Shepherd Mix

I first learned about Kate and Fastpup Dog training when I noticed an exceptionally well behaved Border Collie at the dog park. This dog was doing exactly everything it was told and was not distracted by anything. I was so impressed I commented to the owner. He then told me about Kate and her training technique. I did some research on the Internet and contacted Kate to set up a demo. My husband and I were at the end of our leash with our 1 year old 65Lbs mutt, Snoop. We adopted him from the Humane Society at 3 months and up until about 5 months everything seemed ok. Then we started to notice his aggression. I started to bring him to the office, but too many people complained that he was loud and out of control. Several guests indicated they were scared of Snoop and he was politely asked to leave until he had better manners. We knew we needed some help, but we weren’t sure where to go. By 8 months Snoop had completed your standard $130 basic and advanced obedience, but his aggression was only getting worse. We had the trainer from the obedience school come over, but that didn’t help. It was pretty much a waste of $120. I was excited to see Kate’s demo, but a little scared of the cost. When we first arrived at the demo, Snoop didn’t waste a second. He started barking, growling, lunging and even tried to bite Kate. Needless to say, no one wanted to come near him. Within a few minutes I was in tears. I was embarrassed that I had no control over my dog, I was sad that he tried to bite someone and I just felt so defeated. I did my best to keep Snoop under control and watch the demo which was very impressive. All the dogs did as they were told even with Snoop as a major distraction. Even though the demo was great, I wasn’t convinced that Kate would be able to help MY dog. I had no proof that any of these had been aggressive in the past. So, Kate said if I put the collar on Snoop, she would do a demo with him and me. Within less than 10 minutes, we were sitting back down and Kate was petting Snoop…the same dog that tried to bite her 20 minutes earlier! We were sold! Snoop has now been in training for about 4 months and we have a completely new dog. We can have Snoop off leash and we are confident that we have complete control over him. We can have guests come to the house and we are completely confident that Snoop will stay on his bed and let our guests come into the house without being barked and growled at in the face. We still have work to do, but we’ve seen a HUGE improvement and it’s been worth every penny. In fact we were so happy we just signed our 3 year 65 Lbs old husky mix, Shorty, up for training as well. Shorty is not aggressive, but has her own issues. Shorty has NEVER come when called and is a terrible leash walker. She pulls on the leash so hard that I had to have acupuncture for my shoulder and she gets very excited to see other dogs and tries to run over to them all. She has been in training with Kate for 4 days and already we’ve seen a huge improvement. We have a dog who comes when called and behaves nicely on a leash. We look forward to being able to have both Snoop and Shorty off leash and responsive very soon. Fastpup Dog Training is the way to go!
Robyn (Kent) Eddison
HP Sales Specialist PSG| Softchoice
Client Computing Solutions Group
Direct: 206.709.9015
Toll free: 888.607.7638 ext. 4265
For immediate product assistance, please visit the HP HUB - http://portal/sites/hp/
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Fast Pup Dog Training Helps Douge de Bordeaux
We were referred to Kate by a close friend of our breeder. Keona, our Douge de Bordeaux, was beyond my control any more at 1 yr of age. He was a beautiful, headstrong in your face 145 # puppy. We had been through 2 different companies in town that were positive, reward-type training--but our puppy was not ever treat motivated.
We had come to our breaking point when Keona was big enough to jump at me, especially from behind, and attempt to knock me off my feet. This, of course, was unacceptable--as was the extreme pulling when trying to walk on a leash (and just forget about coming when being called.) We finally contacted Kate late January '09, and we have been so glad we did. With Fast Pup Dog Training & Kate's help our now 150+ puppy comes when called, walks nicely on leash and off, and has not jumped up on anyone since starting training in February '09!
Keona is now becoming a great Douge and we are so glad we made the investment into the Fast Pup Dog Training. Comparing the cost of the most recent class we went to prior to Kate, we have more then gotten our monies worth. For anyone who is trying to justify cost--Kate is so much more then we can describe (as words are sometimes not enough.)
Kate, we can not thank you enough as you truly saved Keona from going back to the breeder. He really is turning into one of the best dogs we've had...
Eryn & Kurt Mueller Keona and the girls...
Fast Pup Dog Training Attracts Out Of Towners
Because our training methods are so effective, fast and gentle--and because our techniques are so different from other trainers, Fast Pup Dog Training has many clients from out of town. We have clients from Alaska, Medford, Port Townsend, Soap Lake and Portland. Pictured here are Chris & Lauren (Left) with their two English Setters "Kenai" and "Rangeley" from Bonneville on the Columbia River. Robyn & John with their dog "Snoop" are currently residing in Seattle, but will be returning home to Toronto sometime this year.
Fast Pup Dogs Score At Rainier Hunt Test
Rainy Day Keepsake, (Rainy) owed by Jim and Cindy Olson, Weedhaven's Colby Jack, (Colby) owned by Dennis and Clara White, along with August of Horn Creek, (August) owned by Kate Johansson all passed their third leg of Junior Hunter last weekend at the Rainier Hunting Retriever Club's Fall Hunt Test at Bob Pepper's Farm. Moody's Red Beans and Rice, (Beans) owned by Kate Johansson passed her first Junior Hunter test at 7 months of age. Mahogany Run's Rascal's Rosie SH, (Rosie) owned by Kate Johansson passed her second Master Hunter Test.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tacoma Dog Trainer in Kent Cornucopia Days Parade
Tacoma's Fast Pup Dog Training 3 Passes Year Mark
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Fast Pup Dog Training Takes Pup to Mark Fall Hunt Test
Ms. Beans (7 month old Labrador Retriever Pup) ran her second Junior Hunt Test at the Rainier Hunting Retriever Club this weekend! It was only for training--just to get her started getting used to handling excitement around a crowd, gunshots for other dogs, having to wait in holding blinds for her turn to go, and so forth. But she surprised us!. She did a fabulous job on marking in the land series. She dug out the ducks just as pretty as you please and brought them back like a pro.
The water series (on Jig's Pond at Bob Pepper's farm,) was a little more tricky. The first mark landed behind a huge floating log. Most of the dogs swam around it and that caused them a big hunt. Beans had a big hunt too. She stayed out looking everywhere for a long time but then came all the way back to her handler without the bird. (YIKES!) When she was encouraged to go back out and look for the bird she jumped in the water and snapped off a lilly pad with her teeth and tossed it back to Kate. What a little clown! Then, with a little more encouragement she took off back to the fall. This time she climbed over the log and was right on line with the duck. She grabbed it proudly and brought it back all full of herself. Then, she got to go out and get the second water mark--which she nailed. She came up the hill from the pond and kept turning back--looking longingly at the water. That was WAY fun!
Sorry Ms. Beans! That's all you get for today. We will be training Friday and we will have another hunt test this coming weekend. This one will be the Evergreen Golden Retriever Club's Fall Hunt Test at Bob Peppers Farm.
If you need help with your retriever or any other dog, please visit our website: www.fastpupdogtraining.com or Call Us! (253)569-0411


