About Nicole Narita | Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer in Huntington Beach
Walking with Mr. Linus at Dog Beach, Huntington Beach, CA.
Meet Nicole Narita, Founder of Where Dogs Thrive
Positive Reinforcement Puppy & Dog Training in Huntington Beach, CA
Welcome to Where Dogs Thrive, positive reinforcement puppy and dog training in Huntington Beach! I’m Nicole Narita, your dog trainer, your guide, your cheerleader, and your calm in the puppy chaos.
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re standing in your kitchen at 6 a.m., staring at another chewed-up shoe. Maybe you’re avoiding having guests visit because your really excited wiggly dog nearly knocked Grandma over the last time she visited. Or maybe you’re just tired of the jumping, the barking, the feeling that you’re doing everything wrong.
I see you. And I’m here to tell you: you’re not failing. You’re learning. And you’re not alone.
I became a dog trainer because I believe every dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and loved. And every pet parent deserves to enjoy life with their best friend, without stress, shame, or fear.
At Where Dogs Thrive, I specialize in puppy training and socialization, adolescent and adult dog manners, enrichment for senior dogs, and cooperative care. I use gentle, science-informed positive-reinforcement dog-training methods designed to build trust, confidence, and communication, not tension.
No yelling. No punishment. Just clear communication, patience, and joy.
I’ve been where you are. I’ve worked with dogs who bark, jump, and chew. I’ve sat with pet parents who feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure. And every time, I’ve seen what’s possible when we train with kindness.
My Mission
What drives me every day isn’t simply teaching dogs to sit or stay.
It’s helping families build the knowledge and skills they need to prevent or improve common behavior challenges and enjoy life with their dogs.
Many unwanted behaviors, such as jumping, leash pulling, barking, fearfulness, and reactivity, can often be prevented, managed, or improved when owners understand how dogs learn and communicate.
That’s why education is at the heart of everything I do.
I don’t just train dogs.
I coach and support the people who love them.
When owners understand why their dog behaves the way they do, training becomes easier, communication becomes clearer, and both ends of the leash become more confident.
We Do It For You Puppy Training with Miss Luna.
We Do It For You session with Biggie in his
Huntington Beach apartment.
Why Puppies Have My Heart
If I could wave a magic wand, every family would begin puppy training and guidance the day they brought their puppy home.
Those first weeks and months can play an important role in a dog’s development.
Thoughtful socialization, confidence building, and positive experiences can help puppies grow into more confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.
Helping puppies grow into calm, confident, well-mannered adult dogs is one of my greatest passions because I know how much those early experiences matter.
There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a tiny puppy grow into the dog their family always dreamed of having.
Training isn’t just about obedience.
It’s about connection.
It’s about trust.
It’s about those quiet moments when your dog chooses to check in with you or settles calmly at your feet, knowing they’re safe, and you’re their person.
Whether you need help with puppy biting, potty training, jumping, leash pulling, barking, or building better everyday manners, my goal is to help you create a calmer and more enjoyable life with your dog.
If you’re ready to build that life, to feel confident, connected, and calm with your dog—then you’re in the right place.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.
Why I Do What I Do
I’ve been helping Huntington Beach dog guardians since 2015, and over the years I’ve seen how much a dog’s behavior can affect everyday family life. I’ve also seen how dramatically things can change when people are given clear guidance, realistic expectations, and training strategies they can actually use in their daily lives.
My favorite part of working with my clients and their pups is seeing that magical moment when hearts flow between them, and communication is consistent and clear. The humans learn to speak and read their dog better, and the dogs begin to understand what gets their humans so excited. It gets me every time!
Biggie the Bulldog puppy learning to relax in public
spaces in his apartment complex.
Senior Miss Goldie enjoying some dog training
at Bailey Park, Huntington Beach.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The science of dog behavior continues to evolve, and I believe your dog trainer should never stop learning.
I’m committed to continuing education through professional courses, seminars, and certifications so I can provide my clients with current, humane, and effective training methods.
As a DogBiz University Dog Walking Academy Certified professional, an APDT member, and a PPG member, I am committed to continuing my education and staying connected with the professional dog training community.
When you choose Where Dogs Thrive for puppy or dog training in Huntington Beach, you can feel confident knowing your dog will be treated with patience, kindness, and respect.
Your dog deserves nothing less.
Let’s get started on this incredible adventure together! I’m here to help your family dog thrive and create a lasting bond filled with love, trust, cooperation, and understanding.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about your dog, your goals, and how I can help your family enjoy life together.
Fun We Do It For You Dog Training Goldie at Bailey Park!
Former student Macchiato
showing off his skills!
Former students Aero and Corey
are all grown up now!
We offer customized
One-on-one Coaching!
Relationship-based Puppy and Dog Training
