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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
My life has been dedicated to teaching others. As a former educator and school principal, and now as a Certified Professional dog trainer, I use my teaching skills, along with my passion for dogs, to educate owners how to develop positive, loving and effective relationships with their dogs that will last! I have a strong and experienced background in dog rescue and shelter work, having been kennel, foster home and volunteer coordinator and board member for WAMAL (Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League). My work with WAMAL puts me in direct contact with dogs from a wide variety of backgrounds, some with quite difficult behaviors, and it is this interaction that gives me practical hands-on experience of dealing with challenging situations.
My commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing dogs is only equaled by my commitment to making sure every dog and owner I train develop a mutually respectful bond that lasts a lifetime. Knowing that I have helped make that happen is what truly motivates me.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 59 times
30 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
10 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2019
Services offered
Dog training package
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
118 reviews
5
99%
4
1%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Julie C.
Aug 3, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Julie is awesome!! Besides the 3 attributes that I selected I do want to add that she was also punctual and very responsive. She is very patient with not only your dog but also with me; she is also very knowledgeable. When I contacted Julie, I had just brought home a 3-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – her name is Sofia. As this was my first puppy in over 25 years, I wanted to have some one-on-one training. Julie got back to me quickly providing me with a synopsis of her training plan. I really enjoyed working with her and I learned so much from her. Using her onsite instructions as well as the very well documented instructions, I’m becoming more confident about taking Sofia out. She loves people as all Cavaliers do and so it is important that she continues to improve on her greeting of both humans and other dogs. Highly recommend working with Julie!
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • Digging • Biting • Chewing • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Kristina R.
Jul 20, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Julie clued us into a lot of things we just didn't know about dogs, given this is our first time that we've started with a puppy. She gave us ways to work with our dog on his particular "stubborn" qualities. And we really appreciated her thorough emails at the end of each session, summing up what we learned, which I'm sure we'll re-read a few more times as we work with our furry guy.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Claire S.
May 23, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I really appreciated the thoroughness and homework tips that Julie sends after each session with what we talked about and how to keep working on it. It gave my husband and I something to reference when we worked on the skills on our own and that was really valuable! Our 2 year old Rhodesian ridgeback worked on door greetings, place, stay, long leading and different types of walking/exercise, greeting dogs, and greeting people calmly.
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • I'm flexible • General obedience training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Laura Jean H.
Mar 7, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Julie was amazing, with our two little teacups and our two boy humans. her knowledge her confidence and her ability to teach makes me feel so much more confident myself. I am so thankful we found her. Because of her training, I know our whole family will be better dog owners.
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • House training • Crate training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Jacob D.
Sep 30, 2026
Simply put, Julie is an AMAZING dogtrainer and the best investment we could have made, both for my family's adopted dog with aggression issues and for our new puppy. We could not recommend her more highly.
Julie's magic is her ability to connect with any dog and build trust and respect almost immediately. We were worried about the aggression my family had seen in their adopted dog, and Julie expertly worked through his social anxiety in our very first session. She gave us a repeatable, safety-first framework for introducing him to new people. After just a few sessions, the difference was night and day. We still use her approach every time he meets someone new, so both dog and human know exactly how to behave and can build a trusting relationship.
When my wife and I adopted a puppy, we knew right away we wanted Julie for puppy training. From everyday commands to loose-leash walking to meeting other dogs safely, her training has been invaluable. The best part is that you truly work with Julie. She demonstrates each technique, then has you practice it with your dog, so you're confident carrying on when she isn't there. After every session she sends a detailed recap, and she's incredibly responsive to questions throughout the week.
If you're on the fence about hiring a trainer, Julie will change your mind. New puppy, older dog with aggression issues, or anything in between, Julie can handle it all. Unfortunately, Julie can't move in with you full-time, but the tools she gives you are without a doubt the next best thing :)
Learning 4 Life Dog Training's reply
Your whole family have been such a pleasure to work with! Thank you so very much for the review, so kind!
Credentials
Background Check
Julie Mccallum-Allen
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing is based on the number of sessions needed which is based on how much work your pup needs.
A series of basic training session can also be arranged.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I always have an in depth phone conversation with a new client about their dog(s) and their needs before meeting. This involves filling in a questionnaire with me over the phone which enables me to get a head start on setting up a program of training that help meet the client needs. Once we meet, we review this information based on my observation of the dog(s) behavior and we go from there!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was awarded a full scholarship to the Animal Behavior College where I completed my training with top honors while working full time as an assistant at a dog training school. Once qualified I became the lead trainer at Sound Animal is Seattle, where I currently teach all the basic training courses. Additionally I am the kennel coordinator for the Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League (WAMAL) where my responsibilities involve helping rehabilitate and socialize rescued Malamutes and mal mixes so they can be adopted into new forever homes.
