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Instinct Portland · Dog Training & Behavior
We Help
Portland
Dogs &
Humans Live
Happier Lives
Together
Portland
Dogs &
Humans Live
Happier Lives
Together
Every day, we help Oregon and Washington dogs and owners achieve their training & behavior goals so they can live happier lives together. We can't wait to do the same for you and your dog.
"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."
Shannon R.Portland's Dog Behavior Experts
Nature-Driven
Nurture™ for
Portland Dogs
Nurture™ for
Portland Dogs
Instinct Portland began as a fusion of the leadership and training teams from the Animal Behavior Clinic of Portland and City Dog Country Dog Portland. Our team — certified trainers, behavior consultants, and veterinary behaviorists — has spent the past decade+ helping thousands of Portland-area dogs and owners navigate behavior issues big and small.
We offer Private Coaching, Home School Training, and Camp & Coach programs — all fully customized to your goals and your dog's unique nature. All programs include lifetime free alumni support & community.
Our Services
Training That Fits
Into Your Life
Home School Training
Our trainers come to your home multiple times per week to work directly with your dog — making the most of their learning time while fitting training seamlessly into your life. We train your dog, then teach you.
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Memberships
Roll-over monthly training sessions that don't expire — plus ongoing support between lessons. Available as Coaching Memberships or Home School Memberships. No contracts. Start at $160/month.
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Private Coaching
Individually tailored, one-on-one coaching sessions with our certified trainers and behavior consultants. Available in your home, virtually, or at our facility. Perfect for any age, breed, or behavior challenge.
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Trusted by Dog Owners & Recognized by the Press
Our Team
Portland's Premier Dog
Behavior Professionals
Our team of certified behavior consultants and trainers listens first, then works with you collaboratively to provide practical, positive solutions tailored to your individual dog and situation.
Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB
VP Veterinary Behavior · Co-Owner
Board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Co-owner of Instinct Portland and VP of Veterinary Behavior for Instinct National. Board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2010.
Caroline Spark, PhD
Co-Owner · IAABC · CCPDT
Co-owner and lead behavior consultant. PhD in animal behavior. IAABC-certified, CCPDT-certified. Specializes in complex behavior cases including aggression, fear, and anxiety in dogs.
Kaysha Rogers-Schuler
Director of Behavior & Training · CCPDT
Full-time Certified Behavior Consultant specializing in fear, anxiety, reactivity, and dog sports. BSc Animal Science, Oregon State. Certified Dog Parkour Instructor with IDPKA.
Taylor Snead
Director of Operations · CCPDT · IAABC
Director of Operations and certified behavior consultant with Instinct Portland since 2022. 8+ years experience including shelter work. BS Business Administration / BA German.
Our Helper Dogs
Instinct Portland's
Special Canine Assistants
Our human team is pretty great — but our Instinct Portland Helper Dogs are the real stars. These special pups work alongside our trainers to teach puppies how to play, be a "first friend" to fearful and reactive dogs, and give nervous dogs the courage to explore their environment.
What Our Clients Say
Real Dogs, Real Progress
"After many months of practice, love, and a lot of patience, we're thrilled to say that Paxton is now a confident dog who loves exploring new places with his family and has even learned that staying home alone isn't so bad after all."
Carissa
"Excellent experience working with Jennifer! She was incredibly knowledgeable about puppy behaviors and was an excellent teacher for me, a first time puppy owner. She was patient, compassionate, and George (my pup) loved her."
Erynn
"I contacted Instinct seeking help with my pup who has challenges with reactivity. I've had in-home sessions with trainer Poppy and she's amazing — incredibly knowledgeable about how dogs think and why things work."
Jacy
"When we first started training, our Frenchie was difficult to manage and honestly a little scary at times. I was stressed and unsure how to handle him. After working with Kirah, the difference has been incredible. Not only is he so much better behaved both in our apartment and out on walks, but my husband and I now feel confident that we know what we're doing in any situation. Kirah didn't just train our dog, she trained us too."
Alex
Why Instinct Portland
Science-Backed. Relationship-Focused.
Results That Last.
We believe life with dogs should be joyful — not overwhelming. Our mission is to transform stress and confusion into trust and connection, using science-based training that honors your dog's unique nature.
Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB is the co-owner of Instinct Portland. Board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists — his expertise is available to our team in weekly roundtable meetings and gets passed on to you.
Certified & Force-Free, Always
Every member of our team holds nationally recognized certifications — CCPDT, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy, and others. We use positive reinforcement and science-based methods exclusively. No aversives, no shortcuts, no exceptions.
A Decade+ Helping Portland Dogs
Our roots go back to the Animal Behavior Clinic of Portland and City Dog Country Dog. Our team has spent the past decade+ helping thousands of Portland-area dogs and owners navigate behavior issues big and small.
We Come to You
Our trainers serve Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties in Oregon — and Clark County in Washington. No commute, no drop-off anxiety. Real training in your real environment, on your schedule.
Free Lifetime Alumni Support
We include lifetime free alumni support & community with all training programs — alumni entry classes, trainer Q&A sessions, and our private client community. Our relationship doesn't end when your program does.
Nature-Driven Nurture™
Our approach honors each dog's unique biological nature alongside their life experiences — species, breed/mix, and individual. A fully individualized framework for lasting, meaningful behavior change.
What Our Clients Say
Real Dogs, Real Progress
"After many months of practice, love, and a lot of patience, we're thrilled to say that Paxton is now a confident dog who loves exploring new places with his family and has even learned that staying home alone isn't so bad after all."
Carissa
"Excellent experience working with Jennifer! She was incredibly knowledgeable about puppy behaviors and was an excellent teacher for me, a first time puppy owner. She was patient, compassionate, and George (my pup) loved her."
Erynn
"I contacted Instinct seeking help with my pup who has challenges with reactivity. I've had in-home sessions with trainer Poppy and she's amazing — incredibly knowledgeable about how dogs think and why things work."
Jacy
"When we first started training, our Frenchie was difficult to manage and honestly a little scary at times. I was stressed and unsure how to handle him. After working with Kirah, the difference has been incredible. Not only is he so much better behaved both in our apartment and out on walks, but my husband and I now feel confident that we know what we're doing in any situation. Kirah didn't just train our dog, she trained us too."
Alex
Follow Along
What We're Talking About
Follow our Instagram for training tips, behavior insights, and answers to your questions about Nature-Driven Nurture™ dog parenting.
@instinctdogtrainingReady to Get Started?
Let's Keep the Momentum Going for You & Your Dog
Getting started is simple. Call us at 971-358-8787 or fill out the form and we'll reach out within one business day to answer your questions and match you with the right trainer.
01 Purchase your program using our online booking system
02 Book your first session with your trainer at a time that works for you
03 Your training journey continues — we're here every month to keep you on track
Send Us a Message
We'll respond within one business day.