About

Claire is a part-time trainer at Instinct Portland, offering in-person and virtual coaching, as well as home school training. She specializes in helping clients self-train service dogs, navigate puppyhood and adolescence, and teach adult dogs everyday manners and life skills. Claire focuses on practical, accessible strategies that build strong human-canine relationships.

"Practical, accessible strategies that build strong human-canine relationships."

Background & Approach

Claire's dog training journey began as a volunteer guide dog puppy raiser and evolved into more than a decade training guide dogs with Guide Dogs for the Blind and Occupaws. Before joining Instinct, she worked with pet dogs and service dog teams through City Dog Country Dog.

Claire holds a BS in Psychology from Oregon State University, along with her Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT) credential, Karen Pryor Puppy Start Right certificate, and Guide Dog Mobility Instructor qualification. She is a Professional Member of APDT and a Supporting Member of IAABC.

Beyond the Clinic

Claire lives in Portland with her husband, two sons, a dog (Rosie), a cat (Nelly), and two guinea pigs (Peanut and Button). Outside of work, she enjoys nose work with Rosie and catching up on training podcasts while carpooling or folding laundry.