Sidekick Dog Training

Amanda has been a great trainer for me and my border collie. Most importantly for when he began reactive behaviors. I was overwhelmed thinking there was nothing I can do, but with Amanda’s excellent guidance my skills as a handler and his skills at self management have gotten to the point where I can confidently walk into situations. She has deep knowledge of canine behavior and training theory which she teaches in a light hearted way always giving you the sense that you can succeed. She is my go to for all training classes and questions!

Amanda is the best. My pup and I started with her at Seattle Humane Society with the puppy classes. We made it through the AKC puppy star program and then she started reacting to other dogs. We then took Reactive Rover with Amanda and also did some private lessons. I can officially say Nina is SO MUCH BETTER. Amanda is professional and speaks fluent «dog.» I’ll continue to take her classes and a tune up when necessary.

I feel incredibly fortunate that I found the right trainer over 2 years ago when I first adopted Ringo. Amanda taught me how to train a dog so that you get the behaviors you want/​desire AND build a great relationship. She presents the right mix of the pragmatic with the science so you get the education you need to problem solve and be successful together.

While I was pregnant I decided I should finally enroll my dog Jackson into a training program to teach MYSELF some training tips I could use once the baby arrived. (I was just completely ignorant on how to even start training him and knew I needed help.) Jackson and I both benefited greatly from Amanda’s Basic Manners class. Jackson actually looked forward to it all week and really loved the stimulation he received during class. He also loved all the extra attention he was given outside of class as we practiced at home. It was such a positive environment and really taught me a lot on how to communicate with my dog. Jackson is a fabulous dog and is doing excellent with the baby. I look forward to being able to take additional classes from Amanda in the future.

I first met Amanda, who runs Sidekick Dog Training, in a class that she taught at the Seattle Humane Society in Bellevue (she still teaches there as well). I was looking for someone with a focus on positive training because the place that I had been going was encouraging me to use a pinch collar — which I was not thrilled about. Since then, I recommend Amanda (and hence Sidekick Dog Training) to anyone who asks who lives on the Eastside.
As with any dog training environment, it is the handler that is being taught, not the dog. The handler has to learn how to work with their dog as a team — and this is what Sidekick is all about.
One of my co-​workers was looking for somewhere to take their new puppy for puppy training and I had him contact Sidekick. He ended up working with another Sidekick trainer, Brie, for private lessons and has had nothing but positive feedback for his experience. I had encouraged him to include his children in the training experience so the private lessons in the home were best for their family.
And I highly recommend the Manners About Town class that Amanda and others teach at the Humane Society; not only is it practical but it is loads of fun because the class is held outdoors at many popular local locations (the students get to vote on where to hold some of the classes).

When I first adopted Sophie, my white shepherd, she hadn’t been socialized. Although she was treated well by her rescue foster, she was never exposed to the outside world. As a result, she exhibited the beginnings of fear aggression, which I understand is common in German Shepherds. My vet recommended immediate puppy school and I chose Amanda because of her reputation for being upbeat and training in a positive manner.
Whelp (snicker), turns out I picked the right trainer. Amanda knew how to help Sophie develop confidence and she also watched her carefully for signs of fatigue and stress during class. Sophie thrived under Amanda’s training. I swear Sophie would say (in doggie language), «Pick me! Pick me!» whenever Amanda needed a volunteer pup to show the class a new trick. She LOVED puppy school. She LOVES Amanda.
Amanda uses clicker training and other methods of positive reinforcement so you can toss out that awful pinch collar and teach with gentleness and humor. No more feeling guilty about using those harsh training methods that were the norm for so many years.
And you’ll have fun. And your pup will have fun. And you’ll enjoy a whole new relationship with your best friend.
I can’t recommend Amanda highly enough. She’s great.

Sidekick Dog Training is a wonderful resource for any dog owner! Amanda Brothers is one of the best trainers I have worked with. Super patient, explains things very well, and you can tell she loves the animals!!! She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) and will come to your home to train the dog in their environment if you choose. If you prefer the classroom setting she teaches at the Seattle Humane Society in Bellevue and at a new location (not sure on the name) in Seattle. When I first got my puppy I had NO IDEA what to do to train him or what to focus on first… after one visit by Amanda I had him started on the road to being a polite and trained puppy. I followed up with a class at the Seattle Humane Society (taught by Amanda) and it was great!