Why Sound Dog Connection?
An exceptional facility
that exceeds expectations
PROMOTING
BETTER BEHAVIORS
we use science to help them become their best self.
K9 NOSE WORK®
to develop dogs’ natural scenting abilities.
focused and fun
our services
NEW in 2022 - puppy package!
Six 60-minutes sessions at our peaceful and quiet studio space in Gig Harbor exclusively focused.
CONSULTING /EDUCATION
These science-based behavioral offerings can range from an understanding of why dogs behave as they do and how to change undesirable behaviors.
BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION
We help modify unwanted behavior in dogs using science-based methods.
K9 NOSE WORK®
Private coaching is available at various locations around the area.
NOW OFFERING ZOOM SESSIONS!
Whether you are in the Washington area – or anywhere else in the country – we can help with your dog's behavior issues!
sound dog connection
about us
Ann is an experienced and highly skilled certified science-based animal trainer and behavior consultant. She has extensive personal and professional experience in working with fearful and reactive dogs and serves as a certified Nose Work instructor highlighting the NACSW™ mission
testimonials
What People Say
Dogs Name: Punky Breed: mixed miniature poodle Testimonial: Our lives and Punky’s have been changed forever by working with Ann. She provides science based information about the personalities and behaviors of the problems both dog and owners are having. Punky is a rescue from…
We added a visit with Ann to our Washington trip and are now working with her remotely because she is so knowledgeable about animal behavior. She has been extremely helpful with our reactive dog, Lark, who is reactive and difficult to manage around other…
Our newly adopted rescue dog Maggie, has several things we need to work on, e.g. chasing cars, reactivity toward other dogs and coming when she’s called. After our first online consultation with Ann via Zoom, I feel confident we have the information to get…
Ann has given Harley and our family a beautiful gift! From the time Harley was a puppy loud unexpected noises and fast unexpected movements would scare him and make him run away and then bark at whatever it was. At about 12 mos of…
All of our dogs have been trained by Ann! We opted to do virtual training via zoom for our new 1 yr old rescue ! It was amazing! She taught him cues to stop his jumping and how to break up bitey face with…
Ann is the best. My dog, Sasha, is a 2 year old rescue. Female Lhasa Apso. I got her about 6 months ago. She had very little socialization previous and was very fearful. She participated in a nose work class. First day her legs…
Two years ago I adopted a rescue who was quite a bit larger than previous pups who had been part of my life. I wanted to start her out on the right paw in the obedience department. My vet recommended Ann! He was spot…
A few years ago, I started having behavior issues with my Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cory. Though obedience trained and working as my service dog, she was reacting negatively to other dogs and in some cases to men. I took her to see Ann Waterbury…
Ann has been a blessing! Our 15 month old Labrador Retriever would fall apart during vet visits. Uncontrollable barking, peeing, jumping, and biting the staff’s arms. A successful vet visit was out of the question. Ann saw through the ‘crazy’ and immediately helped Sebastian…
Ann has helped me work with my high drive dog, Z. I can’t believe after 2 sessions we have so many tools we can use to maintain his focus or use his energy positively. She has helped us build a positive relationship between our…
A few years ago, I began searching for a behaviorist to help with my very reactive Golden retriever, Noah. Noah was so overcome with fear and anxiety that he wasn’t enjoying life to the fullest – even walking through our neighborhood was sometimes traumatic,…
Testimonial: Almost a year ago we adopted a 10 week old neglected and abused puppy we named Bella. As she grew, we noticed her fears did, too. While never afraid of dogs, or other animals, her fear of strangers quickly became debilitating. She would…
Ann is an outstanding instructor. We received all our levels of Nose Work training from her and her team. She is very knowledgeable, professional, patient & encouraging. Her approach with dogs is very positive & engaging, making her a sought out favorite as they…
We worked with Ann while she was running her business in Tampa, FL. Five years ago we adopted Roscoe, a 4 year old stray with a lot of leash reactivity and aggression. Ann gave us the tools and games we needed to help boost…
Simon is a three year old miniature Australian Shepherd. He came to us at 8 weeks old. Simon has some pretty extreme anxiety/fear issues. We started to notice the issues around six months of age and they have progressively gotten worse as he’s gotten…
Ann is very knowledgeable and can assist with a variety of issues, manners, reactivity and behavior modification. She is a wonderful K9 Nose Work instructor as well, and can help your dog become a nose work rockstar! She has really helped me problem solve…
Ann ran a two-day nose work workshop that was incredible. I love that it was long on working and short on lecture. She’s extremely knowledgeable and very helpful with her coaching. She packed a lot in in just two short days. I will be…
We adopted Ziggy in April 2020 as a puppy. He came with a lot of issues., because of being a rescue, and they became more apparent as he grew older. We discovered Ann through the recommendation of our vet and started basic training, then…
Ann is a fantastic trainer! She knows how to speak dog and is kind and caring to both dog and human. She does not push dogs past what they can handle and uses science-based training methods to help dogs feel confident and secure in…
I first reached out to Ann after adopting a dog that was extremely fearful and dog reactive. Through training sessions, we learned how to help manage Leroy’s reactivity and give him better behavior options. Nose Work classes were truly life-changing for Leroy – he…
Jasper is ridiculously smart, has lots of anxious energy, and, as a herder, needs a job. Nose work, and specifically Ann’s classes, were recommended to us as a way for him to focus his energy. We began on Zoom during pandemic lockdown and continued…
Ann is a wonderful, kind, and skilled trainer. She fosters trust with positive, science based training and helps handlers know why things work. We started with K9 Nosework to give my senior an activity to keep her engaged and it turned out to be…
I first began working with Ann about 7 years ago. The first nose work sessions were for a foster dog that had significant fear issues that resulted in fear biting. Nose work turned out to be a very good addition to the plan for…
When we contacted Ann we were so overwhelmed by our labradoodle puppy. She helped us understand him and what he needed. After 2 zoom sessions things got so much better! She has been an email or call away when we had questions. I don’t…
watch & listen
unleashed
(at work & Home)
If I don’t follow my heart, will I have regrets?
That’s such a powerful question. None of us can be guaranteed an easy life or one without risk–no matter how much we may wish for safety and certainty.
And, knowing that, we’re faced with choices that require introspection:
- What would you like to have happen?
- And are you brave enough to go for it?
Ann Waterbury, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB, CNWI, CDBC, talks with Colleen Pelar, Resilience for Pet Professionals, about the transformation and living life without regrets. Her story is sure to spark ideas for you and bolster your courage to move forward.