Business Details
23 Years
experience
Seattle's Trusted Dog Training & Puppy Classes
Paws4Training has been dedicated to fostering trust and communication between dogs and their owners since 2003. Our mission centers on creating positive, science-based training experiences that empower both pets and people. With over two decades of expertise, we offer group classes, private sessions, and specialty workshops tailored to puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs. Our certified trainers specialize in force-free methods, ensuring training is engaging and effective. We prioritize individualized programs that address specific behavioral needs while promoting lifelong bonds through education and mutual understanding. 
Services
Puppy Kindergarten
Private Training
Reactive Dog Training
Canine Good Citizen
Dog Parkour
Basic Manners
Growly Dog Class
Scent Work
Puppy Day Camp
Teen Dog Training
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in dog training and veterinary care.
- Our certified trainers use science-based, force-free training methods.
- Customized programs address specific behavioral needs in home environments.
- Specialty classes target leash reactivity, socialization, and canine confidence.
- Supportive learning environment with proven results in dog-owner relationships.
What people say
Extremely shy puppy gained confidence
Knowledgeable trainers
Creative tips and tricks
Welcoming and warm environment
Patient and caring guidance
Services
Puppy Kindergarten
Structured classes for puppies aged 9-20 weeks focus on socialization, basic commands, and positive reinforcement. Owners learn effective communication techniques while puppies develop confidence through play and interaction. This program establishes foundational skills for well-mannered adult dogs.
Private Training
Customized one-on-one training addresses specific behavioral challenges in home environments. Certified trainers implement force-free methods to resolve leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and obedience issues. Programs adapt to individual dog-owner dynamics for lasting results.
Reactive Dog Training
Specialized classes target leash reactivity and aggression through desensitization techniques. Trainers use classical counter-conditioning to create positive associations while teaching alternative behaviors. Programs focus on improving dog-environment interactions through structured exercises.
Canine Good Citizen
AKC-certified program develops obedience and social skills for dogs of all ages. Training emphasizes reliable recall, polite greeting, and distraction management. Completing this course demonstrates mastery of essential life skills for well-mannered community dogs.
Dog Parkour Training
Intro to Agility classes for puppies aged 9-22 weeks develop physical coordination and confidence. Structured obstacle courses improve focus while strengthening handler-dog communication. This activity combines mental stimulation with physical exercise for developing puppies.
People
Susan Oshie
Founder & Head Trainer
CPDT-KA certified trainer with 20+ years experience in veterinary care and dog training. Former surgical tech at Seattle Animal Clinic, now specializing in force-free methods. Holds Fear Free and Canine Good Citizen certifications.
Hannah Halpern
Day Camp Assistant
Karen Pryor Academy student specializing in positive reinforcement techniques. Combines art background with dog training to create engaging educational materials. Focuses on demystifying science-based training methods for owners.
Becky Johnson
Head Day Camp Trainer
Certified in canine massage and dog sports competitor. Specializes in reactivity training and agility. Competes nationally in dock diving and flyball while developing play-based training methodologies for dog-human bonding.
Kelsey Johnson
Assistant Day Camp Trainer
2022 Canine Studies graduate pursuing CPDT-KA certification. Implements Fear Free protocols in training environments. Focuses on creating low-stress learning experiences for shy or reactive dogs through gradual exposure.
Questions
What age should puppies start training?
Puppies can begin socialization classes as early as 9 weeks old. Early training establishes foundational skills during critical developmental periods.
Do you offer private in-home sessions?
Yes, we provide customized private training for behavior modification in home environments. Sessions address leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and obedience challenges.
What training methods do you use?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement and force-free techniques. Our science-based approach focuses on building trust through reward-based learning systems.
Are reactive dog classes available?
Yes, our specialized reactive dog training uses desensitization and counter-conditioning to address leash reactivity and aggression issues in controlled environments.
How do group classes work?
Group sessions combine socialization with structured training. Classes are size-segregated with experienced trainers guiding both dogs and owners through progressive skill development.
Do you prepare dogs for AKC tests?
Our Canine Good Citizen classes prepare dogs for AKC certification. We teach required skills like reliable recall, polite greetings, and distraction management.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Sean Hosking
Apr 24, 2022
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Susan and staff offer great training for new pups. We brought our 12 week old rescue Desa here for kindergarten, days camps, a couple puppy social hours, then middle school - for about 3 months, once or twice a week depending on what we signed up for. I recommend at least these services as a new dog owner, it's really helped as our dog is getting older with going to the park, walking, and other behaviors in the house.
We know what actions to take in different scenarios and the socialization is a plus too. We attribute a lot of how good our puppy is to how critical those classes were in the beginning. Good price for the quality compared to competitors. Thanks Susan and team!
We know what actions to take in different scenarios and the socialization is a plus too. We attribute a lot of how good our puppy is to how critical those classes were in the beginning. Good price for the quality compared to competitors. Thanks Susan and team!
Brian Sherman
Apr 18, 2022
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Susan and her team are excellent at offering easy to understand training methods for new puppy owners, like myself! Great, relaxed, environment for puppies to socialize and grow confidence. Highly recommend this class!
Ashley Kernes
Feb 23, 2022
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Hannah and Becky were an absolute delight to work with. They speak puppy and are fantastic about translating what your fur baby needs to flourish in your home. Thank you!
Wendy Sedlacek
Jan 26, 2022
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Esso and I took the Puppy (small breed) Kindergarten and Middle School classes with Susan and enjoyed both. My pup is smaller (11 lbs) and can be a nervous lil dude. He started out in the Puppy class hiding during play time, and ended up playing with the big dogs in Middle School class! It was a great experience for us; Esso gained a lot of confidence and we both learned a lot. We're still using and practicing the skills we learned in these classes. Highly recommend!
Maren H.
Jan 19, 2022
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This place is wonderful. Susan is very helpful, flexible and informed. She's kind to the dogs, as is her very sweet staff. The puppy socials are about one hour, and it was really wonderful how when I brought my pup the first time, they were helpful in getting him comfortable and explaining how it takes time for them to join in the fun. They even move dogs around to give them the best chance to be comfy and have fun. Puppy Kindergarten is also fantastic. My dog Orson is picking up the lessons quickly. They are patient and helpful. Bottom Line: Susan and her team are great! highly recommend it (plus seeing all the other puppies makes my day!)
