Positive Approach is a local small business that has been in the dog training and daycare business for 20 years. We are the #1 vet-referred training center in the Tacoma area and pride ourselves on providing a safe, well-staffed daycare floor. We invite you to come down with your furry kid and see the Positive Approach difference. We only carry top tier grade dog food and treats. From Acana, Orjien, Taste of the Wild, Precise to smoked and raw bones we have everything your kiddo wants.
Services
Positive Approach is a local small business that has been in the dog training and daycare business for 20 years. We are the #1 vet-referred training center in the Tacoma area and pride ourselves on providing a safe, well-staffed daycare floor. We invite you to come down with your furry kid and see the Positive Approach difference.
Our professional full baths include nail trimming, anal gland expression (if needed), potty patch trimming, feet hair trim, and ear cleaning. We use only high quality shampoos and conditioners to help keep your pup's coat healthy and beautiful. Specialized shampoos are used when dogs with allergies or other skin sensitivity.
We have helped you train literally thousands of dogs over the past twenty years. Our positive training methods produce great results without the need for choke chains, prong collars, shock collars or other types of physical correction and punishment. Research shows that dogs trained using these methods are generally more socially balanced and well adjusted, making them better family members.
I have been training dogs for over 30 years. In 2008 I began formal education for dog training, studying and practicing methodology for dangerous dogs, show dogs, and everything in between. I opened my own business in 2009, became the manager of Positive Approach in 2010, and subsequently bought that business in 2011.
Reviews (10)
Susan Faulkner
Mar 25, 2022
Caleb Booker
Mar 23, 2022
We love Positive Approach! Our pup Kulshan has been going there since he was a baby, and he starts whining with excitement as soon as we turn onto the street. During his entry test they had a trainer on hand and actually walked me back to the room to watch through a window, explaining all of the behaviors they were seeing and what they were looking for, which I really appreciated.
The staff is super nice and knowledgeable, and I love having the retail section easily available so we can buy Kulshan a treat or two during pickup if we need to. I recommend Positive Approach to all of my Tacoma friends!
The staff is super nice and knowledgeable, and I love having the retail section easily available so we can buy Kulshan a treat or two during pickup if we need to. I recommend Positive Approach to all of my Tacoma friends!
Tori Osteraa
Feb 08, 2022
Carolyn Benbow
Jan 25, 2022
My dog Sadie (Collie- Great Pyrenees mix) adores Positive Approach dog day care and grooming. She starts whining about a block away and wiggles with joy as we get out of the car. She clearly loves the staff there and always seems to be having fun when we check the webcams. If a dog is harassing her (or she's harassing them), the staff gently separate them, which I've also seen on the webcams.
She comes home tired and covered in slobber, which just tells me she had a great time. The groomers are fast, even with her coat, the cost is totally reasonable, and she loves them. I haven't used them for training in over 6 years bit what I learned from them when I took my old reactive dog in for classes was invaluable. Gave me the skills to do a lot of the training myself.
She comes home tired and covered in slobber, which just tells me she had a great time. The groomers are fast, even with her coat, the cost is totally reasonable, and she loves them. I haven't used them for training in over 6 years bit what I learned from them when I took my old reactive dog in for classes was invaluable. Gave me the skills to do a lot of the training myself.
Aleesha Wilson
Jan 16, 2022
EDIT: I have spoken with Dan at positive approach and I do believe they care about their customers. It says a lot about a business when they reach out to try and correct a negative experience. Much appreciated. Had my dog groomed for the first time by Dana. The hair trim looked fine but how she communicated with me regarding my dog I found to be very disrespectful and condescending. I won't be coming here again
Andrea Huerta
Dec 23, 2021
I love Positive Approach! It's a great option if you need to board your reactive dogs or have dogs that just don't want to be in a day care setting. I've been taking my personal dogs here for years and they have always done a great job with them. I also have a 501(c)(3) dog rescue and board my rescue dogs here from time to time. The staff takes such great care of them and truly care about all the dogs that I've housed there. All of the staff is super friendly and Di, Dan and Dawn are amazing. I highly recommend the staff at Positive Approach!
Katrina A.
Dec 22, 2021
Great place to board your dog or for them to stay and play for the day! They have several wifi cameras installed inside and outside so you can remotely check in on your pup, which is fun. They also don't discriminate between dog breeds which is a huge plus. The staff are super friendly and I always feel reassured that my dog is taken well care of.
Valarie Bethel
Nov 22, 2021
I am so thankful for Positive Approach, and most importantly, my dog loves to go to "School". I've used their training services and Doggie Daycare. I'm thankful to have a safe, happy place for my dog to attend when she can't go with me - gives me such peace of mind. The staff is attentive and kind and obviously loves dogs. Thank you so much!
Rebecca Moore
Oct 21, 2021
UPDATE: They reached out and tried to remedy the situation, which is hard to do after the incident. But it was a great gesture by them to do so! We have used Positive Approach for almost a year now, for training classes, and daycare. I have been happy for the most part UNTIL last week. I took my dog in for daycare, I typically do once a week. When I went to pick him up, they said his ear had been bit and they applied "blood stop powder" and he'll be fine.
At the same time he shook, and it was like a horror film. I had blood splattered on my face, he did as well, and blood was dripping everywhere! On a positive note, the employees DID help me find a vet to take him to ASAP, they DID hold pressure and try to wrap for transport. What I am SUPER upset about is they didn't even try to notify me as SOON as this happened (regardless of severity) and now a week later have not bothered to call us and ask his outcome. A week later, and HUNDREDS of dollars later, and MANY vet visits, he is STILL recovering.
At the same time he shook, and it was like a horror film. I had blood splattered on my face, he did as well, and blood was dripping everywhere! On a positive note, the employees DID help me find a vet to take him to ASAP, they DID hold pressure and try to wrap for transport. What I am SUPER upset about is they didn't even try to notify me as SOON as this happened (regardless of severity) and now a week later have not bothered to call us and ask his outcome. A week later, and HUNDREDS of dollars later, and MANY vet visits, he is STILL recovering.
Chris Gibson
Oct 10, 2021
Great dog daycare place! Whenever we have things to do during the day we bring our pup here. The people that work there are super friendly and our pup LOVES going. He gets super excited when he get out of the car and is always sad to leave when I come to get him. They also do dog boarding which we have done for a weekend and that was also good stuff.
We haven't done the dog grooming yet, but I've heard good things about that as well. I highly recommend this place to anyone reading, and I also tell other people about how great it is if they are looking for a dog daycare.
We haven't done the dog grooming yet, but I've heard good things about that as well. I highly recommend this place to anyone reading, and I also tell other people about how great it is if they are looking for a dog daycare.
