Professional Dog Trainers
Turning Canines into Noble K9s Since the ’90’s
For over 35 years, Jess and Mike have built their lives around behavioral education for dogs. They have created their own curriculum of effective dog training to guide dogs and their owners to build better communication, stronger relationships, and safer lives together. Through education and execution, you too can train your Noble K9.
Our Journey
Noble K9 was built from decades of hands-on experience, professional training, and a lifelong passion for dogs. What started as individual journeys eventually became a shared mission: helping dogs and their owners succeed together.
Jessica Clayton-Citro
Jessica Clayton-Citro built her 37-year career by honing her skills in all forms of canine care - from grooming to training to providing exceptional daycare and behavior work. Her passion began at a young age and grew into a lifelong dedication to understanding dogs and helping owners build stronger relationships with them.
Jessica’s experience includes volunteering at Wolf Hollow, completing advanced wolf behavior studies, operating her own grooming business, managing kennel operations, and training working dogs in Schutzhund competition. She is also a certified Professional Dog Trainer, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and certified in pet first aid.
Her approach focuses on communication, structure, real-life obedience, and creating calm, confident dogs through fair and positive training methods.
Experience Highlights
- 35+ years working with dogs
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- Schutzhund competitor and titled handler
- Certified in pet first aid
- Former owner of Jess’s Pet Care and grooming shop
Experience Highlights
- 35+ years professional training experience
- Former owner of Baystate Kennel & Training Center
- Cornell University canine behavior program
- National-level Schutzhund competitor
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- Certified decoy and working dog trainer
- Certified in pet first aid
Mike Citro
Mike Citro has over 35 years of experience training dogs professionally, specializing in obedience, behavior rehabilitation, working dogs, and canine communication. Mike has dedicated his life to helping dogs and their owners succeed through education and structured training.
Mike founded and operated Baystate Kennel & Training Center for over 30 years, caring for and training thousands of dogs ranging from family pets to working and law enforcement dogs. His background includes national-level Schutzhund competition, police dog work, behavioral rehabilitation, and advanced canine behavior education through Cornell University.
Known for his calm and relationship-based training philosophy, Mike continues to teach owners how to build trust, communication, and stability with their dogs.
Why We Started Noble K9
In 2020, Mike and Jessica moved to Maine planning to start a new chapter. But as word spread throughout New England, dog owners began reaching out for help with obedience, behavior issues, and real-world training.
What started as a novel concept, quickly became a calling, and Noble K9 was born.
Together, Mike and Jessica bring decades of experience into every class and training session, combining practical obedience, relationship building, and real-life training scenarios designed to help dogs succeed at home and in everyday life.
Our Philosophy
At Noble K9, we believe dogs thrive when owners understand how to properly communicate, lead, and build trust with them.
Too often, dogs are misunderstood, placed in stressful situations, or expected to behave without clear guidance. Many behavioral issues (or even dangerous situations) can be prevented through education, structure, and responsible ownership.
Our training focuses on:
- Clear communication
- Real-life obedience
- Building confidence
- Safe interactions between dogs and people
- Creating calm, balanced relationships
We don’t believe in quick fixes. We believe in teaching both the dog and the owner how to succeed together.
Our Mission
Every day, dogs are surrendered, mislabeled, or placed in situations that lead to conflict simply because owners were never taught how to properly communicate with them.
At Noble K9, our mission is to educate people of all ages on how to safely and successfully live with dogs through better understanding, structure, and communication.
We aim to reduce preventable behavioral issues and dog-related incidents by working not only with owners, but also with breeders, rescues, veterinarians, and schools through training, education, and community outreach.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators
Certified to test and certify dogs for the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, focusing on safe, polite behavior in real life.
Certified Professional Dog Trainers
Formally trained and certified to teach clear, humane, and effective obedience and behavior skills.
National-Level Working Dog Experience
Decades of hands-on work with high-drive working dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection sports.
Behavior Problem-Solving Education (Cornell)
Completed advanced coursework in solving canine behavior problems through Cornell University.
Pet First Aid Certified
Trained to respond quickly and correctly in canine health and safety emergencies.
Long-Term German Shepherd Breeding Program
Breeding for stable temperament, sound nerves, and long-term health.
Professional Credentials
Real Success Stories
★★★★★
“Noble K9’s board-and-train program changed our lives. Our German Shepherd is now calm and reliable in real-life situations. Truly expert education.”
Sarah M.
★★★★★
“37 years of experience really shows. They don’t just teach tricks; they teach you how to set your dog up for success. Best Breed food is also fantastic.”
James T.
★★★★★
“Exceptional breeding and training. Our pup is confident and obedient. The seminars are a must for any owner who wants to lead with respect.”
Linda K.