Our leadership team of certified behavior consultants, board-certified veterinary behaviorists, and business and technology specialists are working hard every single day to bring you and your dog a learning experience like no other.
Walk with the dreamers,
the believers, the courageous,
the cheerful, the planners, the doers,
the successful people
with their heads in the clouds
and their feet on the ground.
Let their spirit ignite a fire within you
to leave this world
better than when you found it.
–Wilferd Peterson
Platforms are such versatile tools — from building confidence, to practicing stays, to creating calm, predictable routines. We use them every day with our dogs! How about you? Tell us your favorite way to use a platform at home.
#instinctdogtraining #dogsofinstagram #platformtraining #dogskills #dogsofportland
We’re so grateful when our clients take the time to share kind words like this
Just like our dogs, we thrive on positive reinforcement too
It’s truly an honor to serve our Portland community — helping dogs and their humans live happier, more harmonious lives together.
#instinctdogtraining #portlanddogs #positivereinforcementtraining #clientfeedback #pnwdogs
“Wanna go for a walk?” — one of every dog’s favorite phrases!
That’s an activation cue — a word or phrase that tells your dog something fun is about to happen and helps them get ready to engage with you. It’s their green light to go, connect, and enjoy!
What gets your dog motivated???
#instinctdogtraining #dogtraining #dogwalk #cutedog #funnydog
Wishing every pup a safe, stress-free Halloween 🎃
Comfort looks different for every dog — and that’s okay.
And if tomorrow you think your dog needs a little extra support, we’ve got you!
#instinctdogtraining #halloweendogs #behaviormodification #portlanddogs
Looking for ongoing support with your dog’s training or behavior?
At Instinct Portland, our Membership Programs are designed to help dogs and humans thrive together over time.
Choose what fits your goals:
* Walk & Train Memberships – consistent, hands-on help from your trusted trainer team
* Coaching Memberships – personalized guidance and support for you and your dog
Each program offers:
- Long-term learning for lasting results
- Member savings compared to single sessions
- Flexible scheduling — unused sessions roll over
- Access to your trainer through your collaborative coaching board
📍 Walk & Train: $160–$448/month
📍 Coaching: $195–$646/month
Because real progress happens with consistency, connection, and care.
#instinctdogtraining #portlanddogs #positivedogtraining #pnwdogs
#halloween can be full of fun, costumes, and treats — but for our dogs, it can also bring a lot of new and sometimes spooky experiences! Here are a few ways to help your dog stay comfortable and confident during all the festivities:
🎃 Practice with Costumes Early
If your dog will wear a costume, introduce it gradually! Let them sniff it, reward them for calm curiosity, and try it on in short, positive sessions. For dogs with big feelings about touch or new things, you can simply celebrate them being near the costume - no rush!
👻 Desensitize to Door Activity
If you’ll have trick-or-treaters, practice calm door greetings beforehand. Use treats or enrichment toys to keep your dog relaxed in another room when the doorbell rings. If your dog finds visitors overwhelming, create distance - keeping them calmly occupied in Another room can make the night more peaceful for everyone.
🍬 Keep Candy Out of Reach
Chocolate, xylitol, and many Halloween treats are toxic to dogs. Make sure candy bowls and wrappers are safely stored away! - and keep a few if your dog`s favourite safe treats on hand instead.
🕯️ Create a Quiet Space
If your dog is nervous about costumes or loud noises, set up a cozy retreat with familiar blankets, calming music, and a favorite chew or lucky mat. This gives your pup a sense of control and comfort when the world outside feels a bit too spooky.
✨ Keep Walks Calm & Positive
If you head out for a Halloween stroll, bring treats and practice focus and engagement games to keep your dog’s attention on you — not the spooky decorations! For dogs who find the sights and sounds of Halloween overwhelming, it`s perfectly okay to skip the festivities and enjoy a calm evening at home instead with enrichment.
With a little planning, you can make Halloween a positive experience for your dog — full of learning, calm confidence, and maybe a few (safe!) treats of their own.
🐾 Need help building your dog’s confidence around new sights and sounds?
Our certified trainers can help!
👉 Schedule a consultation today
Chin rests for the win!
Whether it’s on your hand, lap, the floor, or even a favorite toy — a chin rest can mean so many things! From giving consent during cooperative care, to calmly doing eye drops or inspections, to politely asking to hop on the couch… or just looking adorable.
Does your dog know a chin rest? What do they use it for? 👇
#chinrest
#instinctdogtraining #dogskills #cooperativecare #portlanddogs
After his cruciate surgery, Cooper started doing a chin rest asking permission to get up on the bed/couch— and he taught himself! 🧠🐶
We love seeing how dogs find their own ways to communicate.
👇 What clever things has your dog taught themselves?
#cleverdog #instinctdogtraining #chinrest
#portlanddogs
🌟 We’re feeling so grateful! 🌟
A huge thank you to Stephani for taking the time to write such a lovely Google review. Your kind words mean the world to us and remind us why we do what we do every day.
We’re so lucky to have the amazing, dedicated team we do — and so honored to serve over 80 incredible families every week. Every tail wag, happy face, and small success story makes our work truly special.
From all of us at Instinct, thank you for trusting us to be part of your dogs’ journeys.
#grateful #instinctdogtraining #teamlove #clientappreciation #portlanddogs
Imagine your dog learning, thriving, and growing — all while staying in a trainer’s home! Our Camp + Coaching program offers real-world training in a cozy, home environment, led by Instinct Certified Trainers.
From manners to behavior goals, we build skills that stick — and coach YOU every step of the way.
🐾 Ready for lasting change?
👉 Comment “INFO” to learn more!
#instinctdogtraining #portlanddogs #vancouverdogs #positivedogtraining
