Relationship-based dog training

Build a grounded, confident, and connected life with your dog.

Training that helps you and your dog feel present, empowered, and ready for life and its adventures, together.

  • 15+ years training dogs of every breed, age and temperament
  • M.S. Human-Canine Life Sciences, Bergin University of Canine Studies
  • B.S. Zoology, animal behavior & neurobiology, Michigan State University
  • CSDT Certified in scent detection with Ford K9
Our mission

Live a life of ukiyo with your best friend.

Our mission is simple: to help you live a life of ukiyo—a life where you and your dog can be fully present in the moment, navigating the stresses and distractions of everyday life with greater ease, confidence, and connection.

Our dream is to support dogs and humans in building a life rooted in trust, presence, and shared experience. Through personalized training and guidance, we strengthen the bond between you and your dog, helping your family become more confident, supported, and connected.

Whether you’re looking to improve manners, develop advanced training, or deepen your relationship with your dog, our programs are designed to support real growth, for both ends of the leash. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that confident dogs and empowered humans create happy, thriving teams.

Meet the team
Yvonne and Zahra standing on a red rock cliff overlooking a wide valley

ukiyo

[u•key•yo] · Japanese

Living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life. “The floating world.” A mindset we embrace with ourselves and our dogs.

How we support you & your dog

Training built around your goals and your lifestyle.

Every journey is unique. We meet you where you are and move forward together, at a pace that feels right for both you and your dog. Every program is offered as private lessons or board & train (or a hybrid of both). Not sure which is right for you?

We help with

  • Puppy & new dog foundations
  • Balanced home life
  • Everyday life skills
  • Reactivity, anxiety & emotional regulation
  • Off-leash reliability & recall
  • Busy urban environments
  • Adventure & partnership
  • Service & therapy dog work
  • Scent work & enrichment
Meet the team

Yvonne, Zahra & Kya

Yvonne is the owner and head trainer of Ukiyo Dogs. With a Master’s in Human-Canine Life Sciences, years leading an obedience training team, and a service dog background, she’s helped hundreds of dogs and their humans find their stride.

Beside her are her best friends and business partners. Zahra is a service dog with a background in obedience, advanced training, scent detection, dock diving, and being a grade-A good girl. Kya works in HR and with our board & train clients.

Our story
Yvonne smiling cheek to cheek with Zahra
Yvonne & Zahra
Zahra, German Shepherd service dog, in a field of wildflowers
Zahra
Kya, an orange cat, sitting on a rock under a blue sky
Kya
Testimonials

Words from humans we’ve supported

Sandra & Tay

“Ukiyo Dogs is an incredible company. They truly treat every dog as a part of their family. Your dog will be fully immersed into the pack life and learn to navigate the world in a much more fulfilling way. The owner, Yvonne, has a service dog background along with years of experience in the pet training industry. She’s helped numerous examples of extreme aggression and saved countless lives. She’s well equipped to handle any behavior you may be experiencing with your dog. I couldn’t recommend her enough. And a BIG shoutout to Zahra! She’s helped me foster an amazing relationship with my Shepherd. I’m forever grateful.”

— Sandra & Tay
Anna & Hugo

“I found Yvonne after I had two very awful prior experiences with other dog trainers. From the moment I met her, I knew she was going to be the best thing that happened to my dog Hugo and I. Yvonne has not only helped Hugo with basic training, but more advanced work and reactivity. He had become very reactive very quickly, and I felt frustrated, lost, and way in over my head. From the moment we started training with Yvonne, Hugo became more confident, curious, and happy. Yvonne is patient, kind, caring, and incredibly talented. She has taught me how to be a better dog mom and to truly understand what it means to be a good dog owner. There’s nothing she can’t take on and be successful with!”

— Anna & Hugo

Read more stories

Out in the world

Real dogs, real adventures.

From city sidewalks to alpine lakes, our dogs learn to be steady, engaged, and happy anywhere.

See the full gallery

Ready when you are

Schedule a free consultation

All of our programs are created to fit you and your dog’s unique needs. Training is based on your personal goals, your lifestyle, and an in-person evaluation of your dog.