Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy dog training in Portland, OR. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy dog training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Portland area.

CPDT-KA, FDM
In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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...

CPDT-KA, SAPT, FDM, Fear Free
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training
Portland, OR & remote training (anywhere)
Lorenzo grew up on a petting zoo and cattle farm in Kentucky surrounded by a variety of animals- everything from camels and coatimundis, to arctic foxes and water buffalo. He obtained his BA from Portland State University in 2012, and then dove into the world of behavior.
After nearly a decade of working with kids, teens, and young adults in adventure guiding, wilderness therapy, juven...

CPDT- KA
Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training
Portland
I am a PNW native who has been training dogs in Portland for 13 years. I work for Wonder Puppy- Puppy Parenting Center, in NW Portland. I have a teenage rescue Border Collie Mix puppy named Fern, who is my best teacher and adventure buddy. I love helping people get through puppyhood by seeing behavior from their dog's perspective, having realistic expectations of what their dog is capable of ba...

IAABC-ADT, FDM, Ph.D.
In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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
In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog 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, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog 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 dog training
Portland Metro
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 Ass...

IAABC-ADT, FFCP, Predation Substitute Training Instructor, Aggression in Dogs Master Course
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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...

CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training
Portland and Salem Metropolitan areas
Our trainers are Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) or working towards their certification. You can find out more about them here - https://www.oregonhumane.org/meet-the-trainers/

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, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog 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...

Certified Tellington TTouch Instructor
In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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. A...

CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Agility dog training
Multnomah, Marion, Washington, Clackamas County, OR. Clark County , WA
I've been training for over 25 years, companion obedience, puppy and behavior classes. The last 15 years has been mainly focused on all aspects of agility including serious competition and relationship building.

CPDT-KA
Puppy dog training, Board and train dog training
I'm a dog trainer, lifelong dog-lover, and puppy enthusiast. My love for dogs began when I was a very young child and blossomed when I received a wonderful book about dogs from a dear family friend on my ninth birthday (thanks, Deb!). It was from that moment that I knew I wanted to work with dogs, but wasn't sure which path to pursue. It wasn't until my beloved Pit Bull, Bones, entered my life ...

Puppy dog training
Greater Portland Area
Casey is the founder and owner of Wonder Puppy. She is a national-award winner in the field of dog training; an internationally-recognized expert and speaker on canine behavior and training for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers; and the Curriculum Director for Whole Dog Academy, a non-profit dedicated to improving the human-canine bond.

Certified Canine Fitness Trainer, Certified End-Of-Life Companion Animal Doula, Licensed Pet Partners Instructor, AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC Fit Dog Instructor, Animal Chaplain
In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Agility dog 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 wh...

CPDT-KA
Puppy dog training
years training professionally 9
certifications + such
CPDT-KA/Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed
graduate, Whole Dog Academy
member, Pet Professional Guild
evaluator, AKC/American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen
American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR Certificate
classes Social Puppy \| Day Camp \| Good/Great Pupp...

Co-Owner, Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Puppy dog training, Board and train dog training
Dogs have always been a part Jenna's life, though a career working with them was not the original plan. While Jenna worked her way to a degree from Portland State University, she worked in local dog training and daycare facilities, where she discovered that her interests in skills aligned working with dogs and she was certified in 2006. She loves helping owners better connect with their dogs to...

Animal Behavior Assistant
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training
Timothy Thai worked very closely with renowned Animal Behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin (DVM, MS) at U.C Davis. What started off as a 3 month internship became a full time paid job after Timothy showed his dedication to rehabilitating dogs a priority in his life. ''Working 8+ hours a day alongside Dr. Sophia Yin, 40 hours a week, was one of the best education experiences I could ever ask for.'' We too...

MA, CTC, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog 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...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy dog training in Portland, OR is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy dog training, we received 645 total votes, resulting in 19 dog trainers who focus on Puppy dog training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy dog training listed first.
Dog trainers for Puppy dog 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 Puppy dog 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!
.
At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Kaia Wilson, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy dog 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.
.

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!

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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 *

Dogs evolved in an open world. They could act naturally without unfair repercussions. They had space to run, interesting stimuli to sniff, and plenty of opportunities to move their bodies freely.

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 *

* 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.

This is the story of a family and dog rescuing each other.






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.

Choosing the right dog park environment can be tricky, especially if your pet is a toy breed who isn’t always up to running with the big dogs. While there are always risks involved with visiting a public dog park, many cities don’t have space for large runs — which makes small fenced-in options the best way for some apartment dwellers and other local residents to let their dogs off leash.

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.

Discover the Golden Retriever, a 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.

Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.

Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.

Discover the Siberian Husky, a breed celebrated for its curious, intelligent, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, Siberian Huskies were originally bred in Russia for sledding, beginning in the early 20th Century.