Our Trainers
Meet Wally
Hi, my name is Wally Johnson. From my earliest childhood memories, dogs have always been a part of my life. Mostly rescues as loving family companions. I am now retired and have the joy and honor of having two amazing Leonbergers sharing their lives with me, Mac and Jack.
I am currently a board member of the Leonberger Club of the Northwest (Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and British Columbia) and am active in shows trials and events. I try to balance those activities with therapy work, training/practice sessions and some days just having fun in the mountains, woods, ocean beaches or a couch potato day.
I first came to Seattle Agility Center with Mac for the STAR puppy class back in early 2017. Discovered wonderful people with the right mix of good training techniques, positive attitudes, a touch of humor and the ability to keep it fun for both dog & handler. Mac is now 5 years old (10/11/2016). We continued with Beginning Obedience, Intermediate Obedience and Rally classes.
With this foundation, Mac has earned his AKC STAR Puppy certificate and several AKC titles: Champion, Grand Champion, Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, and Rally titles. We also are working towards titles in Obedience, Water Dog and Drafting. When Mac retires from the show ring and goes as far as he wants to in Rally, he will focus on his real calling in life as a big, majestic, therapy dog sharing his love at hospitals, retirement communities, schools and libraries.
Jack joined the family to be a buddy for Mac. And he also started at Seattle Agility Center with STAR puppy class followed by Obedience classes and Rally classes. Jack is almost 3 years old (2/20/2019) now and has earned his AKC STAR Puppy, AKC Puppy of Achievement as well as AKC Champion and Rally titles. Diana offered me an opportunity to begin teaching Beginning Rally classes and I am looking forward to “stretching my boundaries”. I really enjoy rally training whether the goal is to enter trials or just build bonds and teamwork between dog and handler. The skills and behaviors are so adaptable to everyday life with your dog and transferable to so many other activities.
Looking forward to meeting you and your pups, learning skills and behaviors while having fun!