Hi, I’m Sam.

All of my life I have gravitated towards dogs, they truly have just made sense to me in a way that is difficult to explain. I have spent the last 10 years of my life in the non-profit sector always doing dog things “on the side”. Until one day I had the opportunity to pursue my dream full time. I currently own one dog of my own aptly named “Pickles” after my 2nd favorite thing in the entire world. Him and I participate in competitive agility as well as nosework and lots and lots of trick training. He is my favorite teacher and has inspired me to help others connect with their own dogs and live in harmony with each other. Everything I do in life is led with love and compassion. I hope to be able to bring my skills and knowledge into homes across the PDX metro.

My Approach

I believe that all dogs are individuals and should be treated as such. Positive reinforcement is at the core of my training style as well as looking at your dog from a thousand foot view. When working with dogs we must examine all aspects of their lives with you to determine the best approach that allows for mutual respect and learning on both ends of the leash.

Puppies

Setting up our puppies for success starting before they arrive to our homes is vital. I believe that creating a strong foundation and focusing on high engagement in puppyhood will lead to a well rounded family pet. My goal is to be realistic to your lifestyle and create a training plan that benefits the dog and fits to your schedule.

Reactivity and aggression

Did you know that nearly 90% of dogs are under-engaged and under-exercised? When working with reactive and/or aggressive dogs, it is essential to consider the whole dog, including all aspects of their daily life. Our approach focuses on managing and modifying reactive behaviors while simultaneously building engagement, obedience, and structure. We also collaborate closely with your veterinarian, as we believe medication, when appropriate, can be an effective complement to behavior modification.