Happy-Go-Lucky Dog Training

Ranked #8 in Portland and #18 in Oregon

4.8 Stars,82 Reviews
601 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

Service area: Portland, OR

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Competition / Agility

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Basic Obedience
  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Group Classes
  • In-Home
  • Private Facility
  • Day Training
  • Video Calls

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Happy-Go-Lucky Dog Training offers an average of 16 different classes weekly across two training rooms, with class sizes of 7 or 9 dogs to ensure one-on-one attention. Group classes are generally 5 or 6 weeks long, with each weekly session lasting one hour. Puppy Kindergarten and Beginning Obedience classes include a 90-minute orientation without dogs. Group classes are not suitable for reactive or aggressive dogs.

The Day Training School is a drop-off program (8-8:30 am drop-off, 2-2:30 pm pick-up) available on Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays, accepting 10 dogs per day. The curriculum includes guided play with self-control interruptions, one-on-one obedience tutoring (stay, come, down, go-to-place, leave-it), neighborhood working walks focusing on loose-leash walking and basic commands with distractions, and structured downtime with puzzle work and naps. Dogs for Day Training must be crate trained, people and dog-friendly (no bite history), 4 months or older, in good physical health, adequately vaccinated, and on flea control.

Private training sessions are available at their facility for those who find group classes unsuitable. Virtual training is offered via Zoom for one-on-one sessions, or through a 5-video “Train-at-Home Package.” Virtual sessions are not recommended for aggression or reactivity issues.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $220 for 5-week courses (Intermediate Obedience, Action & Distraction, Games & Tricks, Puppy Intermediate) to $260 for 6-week courses (Puppy Kindergarten, Beginning Obedience). Virtual one-on-one training sessions are $100 per hour.

Day Training School offers packages: a 4-day package for $450, an 8-day package for $800, and a single visit for $150. Pre-registration and payment are required to reserve a spot in classes, with payment processed securely through PayPal. For Day Training, an intake interview is required before purchasing packages.

Policies

Pre-registration and payment are required to reserve a spot in classes. Group classes are not suitable for reactive or aggressive dogs (those that aggressively or fearfully bark or go after other dogs or people). If a dog is sick with symptoms like coughing, diarrhea, or vomiting, they should not attend class to prevent contagion; owners should consult their vet for return clearance.

Makeup classes are not available due to staggered start dates, but homework can be provided, and phone follow-ups are an option. Refunds are not issued once a class has started, though credit may be transferred to a future class. Female dogs in season are permitted in 1-hour classes if they wear sanitary diapers and maintain distance from other dogs, but they are not allowed in Day Training. Puppies can attend Puppy Kindergarten after their first set of shots, with facility floors sprayed with anti-viral solution and a foot bath provided. Training success is not guaranteed, as it depends on the owner’s consistent practice and environmental management.

Testimonials

“Excellent training for our new rescue. He has gone to their day program and loves going to school. It’s his favorite place.”
– Anne C.

“I’ve taken 4 classes with my young dog at Happy Go Lucky and I’m so grateful for their guidance and instruction. The instructors are TERRIFIC and the extras that Susan taught in obedience have proven to be essential to calm, daily living with my dog. Having never trained a puppy, I was unprepared for the challenges and was floundering when we arrived. Through the classes I’ve become much more confident and my dog is thriving!”
– Laura Milne

“Before the training with HGL our pup was anxiety ridden, didn’t know how to be a dog and wouldn’t take treats. Now she can sit, recalls to her name, and has started playing! I can’t imagine how long it would have taken to get her to be more comfortable with us and learn new things without the instructors and their wealth of knowledge.Aspen and Jackie are phenomenal teachers! They’re kind, receptive to each dog’s needs and really have an interest in improving not only the skills of the dog, but the relationships between dog and owner.10/10 would recommend!”
– Mike Rhine

About the Trainer

Happy-Go-Lucky Dog Training, established in Portland, OR in 1999, aims to enhance the quality of life for dogs and their owners. They consider themselves “people trainers” who guide owners in building a strong relationship with their dogs, emphasizing “Positive methods. Rewarding results.”

The business offers a variety of training options, including group classes from puppy to intermediate levels, such as Puppy Kindergarten, Beginning Obedience, Action & Distraction, Games & Tricks, and Out-on-the-Town. They also provide a Day Training school, a twice-a-week drop-off service designed to accelerate a dog’s training, manners, and social skills.

For those unable to attend in-person, virtual training options and private one-on-one sessions at their facility are available. All trainers and assistants are on-staff, ensuring consistent methods and a high level of experience across all classes, with ample one-on-one attention and hands-on practice.

Accomplishments

Happy-Go-Lucky Dog Training has been serving dogs and their people since 1999, celebrating 25 years of experience. Their trainers are Certified Pet Dog Trainers who are skilled in teaching both dogs and people, providing consistent methods and a high level of experience.

Testimonials highlight the effectiveness of their instructors, with specific mentions of Susan, Morgan, Aspen, Jackie, and Becky as “phenomenal teachers” and “human whisperers” who are “terrific,” “competent,” and “easy to work with.” They are praised for their ability to tailor instruction to individual dogs’ needs, help nervous dogs come out of their shells, and improve the relationship between dogs and owners.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients can select a course online and register by clicking the “enroll” button for available classes. Pre-registration and payment are required. If a class is full, clients can call to be added to a waiting list.

For Day Training School, an intake interview must be scheduled by phone before purchasing any packages. For private or virtual training sessions, clients are encouraged to call to set up an appointment. Prospective clients are welcome to sit in and observe any class by arrangement to ensure it’s the right fit. An evaluation can be arranged for dogs wishing to skip Beginning Obedience and go directly into Intermediate-level classes, requiring demonstration of focus, basic commands, and leash skills.

Happy-Go-Lucky Dog Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 25 Years Experience

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Morning
  • Afternoon

Certifications

  • CPDT-KA

Associations

  • AKC

Other Services Offered

  • Dog day care center

Location

601 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232