The Best Dog Trainers in Bend, OR of 2023

Welcome to the Bend, OR Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Bend based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This list is a subset of the broader Top Trainers in Oregon list. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.

Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.

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The Best Bend, OR Dog Trainers in 2023

Roman Gottfried

I'm a certified dog trainer and trauma-informed holistic behavior consultant. I guide dog guardians, fosters and dog professionals to solve even the most complex challenges. I use a mind body spirit approach, as well as holistic-, trauma-informed, secure attachment-based, and the Do-No-Harm approach to get results.

I am a firm believer in educating dog professionals, handlers, caregivers, and the public about positive training and the damaging effects that the use of aversion and outdated dominance theory can have on dogs, especially dogs with trauma.

What Is Holistic Dog Training
Holistic Dog Training is a trauma-informed, secure attachment-based, behavior consultant, i follow a Holistic, Do-No-Harm Training and Animal Care Philosophy.
I believe that dogs are sentient beings that deserve to be treated with respect, should be allowed to express their emotions, live in a healthy, stress free, species appropriete environment. They should be allowed to become full members of our family, that ensures that the dogs hierarchy of needs are met, and creating and maintaining a positive human/dog relationship naturally, for life.

Holistic parenting and training approach addresses all of these elements so they can exist in harmonyI'm a certified dog trainer and trauma-informed holistic behavior consultant. I guide dog guardians, fosters, and professionals to solve even the most complex challenges. I use a mind-body-spirit approach, as well as a holistic-, trauma-informed, secure attachment-based, and Do-No-Harm approach to get results. I am a firm believer in educating dog professionals, handlers, caregivers, and the public about positive training and the damaging effects that the use of aversion and outdated dominance theory can have on dogs, especially dogs with trauma.

Certifications: Certified dog trainer, Holistic behavior consultant, Reiki master teacher

Services include:

• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Trauma informed behavior assessment, separation anxiety, holistic training, attachment problems, siblings rivalry, do No harm

Behavioral issue focus: Commonly working with families with reactive and aggressive dogs, dogs with developmental problems, anxiety and phobias

Training methods: I'm working with Families to learn how to educate and help the dogs establish a secure attachment, identify trauma, and communication, challenges, and better understand the dogs breed traits and individual personality. After the assessment, I put together a behavior treatment plan based on the dogs needs and the family's abilities.

Why I became a dog trainer: It was always my passion to help dogs feel safe and cared for in homes. I also have a passion to help dogs with no family to find one, help them with their behavior problems and heal trauma

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Being able to manage my time, working with clients, working with people and dogs, living a healthy lifestyle and helping dogs

My #1 dog training tip: My number one training tip is not a training tip, before you train your dog, establish a secure attachment relationship

Service areas: USA, England, Australia, New Zealand, Canada

Website: https://holisticdogtraining.org

Jamie Walthers

Jamie is a Portland native who has always had a passion for animals and behavior. She received her BA from PSU where she started her career in social work before finding her way into her true passion of working with dogs and helping them and their people have better relationships.

She founded Sit Stay Fit, a Portland based dog training facility, with Jenna over a decade ago and is excited to bring her knowledge of training and enthusiasm for working with dogs to Central Oregon. She is making the move with her wife and their pack of six glorious dogs who are eager to welcome your pups into their home for adventures and training.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA

Services include:

• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided:

In Central Oregon, I offer Board & Train. Adventure Boarding & In home Private trainings through Wild Intentions.

In Portland, I co-own Sit Stay Fit. We offer day training, group classes, play groups, private trainings, Board & Train and more.

I love working with new puppies, getting them started on the right track, but also have a love of working with fearful or reactive dogs, helping them build confidence in the world.

Behavioral issue focus: Fear, reactivity, impulse control

Training methods: I am a positive reinforcement based trainer. All behavioral consultations, private trainings & Board & Trains come with a training plan.

Why I became a dog trainer: Nothing makes my heart happier than helping people better understand their dogs so that they can live their best life possible.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love helping build a dog's confidence or better assist their person to understand them so that their world can expand to its fullest potential.

My #1 dog training tip: Be a team with you dog! By this, I mean listen to what they are telling you by reading their body language, go at their pace and engage with them as you navigate the human world.

Service areas: Portland metro, Bend, Redmond, Sunriver

Website: https://wildintentionsbend.com

Erica Pashia

My name is Erica Pashia and I am the owner and head trainer for The Kind Canine. I am a certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA, ABCDT, Fear Free - Certified) and have raised and worked with many wonderful dogs throughout the course of my life. I have been training pet dogs (and dabbling in a few sports) in private and group settings for 5 years and heavily prioritize my continuing education in canine behavior.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, ABC-DT, FF-CP

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Private instruction/coaching, reactivity and aggression, behavior modification, basic manners/obedience, puppy foundations, group classes, day training/training walks

Behavioral issue focus: I specialize in fear-based behaviors, anxiety, reactivity and aggression - helping dogs (and their people) to feel more comfortable, relaxed and happy while out in the world.

Training methods: We use up-to-date, modern positive reinforcement/force free methods. We do free initial 60-minute zoom consultations, various packages for private coaching, customized treatment/training plans after each session, collaborative work with vet behaviorists and general practice vets when needed and walking services to help keep the training going.

Why I became a dog trainer: From an early age, I was fascinated and intrigued by animals and animal behavior as a whole. When I rescued my first dog as an adult - who also came to me with several severe behaviors of concern - I became fully entrenched in dog training strategies, philosophies and how to better communicate with my new canine companion, thus beginning my journey as a professional dog trainer! I feel so blessed that I get to help dog guardians better understand their companions and how to teach them more effectively.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: My favorite part of being a dog trainer would definitely have to be showing people that they can have mutually fulfilling relationships with their dogs and can communicate with them without using fear, pain or intimidation. There is another way - and I'm grateful that I get to show people that other way! :)

My #1 dog training tip: If you're always focusing on when you're dog is getting it wrong and find yourself regularly frustrated with them, look for the 'yes'moments. Set up their environment differently so that they are set up for success. Be proactive, not reactive. Be patient, help them make the choices you would like them to make and build the habits you would like to instill - and REWARD them for those preferred choices!

Service areas: Bend, surrounding cities of Central Oregon

Website: https://www.thekindcaninepetservices.com/

Kathryn Burge

Professional dog trainer since 2013. Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Certifications: CPPS /Pet first Aid and CPR

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Service dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Puppy socialization and leash aggression

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity

Training methods: Positive Reinforcement only

Why I became a dog trainer: Volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society in the kennels with troubled dogs that in most cases were surrendered because of behavioral issues gave me the confidence to want to work with people to partner with their dogs instead of giving them up.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: When a client says why didn't the other 10 trainers I've worked with share with us what you just taught us. This has happened time and time again.

My #1 dog training tip: Your dogs walk is their walk not yours!

Service areas: Lake Oswego

Website: https://www.lopetsitting.com

Tammy Moody

Tammy has been training dogs for more than 30 years, getting her start in competitive obedience. She has been doing agility for 24+ years and teaching it for almost 20.

Tammy believes agility should be fun and challenging for all members of the team without being overwhelming or frustrating. She likes to break things down into manageable pieces for both dog and handler while building teams up and empowering all members to be confident with their skills. Tammy's experience allows her to read both handler and dog and she uses this ability to push teams just enough to encourage them to leave their comfort zones without overfacing them. Tammy wants teams to enjoy the process! If either the dog or the handler are not enjoying the game, Tammy's first priority is to help teams find the joy that agility training should be. Dogs and humans both are trained using positive, reward-based methods in all of her classes.

Tammy's personal handling style doesn't always match that of her students, she is skilled in finding the best path forward for each team and not forcing any one style of training or handling. She has been known to refer out to other instructors/coaches when she thinks a team will benefit from outside training. While Tammy places equal emphasis on training and handling, she makes sure her and her student's dogs are trained to the level that will be expected on course. She feels the more a dog understands what is being asked, the easier handling becomes. She uses trained skills, verbals, and physical cues to navigate sequences.

Tammy also brings to the table a background as a Veterinary Technician and a Small Animal Massage Practitioner allowing her to see when problems on course may be due to physical limitations and not necessarily training issues.

When not teaching others or training her own dogs, Tammy can be found enjoying the outdoors with her dogs in beautiful Central Oregon. Besides hiking and paddling, Tammy can be found baking treats for others, gardening, reading, recording podcasts with her pal Penny, photographing her adventures, and spending time with family and friends.

Website: https://www.cleverdogsagility.com/

Sniffspot Bend Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Bend dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Bend as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.

How can I get in touch with dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these Bend dog trainers certified professionals?

Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.

What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in Bend?

Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.

What methods are used in the dog training sessions?

There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the Bend trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.

Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?

Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.

Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?

Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.

How much does dog training in Bend cost?

Bend dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a Bend dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Bend you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

How much do dog trainers make in Bend?

Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in Oregon was $29,335 per year and $14.10 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Oregon Cities

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

Eugene, OR
Portland, OR
Salem, OR

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near Oregon

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

California
Nevada
Washington

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