NW K9 Obedience

Training begins with a 1-hour initial assessment to identify goals and behavior issues. Clients can choose from single sessions, multi-session packages, or intensive programs like board and train (dogs live with John for the duration). Programs include daily training, play, walks, and public exposure. Obedience training progresses from basic commands to advanced skills like recall and e-collar use. Service dog training includes selection, socialization, task training, and AKC certification prep. Behavior modification targets reactivity, aggression, and fear. Detection and tracking skills are taught for hobbyists and professionals. Treadmill training is available for exercise and rehab. Group lessons require completion of initial training.

Pricing Summary

Initial assessment: $80. Basic obedience: $750 (5 sessions). Advanced obedience: $1050 (8 sessions). Reactivity/aggression: $1400–$1700 (10 sessions). Group lessons: $300 per series. Board and train: $125/night (base). Treadmill training: $40/30 min. Puppy program: $450 (6 sessions) or $750 (10 sessions). Add-ons: $150 each. Single sessions: $175. Packages of 3, 5, or 10 sessions available. Discounts offered for military, veterans, and first responders.

Policies

Space for board and train is limited, with priority given to service members and rescue dogs. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated on the website.

NW K9 Obedience is a dog training business founded in 2023 by John Knoke, focused on building strong relationships between dogs and their owners using a Stress Ecology philosophy. John specializes in working with reactive, aggressive, and high-energy dogs, helping them become stable and well-behaved members of society. Services include basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, service dog training, search and rescue tracking, detection work, bite development, and board and train programs. All board and train dogs live in John’s home as part of his personal pack, receiving daily training, play, walks, and public exposure. John also offers treadmill training for exercise and rehabilitation, AKC testing, and sells specialized dog gear like BioThane® leashes and toys. He provides free phone consultations and emphasizes personalized training plans tailored to each dog’s needs.

John is a U.S. Army veteran with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and completed a 1000-hour Master Trainer Academy in Oregon. He trained his own adopted German Shepherd mix, Arie, into a certified service dog and skilled tracking/detection partner, which inspired his career shift into professional dog training. His approach is rooted in real-world application and emotional well-being for both dogs and handlers.

The business serves clients in Olympia, Washington, and surrounding areas, offering in-person training at their facility and in-home sessions. They prioritize military, veteran, and first responder families with discounts and offer priority boarding for service members in deployment or rescue cases.

Accomplishments

John Knoke holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Capital University and completed a 1000-hour Master Trainer Academy in Oregon. He trained his adopted German Shepherd mix, Arie, into a certified service dog and skilled tracking/detection team. Arie is trained in narcotics, fentanyl, firearms, and advanced urban/wilderness tracking. John has successfully rehabilitated reactive and aggressive dogs, enabling them to live safely in public. He supports service members and rescue organizations with priority boarding and training.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with a free phone consultation, followed by a 1-hour initial assessment ($80) to evaluate the dog’s behavior, set goals, and recommend a training plan. Clients then choose a program package or schedule sessions via the appointment request form.