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
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.
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.
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
Puppy
Puppyhood is the most important time to start training. Nurture your puppy’s development and help them grow into the best version of themselves.
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Basic Obedience
Reliable obedience anywhere, from quiet suburban streets to busy city blocks and mountain trails. On-leash and off-leash reliability.
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Behavioral Modification
Does your dog struggle with aggression, over-excitement, fear, or phobias? Our programs are tailored to fit your family’s unique needs.
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Service & Therapy Dogs
Think your dog may be a good candidate to become a service or therapy dog? Get a free evaluation and discover how they could make a significant impact.
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Scent Detection
Tap into your dog’s superpower. Nosework is a fun activity that enhances your bond, provides a purpose, and releases energy.
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Happy Tails
Doggy daycare just got cooler. Your dog joins other dogs and professional trainers on adventures in the city and the mountains.
Learn moreYvonne, 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.
Words from humans we’ve supported
“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.”
“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!”
Real dogs, real adventures.
From city sidewalks to alpine lakes, our dogs learn to be steady, engaged, and happy anywhere.
See the full gallery or follow along on Instagram
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.