Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for In home training in Portland, OR. Based on feedback and votes from our In home training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Portland area.
CPDT-KA, FDM
Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
I primarily serve Portland, Oregon, with brief stints in Los Angeles and Eugene
I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)(FDM Family Dog Mediator) who has been working with dogs professionally since 2013. I have high hopes for changing the way people see and understand our (captive) canine comrades!
My mission as a dog trainer is to provide human dog guardians with a clear understanding of how dogs learn, techniques and protocols for affecting behavior using...
IAABC-ADT, FDM, Ph.D.
Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
The two-legged heart behind GHK9, Christina's worked professionally with dogs for 10+ years as a private trainer, reactivity specialist, board-and-train provider, class instructor, puppy playgroup leader and consultant. She loves behavior science, animal rescue and coaching humans as well as dogs. Her heart belongs to her Rhodesian Ridgebacks
KPA, CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Portland - Multnomah and Washington Counties
Heidi, CPDT-KA, KPA has worked professionally with dogs for the past 2 years as a private trainer, puppy group consultant, and day trainer at Noble Woof. She is extremely knowledgeable in adolescent and puppy behavior, with a passion for R+ behavior science. Prior to becoming a dog trainer she was immersed in the corporate world, managing global events and field marketing programs for compani...
CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Multnomah County
Brie Blakeman, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, is a certified professional behavior consultant and dog trainer. She is also a board member of the acclaimed Whole Dog Academy Dog Training School, and member of the Pet Professional Guild. Brie started her professional career as a full time coach for the Training and Behavior Department at The Oregon Humane Society. It was during her time there she discovered a...
CPDT-KA, CFDM
In home training, Puppy training
Portland Metro, St Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Brunswick
As a certified professional trainer, Kate prides herself in continually expanding her knowledge of dog behavior and training techniques through obtaining certifications, attending workshops and conferences, reading the latest literature and networking with colleagues to remain on the cutting edge of the science of dog behavior.Kate is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPD...
IAABC-ADT, FFCP, Predation Substitute Training Instructor, Aggression in Dogs Master Course
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Portland Metro Area, Multnomah and Washington County
Hayley Martinez is a multi-certified dog trainer who has worked with dogs professionally since 2005. She opened Nakama Dog Training in 2016 and is a co-founder of the advocacy group Force Free Oregon. She has a passion for helping dogs with severe fears and frustrations so they can live a happy life with their families.
Hayley is committed to continuing her education and most recently becam...
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) CPDT-KSA Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer and Level 1 Elite Low Stress Handling Silver Certified Pet End of Life Doula TagTeach Level 3 FitPaws Master Trainer
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training
Virtual Consultant based in Portland, OR I do offer some in-person classes and follow-up behavior modification in the Portland metro area
Sara McLoudrey owns Decisive Moment Pet Consulting and has been a professional dog trainer since 2004. Sara is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC with IAABC), CPDT-KSA, Fear Free Certified Professional Level 1 Elite and Certified Trainer, Low-Stress Handling Certified, Pet End of Life Doula, FitPaws Master Trainer, and TagTeach Level 3. For Sara, it is inspiring to help continue and prom...
CTC (Certificate in Training & Counseling), PCBC-A (Professional Canine Behavior Consultant-Accredited), CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed), Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Portland, OR and virtual sessions nationwide
As a lifelong animal welfare advocate, I never have and never will use pain or fear to make a dog behave. It has been unequivocally proven by decades of research that dogs who enjoy training, and trust their trainer, behave better. I began my career with the San Francisco SPCA Behavior & Training team, where I worked extensively and exclusively with the most challenging shelter dogs. I also spe...
Certified Tellington TTouch Instructor
Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Beaverton, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Portland Metro Area, Vancouver
Dawn was led to the Tellington TTouch® work in 2001 by her rescue Doberman, Chris. Chris was a large, red Doberman who was a gentle soul, and not very confident around other dogs. Someone suggested to Dawn that she try the Tellington TTouch® Training Method, so she found a weekend workshop and was so amazed by the change in Chris in just 2 days, that she signed up for a week-long training. ...
Certified Canine Fitness Trainer, Certified End-Of-Life Companion Animal Doula, Licensed Pet Partners Instructor, AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC Fit Dog Instructor, Animal Chaplain
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Greater Gresham Area, Portland Metro
Have you ever heard a dog trainer say something like, I hate people. If I could only work with the dog I would be so much happier.? I have. And it really hurt my feelings. After all, I was, and am, a person who often needs help training my dogs.I love dogs. And cats. And really all animals. I especially love people. I have always struggled with the moniker, dog trainer, because while I do train...
CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training
Portland, Oregon
Pup Star Training provides personalized dog training and behavior consulting using humane, force-free methods in order to enhance the relationship between guardians and their dogs.
CTC, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training
NE, SE, North Portland, Oregon. Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego. Vancouver, WA.
I started dog training after attending the Academy for Dog Trainers with Jean Donaldson. I've worked with many trainers all over the world, and have learned from many people and dogs over the more than 15 years I've been training. I own and operate Doggy Business Dog Training in Portland, Oregon where I work with fearful, anxious, and aggressive behaviors in dogs.
MA, CTC, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Portland and surrounding areas
Katrin Greim, MA, CTC, CPDT-KA, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed and the owner and founder of Plucky Puppy. She received her Certificate in Training and Counseling with honors from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers in 2007. She also graduated from the Canine Behavior Academy at the Marin Humane Society. In addition to providing private training, behavior...
BCBA, CTBC, CSAT, Fear Free Certified
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training
Brittany is a co-founder of BAE dogs. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis and behavior modification with children since 2009. Brittany completed a dog training internship at the Dog Training Internship Academy in San Francisco, where she learned to train dogs using evidence based force free methods and graduated with a ...
In home training
Micki is committed to the study of canine behavior, science-based positive reinforcement methodology, and canine health and welfare.
Micki has a lot of experience caring for her own uniquely challenging dogs who inspired her to learn effective and humane ways to help them navigate this often chaotic human world. In 2021 she was called to join the continually developing and forward-thi...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Cheryl’s personal dog, Fiona, inspired the former dental assistant to investigate the Karen Pryor method of Clicker Training. A lover of all things canine since she was a child, Cheryl says she learned the old school force-based methods of training dogs early on.
When the over-reactive Fiona came into Cheryl’s life, being forceful backfired: “Fiona became more hyperactive. I rea...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Christina has worked professionally with dogs for 10+ years as a private trainer, reactivity specialist, board-and-train provider, class instructor, puppy playgroup leader and consultant. She loves behavior science, animal rescue and coaching humans as well as dogs.
Her main specialty and passion is in reactivity training, but she is also extremely knowledgeable in adolescent and puppy...
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
I am passionate about pet care and strive to bring out the best in every pup I work with. From the family pet to the hunting dog, I can help them all. I have a special way of connecting with the animals I train and know how to motivate them to learn and grow. I have patience and attention to detail that helps each dog reach their full potential. Dog training isn’t just a job for me, it’s my...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
When Samantha adopted her first dog, an adolescent terrier mix named Buffy (now 2.5 years old), she was met with a lot of unexpected behavioral challenges. She quickly took up positive reinforcement training to help Buffy learn that the world isn’t so scary! After reading lots of training books and practicing with her own dog, she decided to make a huge career change from video production to ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Meredith is committed to the well-being of dogs and the people who care for them. Her approach to dog training is rooted in compassion and scientific evidence, aiming to build strong, positive relationships between dogs and their guardians.
Meredith's enthusiasm for dog training started when she was a puppy raiser for a service dog organization in college. After teaching high school...
In home training
Jaime thought she knew a few things about caring for and handling animals after spending years working with horses and working as a small animal veterinary assistant. When she and her partner adopted a dog with big feelings and some anxiety about the world she quickly realized she still had much to learn. Her dog Joey inspired her to learn everything she could about canine behavior, training, a...
In home training, Deaf dog training
Erin has over twelve years of experience working with dogs. She is a certified professional dog trainer, (CPDT-KA), a Karen Pryor clicker training partner, and is certified in pet first aid.
Erin brings a positive attitude, tons of enthusiasm, and supportive encouragement for humans and dogs.
Erin loves all dogs and all aspects of working with dogs. She has worked in a wide ra...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Fern has been working with dogs professionally for 3 years. They have worked at three different dog daycares in Portland, where they've learned about dog behavior and appropriate play styles (Fern worked under Meaghan at Club K-9 in 2019). Through taking classes with their own dogs (including classes at Urban Pawsibilities), they've grown to love dog training. At home, they have 3 dogs: an 11 y...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Valerie has been enamored with animals since she was a young child teaching her parakeets and cockatiels to talk and whistle tunes. She has been working professionally with dogs since 2018.
Valerie is passionate about understanding the whole dog and providing compassionate and force-free strategies that meet the needs of both people and the animals in their care.
Before workin...
Puppy training, In home training
Meg Sanders is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with a wealth of dog training experience and has worked both privately and teaching group classes with owners and their dogs since 2013. Meg graduated with distinction as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), which is an industry leader in scientifically sound, positive and humane animal training methods. Meg is...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Verena’s focus is on creating effective communication between dog and handler while meeting the dog’s needs in a human world.
She especially enjoys working with reactive dogs, teaching husbandry behaviors and helping the guardians of adolescent dogs.
When it comes to training, her more than fifteen years of experience as an instructor for English as a Second Language help V...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Heidi has worked professionally with dogs since 2021 as a private trainer, puppy group consultant, and day trainer at Noble Woof. She is extremely knowledgeable in behavior modification, fear and reactivity, adolescent and puppy development. She has a passion for positive training and the behavior sciences. Prior to becoming a dog trainer she was immersed in the corporate world. For 22 years ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Kaia has been working with dogs professionally since 2013. She loves changing the way people see and understand our (captive) canine comrades!
Kaia’s mission as a dog trainer is to provide human dog guardians with a clear understanding of how dogs learn, as well as techniques and protocols for effecting positive behavior change using fun, compassion-centered methods, and to support ...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for In home training in Portland, OR is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For In home training, we received 425 total votes, resulting in 28 dog trainers who focus on In home training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for In home training listed first.
Dog trainers for In home training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Kaia Wilson, who has been voted the top dog trainer for In home training in Portland, OR. Kaia Wilson’s favorite part of their job is: My favorite part of being a dog trainer is improving quality of life for humans and their dogs, dogs and their humans!
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At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Kaia Wilson, as well as the other dog trainers on this In home training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Kaia Wilson encourages owners with this dog training tip: ENRICHMENT, find out what enriches and nourishes your dog and provide them opportunities for those things, and your training/behavior modification goals will be so much easier to achieve.
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I utilize positive reinforcement, force and fear free training methods. I build out step by step processes for the guardian to work on with their dogs, supporting the human side of the equation with open lines of communication, progress reports, and various forms of supplemental learning aids., while others like Christina Gray adopt:
consultation, training plan, behavior modification, training skills for beginners and experienced dog handlers, 1:1 training with dogs, support for veterinary behaviorist plans. Cooperative care, start buttons, relationship building, confidence and canine-specific needs based force free training. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.
ENRICHMENT, find out what enriches and nourishes your dog and provide them opportunities for those things, and your training/behavior modification goals will be so much easier to achieve.which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in Portland.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.