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About
Dogs have been my passion since I was a little girl. I ran my own petsitting company for 11 years before I left for college. I have worked as a kennel technician at a dog boarding facility, fostered dozens of dogs for the Seattle Humane Society, and raised two of my own. Throughout all of these experiences, I have learned how to work with dogs of all sizes and temperaments, but I specialize in puppy and obedience training such as potty training, loose leash walking, recall, basic and advanced tricks, proper greetings, and more.
I have honed in on my own training methodology which is founded on trust, communication, and respect between dog and owner. I believe every dog is unique and their training should be too. To achieve this, I offer a free consultation over the phone for all new clients. This conversation helps me better understand your dog's training needs and develop a customized training plan that will best meet your goals for your dog.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you and your dog!
Overview
Hired 27 times
Background checked
1 employee
4 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, and Venmo.
Services offered
Dog training package
Puppy training
General obedience training
Dog size
Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)
Small (16 - 25 lbs)
Medium (26 - 40 lbs)
Large (41 - 70 lbs)
Dog training type
Private lessons
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
20 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Alyce H.
May 14, 2025
Riley helped us train our new puppy a few months ago. I was overwhelmed and on the verge of a breakdown when I called her. She helped us gain the confidence & skills to train and take care of our dog, Georgia. Her lessons are thorough and helpful. She even sends a write up of topics practiced that day. We can now enjoy time with our dog thanks to the training. We’re grateful for you Riley!
Rachel W.
Jun 29, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Riley is amazing! We saw changes in our puppy after one session. She knows her stuff, and teaches it in a way that is easy to understand. We would definitely recommend Riley!
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • Biting • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Krista S.
May 6, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Riley knows her stuff, as soon as she came into our house I was instantly impressed and relieved. I've watched so many videos online, but having someone in person walk me through instructions, and having training customized to my dog has been extremely helpful. We have a young puppy ready to learn and with Riley's guidance I know we're going to have a well traineddog. Her training just makes sense, I've had so many "Oooooh! Of course!" moments. She really knows how to work with dogs in a way that feels natural to the dog, leaning into their natural desire to please and learn. 10/10, I'm recommending Riley to every dog owner I know.
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • Biting • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Stephanie M.
Apr 1, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Even after just one session with Riley, my dog has been so responsive to what we were working on. What Riley taught us has been very helpful in gaining my dog’s focus when there are other things around (people, other dogs). My other dog is very anxious and I know Riley will do great work with him too, once he is comfortable with her! She’s fantastic. You won’t regret hiring her!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Risa J.
Apr 19, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Riley was awesome to work with! Our four month puppy Booker is extremely timid and gets scared easily. So much so that he was afraid of my husband and it was a huge issue in their relationship building. The exercises Riley showed us to help our puppy bond to my husband have been working and we feel so relieved! She gave us a fantastic foundation to keep working on the relationship between Booker and my husband as well as instruction on how to help him overcome other fears he has (dogs, other people, etc).
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • Digging • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Riley Thacker
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge a base price of $75 for each private 60 minute training session. For individuals wanting training sessions on a regular basis, I offer 50% off the 5th lesson.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Before formal training begins, I offer a free consultation over the phone to learn more about your training goals. That way I can better cater a training plan to meet your dog's unique needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a large range of experience working with dogs in a variety of settings. I ran my own pet sitting/dog walking company for 11 years before I left for college. I fostered over 4 litters of puppies for my local shelter. I have volunteered at a dog show in Wyoming and an animal rescue in Nebraska. I worked at a dog kennel for a year as well. In all of these situations, I was constantly learning about the nature and behavior of dogs. Through trial and error and lots of research, I developed my own methodology for working with man's best friend. I believe in balanced training which is a combination of positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors and clear but loving correction. I believe in order to train a dog, you need to understand why they do the things they do so you know what you need to do in order to address/change undesirable behaviors. We must see things from their perspective and be patient with their progress but most of all, our training efforts must be founded in a strong relationship of love, respect, and trust with our dogs.
