Instinct Dog Training
Instinct Portland is a fusion of the leadership and training teams from the Animal Behavior Clinic of Portland and City Dog Country Dog Portland. Our team members, comprised of certified trainers, behavior consultants, and veterinary behaviorists, have spent the past decade+ helping thousands of Portland-area dogs and owners navigate through behavior issues big and small.
Training Philosophy
Nature-Driven NurtureTM for Portland Dogs & Humans
We are an educated, experienced team of certified behavior professionals that uses behavioral science to create lasting, positive behavior change at both ends of the leash.
Services
- Private Coaching
- Camp + Coaching
- Boarding for Behavioral Health
- Day Training Camp + Coaching
- Puppy Camp + Coaching
- Home School + Coaching
- Boarding & Daycare
- Daycare for Behavioral Health
- Alumni Classes
- Community Events
Certifications
Certified trainers, behavior consultants, and veterinary behaviorists
Specializations
Leash Reactivity issues, Outdoor Confidence Building, Leash Manners, Settling/Staying in Place, Coming when Called, Impulse Control around Food, Toys & Doorways, Puppy Development, Guest Routines, Resource Guarding, Handling Issues
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement training methods
Customer Reviews
“If you’re looking for the best, most compassionate trainers that offer personalized positive reinforcement training and support each step of the way THIS IS THE PLACE!…[They] truly changed our dog’s life and we cannot be more grateful.”
Shannon R
“By far, the best and most knowledgeable trainers we’ve worked with.”
J. Van Anden
“Instinct completely changed my relationship with my dog (for the better). The stress I experienced before during walks and when meeting new people is gone, and I can spend more time now enjoying my time with Benny. I would recommend Instinct to anyone seeking positive reinforcement training for their dog.”
Andrew H.
“After 30 years of having dogs in our lives and going to many group dog training sessions, our first three sessions with Stephanie at Instinct taught us so much more. It really felt like our dog got a coach and we got a professor of dog training. The follow-up has been superb, the videos and handouts really helped. Our dog Bruce came to us with very little training and at 70 lbs we needed help. I cannot recommend Stephanie enough. She has given us a lifetime of knowledge and now, we get to practice it with our dog Bruce.”
Bruce & Family
“I can’t say enough good things about my trainer, Claire, and Instinct Dog Training. My sessions with Claire were awesome, giving me the skills to get off to a great start with my first puppy. Claire game me great advice and problem solving, and followed it up with email to review everything we had covered. She went above and beyond to be sure I had the support I needed. I also took some free alumni online group classes that were also very helpful. My puppy, Cooper, is doing great.”
Cooper & Family
“I just completed a program with Kaysha and wow, what an amazing experience! I was overwhelmed after rescuing a very fearful doggie – I didn’t know where to start or how to get through to her. First off, I was amazed at how quickly and efficiently I was able to start training sessions with Instinct. Given the covid dog boom, I thought I’d have to wait weeks or months, but just a few days after reaching out I was able to schedule a session with Kaysha. Not only is Kaysha an incredible trainer, but she always met my dog where she was, treated her with the utmost love and care, and was incredibly patient. Not only did she help me train my dog, but she taught me how to do the training myself. She’s an amazing teacher! Instinct also sets up a Trello board for each client, so I was able to talk to Kaysha and ask questions in between sessions, which was hugely helpful. I can’t thank Instinct and Kaysha enough – my dog is a completely different doggie from when we first started. I truly can’t believe how much we’ve learned and the progress we’ve made!”
Rosie & Family
