frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a trainer and training program?
How is Portland Paws different and what makes Portland Paws the best training program?
What training methods do you use?
I have questions about the clicker...
I don't want my dog to perform only when I have a treat or to become overweight from eating lots of extra food. Is that going to be a problem with this type of training?
What classes do you offer?
Where are you located?
When are the next classes starting?
What does training include and how much does it cost?
Is there a discount on training for dogs from shelter/rescue organizations?
Does my dog need to be neutered or spayed to join a training class?
What vaccinations does my dog need?
How do I sign up for training?
Is private or group training the best choice for me?
How early should I start socializing my puppy?
When is the best time to start training with my puppy?
Can I observe a current class to see if the class is right for me?
What other services do you provide besides dog training?

What should I look for in a trainer and training program?

For advice from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers,
click here.

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How is Portland Paws different and what makes Portland Paws the best training program?

• we use leading-edge methods

Trainers at Portland Paws are committed to continuing their education and updating their methods to keep up with the latest in scientific research.

• we offer a holistic program

A lot goes into raising a good dog. Physical health, socialization, exercise, management, and positive reinforcement with redirection have a combined influence on behavior. Our effective programs address all of the essential elements necessary for living a happier, healthier life with your dog.

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What training methods do you use?

We use gentle, scientifically-supported training techniques that encourage "good" behavior while working to eliminate "bad" behavior. (clicker training)

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I have questions about the clicker...

• Why click? Why is it better than using my voice?

It's precise: marks the exact moment the dog performs behavior you want.

It's fast: processed more quickly than words.

It's unique: only heard when something good is about to happen.

It's consistent: always sounds the same.

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• Does the clicker tell my dog what to do?

Clicking doesn't tell your dog when to perform a behavior — that is what a cue/command does! The click only "marks" a behavior so that your dog knows exactly what is being rewarded; the click doesn't cause behavior, the behavior causes a click. Clicking is like "taking a picture" of good behavior and then paying for the behavior with a reward.

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• I don't want to have to carry a clicker around
with me all the time. Will I always need it?

No! The clicker is simply a communication tool that is used when you are first teaching a behavior or spiffing-up an old one. If you don't have it on you when you are working with your dog, you can still use your voice("Yes!") to mark good behavior.

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I don't want my dog to perform only when I have a treat or to become overweight from eating lots of extra food. Is that going to be a problem with this type of training?

No! With the capturing and shaping methods, the behavior causes the food, not vice-versa. Weight increase should not be an issue, either. We recommend using a variety of rewards, including play and praise. Also, we often recommend using a portion of the dog's daily kibble with only a small handful of high value rewards mixed in.

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What classes/courses do you offer?

puppy manners
basic manners
intermediate manners
beginner flyball

(course details)

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Where are you located?

We have 3 convenient locations in SW, SE and NW Portland.
(training locations)

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When are the next classes starting?

Group training classes are ongoing. Take a look at our current schedule. (training schedule)

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What does training include and how much does it cost?

behavioral consultations
private instruction
group courses

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Is there a discount on training for dogs from shelter/rescue organizations?

Yes! We will gladly give a 10% discount off of private and group training for shelter and rescue dogs.

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Does my dog need to be neutered or spayed to join a training class?

Yes, if over 6 months of age.

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What vaccinations does my dog need?

To view our vaccination protocol, click here.

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How do I sign up for training?

Please fill out the application found on this site, or you can call us for printed version. Follow the links below:

Behavioral consultations
Private Instruction
Group Training Classes

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Is private or group training the best choice for me?

private may be best if at least one of the following
applies to you:

You have a busy schedule

You have a dog that has special needs or issues

You have a dog that is reactive
i.e. barky; aggressive; or extremely hyper, shy,
or stressed in new environments

group may be best for you if the following
apply to you:

Your dog is people-friendly and dog-friendly

You are able to make a 6 week commitment

You are looking for economical training
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How early should I start socializing my puppy?

The optimal time to socialize your pup is before 16 weeks of age! It is the time to introduce her to the world and show her that it is a safe and fun place to live. The risk of contracting disease is less than the risk of behavioral problems due to under-socializing during the critical period of brain development. To read what one vet had to say about the subject, click here.

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When is the best time to start training with my puppy?

If your dog is at least 8 weeks of age, then there is no time like the present! A dog can learn more in the first 16 weeks of life than she can learn in the rest of her life. Also, it is much easier to train behavior than it is to un-train behavior — start a prevention plan today, save time curing tomorrow!

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Can I observe a current class to see if the class is right for me?

Absolutely! We want to make sure that you are where you need to be: to observe a class that is currently in session, please contact us at info@portlandpaws.com or 503.452.3135.

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What other services do you provide besides dog training?

TAGteach

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frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a trainer and training program?

How is Portland Paws different and what makes Portland Paws the best training program?

• we use leading-edge methods

• we offer a holistic program

What training methods do you use?

I have questions about the clicker...

• Why click? Why is it better than using my voice?

• Does the clicker tell my dog what to do?

• I don't want to have to carry a clicker around with me all the time. Will I always need it?

I don't want my dog to perform only when I have a treat or to become overweight from eating lots of extra food. Is that going to be a problem with this type of training?

What classes/courses do you offer?

Where are you located?

When are the next classes starting?

What does training include and how much does it cost?

Is there a discount on training for dogs from shelter/rescue organizations?

Does my dog need to be neutered or spayed to join a training class?

What vaccinations does my dog need?

How do I sign up for training?

Is private or group training the best choice for me?

private may be best if at least one of the following applies to you:

group may be best for you if the following apply to you:

How early should I start socializing my puppy?

When is the best time to start training with my puppy?

Can I observe a current class to see if the class is right for me?

What other services do you provide besides dog training?

• I don't want to have to carry a clicker around
with me all the time. Will I always need it?

private may be best if at least one of the following
applies to you:

group may be best for you if the following
apply to you: