Paws4training | Seattle Dog Training & Puppy Training

Paws 4 Training offers a variety of programs including Puppy Training, Teen & Adult Training, Specialty Classes, and Private Dog Training.
nnPuppy Kindergarten (9-20 weeks old) is a 6-week indoor class focusing on basic training and socialization using force-free, positive reinforcement methods. It covers foundation skills like sit, stay, come, leash walking, and handling for vet/groomer visits. A free one-hour Zoom orientation is available.
nnPuppy Day Camp (9-20 weeks old, under 30 lbs) is a 4-day (Monday-Thursday, 7:30-11:30 am) indoor program where puppies train one-on-one with certified trainers. It focuses on socialization and foundation skills (sit, down, come, leash walking, place, leave it, stay, wait), with customized progress reports and handouts provided.
nnPuppy Social (9-18 weeks old, up to 20 lbs) is a 45-minute indoor supervised playtime session for up to 8 puppies, designed for healthy social interactions.
nnTeen & Adult Training includes Basic Manners (6 months or older) and Teen Dog & Middle School. Specialty Classes cover topics such as Comfy at the Vet and Groomer, Shy to Confident, Pub Pups, Growly Dog Training, Use Your Nose (scent work), K9 Good Citizen, Preparing Dog for a New Baby, Fun and Games, and Seattle Dog Parkour Class.
nnPrivate Dog Training and Behavior Consultations are available in-home or at their studio, addressing basic skills, problem behaviors (fear, aggression towards dogs/people, separation anxiety, possessiveness, leash reactivity, problem barking), and new puppy/dog integration. They do not work with dogs that have a bite history for private training, but behavior consultations can help with snapping-biting by teaching new skills.

Pricing Summary

Puppy Day Camp costs $400 for 4 days. Puppy Kindergarten is $244.50 for 6 consecutive weekly sessions. Puppy Social sessions are $25 for 45 minutes.
nnPrivate training with Susan Oshie CPDT-KA is $165 for one hour in-home or $150 at the studio. Private sessions with Hannah Halpern are $150 for 55 minutes at the studio.
nnLate pickup for Puppy Camp incurs a $15 charge billed in fifteen-minute increments. Travel fees may apply for in-home sessions outside their local travel area.

Policies

For Puppy Kindergarten Classes, full refunds are available if canceled 7 days or more prior to the 1st class, with partial refunds after the 1st class. Clients must directly contact Paws4Training to drop out or switch classes. Switching classes requires 48 hours advance notice or arrangement at registration; one free switch is allowed, additional changes are at the single day class price.
nnFor Day Camp, full refunds are available for cancellations 5 days before the scheduled session (by Friday midnight for Monday sessions). Cancellations on the morning of the session receive a 50% refund. No refunds are given within 5 days of the start date for Day Camp, and camp date exchanges may be made 72 hours in advance pending availability and the pup being under 18 weeks. If an exchange is not available, no refunds or partial refunds are made. Puppies must be picked up by 11:30-11:40 am, with a $15 charge billed in fifteen-minute increments for late pickups.
nnHealth Policy: Puppies in Puppy Kindergarten and Puppy Camp should not visit high-risk areas like dog parks or dog daycare to prevent exposure to viral diseases or parasites. Required vaccines include Distemper/Parvo Combo (Bordetella recommended), administered at least 7 days before class, and a recent fecal exam (within 30 days).
nnAge Policy: Puppies must complete kindergarten/daycare before 20 weeks of age, with flexibility for smaller breeds.
nnChildren Policy: Children over 6 years old are allowed in class but must remain seated at specified times. An adult must accompany children under 18 years of age.
nnEquipment Policy: Only NON-retractable leashes and quick-release collars are allowed; prong or buckle collars are not permitted.

Paws 4 Training is a Seattle-based dog training company dedicated to helping owners build strong, trusting, and communicative relationships with their dogs. With over 20 years of experience, their mission is to provide effective training tools and education for pet parents.

They offer a variety of programs including group classes for puppies (up to 20 weeks), adolescent dogs (up to 12 months), and adult dogs, as well as puppy day camp, in-home private training, and specialty workshops. Paws 4 Training utilizes constructive force-free, positive reinforcement, and science-based training methods to ensure a fun and inviting learning process for both dogs and their owners.

Their approach focuses on teaching canine communication, dog care, and how to interact safely in various situations, aiming to develop well-mannered dogs that can walk politely on a leash and respond to recall. They also provide specialized classes for specific needs, such as preparing a dog for a new baby or addressing reactivity.

Accomplishments

Paws4training was founded by Susan Oshie in 2003. Susan is a professional dog trainer and a Licensed Veterinary Technician with over 20 years of experience in the field. Her past training experience includes roles as head trainer and teaching puppy classes at Sound Animal Services, Ahimsa Dog Training, and Downtown Dog Lounge, where she covered puppy socialization, basic/intermediate obedience, beginning agility, and Canine Good Citizen classes.
nnSusan passed the Certification exam for Professional Pet Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) in September 2011. She is also Certified Fear Free, a Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a Member of The Pet Professional Guild (PPG), a Certified Family Dog Mediator, and a Licensed Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for AKC. She continuously updates her knowledge by attending seminars and workshops by leading trainers and behaviorists.
nnPaws4training has been recognized as “Best Of Western Washington” in dog training and featured on King 5 New Day Northwest and in Seattle Magazine. Trainer Becky Johnson has achieved notable accomplishments in dog sports, including features on ESPN and induction into the DockDogs Hall of Fame.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients can schedule a class online or contact Paws 4 Training by phone. For puppy classes, a free one-hour Zoom orientation is offered, covering topics such as socialization, class expectations, clicker training, positive socialization, canine parenting, and problem-solving.
nnFor private training or behavior consultations, clients should call to schedule. The initial behavior consultation sessions are conducted at the training studio. In-home sessions are available for home-specific issues within their local travel area, though travel fees may apply for locations outside this area.