"Training is a NECESSITY, NOT a LUXURy"

Our small sized group training classes have a limit of 3 dogs to maximize learning and ensure success. Group classes are a great way to learn together in a positive and fun environment building the skills you want for a happy, well mannered dog! Each class is followed up with an email reviewing our class lessons, what you and your dog will work on in between classes and  helpful articles to help you understand your dog and the training processes we use.   

Private training offers one on one attention and ensures a quieter learning environment for you and your dog. A training plan is tailored to your specific needs and training goals.  Each training session is followed up with an email reviewing the work we did in our training session, what you and your dog will work on in between training sessions and helpful articles to help you understand your dog and the training processes we use.  

Our group classes at our training facility in Milwaukie have a maximum of 3 dogs per class. This ensures more individualized attention in a controlled environment to set you and your dog up for success! Each person/dog team have a sectioned off space to help minimize distractions and maximize learning. To help create a more calm environment and set all learners up for the most successful training experience, dogs are not allowed to socialize (except at specific times in our Puppy Preschool Class) .  All enrolled dogs are required to present proof of vaccinations or titers before coming to the training facility and any sickly dogs are removed immediately. Each group class is 60 minutes in length. 

Our private training sessions are held at our training facility in Milwaukie. They are designed for those who want individualized attention and would like a quieter environment to learn in. Private training is for puppies and dogs of all ages. All private training starts with a consultation to discuss your training goals and any areas of concern with your dog. We develop a personalized training plan to help you reach your goals and maximize success. Each training session is followed up with an email reviewing the work we did in our training session, what you and your dog will work on in between training sessions and helpful articles to help you understand your dog and the training processes we use.  All dogs are required to present proof of vaccinations or titers before coming to the training facility. Each private training session is 60 minutes in length. 

Puppies should start foundation training at 8 weeks of age. Multiple behavioral studies indicate the learning ability of an 8 week old puppy is equal to that of an adult dog.  The age of 8-16 weeks is the critical socialization period, with weeks 8-12 being the most critical. If you properly socialize a puppy during their critical socialization period you'll help prevent serious behavior issues later.  A dog is far, far more likely to die of behavior problems than disease. Organized and supervised classes allow puppies the best socialization and learning experience while providing a safe environment.  Read the AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) position statement on puppy socialization HERE.  All enrolled dogs are required to present proof of vaccinations or titers and any sickly dogs are removed immediately. Our training facility is properly sanitized before and after each class to ensure a safe environment.

Our Puppy Preschool Group Class is set up as a modular class so that you and your puppy can start as soon as possible. There are 4 weeks of classes, so no matter what week you start, you will rotate through all four classes and training topics. We designed it this way as puppies age out of this class so quickly. It is for puppies ages 8-13 weeks old when they start.This also gives your puppy the opportunity to socialize with more puppies, and for you to start as soon as possible during this critical and short period for proper socialization. 

All other classes start on a selected date and run in consecutive order. Please check our scheduling page for class dates and payment. 

We require proof of up to date distemper/parvo vaccinations that are appropriate for your dog's age, the equivalent titer, or a letter from your vet.  For dogs 6 months or older we require proof of an up to date rabies vaccination required by the State of Oregon.  

Dog training is an unregulated profession. Legally speaking, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and charge clients money regardless of their competence. It is important to find a certified trainer with continuing education credits. A certified trainer understands how dogs learn, body language and has devoted time and money to educating themselves to provide you and your dog a quality training experience. To combat inhumane dog training and misinformation, several scientific organizations offer a standardized certification that helps dog owners identify trustworthy professionals. 

Our trainers are certified by KPA (the Karen Pryor Academy), one of only three certifying bodies that is trusted by Veterinary Behaviorists. Read about how the American college of Veterinary Behaviorists recommends trainers.  HERE

For help choosing a dog trainer, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has a helpful resource.  HERE

Our training is based on positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a scientific term that refers to the process of encouraging a behavior by rewarding the dog with something it likes.  A reward may be food, toys, attention or other rewards based upon what the dog finds rewarding. At Dog3 Training we focus on catching good behavior and use positive reinforcement to train a new behavior to replace an unwanted behavior. We are force and fear free and focus on building trust, communication and a bond with your dog. 

Dogs exhibit lots of behaviors. That is great for us! We use this natural variability of behavior as the launch point for the whole teaching process. Positive reinforcement training consists of three parts:

1) Watch for the behavior you want to reinforce.

2) Mark the behavior

3) Reinforce the behavior. 

 Today's evolved animal training strategies are based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Applied Behavior Analysis is the practice of applying the psychological principles of learning theory to teach new behavior and/or change current behavior. ABA makes strategic use of the learning process called operant conditioning or operant learning. We use the advantage of the principle of operant conditioning that behaviors leading to pleasant consequences are likely to increase.  

What does this look like in your dog's brain?  "Hey, every time I put my butt on the floor, I get a yummy treat?!?! I'm going to do more of that because I really like those treats!" 

In laboratory studies, reward-based training has been shown to offer the most advantages and fewest risks for canine learners. Studies show that dogs trained with aversive methods (including correction collars) show more aggression and anxiety-related behaviors. Conversely, reward-based training has been shown to be more effective, and dogs trained exclusively with rewards have higher obedience and fewer behavior problems1. Scientific authorities (such as the AVSAB, IAABC, CCPDT, APDT, and AKC) recommend using only positive, reward-based training.

For a more detailed understanding, see the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position statement on humane dog training HERE.

You will need a harness, flat buckle collar, gentle leader or a halti and a 6 foot leash (NO correction collars - choke chains, e-collars, prong collars or flexi or retractable leashes). You will also need a blanket, mat or towel for mat work, a treat bag to hold your treats in, a variety of different types of treats/food in small pieces and soft (chicken, cheese, turkey, soft training treats, etc).  You will need more treats than you think, and your dog may be willing to only work for certain rewards in a training environment.  If your dog doesn't want to work for it, it isn't a treat! Please also read the ingredient list of any commercial dog treats, and think about whether you are comfortable feeding these in quantity. Many commercial dog treats are made of unhealthy ingredients, and can lead to a smelly or ill pet after training.  We will provide a clean water bowl and water. You will also need a food/treat stuffed puzzle toy or Kong , other chew, bone or a non-squeaky dog toy. 

 We recommend at least one training session per week until your pup has met your goal criteria. When training your own dog at home, short daily training sessions (5-10 minutes) are most effective. 

One of my heroes - Ken Ramirez - the Chief Training Officer of Karen Pryor Clicker Training said "Training is not a luxury, but a necessity".  Training is the way you can communicate to your dog the many many things there are to know about living in our world. You need to help your dog understand how to live with your family as a good companion. The three most important reasons for training are:

1) Physical exercise - getting enough physical exercise is important for all animals to live a full and healthy live!

2) Mental stimulation - gives your dog something to occupy it's mind:  games to play, puzzles to work out can keep an animal from getting bored.

3) Cooperative behaviors - these are the things that assist in caring for your dog better and makes their lives less stressful. Teaching your pup to walk on a leash, go into a crate, give you their paw so you can trim their nails, groom them, to provide medical care when needed and the list goes on and on. These are all things that enhance the quality of your dog's life. 

We use Rescue Disinfectant in our facility - a powerful one step disinfectant and deodorizer. Find 3 Fast Facts about Rescue Disinfectant HERE. Find the Rescue Concentrate Reference Sheet  HERE. Find our cleaning and sanitizing protocol  HERE.  

You may receive a full refund for Private Lessons up to 48 hours before the lesson. Failure to reschedule or cancel before 48 hours will forfeit your payment.

You may receive a full refund for Group classes up to 1 week before the first class session. Failure to reschedule or cancel before 1 week will forfeit your payment.