Paws For Love school for dogs
Ranked #4 in Spokane Valley and #107 in Washington
Service area: Spokane Valley, Pacific Northwest
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Stealing Food
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Paws for Love School for Dogs offers full-service canine obedience training, including private lessons to help owners communicate with their dogs. They specialize in addressing aggression and fear-based issues, and also train therapy dogs and working dogs for Search & Rescue and K9 police.
Their approach focuses on constructive motivational tools and positive reinforcement, with a gentle and loving touch. They assist owners in learning proven techniques for continued training at home. Common issues addressed include jumping, chewing, acting out, separation anxiety, crate training, leash pulling, aggression, and stealing food.
For boarding training, they partner with Doggyland Doggy Daycare. They also offer pet sitting and can help clients find reputable breeders.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Paws for Love School for Dogs emphasizes that their training is “from the heart, not the wallet,” prioritizing care and love over money. They state they never make it about money first. They have also donated services for specific cases, such as for Jr and his puppy Cuppy.
About the Trainer
Paws for Love School for Dogs is a family-owned and veteran-founded dog training service located in Spokane Valley, serving the entire Pacific Northwest. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome as many canine lives as possible, achieved by educating both dogs and their owners. They strive to bring their extensive background of knowledge to those in need, teaching dogs and owners to communicate through patience, diligence, empathy, and love.
The business focuses on constructive motivational tools and positive reinforcement, aiming to build a strong foundation of trust and communication. They specialize in aggression and fear-based issues and offer full-service canine obedience training. Paws for Love also provides private lessons, pet sitting, and assistance in finding reputable breeders.
For boarding training, they have partnered with Doggyland Doggy Daycare. The owner, David ‘Trainer’ Ettenberg, has over 40 years of experience and a background in animal behavioral sciences from Cornell University. They emphasize training from the heart, not the wallet, and offer free consultations and temperament evaluations to determine a dog’s needs.
Accomplishments
David ‘Trainer’ Ettenberg, the owner and operator, began working with animals at age 5, born to a professional dog show trainer and kennel operator. He studied business and psychology at the University of Southern California and veterinary medicine at Cornell University, specializing in animal behavioral sciences.
With more than 40 years of experience, Trainer has developed a method of training techniques that build trust and communication. As of Summer 2022, Paws for Love School for Dogs has rescued over 11,000 canines.
How to Get Started!
To help determine you and your dog’s needs, they offer free consultations and temperament evaluations, which can last between 1-3 hours. Dog owners can contact them by phone or using a contact form on their website.

Contact Information
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- russian
- French
Misc Features
- is owned by veterans
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog breeder
- Dog day care center
- Pet boarding service
- Pet sitter