About
ABOUT INSTINCT PORTLAND
Nature-Driven
Nurture™ for
Portland Dogs
& Humans
Nurture™ for
Portland Dogs
& Humans
Certified trainers, behavior consultants, and a board-certified veterinary behaviorist — all working together to help you and your dog live a happier life together.
Get to Know Instinct Portland
A Decade+ of
Helping
Portland Dogs
Thrive
Helping
Portland Dogs
Thrive
Instinct Portland is 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 can't wait to help you and your dog do the same.
"We can't wait to help you and your dog do the same."
The Instinct Portland TeamOur Approach
How We Work With Dogs
& Their People
Science-based, relationship-focused training that honors your dog's unique nature — their species, breed, personality, and history.
Science-Based Methods
Every technique we use is grounded in behavioral science, learning theory, kindness, and practicality. No fads, no gimmicks — just methods that actually work.
Force-Free, Always
We use positive reinforcement and force-free methods exclusively. Every dog deserves to be seen, understood, and supported — never intimidated or coerced into compliance.
Honoring the Whole Dog
Our Nature-Driven Nurture™ approach considers each dog as an individual — species, breed, personality, and history — to build a truly customized plan that lasts.
Our Team
Portland's Premier Dog
Behavior Professionals
Behavior Professionals
You and your dog have unique behavior needs and goals. Our team of certified behavior consultants, trainers, and a board-certified veterinary behaviorist listens first — then works with you collaboratively to provide practical, positive solutions tailored to your individual dog and situation.
We're proud to hold certifications through the most respected organizations in animal behavior and dog training:
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 — Portland, OR
"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 loved her."
Erynn — Portland, OR
"I have a leash reactive dog and I've struggled getting him the proper training he deserves. Instinct matched us with the perfect trainer — Kirah — who has first-hand experience with anxious dogs and gives us all the tools we need to be successful."
Kayleigh — Portland, OR
"When we first started training, our Frenchie was difficult to manage and honestly a little scary at times. 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 — Portland, OR
Years Serving Portland
Portland Dogs Helped
Certified Team Members
Counties Served in OR & WA
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.
Meet Rocket, Rosie, Wiley, Frank, Pip, Nalah, and more — each with their own personality, superpower, and trainer partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Want to Know
About Instinct Portland
About Instinct Portland
Have questions before you reach out? We've answered the most common ones below. Don't see yours? Just ask us directly.
What areas does Instinct Portland serve?
We serve the greater Portland metro area, including Multnomah County, Clackamas County, and Washington County in Oregon — and Clark County, Washington (including Vancouver, WA). Our trainers travel directly to your home, so there’s no need to commute.
What training methods does Instinct Portland use?
We use positive reinforcement and science-based, fear-free methods exclusively. We never use aversive tools, punishment-based techniques, or anything that relies on fear, pain, or intimidation. Our approach — Nature-Driven Nurture™ — is grounded in behavioral science and veterinary behavioral medicine, and is tailored to each dog’s unique nature and history.
What's the difference between Home School Training and Private Coaching?
Private Coaching is one-on-one sessions with you and your dog — in your home, virtually, or at our facility. You’re present and learning alongside your dog every step of the way.
Home School Training is our day training program — our trainers come to your home multiple times per week and work directly with your dog while you go about your day. We then teach you what your dog has learned so you can maintain and build on it. Think of it like a board and train, but your dog never leaves home.
Does Instinct Portland work with reactive or aggressive dogs?
Yes — behavior issues like leash reactivity, dog-dog aggression, fear and anxiety, and resource guarding are some of our most common cases. Our team includes behavior consultants and a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB), which means we can address even complex behavioral challenges that other trainers might refer out. We recommend starting with a Kickoff Consultation so we can assess your dog’s specific needs.
How do I get started with Instinct Portland?
The easiest way is to book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with one of our trainers — it’s a no-pressure conversation to learn about your dog and figure out which program is the right fit. You can also book a Kickoff Consultation ($195, 60 minutes) if you’re ready to dive in. Or just give us a call at 971-358-8787 — our team would love to hear about your dog.
Does Instinct Portland offer puppy training in Portland?
Absolutely. Puppy training is one of our specialties. We help with foundation skills, housetraining, basic manners, socialization, cooperative care, and preventing common behavior problems before they start. Both Private Coaching and Home School Training are excellent options for puppies.
What is Nature-Driven Nurture™?
Nature-Driven Nurture™ is Instinct’s proprietary training philosophy. It starts with a Pre-Consult Nature/Nurture Assessment that considers two things: your dog’s unique Nature (their biological factors — species, breed/mix, individual traits) and their Nurture (their life experiences, environment, relationships, and training history). Together, these shape who your dog is and how they learn. Every program at Instinct starts with this foundation.
Ready 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.