Our Training Philosophy
Whether your goal is a well-mannered family companion, an AKC title, or simply a stronger relationship with your dog, our training programs emphasize positive reinforcement, clear communication, and practical skills that last a lifetime. Our classes are designed to meet you where you are and provide a pathway for continued learning together.
Private Lessons: $45 per 30-minute session
Our training partners offer private lessons using techniques tailored for each individual dog, which allow you to get personal, expert advice to meet your specific needs. Private lessons are available Monday through Saturday, at various times each day. Advance appointments are required and can be booked online or by calling our Silverdale location.
Behavior Evaluations: $25 per 15-minute session
Not sure which class is right for you? Wondering if that pulling and barking is aggression or simply untrained behavior? Our trainers offer 15-minute evaluations to help you identify issues and determine if group classes, private lessons, or drop-off sessions are the best option for you and your furry companion. Both of our training partners are committed to tailoring each session to meet your needs and happy to speak with you about any unique training challenge. (This evaluation is not for any dog with a bite history.)
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluation: $20 per dog
Naturally 4 Paws is proud to have two AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluators on staff. Dogs that are ready to demonstrate the required skills may schedule an official CGC evaluation. Dogs that successfully pass the evaluation will receive the paperwork required to apply for the official AKC Canine Good Citizen title and certificate.
The $20 evaluation fee is paid to Naturally 4 Paws. The optional AKC application fee required to receive the official title and certificate is paid separately to the American Kennel Club.
Ready to begin? Our group classes are designed to build skills step by step, from foundational manners to advanced dog sports and AKC titles.
Group Classes
We have partnered with two incredible local professional dog trainers, who specialize in making each class a personally tailored experience and offer a diversity of training options. Classes are offered at a wide variety of times and are held six days per week, Monday through Saturday.
Group classes are six weeks in length with an additional make-up class. Prices are based on class level, and classes are broken down into Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. Our Beginning classes have a maximum of 8 handlers per class, while our Intermediate and Advanced classes have a maximum of 10 handlers per class. Each handler is limited to one canine student per class. Our indoor, climate-controlled Training Center features over 3500 square feet of dedicated real-world training space.
Basic Obedience & Manners: Whether you're starting with a new puppy or looking to refresh the skills of an older dog, this class builds the foundation for a well-mannered companion. You'll teach essential cues including Come, Sit, Down, Wait, Leave It, and release words while strengthening communication and confidence between you and your dog. We'll also address common everyday challenges such as jumping, mouthing, leash pulling, house training, and appropriate socialization. This class is ideal for dogs with little or no previous group training. Age requirement: 14 weeks and up.
Exploration: Help your dog become a more confident, adaptable companion! This unique class introduces dogs of all ages to a variety of new sights, sounds, surfaces, objects, and obstacles in a safe, supportive environment. Through fun games, positive experiences, and confidence-building exercises, your dog will learn to approach new situations with curiosity instead of hesitation. Along the way, we'll reinforce basic manners and strengthen the trust and communication between you and your dog. Age requirement: 14 weeks and up.
Puppy Preschool: Give your puppy the best start in life! Designed specifically for growing puppies, this fun and engaging class focuses on building confidence, good manners, and a strong bond between you and your dog during their most important learning stage. Through positive training techniques, games, and real-life exercises, your puppy will learn essential skills including Sit, Down, Wait, Come, Go To, and Leave It, while developing appropriate social skills and confidence in new environments. Our trainers work with each puppy at their own pace to create a positive learning experience for both ends of the leash. Age requirement: 14 weeks to 6 months.
Classes at this level require successful completion of at least one Beginning-level class or a Trainer evaluation.
Competitive Obedience Level 1: Ready to take your training to the next level? This class introduces the precision, teamwork, and ring skills required for competitive obedience while strengthening your dog's focus and responsiveness. You'll practice on- and off-leash heeling, proper ring entry and exit, following a judge's instructions, and preparing your dog for the hands-on examination performed during competition. Whether your goal is to earn obedience titles or simply develop exceptional teamwork, this class provides a solid foundation for success in the obedience ring.
Intermediate Obedience: Take your dog's manners and reliability to the next level! Designed for graduates of our Basic Obedience or Puppy Preschool classes, this course builds on your dog's foundation by increasing focus, reliability, duration, and precision. We'll strengthen previously learned skills while introducing new behaviors such as Stand, Stay, and a variety of working positions inspired by dog sports. Through engaging exercises and real-world practice, you'll develop a dog that responds with greater confidence and consistency, both at home and in everyday situations.
Loose Leash Walking: Turn daily walks into one of the best parts of your day! This class is designed to help you and your dog enjoy calm, confident walks together by developing loose leash walking, focus, and polite public manners. Through practical exercises, you'll learn techniques to reduce pulling, improve your dog's attention, and build confidence in a variety of everyday environments. We'll also practice relaxing around distractions while teaching your dog to behave politely around people and other dogs, making every outing more enjoyable for both of you.
Nosework Level 1: Tap into your dog's incredible natural sense of smell! Nosework is a fun, mentally stimulating activity that channels your dog's instinct to hunt, search, and solve problems while building confidence and strengthening the bond between you and your canine partner. You'll learn how to introduce and recognize target odors, beginning with Birch and progressing to Anise, through engaging search games using boxes, containers, and other search environments. Whether you're looking for a rewarding enrichment activity or considering the exciting sport of Nosework, this class provides the perfect foundation.
Rally Level 1: Discover one of the most enjoyable ways to strengthen teamwork with your dog! Rally is a fun and engaging dog sport recognized by the AKC and ASCA that combines obedience skills with a series of stations arranged along a course. Together, you and your dog will learn to confidently perform each exercise while improving communication, focus, and precision. Whether your goal is to compete or simply enjoy a new challenge, this class builds on your dog's foundation skills while introducing the exercises needed to successfully complete a Novice Rally course.
The Power of Stay: A reliable Stay is one of the most valuable life skills your dog can learn. This class is dedicated to building a confident, dependable stay that holds up in real-world situations, even when distractions are present. You'll learn how to gradually increase duration, distance, and distractions while teaching your dog to remain calm and focused. We'll also introduce the importance of a consistent Release word, ensuring your dog understands exactly when it's time to move again. Whether you're greeting guests, unloading the car, enjoying a meal on a pet-friendly patio, or simply taking a moment to yourself, a solid stay can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
Trick & Pre-Agility: Discover two exciting dog sports while having fun with your canine partner! This class combines creative trick training with the foundational skills needed for agility, helping your dog build confidence, coordination, body awareness, and focus. You'll teach fun tricks while introducing your dog to agility equipment such as tunnels, jumps, the dog walk, and A-frame in a safe, positive environment. Whether you're looking for an enjoyable enrichment activity or considering future agility competition, this class provides an exciting introduction to both sports.
Advanced classes require successful completion of one Intermediate-level class or a Trainer evaluation.
Canine Dance & Freestyle Tricks: Love teaching your dog fun and impressive tricks? Take your training to the next level by combining creative trick training with music, movement, and teamwork. You'll learn engaging freestyle skills such as spins, weaves, bows, legwork, and coordinated movement, then combine them into fun, flowing routines. Whether you're interested in canine freestyle competition or simply looking for a creative new way to strengthen your bond, this class offers a fun and rewarding experience for both ends of the leash.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC): Take your dog's manners to the next level while preparing for the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. This class builds the confidence, reliability, and real-world skills needed to become a well-mannered companion at home and in public. You'll practice the exercises required for the CGC evaluation while strengthening the trust and teamwork between you and your dog. Earning the CGC title is also an excellent stepping stone toward advanced AKC activities such as Rally, Obedience, Agility, Nosework, and other performance sports. AKC Canine Good Citizen testing is available for eligible teams.
Competitive Obedience Level 2: Designed for teams committed to the sport of competitive obedience, this class builds on the foundation developed in Competitive Obedience Level 1 while introducing the advanced skills required for higher-level competition. You'll begin working with dumbbells and scent articles while refining precision, teamwork, and ring performance through real-world practice. Individualized coaching allows teams working toward different obedience titles to continue progressing at their own pace.
Nosework Level 2: Continue your journey as your team takes searching skills to the next level. Building on the foundation developed in Nosework Level 1, you'll explore more challenging search environments, new hiding locations, and additional target odors while strengthening your dog's confidence, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. This class is perfect for teams ready to expand their skills and enjoy more advanced scent-detection challenges.
Nosework Level 3: Ready to challenge both you and your dog's scenting abilities? Designed for experienced teams, this class builds on the skills developed in Nosework Level 2 with more complex search scenarios, advanced odor discrimination, and increasingly challenging environments. You'll continue refining your dog's confidence, independence, and problem-solving abilities while improving your skills in reading scent behavior. Whether you're preparing for competition or simply enjoy the challenge of advanced scent work, this class provides the perfect next step.
Precision Heeling: Develop the focus, precision, and teamwork needed for exceptional heeling. Designed for teams interested in competitive obedience, this class teaches your dog to maintain attention and position while working through a variety of distractions, including noise, toys, food, people, and other animals. Through positive training techniques and progressive challenges, you'll build the reliable focus and responsiveness needed for success in the competition ring. While these skills are invaluable for competitive obedience, they also translate into greater control and confidence in everyday situations.
Rally Level 2: Continue building your skills with more challenging exercises and greater teamwork with your dog. This class expands on the foundation developed in Rally Level 1, introducing more advanced stations, increased precision, and off-leash work while strengthening communication and confidence. Whether you're preparing for Rally competition or simply enjoy the challenge of working together, Rally Level 2 offers the perfect next step in your training journey.
Rally Level 3: Designed for teams actively competing in Rally, this class focuses on refining advanced skills, improving precision, and preparing for success through the Master level. You'll continue to strengthen teamwork, polish handling and communication, and develop the confidence needed to excel in the competition ring. Because each team progresses at its own pace, individualized coaching allows handlers working at different Rally levels to continue building their skills and achieving their personal goals.
Looking for a flexible way to continue your dog's training? A Drop-In Group Session allows you to attend individual sessions of most scheduled group classes without committing to the full six-week series. It's a great option for busy schedules, brushing up on specific skills, or continuing your training at your own pace. Simply obtain approval from the trainer before attending and pay the drop-in fee when you arrive for class. Participation is subject to trainer approval and available space. Perfect for graduates who want extra practice between classes or aren't ready to stop training.
Busy schedule? Let our trainers give your dog's training a boost! Drop-Off Training Sessions provide personalized, one-on-one training while you're away. Simply drop your dog off with one of our professional trainers, and we'll focus on the behaviors and skills that matter most to you.
Each session is tailored to your dog's individual needs and concludes with a Training Adventure Summary outlining what was practiced, your dog's progress, homework, and recommendations to help you continue building success at home.
🥾 Training Trek (1 Hour) – $89
A focused training session designed to improve one or two specific goals, such as loose leash walking, recall, polite greetings, focus, impulse control, puppy manners, or to reinforce skills learned in class.
🏔️ Training Expedition (2 Hours) – $149
An extended training experience that allows additional time for multiple training goals, increased practice, confidence building, enrichment activities, and stronger skill reinforcement during a single visit.
Appointments are required in advance. A completed intake form is required for each Drop-Off Training Session.
Meet Your Trainers
Whether your goal is a well-mannered family companion, an AKC title, or simply a stronger relationship with your dog, our training programs emphasize positive reinforcement, clear communication, and practical skills that last a lifetime. Our classes are designed to meet you where you are and provide a pathway for continued learning together.
Noël Ritter
With more than 30 years of professional training experience, Noël has been helping dogs and their families build stronger relationships since beginning her career at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in 1992. Since joining the Naturally 4 Paws training team in 2009, she has helped thousands of dogs and their owners develop confidence, improve communication, and enjoy life together through positive, relationship-based training.
In addition to her extensive training experience, Noël is a Certified Canine and Human Massage Therapist and was a member of Washington State's first graduating class of Certified Canine Massage Therapists. Her understanding of canine structure, movement, and physical well-being provides a unique perspective that benefits dogs of all ages—from energetic puppies and active sporting dogs to senior companions.
Noël is a Certified Obedience Instructor and an active member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, AKC Trick Dog Evaluator, and a retired ASCA Rally Trial Judge. Committed to lifelong learning, Noël pursues continuing education to stay current with modern training techniques and believes that great trainers never stop learning.
Noël actively competes with her Australian Shepherds in agility, herding, obedience, rally obedience, and nosework, earning numerous advanced titles along the way. Her experience as both an instructor and competitor enables her to coach everyone from first-time puppy owners to teams pursuing advanced dog sports and AKC titles.
Josette Stenbom
Josette's passion for training began at an early age through the 4-H Dog Project, where she discovered the rewarding partnership that develops between dogs and their handlers. She has been teaching dog training classes since 1993 and joined the Naturally 4 Paws training team in 2017. Today, she enjoys helping families build confidence, strengthen communication, and experience the joy of learning alongside their dogs through positive, relationship-based training.
A longtime member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), Josette is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, AKC Trick Dog Evaluator, AKC ATT Judge and dedicated 4-H Dog Project leader. After beginning an apprenticeship with Noël in 1997, she established her own independent dog training business in 2007 and has continued expanding her knowledge and experience ever since.
Outside the classroom, Josette actively competes with her own dogs in rally obedience, agility, competitive obedience, conformation, and canine freestyle, earning numerous titles along the way. She has also raised a Guide Dog for the Blind and a police dog for the Seattle Police Department, while mentoring many 4-H youth competitors who have gone on to achieve top honors at the Washington State level.
In addition to training, Josette is a canine nutrition specialist and enjoys helping families select biologically appropriate diets that support the long-term health and well-being of both dogs and cats.
Aggressive Behavior Policy
For the safety of all participants, Naturally 4 Paws is unable to accommodate dogs that display aggression toward people or other dogs in our group training classes or other on-site services. Our trainers do not provide aggression rehabilitation or behavior modification for aggressive dogs. If your dog is experiencing aggressive behaviors, we are happy to recommend qualified local trainers and behavior professionals who specialize in these cases.
First Time Students:
Download your Group Class Survival Guide
We don't discriminate against breeds, but do enforce a zero tolerance policy on any type of aggressive behavior towards humans or animals. First time students must complete our Training Release Form. You can obtain the form during your first class or download it from the link above and bring it with you.
What Our Customers Say
We love all of our local pet parents from Silverdale and nearby areas including Keyport, Bangor, Port Orchard, Seabeck, Olympic View, Wildcat Lake, Bremerton, Tracyton, and more!
