Doug started working with dogs as a dog walker and pet sitter in Seattle, WA. After moving to Portland, OR in 2004 he started Doggy Business as a dog walking company. He’s been working with dogs for over 20 years now. He started training dogs after attending Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers in 2007, and then opened a training facility in NE Portland in 2008 where he taught training classes, ran play groups, and started private one-on-one dog training for people in their homes. He noticed very early on that there are quite a few fearfully uncomfortable dogs around, and he started developing ways to help them in his play groups, training classes, and private consultations. He’s been focusing on helping fearfully uncomfortable dogs for 15 years now.
Training Philosophy
Doug believes in using only the most up-to-date, scientifically-sound, modern, and humane training methods available. He is committed to continuing education and professional development and pledges to never settle for “how it’s always been done,” but instead to develop the best and safest ways to provide safe and effective training and behavior consulting services.
Services
- In-Person Private Consultations
- Consultations Via Zoom
- Behavior Assessments
- Private In-Home Dog Training
- Online Behavior Consultations Via Zoom
Certifications
- Certificate in Training & Counseling from the Academy for Dog Trainers
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
Specializations
- Dog-to-dog fear, reactivity & aggression issues
- Human-directed fear & aggression issues
- Canine shyness or confidence issues
Training Methods
- Positive reinforcement
- Clicker training
- Capturing
- Shaping
- Counter-conditioning
- Desensitization
Customer Reviews
After just a few sessions with Doug, she learned to calm down and feel safer!
I could tell from the moment I met Doug that my puppers was going to thrive with him and I was right! We got my dog as a rescue at 5 years old and she was highly reactive to other dogs in a not good way. She would pull and strain against her leash when she saw other dogs playing or running, even at a distance. After just a few sessions with Doug, she learned to calm down and feel safer in those spaces. He took the time to teach us how to work with her and to spot some of her triggers. She responded so well to him and his patient, kind approach. He also made it fun for her and focused the training on positive reinforcement, giving her the time and space to figure things out for herself. I HIGHLY recommend Doug!
