How to Find the Right Portland Dog Trainer

Is your tail-wagger in need of training? In Portland and the surrounding northwestern Oregon area, there are quite a few professional dog trainers. And with so many options, figuring out which one to hire can be a definite challenge.

Whatever skills and behaviors you’d like your fur baby to learn, they’re going to need a good teacher to accomplish those goals. The right Portland dog trainer will not only set your pooch up for success – they’ll also make sure that the training experience fun for everyone involved.

So, how do you find the right person for the job? As you conduct the search, here are the factors to consider.

Training Qualifications

If you’re like many Portland pet parents, you may not realize that anyone can claim to be a professional dog trainer – even those with no education or experience in training dogs. The industry is unregulated, and that means it’s up to you to determine if someone is up to the task.

Many dog trainers, including the team here at Blackwood Canine, have sought out certifications, apprenticeships and continuing education. Look for a professional with credentials like these, as it demonstrates their commitment to the craft of dog training.

Training Philosophy

Taking a balanced approach when teaching new skills and correcting behaviors, using both positive reinforcement and clear communication, is considered humane – and it’s highly effective. Professional dog trainers who employ techniques based on this methodology are able to get results.

Find a Portland dog trainer with understands this, and your four-legged friend will be in good hands. They’ll learn what they need to learn to become a happy, well-adjusted and well-behaved family companion, which is the ultimate goal in dog training.

Training Services

Are you thinking of enrolling your tail-wagger in a dog board-and-train program? Would group classes or one-on-one training sessions at your Portland home would be a better option? Is your pooch ready for specialty training, such as for competition, agility or therapy work?

Not all dog trainers in the region provide the same services, so you’ll need to check the specific programs and solutions each one offers. And, since every dog is unique, you should seek out a professional who tailors their training, as that’s the key to success.

Finding a Professional Dog Trainer in the Portland Area

Now that you know what to look for in a dog trainer, how do you go about finding the right professional to hire? Searching online is one option, but asking your veterinarian for a recommendation may be a more sensible plan. The breeder, shelter or rescue where you found your canine companion might also be able to provide a referral.

However you get names of local dog trainers, reading reviews is a must -- the experiences of other pet parents can be quite enlightening. And, don’t be afraid to ask a trainer if you can speak with former clients, as a reputable professional should be more than willing to comply with that request.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Portland Dog Trainer

If you’ve done all the research and you’re having trouble reaching a decision as to which professional dog trainer to hire, getting additional information from each of the candidates you’re considering should help lead you to the right choice. To that end, we suggest that you ask these questions:

• What is your typical response when a dog acts appropriately?

• How do you react when presented with improper behavior?

• Do you have experience in handling problematic training situations?

• Have you trained dogs of different ages, breeds and dispositions?

• What types of tools and equipment do you use during training?

• Do you teach pet parents how to achieve results on their own?

You might also need to inquire about the costs for their services. Some professional dog trainers clearly list prices on their websites – at Blackwood Canine, for example, we prefer to make that information freely available. Not all of our fellow trainers agree with that decision, so if you don’t see prices listed, you’ll have to ask.

In addition, if you’re searching for a professional to train an aggressive, fearful or anxious dog -- or if you’re looking for any sort of specialized training -- be sure to ask about their expertise in that domain. Those are more challenging tasks to accomplish, and you’ll want to know that the trainer you choose has what it takes to meet your needs.

Tracking down the right professional dog trainer may take some time and effort, but the endeavor will be worthwhile. And if you live in or around Portland, Oregon, your search can begin and end with Blackwood Canine.

We offer dog board-and-train programs, private in-home lessons, behavior modification training and advanced re-conditioning programs. Our team also teaches dogs the necessary skills for therapy work, agility events, obedience trials, sports competitions and dog shows. We have the right qualifications, and we’ve been the go-to choice for dog training services in the northwestern Oregon area for over a decade.

We’d love the opportunity to work with you and your fur baby – if you’re looking for a professional Portland dog trainer, contact Blackwood Canine today.