Judy Bardsley, BA, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, FFP
After completing a B.A. in Zoology at the University of Washington in 2003, Judy Bardsley started professionally walking, running, caring for, boarding and training dogs while raising two daughters. After years of part time professional experience training and caring for dogs, Judy was accepted into the Professional Dog Trainer certification program with Karen Pryor Academy, which she completed with distinction. Judy went on to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, through the internationally recognized Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. In addition to experience, Judy strongly values current research, education, training and certification in this evolving field, and she continues to add to her own body of knowledge and experience through continuing education, including her most recent certification as a Fear Free Training Professional through the Fear Free Organization, and completion of Behaviorwork's Living and Learning with Animals course.
Judy trains dogs, teaches Basic Manners classes, and coaches people through private lessons out of her Mount Vernon training facility and throughout Skagit and Island counties. In addition to her Zoology degree, her KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, and Fear Free certifications, she’s a certified American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen trainer and evaluator, and is a member of The Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a supporting member of the The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
In the past Judy volunteered at The Skagit Humane Society, and at The Woodland Park Zoo.
In her spare time Judy enjoys time with her husband, her two grown daughters, two cats, and of course, her dog Lila-Lucy and grand-dog Bisseau.
Training Philosophy
“Like it or not, dogs are sentient beings. Because they’re dogs they naturally like to bark, chew, chase, disect, dig, grab, and smell. Creating a happy, calm, polite dog requires they feel safe and understood. Its on us, their people to teach them in a safe way how to live in our homes with basic manners, and to give them the opportunity to be their doggy selves in ways that don’t harm people, our property, or themselves”
My training philosophy is based upon scientifically proven positive reinforcement training methods, including marker (clicker) training. Reinforcers can include treats, toys, playtime, praise, and anything else your pup LOVES. Of course it all starts with the basics: good food, secure home with a warm place to settle, plenty of people and dog socialization and respectful affection. I teach dog people the importance of physical exercise for their pups including walks, chew time and play time as well as mental exercise, such as training, games and puzzles. I also teach the need for SLEEP which our dogs need a lot!
Redirecting unwanted behavior by asking for and reinforcing wanted behavior is much more enjoyable than punishment for both people and their dogs, and so it works better. Understanding the “why’s” of. our dogs’ behavior is of paramount important. Training our four-legged friends is framed within consistent, kind and respectful treatment which they love, and which earns their trust. When they love training, and they trust us, they are engaged, focused, and ready to be, go, and train with us anytime. They are well mannered and relaxed in the home; confident and calm on walks, around other people and dogs, and are much easier and more enjoyable to live with.
