The Better Dog states that you can do a free 30 minute consultation with Ursula and Dennis to see…read moreif they are the right fit. So we set one up. I messed up and had to change the date and they responded with "no problem, we adjusted, look forward to speaking to you." When we finally had our phone consultation both my husband and I fell in love with Ursula's bubbly personality and knowledge. She spoke to us about our dog's issues and made some suggestions for immediate help and then suggested a trainer for anxiety. But we wanted to make sure we could try with her first so we are setting up an in person as we feel she can definitely help us and our dog. They are responsive, understanding and truly care. Ursula listened carefully to our concerns and gave us great suggestions and feedback. So I cannot recommended them highly enough just based on that. BUT I know we will love her when we start training (and I'll definitely update my review!)

The Better Do Co, has made such a huge impact on our lives and our dogs life. Habibi went into the…read moreprogram anxious, aggressive and for lack of better words, a TOTAL brat. Ursula and Dennis, are not only dog whisperers but are easy to communicate with, quick to respond to any questions or concerns and are all around two of the nicest people we've met in Portland. They did not promise a "quick fix" but rather provided us with a foundation of rules and tools to help improve both our lives and Habibi's life. We enrolled Habibi in the Lodge & Learn program, and we could't be happier or more impressed with the results; he came out obedient, confident but still his goofy self. Honestly, we were anxious to to trust someone with our baby for an entire month but after speaking with Ursula on the phone, we felt confident he would be in good hands and that the Lodge and Learn program was the right fit for him. The transition from our home to their place, was the hardest part, but also went flawless and was executed perfectly. Once he was back at their place we constantly got pictures & texts to update us on his progress and they always felt like just a text or phone call away. They have continued to be impactful and available in Habibi's training once he has been home. He continues to grow and improve thanks to their love, training and guidance. The visible changes Habibi has shown speaks volumes to the program they run & the people they are. They have given so much love and attention to our guy & instilled confidence and happiness, and Habibi is truly a BETTER DOG! His ability to listen to commands, walk on a leash without pulling, or simply sitting at a park has brought so much happiness to my family. We will forever be thankful for the work The Better Dog Co, Ursula & Dennis have done for our lives & Habibi's life.

If you want your dog to be on the same wavelength and speak the same language as you, send them to…read moreRascal! Zoe is amazing. We have a high-energy cattle dog mix, and at 8 months old, he stayed with Zoe for 3 weeks in April for advanced obedience. I was so nervous about leaving him (he's my first puppy!), but it was awesome to see his progress on their Instagram. When we picked him up, he got to show us everything he learned, and Zoe walked us through everything she taught him. He totally understands what we're saying now! He knows how to regulate himself and finds time to be calm. When he's playful, his recall is EXCELLENT and he comes right back, even if there's a lot going on. I took him camping a few weeks ago and got so many compliments on how well-behaved he is for being so young. Bowie also went and stayed at Rascal for a week in June, and having that safe space for him where he can fine-tune his skills while we are on vacation is a life-saver. I've been recommending Rascal Training to everyone I know, and I think you should send your pup, too!

Let me get this out the way right now. SEND YOUR DOG HERE. If you are even considering a board and…read moretrain, do it. We sent our big oaf of a GSD rescue (Shadow) to Rascal after a ton of research and it was the right choice. My partner and I live in Montavilla and wanted to be able to bring our dog everywhere we could. Unfortunately, she was an 85 pound asshole that couldn't walk on a leash and spent her life being anxious and obsessive. She also couldn't hang with our cats and would waste her days staring down the hall at them - nothing could tear her away. Looking through the Rascal website and instagram I knew that Zoe was the right person. As Shadow progressed through the program she was able to go on a ton of field trips. This aspect was very important to me, knowing that Shadow would have exposure to public places (home improvement stores, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, etc.) with someone who can make sure the experience is positive. Shadow has only been home a few days, but it's been amazing. She can go for walks now without giving us blisters on our palms by pulling. She is able to lay down in the front yard with me while there are crows and squirrels around. SHE HEARS ME WHEN I CALL HER. The hardest part of the whole thing has been my own training, but even that is easier every day. Seriously, Rascal Training is worth it a thousand times over.

I heard about Cara through a friend who has a nervous, reactive pup. I'd seen such an improvement…read morein him, so I thought it'd be worth a try with my own anxious tiny one. The first time Cara took my dog on a hike, she could hardly get in the car with all of her barking and snarling at the other dogs. Now she never barks at all and is so comfortable with all the other pups in the pack. I've noticed that my walks with my dog are better, too. She is far less obsessed with other dogs we see, she doesn't need to be coaxed with treats, she's just way more balanced and confident. I know that having a dog--particularly a tiny anxious one--is constant work, but Cara has made it so much easier. My dog loves going on her her hikes and is totally obsessed with Cara. So glad we found her! Highly recommended!

Both my partner and I work full-time and don't get out with our Dino as much in the winter when the…read moredays are shorter. Cara makes my dog's week. Dino knows when Monday comes around, it is time for his hike. He gets so excited, and is eager to go. And, he is always tired when he returns. Cara is experienced, confident, professional, and kind. My dog loves her and I trust her implicitly with him. I highly recommend her services.

Elizabeth from Paws United is a knowledgable, caring, and effective dog trainer. She had clear…read moreinsight into why my very large German Shepherd was being leash aggressive with other dogs on walks. Elizabeth understands the dog (and human!) mind and gives practical exercises, equipment, treats and tips on how to improve communication between dog and human in a clear, concise way. In the months that we worked with Elizabeth, and practiced her recommendations, we saw vast improvements in our dog's behavior in public and at home. I am no longer dragged through the park on dog-attack missions!

Elizabeth is a lifesaver. Our new puppy was quickly getting out of control, and we were sleep…read moredeprived and frustrated. She tailored our training, specifically, for our concerns. We very quickly saw an improvement. Our stress levels came down, and we have been able to implement her techniques with great success. She comes to your home, tailors an individual training program for you and your dog. She's friendly, helpful, calming. She helped us feel in charge again. Lifesaver! P.S. She loves coconut Lacroix.

My partner and I cannot thank Timothy enough for the help he was able to provide during a rough…read moretime for us. Our 2 large male dogs have been friends since puppies but recently developed some aggression issues. At a loss, we called Dog Basics PDX and Timothy was able to come out the same day. He provided us with tools and confidence to begin navigating our training journey. Before the session our dogs could not be in the same room but now they are walking well and able to spend supervised time more freely.

Tim was super helpful and very knowledgeable. He helped us understand our doberman and how to help…read moreher.

Finding the right daycare for young, sensitive dog is hard. Mary Ellen's "Wag Along" made it easy…read more I was nervous about finding a doggy daycare for my young golden retriever, Cooper. I had taken a new in-office job, and I didn't want him alone all day. I also didn't want an industrial kennel operation, like taking him to work in a factory. Those places tend to have a high volume of dogs and high worker turnover, and I really didn't want him around aggressive dogs or picking up stressed-out behaviors with inexperienced dog handlers. Wag Along is the opposite of all that -- a real home with a real yard, a section of her own set up just for the dogs. The owner, Mary Ellen, runs the whole operation herself, so you know she is the point-person for any questions or concerns. She's located conveniently right off the 205, perfect for anyone that passes through SE PDX. What struck me at first about this dog daycare was the pick-up and drop-off scene. The dogs surround Mary Ellen with happy tails, all of them relaxed. There's no barking, no chaos, no wound-up energy. None! That doesn't happen by accident. She clearly screens for temperament and knows how to keep the whole group settled. Cooper adores her. I call "dog school" and he lights up when he knows we're going. He comes home so happy, blissfully tired, and all smiles -- his Fi tracker shows he's logging serious miles in that yard. It's great after a long day at work; I don't need to take him on a walk. Cooper sometimes falls asleep on the drive home. Mary Ellen also has a mobile groomer come by to Wag Along regularly, which is a great bonus.... My dog comes home handsome and smelling fresh! Boarding has also been very easy. Mary Ellen asks for their daily food portions in a baggie, any special blanket or bedding, and she takes care of the rest. She also administers medication, if needed. I have planned vacations with Cooper staying at (what I call) "dog camp," but Mary Ellen has also been accommodating when a last-minute boarding was needed for a medical emergency. She's someone to trust. Mary Ellen is professional, communicative, and the dogs in her care are obviously well loved. I trust her 100% with mine. Honestly, if I could write Cooper into my will to go to her, I would. I'm back to working remotely; but Cooper is still going to Wag Along a few days per week. It's positive stimulation and exercise for him. I am not getting anything special out of this post. I am writing it because Mary Ellen / Wag Along is a gem amongst some real dog turds. If you're looking for a home-based daycare/boarding where your dog will be genuinely cared for and not just contained, this is it.

Mary Ellen is rude, unprofessional, and temperamental - please never leave your dog in the hands of…read morethis person. This review is delayed, but I never forgot the stress and horrors Mary Ellen put me through. I had a delayed flight, and she threw a fit that I would be unable to pick up my dog in the afternoon, as originally planned, but instead that I would pick my dog up first thing in the morning. When I showed up in the morning, Mary Ellen was outside organizing her recycling and refused to make eye contact with me, or say hello. My dog, she was locked in a kennel outside the gate with all her stuff. Immediately I noticed my dog had some white sticky goo on her backside, and when I got home I immediately bathed her. When I texted Mary Ellen to ask what that was, she said it was sap. I'm not even sure if she has a tree in her backyard. I worried (and still do) that something terrible had happened to my dog. And then, she had the gall to text me back and say I owed her an extra $25!!! Exhausted and stressed, and having seen how unstable and temperamental she is, I paid her in order to not deal with her anymore. Please note - the prices on her website are not accurate. There's a handful of negative reviews on her Yelp and Google reviews. These reviews are consistent outlining her cruel behavior to pet owners entrusting their dogs in her care, and lack of patience and respect - this woman is not well. Please consider that only because the negative reviews are few, doesn't mean they're not true.

Youngblood was on time, very friendly and my dog even liked him right off. He gave us great…read moreinstructions on what we were doing wrong and what we should be doing. It is not easy for me to change my ways but my little dog is doing better than I am. Youngblood was very patient with us. I highly recommend him to anyone.

We adopted Hunter after his being in 3 foster homes. As a one and a half year old golden, being…read moretossed around his whole life, he naturally had several "issues". Our friends recommended Youngblood, and we are so grateful they did. After just one lesson, Hunter seemed more at ease, and not as scared. We just finished our 5th lesson, and Hunter is a new dog. Calm, manners, not afraid. Can't thank you enough Youngblood and have already recommended you to a friend. Wish there was a higher Yelp rating to give you. Paul, Pam & Hunter

Erin is one of my absolute favorite dog trainers to work with! Not only does my dog LOVE her, I…read morefeel really comfortable working with her - she is supportive, encouraging, humble, and flexible!! Sometimes I feel like other trainers have their one "right" way of training but Erin always has a whole bunch of different techniques and strategies she uses to train dogs. She worked with me until we found something that really worked well and felt comfortable for me and my dog. I always walk away from our training sessions feeling successful (something my dog picks up on and really responds well to) and totally capable of dealing with whatever challenge I bring to the lesson. Erin is particularly good with high-energy "working dogs" and really understand their needs. I have a 4 yr old high-energy lab-shepherd mix who loves to work and move - she and I both have never done well with lessons where we do a lot of sitting and listening to the trainer talk. Erin introduced me to Rally and it was the magic "missing piece" that made all the other impulse control, good social manners, and general discipline work fall into place. (well, that and the Pack Hikes my dog goes on every week to burn off pent up energy!) :)

Erin has been an absolutely amazing trainer for our dog, and for us! She's been helping us with…read moresome stranger-danger and nighttime scariness, so our dog can go on evening and night walks without freaking out. She also gave us a bunch of help when we were studying for our Canine Good Citizen and our Novice Rally title! I would (and often do) highly recommend Erin to absolutely everyone. Her 1-1 trainings are super helpful, and her pack walks keep our dog sane throughout the week when we have to go to work. No amount of morning runs will tire our dog out like a single pack walk where she has to keep up with 4 similarly energetic dogs. I don't know how Erin does it! Thank you so much Erin!!