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Certified dog trainer
Scott Raymond
Scott Raymond

Portland, OR

Synergy Veterinary Behavior

Scott Raymond, MS, CPDT-KA, co-founded Synergy Veterinary Behavior in collaboration with Dr. Valli Parthasarathy, PhD, DVM, DACVB. He has been helping dogs and their families with training classes and private consults for over twenty years. He achieved the status of Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) in 2004. He has titled his personal dogs in tracking and competition obedience and is a Canine Good Citizen evaluator. He and his dog, Sita, were a Pet Partners Animal Assisted Therapy Team (Complex) for the Read to the Dogs program through the Multnomah County Public Library.

Training Philosophy

Synergy trainers can help you and your dog with:

  • Foundation skills for puppies and newly adopted dogs
  • Multi-dog households
  • Behavior modification for problem behaviors (such as aggression, reactivity, fears/ phobias, etc)
  • Muzzle training
  • Cooperative care
  • Enrichment, confidence-building, tricks
  • Basic manners
  • Recall
  • And more!

All of our behavior modification plans implement force-free and effective positive reinforcement techniques, even for the most challenging behaviors. We never use pain, fear, intimidation, or force during training.

Services

Synergy Veterinary Behavior offers a wide range of services, including:

  • Veterinary Behavior Consultations: Two-part consultations with a Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Valli, to address a variety of behavior problems in dogs, cats, and birds. This includes an in-person Behavior Health Assessment and a virtual follow-up appointment.
  • Vet Care Recovery Program: Helps dogs and cats who are fearful or aggressive at the vet's office become more comfortable with examinations, restraint, injections, blood draws, and more.
  • Bite-Sized Behavior Consults: Lower-cost consults run by an experienced Behavior Clinician (veterinarian) for dogs and cats with problem behaviors.
  • Dog Training & Behavior Modification: Offers both in-person and virtual training for all dogs, including private training and group classes.
  • Group Classes: Offers a variety of group classes for dogs, cats, and chickens, covering topics such as calmness, tricks, reactivity, muzzle training, and more.
  • Videos on Demand: Provides a collection of videos on various topics related to animal behavior and training, such as successful senior dogs, muzzle training, alert barking, and more.

Certifications

Scott Raymond is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He is also Fear Free Certified.

Specializations

Synergy Veterinary Behavior specializes in a wide range of behavioral issues, including:

  • Reactivity and aggression
  • House-soiling
  • Destructiveness
  • Excessive vocalization
  • Pet-pet introductions
  • Fears and phobias
  • Separation distress
  • Compulsive disorders
  • Senior behavioral changes
  • And more…

Training Methods

Synergy Veterinary Behavior uses force-free and effective positive reinforcement techniques, even for the most challenging behaviors. They never use pain, fear, intimidation, or force during training.

Customer Reviews

Phillip Brewer - Portland, Oregon
"I have a four year old dog named McLeod with a lot of energy and anxiety...Dr. Valli made sure we understood this was not a quick fix, but that it will take time, patience, and consistency on our part. I am happy to report we have noticed observable changes (and) we are enjoying our dog more and learning a lot...I would recommend Synergy Behavior Solutions to anyone that has dogs with behavioral issues."

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We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

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