Canine Training Services - Tacoma, WA

Verified Member since Feb 2026 Verified checkmark

My name is Dr. Elliott Briggs but I just go by Elliott. Pointing at me and shouting “Hey you!” is also acceptable. My wife’s name is Mika. We started this award winning home-based company to do dog training right in your home and your neighborhood. We offer a wide range of dog training services including basic obedience, service dog training and canine rehabilitation (working with scared, nervous, aggressive behaviors and trauma.)

Before working with dogs I used clinical psychology and applied behavior analysis techniques to help mentally ill children. Later on I adapted the behavior sciences I had learned to dog training while working as a field supervisor for a dog training and walking company. Overseeing a caseload of 80 dogs and 10 employees. Later on I opened up my own dog training business and have been running the business for 10 years. After many years of hard work I eventually earned a doctorate in Animal Behavior Analysis. I am also certified in advanced first aid for both human and canine. In addition to my dog training endeavors I serve as an emergency search and rescue canine unit operator.

Alongside me is my wife who assists me in my dog training endeavors. She also comes from a behavior science background. She has been working in the behavior modification sciences for 10 years and is a registered behavior technician by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Whatever your dog training needs are we can make them happen. My reviews are along the right hand side of my PetWorks listing page. We look forward to working with you. Thank you!

  • Licensed
  • Certified
  • Online Sessions

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training
  • Service Dog Training
  • Dog Behaviorist
  • Animal Behaviorist

What training tools do you use?

  • Back-clip Harness
  • Barriers
  • Choke Collar
  • E-Collar
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Martingale Collar
  • Muzzle
  • Praise/Affection
  • Prong Collar
  • Slip Lead
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Detection Dog Training
  • Dog Agility Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • K9 Police Dog Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification
  • Service Dog Training

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • Certified Family Dog Mediator® (FDM)
  • Certified Fearful Dogs Professional

Do you offer mobile services?

  • Yes

Education

Doctorate of Animal Behavior Analysis. Certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis. Certified advanced first aid.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Pierce County WA, Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Renton, Federal Way, Olympia, Bellingham, Yakima Washington

What year did you begin serving pets?

2015

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elliott briggs

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BASED IN: Tacoma, WA
SERVICE AREA: Within 100 miles, including Pierce County WA, Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Renton, Federal Way, Olympia, Bellingham, Yakima Washington

Distinction

Fearful Dogs Certified Professional Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM)

Customer Reviews

My sister and I have been taking our GSD Mix, Cypress, for the last 2 years. Prior to introducing him to Elliott, Cypress was becoming a bit more territorial and aggressive, even towards people whom he's known his entire life, including my parents. This was making it difficult for us to invite others over and take him out on walks. Since then, he's been much more cordial with humans and other dogs. It's been great having Elliott take Cypress out to socialize with other dogs at his business, dog parks, and even retirement homes in the Tacoma area to socialize with people. It's definitely more than just a business to Elliott, as he has built and maintained meaningful relationship not just with our dogs, but with many other clients.

- Sam A

We were fairly new to the breed Cane Corso. Our male Odin, 153 lbs, was in desperate need of some training before it got away from us. Elliot worked wonders for Odin taught him great recall, manners, and helped with his confidence. I highly recommend using him he’s knowledgeable, and has your work with your dog as well which helped us. Odin is now the best boy due to his training techniques.

- Kerri G

Working with Elliott with our two dogs has been a fantastic experience. Elliott brings a level of professionalism and expertise that we haven’t gotten with past trainers and I assume is rare to find. One of our dogs struggles with fear based aggression and Elliott has been instrumental in identifying and addressing these issues. We’ve made strides over the past month in working with Elliott that would not have been possible without his help. I’m looking forward to continue to work with him and am hopeful with his direction we can make a positive change in our dogs behaviors.

- Antone V

Elliot is amazing at what he does. Our dog was needing some direction with commands while on a leash and off. After Elliott trained her in some 1x1 sessions she was able to follow orders immediately! In fact, the first time he entered my home, my dog listed to him better than she ever did with us. My dog loves him so much. Elliott shared some tips and tricks to keep her in control and he even trained her to get help when someone in the house was having a medical emergency. That was years ago and our doggo is still the best trained girl. Simply amazing results, don’t waste your money anywhere else, let Elliott work his magic and train your pup, no matter what stage of training they’re at.

- Stephen M

I have seen so much progress with my dog Cherry after working with Elliot! I’ve had two dog trainers in the past that were unsuccessful with resolving my dog’s reactivity. Truly, Cherry has made such an improvement and not only that, I now have the tools to continue that progress thanks to Elliot. I highly recommend him! He is knowledgeable and passionate about dog training.

- Jasmine T

Elliot is an amazing trainer. Our dog was feral for the first year of his life, and we got him as a rescue from Texas. Since working with Elliot, he can now walk freely in the park with confidence. Elliot is the real deal!

- Benjamin W

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training
  • Service Dog Training
  • Dog Behaviorist
  • Animal Behaviorist

What training tools do you use?

  • Back-clip Harness
  • Barriers
  • Choke Collar
  • E-Collar
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Martingale Collar
  • Muzzle
  • Praise/Affection
  • Prong Collar
  • Slip Lead
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Detection Dog Training
  • Dog Agility Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • K9 Police Dog Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification
  • Service Dog Training

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • Certified Family Dog Mediator® (FDM)
  • Certified Fearful Dogs Professional

Do you offer mobile services?

  • Yes

Education

Doctorate of Animal Behavior Analysis. Certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis. Certified advanced first aid.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Pierce County WA, Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Renton, Federal Way, Olympia, Bellingham, Yakima Washington

What year did you begin serving pets?

2015

Customer Reviews

My sister and I have been taking our GSD Mix, Cypress, for the last 2 years. Prior to introducing him to Elliott, Cypress was becoming a bit more territorial and aggressive, even towards people whom he's known his entire life, including my parents. This was making it difficult for us to invite others over and take him out on walks. Since then, he's been much more cordial with humans and other dogs. It's been great having Elliott take Cypress out to socialize with other dogs at his business, dog parks, and even retirement homes in the Tacoma area to socialize with people. It's definitely more than just a business to Elliott, as he has built and maintained meaningful relationship not just with our dogs, but with many other clients.

- Sam A

We were fairly new to the breed Cane Corso. Our male Odin, 153 lbs, was in desperate need of some training before it got away from us. Elliot worked wonders for Odin taught him great recall, manners, and helped with his confidence. I highly recommend using him he’s knowledgeable, and has your work with your dog as well which helped us. Odin is now the best boy due to his training techniques.

- Kerri G

Working with Elliott with our two dogs has been a fantastic experience. Elliott brings a level of professionalism and expertise that we haven’t gotten with past trainers and I assume is rare to find. One of our dogs struggles with fear based aggression and Elliott has been instrumental in identifying and addressing these issues. We’ve made strides over the past month in working with Elliott that would not have been possible without his help. I’m looking forward to continue to work with him and am hopeful with his direction we can make a positive change in our dogs behaviors.

- Antone V

Elliot is amazing at what he does. Our dog was needing some direction with commands while on a leash and off. After Elliott trained her in some 1x1 sessions she was able to follow orders immediately! In fact, the first time he entered my home, my dog listed to him better than she ever did with us. My dog loves him so much. Elliott shared some tips and tricks to keep her in control and he even trained her to get help when someone in the house was having a medical emergency. That was years ago and our doggo is still the best trained girl. Simply amazing results, don’t waste your money anywhere else, let Elliott work his magic and train your pup, no matter what stage of training they’re at.

- Stephen M

I have seen so much progress with my dog Cherry after working with Elliot! I’ve had two dog trainers in the past that were unsuccessful with resolving my dog’s reactivity. Truly, Cherry has made such an improvement and not only that, I now have the tools to continue that progress thanks to Elliot. I highly recommend him! He is knowledgeable and passionate about dog training.

- Jasmine T

Elliot is an amazing trainer. Our dog was feral for the first year of his life, and we got him as a rescue from Texas. Since working with Elliot, he can now walk freely in the park with confidence. Elliot is the real deal!

- Benjamin W

🐶 About Elliott Briggs — Certified Dog Trainer in Tacoma, Washington


Elliott Briggs is a certified dog trainer serving Tacoma and the surrounding Pierce County area, including nearby communities such as Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, Puyallup, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Elliott tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Elliott works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.


Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Elliott provides practical, results-driven support with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success

Each session is designed to be encouraging, easy to apply, and tailored to your daily routine.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Elliott Briggs, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.


Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.


Elliott is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Tacoma, WA on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Elliott’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Pierce County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.


In Tacoma and throughout Washington, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Elliott to get the most out of your sessions.


Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do you offer in-home dog training in Tacoma, WA? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Elliott, offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.


Explore Elliott’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Pierce County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.