Portland, OR
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 Nurture™ 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
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
