Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Portland

Ranked #12 in Portland and #24 in Oregon

4.8 Stars,56 Reviews
7525 N Richmond Ave, Portland, OR 97203

Service area: Serving Multnomah, Clackamas, & Washington counties in OR; and Clark county in WA.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Basic Obedience
  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

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

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

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

Instinct offers various training and behavior modification programs, including Private Coaching (one-on-one sessions), Camp + Coaching (board & train), Puppy Camp + Coaching (puppy board & train), and Home School + Coaching (day training). All programs are customized to the dog’s unique needs and goals, emphasizing positive reinforcement and collaborative coaching. They include pre-camp training missions, daily positive training, structure, socialization, progress tracking, and frequent communication with the client. Post-program, clients receive lifetime access to free and low-cost alumni classes, bi-weekly Zoom Q&A sessions, and an alumni-only Facebook group for ongoing support.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Puppy Camp + Coaching programs start at $1,475/week, and Camp + Coaching programs start at $1,599/week, plus applicable state taxes. Prices vary depending on location and trainer. Programs typically last between 1-4 weeks and include private coaching sessions and lifetime access to free and/or low-cost alumni classes. The business notes that they are not the cheapest option due to their 24/7 staffed facilities, low staff-to-dog ratio, and comprehensive employee benefits.

Testimonials

“Instinct Dog Training came to my rescue [with puppy camp] when I had a fall inside my house, pulling more muscles than I knew I had, and found myself unable to care for my new puppy. My puppy not only benefited from the excellent training, she also learned to be part of a happy family of kids, a pet dog three times as big as she was, and a whole neighborhood of dogs who came for training and playtime. It was just what my puppy and I both needed.”
– Carolyn W.

“We are thrilled with our experience at Instinct. The staff really got to know our pup, Ernie, and he learned a lot in his two weeks at camp. He now walks nicely on a leash, checks in with us regularly on and off leash and comes when called, even when he is distracted. We love Instinct’s positive reinforcement approach and found the follow-up visits and exercises easy to understand and uphold. Our dog has some issues with his back legs and the entire team at Instinct kept a close eye on him and modified his play schedule to accommodate his disability. We felt that he was safe and in good hands throughout his stay. They provided photos, updates, and some videos of his training progress. We highly recommend Instinct.”
– Greg B.

“If you’re looking for the best, most compassionate trainers that offer personalized positive reinforcement training and support each step of the way THIS IS THE PLACE!…[_They_] truly changed our dog’s life and we cannot be more grateful.”
– Shannon R

About the Trainer

Instinct Dog Behavior & Training is a national team of experienced dog behavior professionals dedicated to helping dogs and their owners live happier lives together. They offer practical, positive training solutions for dogs of all breeds, ages, and behavior challenges, including common puppy issues, fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression.

Their unique approach, Nature-Driven Nurture™, focuses on customizing care and training to work with each dog’s individual personality, instincts, and innate drives. This method aims to achieve lasting behavior change and enhance a dog’s long-term behavioral health.

Instinct provides a variety of services including personalized one-on-one Private Coaching, immersive Camp + Coaching (board & train) programs for both puppies and adult dogs, and Home School + Coaching (day training) where trainers work with dogs in their home environment. They also offer Group Learning options like classes and webinars, as well as specialized Daycare and Boarding services designed to promote a dog’s well-being through activity and enrichment. All training programs come with lifetime support, including access to free and low-cost alumni group classes, bi-weekly Zoom support sessions with experts, and a client-only Facebook group.

Accomplishments

Instinct Dog Behavior & Training employs certified, veterinarian-recommended trainers and behavior consultants. All Puppy Raisers undergo extensive training in puppy development and are certified trainers, or hold a Karen Pryor Academy Puppy StartRight® certificate or Karen Pryor Foundations certificate. All Puppy Raising programs are overseen by certified trainers and behavior consultants with years of experience. Their “Dogs Unknown Podcast” was named the Dog Writer’s Association best behavior podcast of 2020.

How to Get Started!

The first step to begin working with Instinct Dog Behavior & Training is to book a 60-minute kickoff consultation or a free Discovery Call with a trainer. Their friendly client services team is available 7 days a week to learn more about your dog and your goals.

Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Portland featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends

Certifications

  • KPA-CTP
  • Credentialed

Associations

  • APDT
  • LGBTQ-owned
  • wheelchair accessible entrance
  • wheelchair accessible parking
  • wheelchair accessible restroom
  • wheelchair accessible seating
  • restroom unisex
  • LGBTQ-friendly
  • transgender safespace

Other Services Offered

  • Dog day care center
  • Pet boarding service

Location

7525 N Richmond Ave, Portland, OR 97203