After suddenly losing one of our dogs in October 2025, our 10 yo Doberman was so heartbroken. He became critically ill, resulting in over $5,000 in emergency vet bills and little improvement. We swore to no more dogs but then we saw Mia, a 9-month-old, Doberman puppy found on the street in LA by animal control. Her leg was degloved, necrotic and filled with maggots. She was intercepted by a rehab, received amputation and much needed medical attention. We followed her story for a couple months, hoping she would find a home, but she didn't. Somehow, we caved, did the unthinkable and flew to Los Angeles, scooping her up and driving her back to Washington in a rental car mid-winter. She was terrified, ferrell and full of dominant "spicy" energy so we booked an appointment with one of the top positive-treat-based trainers with reactive-dog expertise in the state, to help us introduce our dogs upon return and it was a disaster. Our senior exploded in pure terror, barking and lunging. She tossed treats; they ignored her. Twenty minutes in she shrugged, said she had "no magic wand," sent us home and refunded half our session. 2 days later she emailed us suggesting we rehome Mia to a foster "for our safety" which felt like a slap in the face. The very next day we thoroughly researched every trainer in Washington, and Nitro K-9 stood head and shoulders above the rest. I emailed Steve and he called back within minutes with genuine understanding, zero judgment, got us in within days and made our 2-hour commute in separate cars well worth it. In the first ten minutes Steve had both dogs calmly obeying, walking together on leash, and listening! He instantly saw what the other trainer missed: our senior was fear-reactive, meaning he was scared. Steve and North have taught us clear communication and connection with our dogs. They've taught us how to properly command quick correction and full attention using high-quality prong collars, like a mother dog's natural nips. No pain, no fear, no endless treats or bribes, just genuine praise, affection, and connection, the way real bonds and parenting work. He showed us how to step into calm leadership so our dogs could relax, trust, and stop carrying the burden themselves. He stayed by our side through every panicked text, every "what now?" and our dog's transformation is nothing short of miraculous. Mia is happy, confident and loves her big brother now. Our senior knows his role and is playing with her like a puppy again. They love each other and actually enjoy being together! If you're a reactive, rescue, fearful or high-drive dog parent, have been let down by "treat-motivated training" and have avoided prong collars because of the myths, you have been misinformed like we were. Don't give up, stop scrolling and call Nitro, I promise you won't regret it! IWe are forever grateful! read more

Nitro K-9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

Steve and his team saved my dog and I. This is not an exaggeration. I got my cattle dog from a reputable breeder, did the research. I spoke to other cattle dog owners and felt comfortable that this was the breed for me. I had a German Shorthair Pointer before getting Syd and was familiar with dogs that had a high drive. Training Annie (my former GSP) was a cake walk. She was so smart and I made sure she got her exercise(never needed any lures for her obedience*). 3 years after my dog past is when I brought home Sydney (cattle dog) at 8 weeks, she was a smart beautiful puppy and showed so much promise. I started her with puppy training at 12 weeks at a positive reinforcement style training "school". She did great with it at first but over time the novelty of snacks and toys wore off. I wasn't getting answers when at 6 months she became and absolute terror. I was being told that it must be something I was doing wrong, try this "game", avoid this type of contact/activity, exercise her more, more, more! Syd was getting daily walks plus an insane amount of fetch sessions(at times 12 a day), all the toys in the world, all the puzzles and mental stimulation toys/activities, nothing was working and her reactivty was tearing apart out home life. Looking back I can't believe I didn't see it earlier. You mean, stuffing old toilet paper rolls with treats before wrapping them in beach towels then shoving it in box for her to destroy into her own personal one dog confetti party wasn't the magic key to ending her reactivty/anxiety? Weird! It wasn't just her/me that suffered, my boyfriend's dogs were walking in eggshells around her and that was heartbreaking to witness. I was crying on a regular basis knowing I was failing my dog and I was no closer to figuring out how to help my dog. My vet had me put her on meds which didn't seem to do anything but make her sleepy, completely avoiding the problem. I tried another trainer and had them come by the house once a week. The positive reinforcement did not cut it. I was soon approaching the possibility of having to re home my dog. Something I didn't think I could EVER or would EVER consider but I was so far over my head. That's when I found Steve and his amazing team. It was my last ditch effort before finding a new home for Syd. From the reviews and webpage alone I knew this was a no BS route. Unfiltered and not for the faint of heart. At this point I would do anything if it meant keeping my dog. One session with Steve was all it took to understand that this could actually freaking work and I was elated! One of the first thing Steve had us do was get Syd off the meds. I was so happy to do that because it always felt like the lazy answer to a reactive/anxious dog problem. Over time and with hard work, Sydney has come further than I would have ever thought possible. With my voice alone I can have my dog stop mid full force fun for her ball(her favorite thing) and have her come back to me. I trust her and she trust me. She (like most cattle dogs) couldn't give an F less about engaging with any dogs/people outside of her circle, but gone are the days of lunging and barking at anyone who came near. She's no longer wearing a muzzle on a regular basis for vet visits/grooming/etc. Not only did Steve get her mind right, but her body as well. He guided me through the transition to raw food for Sydney. 3 months in and we've noticed a huge difference. She's starting to slim down and her coat is legitimately glistening. The difference in her bowel movements is night and day. I can feel better knowing that she feels better. She's eating real food and will have a healthy life to show for it. Steves passion and love for dogs is evident. You're not wasting your money here and I know that was a fear for me after failed attempts at training elsewhere. Steve empowers YOU through the mantra of "heeling heals" and it truly does. I am beyond grateful and thankful for Steve and his team. Proud to be another Nitro K9 success story. read more

Nitro K-9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

My wife and I needed to find a good trainer to help us with our boxer (Kit-Kat) who was suffering from severe anxiety around other people and dogs. She is a really sweet girl and we just wanted to let that side of her be shown to everyone and not just us. Steve and his team did a great job assessing our dog and bringing things to our attention that we would have never figured out on our own; Such as her pulling on the leash was increasing her anxiety, our command and confidence would lead her to feeling safe and protected and triggers that were unknown to us. There are so many things we learn about ourselves and our dog with each training and Nitro K-9 truly was a God send when it came to our relationship with our dog. Not only did Steve and his trainers communicate effectively but they made us feel heard in our concerns and questions. They seemed to have insight or an answer to anything we threw at them. Can't wait to continue our training with kit-kat once we are finished with the classes and see how far we can take it. Nitro K-9 has went above and beyond what we could have expected and I will be recommending any and everyone who needs help with their dogs to them. read more

Nitro K-9 - Kit-Kat and I in training - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

It was a great experience from the first time my girlfriend Amanda and I came through the doors. Steve really knows what he's doing. He put my girlfriend at ease and I have a completely new dog after eight weeks not even all the way done with our training. Steve is a down to earth really cool guy. read more

Steve and his team are phenomenal no matter what kind of help you need. They love dogs, care about humans, and hold everyone accountable to do the work. My dog Tony was self-trained for psychiatric service dog tasks for the past several years. I needed to take him to the next level of skill and obedience quickly before a required international flight and searched extensively for the right trainer. We are so fortunate Steve and Nitro K-9 call the PNW home because finding a psychiatric service dog trainer is difficult - finding one as talented, experienced, and caring as Steve is close to impossible! Together with his dedication, attentive effort and my willingness to really put in the work between weekly sessions - we took Tony from a passing grade to a superstar with rock solid tasking and manners. Most importantly Steve and team taught us to move as a team and foster the relationship above all else while honing the structured discipline. Beyond the training sessions, the access to Nitro K-9 resources like the group forums, articles, videos, and availability of the team for questions was worth the (very reasonable) price of admission alone! We are very grateful and look forward to continued Nitro K-9 community support long term! Thank you so much Steve and Nitro team! read more

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I'm a longtime, repeat client. Steve and I talked before I even got my Cane Corso puppy. My dog has trained with NitroK9 his entire life. Over the last two years, we've done: 1. Level 1: Beginner Obedience 2. Board and Train (twice) 3. Home Visits 4. Personal Protection I'd recommend them for all those services. They made him the obedient family dog he is today. He naturally found his calling in protection work. He LOVES training so much that stopping would take away his sense of focus and purpose. Also, I bond with my dog when we train together as a team. They also provide guidance on dog nutrition and exercise, which helped him grow into the Swole Beefcake he is today. read more

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We are so thankful for NitroK9. Steve is an incredible trainer and his staff, North and others, are just as excellent. They helped us with our two year old Cane Corso who came to us as a foster turned rescue right after having a litter. In the first few months she destroyed everything in sight, but with their guidance she has completely settled in. Now she is calm, confident, still playful, and knows all the right commands. What stood out to me was how much they also coached us as owners. They did not just work with our dog, they worked with us. They even took the time to educate me on her diet and overall health. We moved from kibble to cooked meals and are now preparing for raw food. Her health has improved so much because of it. My work schedule is all over the place, but NitroK9 was flexible and always worked with me on appointments. That kind of care and understanding goes a long way. If you are looking for real results, real coaching, and people who care about your dog as much as you do, NitroK9 is the place to go. We are forever grateful for what they have done for us and for our Cane Corso Rhea. I attached a video of her demolition when we got her to pictures of her lovely personality today read more

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Steve has been an absolute game-changer for me and my Samoyed Archie. We came to him struggling with reactivity, where walking with him was more stressful than an enjoyable activity. Thanks to his expert guidance, patience, and dedication, we've made incredible progress. One of the biggest milestones was achieving reliable off-leash recall--something I never thought possible for a northern dog. Now my dog can run freely through open fields and snowy trails, satisfy his adventurous spirit, and I have full confidence he'll come back when called. What really sets Steve apart is the amazing support network he's built--I felt heard and knew I wasn't going through this alone. His organized play sessions have been key in helping my dog build confidence in a safe, structured environment, and I've grown just as much alongside him. Steve doesn't just train dogs--he transforms the bond between dog and owner. I can't recommend him enough!!! Steve has been an absolute game-changer for me and my Samoyed Archie. We came to him struggling with reactivity, where walking with him was more stressful than an enjoyable activity. Thanks to his expert guidance, patience, and dedication, we've made incredible progress. One of the biggest milestones was achieving reliable off-leash recall--something I never thought possible for a northern dog. Now my dog can run freely through open fields and snowy trails, satisfy his adventurous spirit, and I have full confidence he'll come back when called. What really sets Steve apart is the amazing support network he's built--I felt heard and knew I wasn't going through this alone. His organized play sessions have been key in helping my dog build confidence in a safe, structured environment, and I've grown just as much alongside him. Steve doesn't just train dogs--he transforms the bond between dog and owner. I can't recommend him enough!!! read more

Nitro K-9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

My partner and I found Nitro K-9 after struggling with our fearful and reactive dog. We were desperate to help Atlas after working with other trainers with little success. She was attacked by an off leash dog that completely set back any progress she made and we felt lost and hopeless. We could only walk her at night in an attempt to avoid all dogs and people. She struggled with leash pulling, basic obedience, and reactivity. It began to greatly impact my quality of life as well as our pup. We knew something needed to change after many scary encounters, especially given her breed. After seeing so many positive reviews of Nitro K-9 from clients with similar experiences, I finally felt hopeful we found somebody that could truly help us and our dog. Knowing that Steve at Nitro K-9 specializes in anxious and aggressive dogs was a great comfort, as I was scared my dog had become aggressive and I had no idea how to help her. After only two sessions and plenty of at home practice, it's like Atlas is a completely different dog. Walking her has become enjoyable again. Atlas and I are both learning so many valuable skills and her anxiety has decreased exponentially. We no longer are afraid of encountering other dogs and people. The prong collar has been a game changer for the leash pulling, and the organized and controlled environment has really helped Atlas learn to break through her anxiety and thrive. She has made progress I never thought was possible. The people at Nitro K-9 are incredibly knowledgeable and truly are committed and passionate about what they do. I would absolutely recommend Nitro K-9 to anyone who shares similar experiences. read more

Nitro K-9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

Steve is a life-changer! KitKat (our 4-year old boxer) is an amazing dog and our baby, but was suffering from anxiety and reactivity. We realized we needed help when daily life became difficult taking her to public places such as the vet, the park, walking down the street, etc. Her anxiety was affecting our ability to do the things we wanted and needed with her. That being said, my husband and I identified Steve at Nitro K-9 as a place we felt comfortable trying since they specialize in agression, anxiety, and reactivity. IMMEDIATELY upon meeting Steve, we felt confident in his ability to help us solve our problem, understood how much experience he has with dogs, and saw his love for his work. After training with Steve now for roughly 3-months, KitKat's anxiety and overall obedience has shifted completely. We are able to keep her attention on us in stressful situations (which would've been impossible before) and her reactivity is day/night. We (including KitKat) have the confidence now to work together and understand what to do in anxiety inducing situations before and as they arise. This is a lifelong journey that we will continue to see the impacts of and we are so excited and thrilled that Steve and his incredible team have given us the tools to success with our baby and we can continue to build and improve on KitKat's incredible improvements. Highly recommend! read more

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Working with Steve and the Nitro K-9 team was hands down the best decision my wife and I have made for our two large dogs. Before finding Nitro, we were extremely limited in what we could do due to their reactivity--walks were stressful, parks were off-limits, and travel was nearly impossible because we didn't feel safe leaving them with anyone. That's all changed. Now, we're able to enjoy experiences with our dogs we never thought possible. It's been truly life-changing--not just for us, but for our boys as well. If you're looking for real, lasting transformation for your four-legged family members, I can't recommend Nitro K-9 highly enough read more

Nitro K-9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

5 stars just isn't enough to be honest; I cannot recommend Nitro K-9 enough! My Doberman puppy Beso and I started with Nitro about 4 months ago and let Mr just preface this review with the fact that our Doberman puppy had severe separation anxiety with my husband and I with a very strong will to resist other people besides us. We had a slow start to my pups certain anxieties but the team at Nitro K-9 particularly Steve & North knew that with their dog training system and techniques that Beso could get past it and be a strong confident dog whom we could trust and just enjoy her presence on day to day life. Needless to say my dog is now 6 months old and has done a complete 180! She can be handled by anyone with ease and just a joy to work with rather than needing to be coddled constantly like before! Nitro K-9 gave us the tools, guidance & training we needed to have one of the biggest freedoms in the world which is having a fully trained dog you can trust on and off leash! The proof is in the pudding and I wouldn't go anywhere else for dog training other than Nitro K-9! read more

Nitro K-9 - Beso - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

Our heart is so full of gratitude for Steve and the incredible impact he's had on our journey with Gwen. In just three short weeks, the progress has been unbelievable - not just in her behavior, but in our connection with her. She listens, walks calmly on leash, and today at the park I was blown away with how far her recall has come already. Watching her respond with so much trust and confidence made me feel so proud of her--and of us. Steve's and North's guidance has given me and my husband the confidence I didn't know we needed as a dog owners, and it's brought us even closer to our sweet Winnie girl. We honestly can't thank him enough. 1000/10--highly, deeply, and wholeheartedly recommend. read more

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The first time I spoke with Steve over the phone I thought he sounded a bit arrogant or cocky. Then I met him in person and had a great conversation and was able to ask a ton of questions. It was then I realized my initial judgement was very wrong. And while I was wrong about my initial assumptions about him, I also realized he is right to be so confident and sure that his training techniques, expertise, and ability to help people properly train their dogs works and works quite well. Once I met Steve in person and was able to have a conversation with him, I immediately knew he was the right choice to select as our trainer. At times the tips, advice, and training techniques he shares seem so simple in theory or thought. And once you put them into practice, you will quickly realize how well they work. You will quickly understand during daily practice and exercise of your dog that the tips, advice, and training techniques Steve shares are the easy part. You will quickly come to understand that the most difficult part about training your dog to be successful is that you have to train and exercise your dog daily and consistently. I would even say to see the best success in and to see best of your dog's abilities; you should be doing all this 2 or more times each day, don't miss or reschedule any of your weekly training sessions, and if there is a dog social event scheduled during the week, try to attend them whenever possible. Last, to share our own experience; we are training a small service dog. When we started she expressed a lot of anxiety toward just about any dog she saw no matter the distance or what the dog was doing. Taking her into establishments as a service animal often created a feeling of being anxious because we weren't sure or confident she wasn't going to act out which is never good when she's supposed to be working. It was only a matter of a few months of training with her consistently that the feeling of anxiety disappeared and we could take her into any establishment without hesitation believing she was going to perform without any issues without worry that she might act out when any situation arose that could cause a distraction and her behavior might change. Thank you Steve for providing such a great place to train and all the advice and tips along the way that have made Izzy a fantastic service animal. She's truly the amazing dog she should be and so much better for it. read more

From the moment we walked into Nirto K9, Steve and North introduced themselves. While going through our assessment me and my boyfriend knew 100% that Steve and North were amazingly knowledgeable, and truly passionate about what they do. Our dog, Nova, had issues with leash pulling and reactivity to other dogs. With our dog already being 7 we really thought we were out of time for her to learn how to properly walk on a leash and act around other dogs. But good god we were wrong! Steve and North took our old lady and trained her in ways we didn't think were possible! After only 4 sessions, and of course taking what we've learned from them home, Nova was a different dog on a leash and around other dogs! Steve and North use method based techniques, and they take the time to explain everything clearly so you feel confident continuing the training at home. What I appreciated most was how personalized the program felt -- they really got to know Nova and tailored the training to her specific needs. The facility is clean, professional, and well-organized, and the classes are a great mix of structure and fun. Highly recommend to anyone looking to train their pup the right way! read more

Paid about $3,800 for a 3-week board and train and several in person sessions. Siberian husky, 5 months old. Training is fine, they use standard techniques other trainers use. One trainer is definitely learning and is quite obvious they should probably not be training by themselves at this point. The board and train was going well we thought, but towards the beginning of the third week, we were contacted that our puppy had a swollen eye. They sent a photo and I could clearly tell there's an infection. Based on this picture, we scooped our puppy right away. Initial visit to the vet said our puppy was bitten by another dog. It was apparent from the bite marks on our puppy's lower jaw. I'm not sure what happened, but for nearly $4k, I thought I'd at least get results and a safe place for my dog, but I got back an injured puppy and they couldn't even train my pup to be house-trained? Pup is still peeing everywhere in the house, even with taking her out several times a day. So my puppy sits and lays down on command. Fantastic. I'm thinking that's pretty much all my money paid for. Her engagement with me when walking is better. But only with the springer collar. For nearly $4k, I paid for her to be trained and watched for 2.2 weeks since we scooped her up early. That's right, their docu-sign pretty much absolves them of any responsibility, so I'm out of luck with whatever the 3rd week of training might have looked like. For nearly $4k, I at least expected my puppy to be looked after well. She was FILTHY when we scooped her up in addition to all the injuries and whatever trauma she experienced in their care. Several hundred dollars later at the vet, she needs eye drops 3x a day, oral antibiotics, and topical antibiotics for her injuries. Fuck this place. We have two more 1-hour training sessions to do and woo hoo, looking forward to that. In-person training works since they're teaching you to engage more with your dog, but I can wholeheartedly NOT recommend any boarding given the state of my puppy after two weeks and two days. Edit to respond to Steve. 1. I posted all of our conversations. I don't think I'm the liar here. 2. BOARD AND TRAIN. you're telling me the videos sent to me via WhatsApp when I was in the UK aren't forms of training? 3. Yes, Mieko wasn't potty trained very well. That's why we purchased the board and train package to have her TRAINED. 3. You're upset that I said "Fuck this place."? I think the condition of my puppy when I brought her home warrants that response. I'm sure others would agree. 4. She's not allergic to anything. Unless my vet in Mill Creek is an idiot, they said these are injuries consistent with bites. 5. You didn't get a medical opinion on the condition of my puppy, what credentials do you have to assess the injuries? Finally, my puppy was injured in YOUR CARE. there's nothing else to say other than you let this happen and now I have to take additional time and care to ensure the puppy gets all her meds and ointments throughout the day for the next couple weeks. Your business was supposed to provide value and convenience. We paid $3,825 to board and train her in the convenience of your house/facility. You failed. read more

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To say that Steve, North, and the entire team at Nitro are phenomenal would be an understatement. They truly get to know your dog and you. My wife and I have two rescue dogs that had severe cases of anxiety, fear, pulling, refusing to walk, barking, crying, you name it... we were desperate and at rock bottom. Even from the initial visit, we immediately saw what we had been doing wrong. We didn't just get dog training. We have had a complete renewal on life as we know it. Our dogs are confident, engaged, and happier than ever. No more pulling, no more barking, no more fear. They are not only more obedient, they are just happier dogs now, and we can all enjoy life that much more. The philosophy and approach Steve takes is rare, direct, and so effective. He leaves you feeling more confident too, not just your dogs!! The focus on energy and your relationship with your canine is really the foundation of why I believe Nitro K9 is so effective at what they do. With consistency and engagement from everyone involved, I believe there is nothing Nitro K9 cannot help you accomplish. I just wish we found them sooner!! If you're on the fence, don't wait!! Go!! read more

** this is for virtual training services! Steve & the Nitro K9 Team are so great; I can't recommend them enough if you're looking for support and are ready to commit. We struggled with reactivity and obedience with our very high-energy rescue, and Steve was the first person to really make a difference. We live in different states and trained virtually, and he was still able to do more than any of the in-person trainers we worked with. I strongly believe that Steve can help you and your dog - no matter the situation you're in. I often came in feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and hopeless (as I'm sure anyone who deals with reactivity is familiar with), but I left every interaction with Steve feeling optimistic and empowered. He provides an unparalleled level of support and guidance to his students and will ALWAYS make himself available for questions, concerns, comments, etc. Don't get me wrong - it's a lot of work and a very serious commitment - but it's well worth every dollar and minute. Steve is a literal fountain of knowledge, and is endlessly giving with it, but be prepared to "unlearn"and re-train yourself, too. Thank you, Steve!!! Just wish we had found you sooner. read more

I cannot be more grateful for what Steve and Nitro K-9 LLC has done for me and my dog! Before I signed up I was extremely skeptical. I hated the idea of using treats because well my dog really doesn't like them and I was glad to learn that is not what is done here. I feel terrible admitting this but after years I had honestly started to give up on a social life for my dog because she's extremely anxious and seemed to react to anything and everything...within minutes...seconds even steve had shown me that I could change all of that with focus and a much deeper understanding of animals I signed up for the 6 month program and we're not even half way there and I feel like I have a whole new dog thanks to Steve and his team at Nitro. Thank you for everything! read more

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DO NOT DO THE BOARD AND TRAIN. I am going to be quite detailed but if you take anything away from it then it should be this - NitroK9 training should only be done with you around. I do believe they have good trainers but you need to have the ability to control correctional boundaries with your dog. Do NOT board with NitroK9/JJ Boarding. The owner, Jennifer, completely lacks empathy which is genuinely concerning that she works with animals. My dog is older (7), and has previously shown aggression towards other dogs. He had also lost a lot of basic obedience commands which is why I brought him to nitrok9. He completed 2 separate board and train sessions, each lasting 2 weeks. So 4 weeks in total. After the first two weeks, I immediately had concerns. 1) I picked him up and he was covered in dirt and his fur was all matted. Now, I understand that this is a farm, but I had to immediately take him to a groomer. I expect my dog to be returned to be in a better condition than I left him and that is in every aspect. At a minimum, they should had a disclaimer that says, "please keep in mind we are working with these dogs on a farm and they often get dirty. If you would like to have your dog bathed prior to pick up it will be an additional $40." But no conversation like that was had. This might not matter as much to dogs like labs, but my dog has curly hair that requires regular grooming and the way he was returned to me, I know how was uncomfortable. 2) right before pick up I received a text from Jennifer saying that my dog had literally just spilled his water on his bed. At pick up it was clear that the bed was soaked in urine. Why lie? And it spelled so bad it was obvious it had been like that for a while so my baby was having to sit in urine for who knows how long?!? He was there for two weeks and no one noticed this! I washed his bed and when I brought him back for the second time I told the girl working there about his bed. She said urine from the dog in the kennel next to him likely rolled into his kennel and soaked his bed. When I brought it up to Jennifer she said that my dog peed in his bed. I understand this is a possibility since there's so many dog smells in there but CLEAN IT!!! Don't let the dog sit in urine for two weeks. His bed is his only thing to remind him of home, it's his safe space. Have some decency. And if she "knew" that he peed on it then why did she say he dumped his water on his bed. She just makes things up and lies about everything. 3) after the first time I picked him up he was acting so scared and skittish....very concerning 4) I have arthritis and told them I couldn't work the type of collar they use for training (prong). They said it was no problem and they would get me a quick release collar. I was told I would have that when I picked him up after the first two weeks. They didn't have it. Then I was told they would "find a way to get it to me" but they didn't. The entire time in between the board and train sessions, I had no way to use his prong collar. Thus, setting back my dog's progress. At the time of drop off for the second session, I mentioned it again and they still didn't have it. I came to pick him up and they STILL didn't have it. Each time I asked about it they also acted so confused like this was new information to them. I had to drive to their shop the next day (an hour from where I live) to pick it up. 5) the most concerning of all. Injuries. I noticed the second time i picked him up (and the last) that he had an injury on his nose. No one told me what happened or informed me of the injury. I texted Jennifer about it and she acted like it was crazy of me to expect them to report that my dog had an injury. I understand it was small BUT I DONT CARE. This is my baby, and I expect to be informed of even the smallest injury and I expect to get him back in BETTER condition than when I left him. To make matters worse, I got home and noticed on the tender underside of his neck he had burns and scabs from the shock collar the were using!!!! Unacceptable!! Everyone with a brain knows the shock collar needs to go on the muscular sides of the dog's neck and need to be switching sides each day so you don't hurt the dog. I was also told that they don't really use the shock collar. They might use it once or twice at the beginning but then they just use the vibrate or beep setting. This is clearly not true. 6) oh and one of their slogans is that they don't use food to train dogs but one of the trainers specifically made a comment to me saying, "he's really food motivated isn't he?!" After the first two weeks of training. They are liars and they don't take care of your dog. Stay far far away. read more

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Working with Steve, North, and the entire NitroK9 team has been nothing short of life-changing for us and our dogs. We came in with fearful, anxious pups who struggled to feel confident in the world, and with Steve's expert guidance, they're now blossoming into curious, excited companions who are truly living their best lives. My husband and I are beyond excited for the next steps in our dogs' training journey. The transformation we've seen so far has not only improved their confidence but has also completely shifted our perspective as pawrents. We're more connected to our dogs than ever, and we couldn't be more grateful for the enhanced relationship we now share with them. What sets Steve apart is how deeply he cares about every single client and pup. He goes above and beyond--not because it's his job, but because he genuinely loves what he does. Every dog who comes through his door is treated like family (honestly, like one of his own!), and that kind of dedication is rare and priceless. We can't recommend NitroK9 enough--especially if you have fearful or anxious little pups and want to see them thrive. Steve's passion, knowledge, and heart make him and his team the best in the business. read more

It is absolutely worth your time and energy to go through training with Steve. Training my dog at Nitro K9 brought me to a whole new understanding of dogs and of myself. I went to Steve with my rescue pup just 3 weeks after getting him. I was looking to get him trained as a service dog but I had no idea where to begin. My first couple sessions with Steve were very enlightening. I had never seen a prong collar used to train dogs before and my first instinct was to believe everything I had seen in the media about them. Steve explained to me how they should be used correctly and how they are often used incorrectly. I trusted him through this process and thank god I did because I never would have believed it would be possible to have a relationship with my dog the way I do now. I was even able to stop taking one of my medications because of my service dog. Every dog owner should learn these basic skills of taking care of your dog. Their curriculum changed my life in many ways I wasn't expecting. No matter what you choose to train your dog for with Steve, I am 100% positive your relationship with your dog and yourself will improve. read more

This was our first experience working with Nitro K9, and it was wonderful. My daughter worked with Steve and his trainers over the past year to train a service dog for her upon the recommendation of one of her healthcare providers. We opted for in-home visits for the training. Towards the end of the training process, the trainers very kindly met us in a variety of public settings (even school!) to help my daughter and her dog gain more experience and exposures. Steve and his team were patient and kind with my daughter and her dog. I should note that my daughter was only 12-years-old (now 13) when she began the process, and her dog was just a few months old when training began. It's clear that the folks at Nitro K9 love what they do, and they are highly skilled at doing it. I highly recommend their services for training service animals! read more

I wanted to quickly update this review, with all our continued training work Pablo has been able to have dog friends and loves walks so much now. We are in his senior years, and I'm so appreciative and happy he's been able to have such a transformation over those 8 years I have had him. Spoiling him now for the last bit of his life. read more

Our dog Pixie used to be very reactive on the leash, which made everyday walks stressful and unpredictable. We often had to walk her late at night just to avoid encountering other dogs. Another major challenge was the lack of obedience - she constantly pulled on the leash and would get overstimulated by rabbits, birds, and squirrels. After several years of trying to manage her behavior on our own, we realized we needed professional help. I'm so glad we chose Nitro K-9. After 14 sessions, we saw a remarkable transformation in our dog's behavior. Almost all of the issues we struggled with have been resolved, and she now listens even in off-leash situations. Walks are no longer a source of stress - we can finally enjoy our time with her. We are incredibly grateful to North and Steve for their work with our dog. The results exceeded our expectations, and we highly recommend Nitro K-9 to anyone facing similar challenges. read more

We found Nitro K9 while traveling on the road. Our pup was VERY leash reactive and just plain inattentive to us while on walks. We grew tired of the embarrassment and inability to gain respect from our pup. We had a few sessions during our tight timeline while in town and got the tools needed to carry over training while we completed our road trip. Steve and Haddyn were amazing and our pup took to them very quickly. We are very excited to start our virtual training with Nitro K-9. read more

Nitro K-9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

Steve did an amazing job training me and my dog, Barklie. Yes, he did have to train me as well as my dog! And he was so patient and helpful. It is so nice to take Barklie for a walk now because she is so good on leash and her anxiety has decreased due to Steve helping us build her confidence. I highly recommend Nitro K-9 for training. And North is now our go-to person for Barklie's nails. It's almost unbelievable how smooth it goes. Thank you to everyone at Nitro K-9! read more

Nitro K-9 was a great investment for me and our little Havanese, Gigi. Gigi had a decent foundation before I started her training with Steve and the rest of the great team of trainers. I worked primarily with Steve, Heather, and Haddon, all of whom were magnificent in teaching me the techniques to take Gigi's training and behavior to the next level. I had been doing only positive reinforcement training exercises with Gigi through her puppy-hood. I learned some great techniques through these other methods as well, and Gigi was doing great with some of her behaviors, but I started to become concerned with her behavior on walks. In fact, anywhere outside the home. Any time Gigi saw a person or a dog, she got sooooooo super excited she basically went nuts, doing backflips on her leash and harness (and later on her flat collar). The people or dog could be a whole block away, and as soon as Gigi spotted them, she was excitedly pulling and flipping and seeking for a way to interact. For her, the chance of human/dog interaction was wayyyyyyyyy more reinforcing and enticing than a treat, so she ignored all attempts to gather her focus with a tasty morsel. I was a little apprehensive when I started with her prong-collar training at Nitro K-9, and to make matters worse, Gigi was quite a sensitive little baby, which added to my guilt at giving her corrections. She even became a little mopey for a little while when she saw the prong-collar. The trainers patiently showed me how to keep working with my dog, all the while instilling confidence that her reactions were normal, and showing me how to build her confidence and enthusiasm for the work we were doing. We did the Little Heroes package, and we had 14 sessions. Immediately after the first training session, Gigi's excited back-flipping was a thing of the past. She understood that she had to focus on me and that she had to focus on me, no matter what the distractions. Over the sessions, we built on this foundation. Around week 7, we introduced the E-Collar, and around week 10, we started applying corrections via that method. This new tool accelerated her response to training prompts dramatically, and it allowed me to have the confidence to start walking her off-leash in controlled setting. Just this weekend, after our 13th session, I put Gigi's hard work and training to the test by taking her on an off-leash excursion through the Arboretum. My pride, happiness, and confidence in Gigi soared to all-time highs as I watched her heel right next to me any time I asked. It was so satisfying to give her the freedom to run off ahead of our family as she explored her environment, and watch her immediately respond to her recall commands, regardless of dogs or humans in her vicinity. As she strutted her stuff through the trees, I thought Gigi understood that all the hard work we had put in was all leading up to this freedom and success. I don't want anyone to think this was easy. It took a lot of consistent work over the 14 weeks. Steve and his training team have a masterful eye for spotting errors handlers are making, and I benefited immensely from their feedback and corrections on my behavior. It all starts with the human, and the human has to be willing to grow, accept criticism, and put in consistent, daily training time with their pup. As an educator, I had the summer off, and I was able to consistently implement morning and evening training sessions outdoors (10-15 min each), with several informal mini-sessions mixed in during the day. All in all, I'd definitely do this again if I had the choice to re-make. I can now walk Gigi anywhere, and I have confidence in her focus on me, and her ability to respond to commands when I need her to. I'd recommend Nitro K-9 that wants to have this type of freedom and confidence with their dog. Thanks to Steve, Heather, and Haddon for all the hard work, feedback to me, and love they showed Gigi. Their love of pets really shines through the tough love required to get a dog to this stage of freedom and obedience. Thanks again!! Best, Dan & Gigi read more

If you're looking train a service dog, overcome behavioral challenges like reactivity, or simply deepen the bond and build a relationship with your dog that fills you with pride, I wholeheartedly recommend working with Steve and the Nitro K-9 team. Steve, Haddyn, Heather, Jessica, Kate, and the entire Nitro K-9 team have played a pivotal role in helping our dog, Muggins, grow into what our family and friends now call "the best dog they've ever met." Beyond the compliments, what truly stands out is the bond we've built with him. It's as if we speak the same language--his trust in us is unwavering, and the love he gives is undeniable. I cannot imagine my life with him and am confident he wouldn't be the dog he is without working with Steve & the Nitro team. From basic obedience to diet & exercise education, and full service work, Steve has been an invaluable resource. It's clear that Nitro K-9 was developed with the goal of helping dogs and their owners thrive together. Steve's dedication to both the dogs and their humans is unmatched, and we are incredibly grateful to have worked with him. Our journey with Nitro K-9 began when we sought training for migraine alerting. Through the process, we discovered that underlying anxiety was the main driver behind my migraines. Today, Muggins serves as my Psychiatric Service Dog, helping manage my daily anxiety and mitigating attacks when they occur. Thanks to this training, the frequency of my severe migraines has significantly decreased. My favorite task that he does is called, "Blanket" where he serves as a real-life weighted blanket, instantly calming my thoughts and grounding me. The training process requires commitment both during sessions and at home; if you're willing to put in the work, it will transform your life and your dog's. We went through a challenging six-week period when Muggins became leash reactive. It was one of the toughest times for both him and me, as it triggered my own anxiety. I can't imagine how we would have navigated that without Steve's guidance and the tools he gave us to not only challenge Muggins but also to understand when he needed us to listen and adapt. Overcoming this period was the deepest form of satisfaction. I'd be happy to speak to anyone personally about our time with Nitro because our time with Nitro is not over (ask Steve, he can connect us). We intend to continue solidifying his training and hope to be a part of the family forever. read more

Nitro K-9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

I can't say enough great things about NitroK9 and their staff. As a Veteran I wanted a dog to not only be well trained but be on point as my ADA service dog, but was turned down because of the breed I wanted. Ace is a blue nose pitbull and is not only an ambassador for the breed now but one that surprises everyone with his calm well behaved demeanor around other dogs and other people. NitroK9's approach to training focusing on the relationship was key for me. To this day Ace does what is asked not because there is a treat in my pocket (Ace has never received a single treat) but because we have a mutual respect for one another. Ace has changed my life and I have NitroK9 to thank for helping me develop Ace into the amazing service dog he is today. read more

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Steve and North were spot on in what kind of training our dogs needed. I was especially impressed in how they could read the dogs personalities and focus individual habits that each animal has. read more

If you're looking for a team that is truly dedicated to the well-being of both your dogs and your household, look no further than Steve and his incredible team at NitroK9. We came to Steve at a desperate time, struggling with dogs that had become territorially aggressive, and I had even been injured to the point of needing surgery trying to break up dog fights (yes, I do know I shouldn't do this, but my instincts kicked in!) Our home was no longer a safe place, and we were worried we would have to make the impossible choice between our dogs and our safety. But NitroK9 was our last hope--and they did not disappoint. What sets NitroK9 apart is their approach to dog training. They don't rely on treats and rewards as primary incentives because frankly that just teaches a dog to do something to get a treat...not to NOT do something that needs correction in the first place. Instead, they focus on teaching the humans how to understand their dogs' body language and emotions, so we can recognize when they feel threatened or unsure and might act out. We learned how to set boundaries as the foundation. We learned to mitigate and train our dogs to redirect, not do something inappropriate to then get corrected to get a treat. This was a game changer for us. We realized we could still reward our dogs for good behavior with treats and love, we also needed to be firm about what behavior was unacceptable. Our dogs were craving structure and leadership from us, and with Steve's guidance, we learned how to provide that. Over the course of our training, we grew in ways we didn't think possible. And when we had to say goodbye to one of our dogs due to old age, the team at NitroK9 was there for us every step of the way, not only helping us re-establish boundaries but also supporting us emotionally during that tough time. They showed us how to help our remaining two dogs thrive amidst the changes and gave us the confidence to move forward as a family. Here is a behavior transformation example: we previously couldn't ever let one of our dogs off leash until now. She was wild, ran away, caused a ruckus where she ran to, jumped on everything, and didn't know how to read other dogs or peoples energy. Now she runs around our land free, comes when we call her, approaches people appropriately, and will break off from chasing another animal when told. She almost 100% has stoped barking at people coming to our house, she welcomes guests without jumping and pushing. She is happier, healthier, and we can tell she feels more secure in her surroundings. Steve is no longer just our trainer; he's become family. While our formal training sessions are complete, we continue to reach out to him for advice and adjustments when new situations arise. His insights are invaluable, and his support continues to make all the difference. We share our NitroK9 experience with everyone we know who has dogs--or is thinking of getting one. A 5 star review doesn't feel like enough to capture the value and benefits they provide. They are truly the best, and I can't recommend them enough. read more

We came to Nitro for help with my rescue pup's aggression and reactivity issues. We had tried years of medication and positive reinforcement-only training, both with private trainers and classes, with limited success. The change with Nitro was remarkable. I feel like my dog and I are finally communicating. After seven sessions and a lot of practice, he is more confident, relaxed, and walks are much less stressful for both of us. I highly recommend Nitro to other dog owners struggling with these problems. read more

Nitro is amazing! Highly recommend! Interestingly enough, my wife and I chose Nitro for our dog's training 2 years prior to getting our dog. We were looking at getting a new dog for our family as our dog was growing old and had never been trained. We gave Nitro a call. Steve walked us through their training approach and gave us recommendations on breeds based on behaviors we wanted to match our lifestyle. "Life happened" and we ended up getting a Schnauzer-Poodle mix (Mambo) 2 years later when our dog passed but we signed mambo up right away. Mambo started training around 12 weeks old and we bought a package of 14 30 min sessions that set an excellent foundation for him on leash. We bought a second package that we had to put on hold after 2 classes for almost a year, but when we picked the classes back up, Mambo responded amazingly. I definitely believe that their approach to training contributed to the ease of the transition back into it. Mambo is a 15 pound Schnoodle performing off leash commands like the big dogs. Steve primarily led Mambo's training and he's great, but every trainer we dealt with was top notch. I've recommended nitro to multiple friends with difficult situations, including older adopted dogs and they have been able to help. read more

The progress with our puppy Daisy even after the first lesson was incredible! She used to pull me on the street and was so reactive with other dogs and people. She just had her first flight in the cabin and behaved exemplary. Steve has been an amazing mentor throughout the process and it is obvious that he is very passionate about his job; he's build a great community! read more

A year ago my husband and I were 100% losing hope for our German Shepherd, Mauser. He was reactive towards humans and dogs, it was exhausting us and making us feel terrible that others couldn't see how sweet and loving he really was. Today, after using Nitro, Mauser has a brother Remington. Remington is 3 and a half months old and he is obsessed with his big brother. Mauser is just as obsessed with him, it's beautiful. My husband and I will be eternally grateful for Nitro, specifically Matt and Heather, for their patience with Mauser AND us, his owners. Nitro does not only train dogs, but the dogs owners. Mausers little brother will 100% be getting his training through Nitro and you should too. For reactive dog owners like myself, Nitro gives you hope again, I promise that. read more

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I've had my dog Marci since she was about 4 months old. Shes brought a lot of joy to my life and has helped me get outside during difficult times. She's 5 years old now. About 2 years ago she had a bad experience at the dog park where she fought with 2 pit bulls. She got injured and we took her to the vet where they fixed her up. However she wasn't the same dog after. She was anxious around any dogs big or small and strangers. It ended up getting worse after and she would bark at any small noise she heard inside the house. On walks she was constantly scanning and would cry/bark anytime we came within eye shot of another dog. This was difficult to deal with every day and her barking and anxiety seemed to be getting more frequent. I considered re-homing her. Going to Nitro was a last ditch effort to try to do something about it. If it didn't work we had agreed to look at re-homing her. Marci has taken leaps and bounds from where she was in just 3 months of training with Nitro. We started seeing improvements about a month in. She doesn't bark at noises anymore outside of somebody knocking on the door. She doesn't pay attention to dogs walking by them and walks are much more pleasant for us and her. She's not constantly scanning or pulling the leash making it difficult to walk her. Strangers no longer bother her on walks and she's more comfortable being introduced to new people in our home. She still has trouble interacting with other dogs. We're still working with her on this. All things considered she has done exceptionally well and that's largely due to the training we got at Nitro. We work with her every day on walks practicing the commands that we learned from the trainers at Nitro. In addition to commands they explain dog behavior and teach you to understand your dog better. Body language like the tail movement, the breathing patterns, and eye movement all play a part in the way dogs communicate. There are slight nuances from dog to dog and they help you understand the way your dog is communicating. Nitro uses prong collars to train. I was very skeptical at first since it seemed painful to her when first using it. The owner Steve explained prey drive and how the collar interrupts it. I decided to give it a try and figured it would be obvious if it was making things worse for her. Works great. Nowadays I hardly ever need to correct her because she just listens so well. It's clear this is an effective way to train my dog and I plan to keep using it. TLDR; Nitro's awesome, Steve, Kate, and Heather are all great trainers. And of course the most important member of the team Bebe! read more

Nitro K-9 - Marci living her best life - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington

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In January, we adopted a 2 year old American Bully named Ronnie. We quickly realized that he had likely never walked on a leash and was a bit unsure how to behave around other dogs. Within two days of adopting him we took him to have a training assessment. After the initial assessment we decided that the board and train program was going to be the best fit for what we were looking to accomplish. Jessica was able to find us an open spot in the program within a day. Kate and Heather were Ronnie's main trainers during his stay. They sent regular updates, photos, and videos to let us know how he was progressing. The updates were something we eagerly looked forward to as proud pup parents. It was great to see him learning and having fun. While there Ronnie also had non training time where he just got to be a happy dog running around outside. Jessica, who lives on site and handles the boarding side of things sent plenty of videos of Ronnie getting to frolic through the snow on their secured property. We expressed that we were nervous that Ronnie might have some dog reactivity since we didn't get to see him interact with any dogs yet. To our joy, Jessica sent us a video of Ronnie running around with his new Puppy friend helping him burn off his energy. Board and train really exceeded our expectations. Ronnie even received his first bath while there, he did need plenty of treats and pets to get him through it but the staff made sure he enjoyed himself. Ronnie did successfully learn to walk on a leash as well as several very helpful obedience commands. He does have a bit of a small animal prey drive (bunnies) but now when he sees them we are able to gain back his attention and he's able to settle down and resume our walk. Having had dogs in the past it is hard to find a boarding facility where your dog isn't in a kennel for most of the day and that you can trust. Since completing his training we have continued to board Ronnie with Jessica when we leave town. She is always quick to respond and able to fit our boy in. They limit the amount of dogs there at any time which is great because he gets a lot of interaction time with people who we know care about him. I hesitate to praise it too much because I want to make sure there's always an opening for him lol. But seriously, having the piece of mind of boarding Ronnie where everyone not only knows him but also knows his training history gives us such a peace of mind. During his most recent stay he was able to get involved in their supervised play group. This is a BIG off leash step for him and he had a blast. read more

I cannot recommend Steve and Nitro K9 enough. Steve is beyond knowledgeable- he and his staff take the time to learn about not only your dog, but you as owners. We've trained all three of our dogs (and one who has passed) using the Nitro K9 method. We've since moved out of state and Steve routinely checks in on us and our dogs. If you want REAL dog training that results with you and your dog feeling calm and confident in your abilities call Steve at Nitro K9. read more

Meet Bryn -- my 4 year old 8 pound Pomeranian that would never learn the word "come". Prior to finding Nitro I used two different doggy obedience places. The first one was virtual during Covid. I was told "yeah I don't know what to tell you. I don't know how to fix this." Ok. Not helpful. The second place did the treat method. Well, in class she was in a blind panic just waiting for the recommended string cheese treat. When I told them she is not focusing they said I just needed a tastier treat. She couldn't get through the 1hr class and would start barking for more treats. Sigh. When I told them near the end of the sessions we were there for "come" they said "she has developed negative connotations around the word. Just change the word". Great. That worked for 5 mins. Once she learned new word = come she stopped doing it again. That's when I searched again and found Nitro. First -- they asked if I was willing to use a pinch collar (at this rate I was willing to do anything!!! Of course!!!). Second -- they don't use treats (thank goodness!!!). The staff at Nitro is amazing! You can tell they truly love dogs! They are so energetic and sweet with my dog it warms my heart seeing them work with her during class. Plus they are super knowledgeable! Even after the first session I saw immediate progress! I have zero doubt not only will Bryn be a "come" expert by the end of our sessions (already a vast improvement!!!) but I know she will be a better dog as we are already starting on additional behavioral issues. Thank you Nitro!!! I can't wait to see what else Bryn can do! read more

Nitro K-9 - Bryn & me @nitrok9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bothell, Washington