University Canine Learning Academy

Can I just say wow?
When I first brought my dog in to puppy preschool, all he did was bark bark bark. I was utterly embarrassed because he would always disrupt class and cry. However Linda (the owner) helped me understand my dog and gave me tips to help settle him down. Throughout class she would always be attentive to each dog in class and answer any questions if owners had them. It didn’t matter if class went over time because she made sure to answer any questions to the owners.
What makes UCLA different from other dog training is that Linda really watches each dog and sees what triggers a dog, what the dog likes, dislikes, etc. She would inform the owners and as class progressed you can really see every dog improve.
My dog is now the most obedient dog and is just my best friend today. Linda is the one I have to thank because without her, my dog would be the wild one in the pack.

I have a chow chow puppy, Lucky. We started off at Ahimsa in Ballard, and quickly quit, they had a breed prejudice against chow chows. Ahimsa wouldn’t allow me to socialize my puppy because of his «aggressive breed». Linda and Andrea have ZERO breed prejudice! Treating each pup equally and fairly.
We have graduated pre-​school and are now taking kindergarten classes. It’s not just about training your pup. Linda teaches, us humans, how to read animal body language and animal psychology.
Lucky has represented his breed at Seattle Kennel Clubs «Meet the Breed». My breeder is very pleased with his demeanor and behavior. A huge thank you to Linda!!!
I highly recommend UCLA!

Wow, if ever there was a candidate for 6 stars, this would be it. The knowledge and attention to detail of the owner is unparalleled – she can deduce your dog’s strengths and weaknesses within minutes and tailor the training to get the best results.
Strip mall-​style parking out front is ample on weekends, but the place is easy to miss – it is off an alley, and signage is a bit lacking. GPS-​ing it is a must for first-​timers.
Highly recommend.

I feel so lucky to have found this place on Unilocal and to then graduate the Dog Walking Academy taught by co-​owners Linda and Andrea. It was a 4 day intensive that truly changed the way I think about dogs and a secure future working with them.
The studio has much to offer in terms of classes, play groups and daycare and so many ways to learn how to create a more balanced and cooperative relationship with your dogs. What I love most about the women who run UCLA is their commitment to ethical and proven methods without putting on judgement on students or owners. They are so knowledgeable and more than willing to share this knowledge for the betterment of all. It is a welcoming and intimate space. They are a breath of fresh air.

I’m a pretty experienced dog owner and so do not give away 5 star ratings easily. The training advice and experienced and knowledge of the trainers does to get much better than this. So far I’ve done the puppy play class and Puppy Preschool. Juno loves the classes and they are great in incorporating kids into the training program.

I wish I had the same experience as everyone else… For me, the lack of awareness by employees was beyond annoying. Coming off of a prior-​bad-​dog-​trainer experience, I called ahead of time before even going to the studio to ask what I should do since my puppy was too old for preschool, and you can’t register them for kindergarten without having them attend preschool. I spoke with one of the co-​owners for 30 minutes, discussing what I should do.
She advised me to go to puppy play group, which began in two weeks. When I showed up and explained that, everyone was shocked I would even show up «I would’ve liked to have seen her WAY before now» «I’ll let you in this time» …? I literally did exactly what one of the owners advised me to do and the other owner acted like she was doing me a favor by letting me in. I ALMOST walked right back out, but I remembered there were 5 stars on Unilocal so I stuck it out and I really didn’t feel like finding another school.
So we attend the first puppy play group, and the co-​owner said «She should be fine for going straight into kindergarten» (starting in 3 weeks), but bring her to the next two puppy play groups, look forward to seeing you next week etc. blah blah blah.
I show up for the next play group, AND again «let me ask if you can come in because now she is two weeks older.» … No shit. Dogs get older. And again I was doing EXACTLY WHAT I WAS ADVISED TO DO. At that point the owner paused the already started class, and said «oh, she’s not signed up for a class yet, well technically… blah blah, it’s fine this time, we’ll talk after class.»
W. T. F. I left. Writing this review from the parking lot.
We will be finding a class where the OWNERS know what’s going on and know how to communicate with people and are capable of remembering what they told their potential clients a week prior, let alone on 30 minute phone calls.
The WHOLE POINT of me calling IN ADVANCE was so I wouldn’t waste my time and that’s exactly what I did.

I am a first time Dog owner and I had literally 0 knowledge on training dogs. My husband enrolled my pet in this institute without even telling me and I was soo against it before coz I thot we can learn and teach everything by just reading. But I am glad to say I was so wrong. Linda and Andrea both do an amazing job running this academy. I learnt so much by attending the puppy pre classes. Linda and Andrea both are extremely friendly too and more than just instructors. Anyone can share any kind of problems with them and they would be so friendly.
I also come for their puppy playgroup every monday and that has helped my puppy a lot too. My dog loves going to these classes. But this academy teaches not only to the dogs but also a lot to the owners. I definitely recommend University Canine Learning Academy to anyone who is looking to train their dogs or for behavior improvement, the small small tips which is taught in class is immensely valuable.
Thank You Linda and Andrea, you both rock !

I adopted a wonderful pound puppy, Phinney, back in May. And by «wonderful» I mean super-​adorable-​and-​exuberant-​yet-​socially-​awkward-​and-​stubborn-​with-​a-​3-​second-​attention-​span. Phinney’s smart (I think) but she only does things if they make her happy (not me) and it’s impossible to get her attention because the things she loves more than me are:
1. other people
2. other dogs
In the presence of (1) and/​or (2), I cannot get her to do anything! If you ever see me in puppy class, you’d think:
1. I’m slacker who doesn’t do her homework
2. I’m retarded
3. My puppy is retarded
However, Linda is very encouraging and she seems to genuinely believe that my puppy is salvageable. Her confidence has given me confidence to train Phinney (and really, half the point of dog training is to train the human). I’ve never had my very own dog before and it was reassuring to know that my puppy is absolutely normal. With purebred dogs, you kinda know what you’re going to get but with certifiable mutts like Phinney, you’re getting Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates. Linda’s puppy classes are small (6 dogs) and she gives us all individual attention during class. She gives us alternate methods of training when the general methods don’t work. I like how her classes utilize rewards-​based training as I’ve never been comfortable correcting my dog. The idea is to get your dog to «want» to do things because it’s in her best interests!
I was a regular at puppy playgroup on Monday evenings until Phinney aged out (puppy play is only for puppies 8 – 18 weeks). Andrea runs the playgroups and she never once criticized or judged us even when Phinney got 13 timeouts over an hour for being the overly-enthusiastic-puppy-who-doesn’t-know-her-manners. One lady felt her puppy was being so tormented by my little terror that she requested her puppy be moved to a different playgroup (they separate the dogs into «shy» and «outgoing» pups). Though I felt that other dog owners may have been judging my pet parenting skills, I never once felt that Andrea thought I had a weird little dog or that I was a bad owner. She did suggest that I take my dog to play with «older female dogs» who would teach her some manners. I took this advice pretty seriously and enrolled Phinney at an awesome daycare (The Dog Spot up in Everett) the very same week that she got 13 timeouts in play. After one week in daycare, Phinney learned how to play way more nicely with other dogs. When she returned to UCLA’s puppy play, I was so happy that I almost cried when she only received an average number of timeouts.
Phinney and I are still figuring out how to live together in harmony. I’m still figuring out how to make her listen and obey me, but Linda’s philosophies and training methods have helped me. Though Phinney has yet to graduate from preschool, I’ve already signed her up for kindergarten as I think I will need more guidance as Phinney goes through adolescence!

Linda can do no wrong. I’ve wanted to write a review for a long time and finally felt compelled on account of going to another dog training studio this evening. The training at the other studio was included in my second dogs adoption fee. UCLA dog studio is warm inviting CLEAN, my little dog went in there like my scared little slave and came out my best buddy happy to perform any behavior that would earn my praise. The studio I went to this evening was cold, disorganized, there was 15 or so dogs (UCLA classes usually max out at about 6). I’ve learned a lot about dogs working with Linda and was alarmed by how old fashioned this other trainer was. Linda and staff are on the cutting edge of dog training, they are the best of the best and they are always seeking to further their knowledge through the latest science and studies.
Do not risk ruining your dog in its formative years. UCLA is a sure bet, you’ll be so happy you went!

Yep, I am a huge fan of this place.
Our 1 year old Frenchie, Chloe started off her training here last August and hasn’t stopped since. We’ve done all the ‘school’ classes; moved on to tricks and have started into a intro Rally Class. Linda has helped me understand my dog and grow patient. I always feel confident when I leave. I highly recommend this place. They love the dogs first but are super friendly to the owners. In addition, Chloe’s been going to play group on a weekly basis since she was a pup and Andrea has really helped frame up our pooches socializing skills.
These ladies are what i hope is the future of dog training!

The puppy preschool was very valuable! We found it so useful that we signed up for kindergarten:) Great way for your puppy to meet other puppies and learn the proper way to train your puppy positively into a well mannered adult.

I am confident that you will not find better dog trainers than Andrea and Linda at UCLA! They care about every dog that comes through their door and it shows.
I cannot thank them enough for the help and advice they have given me for both of my dogs.

UCLA dogs is a great place to educate yourself and train you dogs. Linda has been a pleasure to work with and is a very skilled trainer. She has also worked extensively with me to accommodate my schedule. I have two five month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies that have benefitted greatly from our experience at UCLA. I highly recommend them!

My husky pup recently finished puppy preschool and puppy kindergarden. I am very satisfied with the classes and the outcome of my puppy’s behavior. He definetly gets extremely excited everytime we go to classes and he loves Linda and Andrea. They are very helpful and resourceful if you encounter any behavioral problems with your dog. They give you tips as to how it can be fixed. But you have to be aware that training and tips given by them are not instant fixes, it’s something you and the pup have to work at together in order for it to work. So if you’re looking for some classes for your pup, definetly check them out! And remember to bring a lot of good treats (and a variety of it too, they get bored of the same thing) or your dog will going towards other owners with treats better than yours!

My boyfriend and I took the Primary School class, which is a 5 week program, for his terrier mix. I can genuinely say I think UCLA is going to be one of the top training centers in the 206. I say this for a few reasons:
1. They use positive reinforcement style of training
2. The trainers are as qualified as you can be– considering animal behavior is a new field.
3. They help you speak your dogs language and show what will motivate him & what to communicate so he understands what you want
4. Their classes are set up in different stages like preschool, grade school, high school etc. which we really liked.
Fred loved Linda and I’m sure they think he’s an angel considering he was on ABSURDLY good behaviour for them. He would literally sit the minute he saw them. I’ve worked with Seattle dogworks and private trainers for my red heeler but I haven’t had as much success as with UCLA and Fred.

The puppy finished puppy pre-​school here a few weeks ago and has recently started puppy kindergarten. The boyfriend and I have made a huge effort to train the puppy from the beginning, but we realized although we could get him to do the basic commands, we were hitting a wall with other things.
Enter UCLA. Linda definitely knows what she’s doing, and Andrea is amazingly helpful, supportive, and wonderful. I actually think the puppy is a little bit in love with Andrea since she’s so amazing with him. She was able to help us minimize his «i’m so excited, i don’t know what to do so I’m going to hump you!» instinct. It’s not completely gone, and I doubt it ever will be, but it’s a lot better now!
The most amazing thing they do is puppy play on Sundays from 12:45 — 1:45. It’s so much fun just to watch all of these cute puppies running around and jumping on each other. Love it!
I wasn’t sure how Cooper, the puppy, would take to these classes at first. But I have to say, every time we park and start heading towards UCLA, he turns and looks at me and breaks into his play face: a cute tongue wagging grin that just makes you laugh. He hasn’t even seen the place yet, or any other puppy, he just knows where we’re heading and his grin comes out and his tail starts wagging. I couldn’t ask for a happier puppy.

UCLA is a remarkable place. The atmosphere is clean, inviting, and classy. After taking a class here, I would not take my puppy anywhere else. The trainer, Linda McVay, is phenomenal. Our puppy was very responsive to her positive and upbeat style, and she thought he was outstanding even when I was at the end of my patience with him.
The best thing about UCLA is that in addition to showing you how to get the behaviors you want out of your dog, it gives you a brief «doggie psychology» background on why your dog does what it does.
I highly recommend UCLA!

Linda and her team have an amazing way with dogs and their owners. I knew that training a beagle would be difficult, but the UCLA team made it easy and fun. Individual advice is provided for dealing with doggie behavioral issues. The facility is welcoming and clean.

UCLA Dogs Friday night drop in class saved me– they are the best over there! Linda and her staff have an extreme love for animals, and their techniques reflect their desire to train in a positive way.
If you have any concerns or questions, I HIGHLY recommend their Friday drop in class. Its $ 25 for an hour of very personal, nearly 1:1 training, which will cost you a lot more anywhere else! Such a good deal for some priceless advice. The staff there knew exactly what I was going through and knew exactly what I needed to do to solve my issues. After a week of trying their methods I already see a massive improvement in my dogs behavior. I can’t recommend this place enough! Thank you UCLA Dogs!

Linda is the best! She worked with me and my dog Stella to overcome some behavioral issues. Stella came from a very sad situation where she was very shy and had been abused. Linda is great at helping you understand the causes of behavioral issues and how you can help your dog become a more relaxed, happy pooch. She helps you build the confidence that you need to be a good pet parent.