Leader of the Pack Dog Training, LLC

Leader of the Pack Dog Training offers three primary training avenues:

1. **Obedience Training Classes**: This includes “Foundations – Group Class,” a five-week basic obedience course suitable for all ages, limited to 5-8 participants, covering commands like Sit/Stay, Recall, and Heel. It is held in-person at their West Portland training center on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. The “Foundations – Private Class” is a five-session basic obedience option for individuals whose schedules do not permit group class participation.

2. **Private Training Sessions**: These sessions are designed for behavior modification and are conducted one-on-one, either on-site in their training run or in the client’s home. Each session is customized to address specific behavioral issues holistically, focusing on triggers and environmental factors.

3. **Live-In Training Programs**: This “boot camp” style program is ideal for dogs with some basic skills but also displaying various behavioral issues. It serves as an alternative to long-term boarding, providing 24/7 hands-on training in a stable pack environment. The program includes intensive skills training in urban settings, socialization, crate training, routine establishment, pack walks, and structured exercise. Packages are available for 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks, with shorter stays for returning clients and members. New live-in clients require a minimum 2-week stay, while dogs with aggression or a bite history need a 4-6 week minimum. Dogs must be at least 6 months old and have current DHLPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are priced at $295 for a 5-week series. Payment is required in advance for Behavioral Sessions, Group, and Private Foundations classes. The business offers two yearly membership options: the Platinum Collar Club for $1000, which includes two 3-day live-in trainings and a 20% discount on all training, and the Gold Collar Club for $500, which includes one 3-day live-in training and a 10% discount on all training.

For Live-in Training, new clients must make a minimum initial payment of 50%, while returning clients and members may require full payment at the time of reservation for shorter stays. Membership purchases are non-refundable. No refunds are provided after the first group class.

Policies

Payment for Behavioral Sessions, Group, and Private Foundations classes is required in advance. A travel fee is applied for clients residing outside the Portland Metro or Vancouver areas. For Live-In Training, new clients must provide a minimum initial payment of 50%, while shorter stays for members and returning clients require full payment at the time of reservation. Membership purchases are considered final upon receipt and are non-refundable. Refunds are not provided after the first group class. Complimentary training benefits from memberships are subject to availability and cannot be used during specific holiday blackout dates (Spring Break, Thanksgiving week, and the last two weeks of the year), nor can they be combined with other offers or applied to past training or reservations.

Leader of the Pack Dog Training, LLC specializes in dog training and behavior modification, particularly for dog aggression and reactivity. They offer three main training options: group classes, private training, and live-in training, covering everything from basic obedience to complex behavioral issues. Their core philosophy is to help owners become strong pack leaders, believing that every dog can be a “Good Dog” through understanding and working with their natural pack instincts.

The business emphasizes leadership, appropriate affection, and discipline to foster balance and harmony in the home. They also offer a “Red Zone Rescue” initiative, providing a free first visit if they cannot help a dog, encouraging owners not to give up on their pets. Their approach is guided by a “Hierarchy of Dog Needs,” which addresses an animal’s basic needs, a canine’s needs for exercise and work, and a pack member’s need for leadership and affection, ultimately aiming for a well-behaved working partner.

Accomplishments

Mark Dunlap, the Lead Instructor, has been training dogs and working with clients in the Pacific Northwest since 2004, building on a lifetime of experience with dogs, having been raised by his mother, Virginia, a long-time dog trainer. Leader of the Pack Dog Training reports that 99% of surveyed students would recommend them, and 93% of students rated Mark Dunlap 9 or higher out of 10. The business has received 58 five-star reviews from clients and maintains high ratings on Yelp, Google, and Facebook.

How to Get Started!

Clients can schedule appointments online by selecting their preferred session, date, and time slot, and will receive an email confirmation. For Live-In Training, new clients are required to schedule a free Live-In Consultation Appointment and a confirmation call with Lead Trainer Mark Dunlap for screening and program suitability assessment. Advanced screening and reservations are necessary for Live-In Training due to limited availability. The business also provides FAQ videos with step-by-step instructions on setting up customer accounts, adding dogs, registering for classes, purchasing memberships, and making various training reservations.