Diamonds In The Ruff

Diamonds In The Ruff Dog Training and Behavior Consulting - all ages, breeds, all challenges. Private Training. Classes. Sebastopol. Private training & behavior consultations. All ages.

Semi-private classes; Obedience, Puppy, Scenting (aka Nosework) on-site at my facility in S.E. All breeds. All issues. Service Dog Training. In-home or on-site. Serving Sonoma, Marin, and surrounding counties. Joellen Burton as been successfully training dogs for 50 years, professionally for 22 years. Her real education began at the age of 12 when her 18 month old Irish Setter exhibited signs of b

eing dog aggressive. Since there was little help for these issues at that time, she used a positive common sense approach and proper management. She helped her dog to live a happy and full life to the age of 14. Joellen trained her next 2 dogs for competition obedience and Animal Assisted Therapy work. Her Doberman achieved her CDX level of training. Her Border Collie achieved her UD level, while also becoming the first dog ever allowed in Sonoma Valley Hospital as a therapy dog. Joellen spent 5 years, from 2000 - 2005, working in the nationally acclaimed Marin Humane Society’s Behavior and Training Department where she worked with thousands of dogs. Her job titles included; trainer, instructor (Agility, Family Dog 1 - 3, Difficult Dog, Puppy Classes, Therapy Dog Classes), behavior consultant (all issues including aggression), and temperament evaluator of shelter dogs. In 2002 she graduated from the Marin Humane Society’s Canine Academy levels 1, 2, and 3 at the top of her class. Since opening her business in 2005 she has continued to help countless more dogs and their guardians. Joellen continues to expand her knowledge by attending workshops and seminars. She is currently enjoying training her dogs in herding and scent detection (Nose Works). Joellen lives on 5 acres with her understanding daughter, her beloved dogs (a working Border Collie, a Dutch Shepherd, and 2 Akbash Livestock Guardian Dogs), indoor cats, 10 sheep, ducks and chickens.

02/17/2026

Current 2026 schedule with more dates/locations being added soon

Researching the breed or breed type you are thinking about investing your time, love, and money is very important. Yes, ...
11/08/2025

Researching the breed or breed type you are thinking about investing your time, love, and money is very important. Yes, there are always variations with in each breed or type, but knowing what they were bred to do - job, temperament, etc., is very important.

10/30/2025
My graduating Reactive Rover ClassSo proud of all of them!
10/07/2025

My graduating Reactive Rover Class
So proud of all of them!

05/10/2025

Trainer Tip Tuesday:

01/24/2024

Everyone wants success with their dog but sometimes handlers make the mistake of focusing on the results they want, instead of the effort it takes to produce them.

Many want quick fixes; they don’t want to hear that it takes years of study and dedication to be successful.
Todays society is fast, we have instant access to so many things (including posts on social media)
But dogs don’t care about technology, culture, agendas, ego or your expectations; if you’re not humble, your dog will likely do that for you.

Receiving good information is a must, a coach can be invaluable, but you have to do the work and make a lot of mistakes before success.
There are no great results without effort and training at times can be hard. It can test your patience, intention, commitment, discipline and self awareness.
But the amazing thing is, no matter how much you ultimately accomplish, putting great effort into developing your partnership with your dog can result in immeasurable reward, including one of the most profound bonds in your life.
macraeway.com


12/31/2023

My name is Joellen, and I am the Mom to these 4 legged kids. I never expected to have these kind of vet b… Joellen Burton needs your support for Help My Cats

12/19/2023

My name is Joellen, and I am the Mom to these 4 legged kids. I never expected to have these kind of vet b… Joellen Burton needs your support for Help My Cats

12/19/2023

While feeling a bit reflective, and thinking about what to write today, I went into the archives to see what I’d written this month ten years ago. I ran into this post, which I’d forgotten about, and decided it deserved to come out of moth balls, like some Christmas tree decorations stashed in t...

12/18/2023

It’s said many people don’t listen with the intent to understand;
they listen with the intent to respond.
The same can be true with dogs.
Sometimes handlers get caught up in their own voice, their desire to progress, to achieve their goal, instead of hearing what their dog is telling them they need.
Rather than getting your dog to change into your way, it’s important to adjust to their way.
It is never the same for each dog. The training principles are consistent but individuality is very important.
When you listen, without expectation, it’s amazing how much you will learn.
Being a good listener is key to being a good teacher; it empowers the partnership and bond with your dog.
macraeway.com


Address

Sebastopol, CA
95472

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

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