George & Friends Dog Training Portland, Oregon

Training is delivered through one-on-one private sessions, either live online or in-home/on-location. Clients can book individual lessons or opt for 3- or 5-session packages. Free phone consultations are offered between lessons to reinforce progress and adjust training plans. Additional practice support is available through “Walk with George” group walks and one-on-one practice sessions with Zach. Programs are customized based on the dog’s age, breed, behavior issues, and the owner’s lifestyle, with emphasis on communication, body language, and positive reinforcement.

Pricing Summary

No payment is required at booking. Clients can choose individual lessons or packages of 3 or 5 lessons. Free phone calls between lessons are encouraged and included. Pricing details are available upon scheduling a consultation.

Policies

No payment is required at booking. Clients can schedule and reschedule sessions online. Free phone calls between lessons are encouraged. Cancellation policies are not explicitly stated, but the booking system allows flexible scheduling.

George & Friends Dog Training, led by nationally certified trainer Risa Meynarez CPDT-KA, offers personalized, science-based dog training in Portland, Oregon. They provide live, one-on-one video lessons and in-home or on-location training tailored to your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. Services include obedience training, behavior modification for leash reactivity, service dog training, and potty training. Unique offerings include “Walk with George,” open practice walks for current and past students to reinforce skills, and optional support sessions with Zach to practice between lessons. Risa emphasizes understanding dog body language, communication, and building the human-dog bond using positive reinforcement methods. She also provides valuable health-related insights, such as identifying potential medical issues like Giardia or seizures that may mimic behavioral problems. The business supports clients with free phone calls between lessons and resources on dog safety, nutrition, and environmental hazards in Oregon.

Risa’s approach focuses on educating owners as much as training dogs, helping families become confident leaders who can read their dog’s cues and respond appropriately. All training is customized, whether for a rescue with anxiety, a multi-dog household, or a puppy learning basics. The business serves clients across Portland and surrounding areas with flexible scheduling and no pressure to commit to payment until after booking a consultation.

They also offer recommended equipment and free educational tips on topics like holiday safety, toxic water alerts, and puppy potty training, reinforcing their commitment to holistic dog care.

Accomplishments

Risa Meynarez is a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer, a nationally recognized credential requiring over 300 hours of training experience, a passing score on a comprehensive exam, and a veterinarian recommendation. She has successfully trained dogs with complex behavioral issues, including severe anxiety, reactivity, and seizures, often identifying underlying medical conditions missed by other professionals. Her training methods are grounded in science-based principles aligned with B.F. Skinner’s research.

How to Get Started!

Begin by scheduling a free, no-obligation online consultation through the booking page. No payment is required at this stage. After booking, clients can choose between one-on-one video or in-home sessions and may add optional phone check-ins or practice walks with Zach. Risa provides personalized recommendations based on the dog’s needs and the owner’s goals.