When there are two dogs in the home that both need training, it is appropriate to work with both dogs at the same time only if:

• Both dogs need to work on the same skills/behaviors and two human handlers can be present.

• The case requires BMOD (behavior modification) to resolve fights among two resident dogs.

Options for how a single Private Training Package for two dogs might be structured include:

• Working with a different dog every other session. (Sessions would still be scheduled every other week).

• Dedicating the first half of a session to one dog and then switching to working with the other dog half way through. (Sessions would still be scheduled every other week).

Purchasing a package for each dog is necessary only if:

• The behavior needs in question are drastically different, for example: one dog is a puppy who needs basic training and the other is an adult who needs help with reactivity on walks.

Options for how multiple packages purchase for multiple dogs might be structured include:

• Working with a different dog every other session. (Sessions could be scheduled once a week, twice a week, or twice every other week.)

• Dedicating the first half of a session to one dog and switching to working with the other dog half way through is an option. However, it’s important to note that each dog will make more progress if more sessions are purchased. (Sessions could be scheduled once a week, twice a week, or twice every other week.)

Ultimately, training is challenging to do effectively with two (or more) dogs present and each dog WILL need to practice individually both in sessions and out of sessions (at home) for the training to truly take hold.

On a case-by-case basis we are able to work with clients who live in the greater Portland area but are outside our current service area. A small travel fee of $1/minute will apply for anything beyond a 25 minute commute range from the trainer's residence.

Other options for training with Noble Woof if you live outside our current service area include:

• Meeting at an agreed-upon central location such as a park or Sniffspot, as determined appropriate by you and your trainer.

• Having sessions at the Noble Woof Canine Education Center in Montavilla.

• Virtual Training in which you meet with your trainer via Zoom or GoogleMeet for your sessions. This form of training has proven highly effective for many of our clients. (More on this subject in the FAQ below!)

• Learn via one of our vast library of Online Courses! All meticulously created by Noble Woof founder, Brie Blakeman, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA

  Not sure if you’re in our service area? There’s a good chance you are if your address is within a 20 minutes drive from the Noble Woof Canine Education Center. Submit an inquiry form on the page of the Private Training Program that most suits your primary training goals. Once we’ve reviewed your form we’ll reach out to let you know!

We’re frequently asked, “Don’t you need to see my dog’s behavior in order to help resolve it?

While it may seem counterintuitive at first, remote training can actually be extremely effective, especially for dogs with reactivity. There are many 'hidden' benefits, you could say! In-person training can sometimes get in the way of initial progress because it can make everything more challenging for the dog. Our goal is always to train in such a way that ensures a safe and errorless learning journey for you and your dog.

Having a trainer present can significantly alter how your dog naturally behaves, which can result in a less accurate picture of the nature of the relationship dynamic and source of the problem behavior.

Empowering & Effective

So much of what goes into a successful training program is actually coaching humans how to train their dogs themselves. Our philosophy and goal is to transfer skills to dog guardians, teaching them how to observe their dog’s behavior and help them nurture a mutually beneficial and joyful relationship.

Individualised & Innovative

With the help of modern technology, we’re able to deliver the most up-to-date, evidence based training techniques to you wherever you are! You’ll be able to access your training plan, review videos and handouts, track your progress, and ask questions, all online! Like having a trainer in your back pocket!

Testimonials from clients who have trained with Noble Woof remotely:

“I was initially hesitant about doing virtual dog training as the majority of the training I had done with my dog had been in person. However, I knew that Brie had an excellent reputation in the training community and my vet highly recommended working with her, so I thought I'd give it a try and I'm glad I did! While there are some downsides to virtual training (mainly the trainer can't demonstrate the training exercises with your dog), there were more unexpected positive aspects to it - I feel like Brie was often better able to see and watch for different cues from my dog in the virtual environment, sessions were easy to record and rewatch (Brie even shared some of them with her mentor for feedback), and my dog wasn't overexcited or acting differently due to the presence of a new and exciting person. It was also really convenient for me - I didn't have to juggle traveling with my dog to a training location, or coordinate having someone in my home. I feel like the training better translated to a non training environment for my dog since our training sessions weren't novel. Brie is still able to demonstrate techniques with her own dogs when needed, and she is very skilled at talking through and explaining what she wants you to do. No regrets working with Brie virtually!”

~ Katie & Sammy

“Working with Brie in private sessions over zoom has been so helpful for me and my 1.5 year old dog. Not only do I get all the benefit of her expert feedback and guidance that private training provides, but I don’t have to wait for my dog to acclimate to a new place or deal with the unknown variables involved with travelling, getting excited about other people/dogs/etc. The virtual session really allows us to have our own training routine that’s just focused in our home. I have also had private trainers come to my house, and in contrast this zoom training provides the benefit of really minimizing my dogs’ distractions and mimicking our everyday training routine so that Brie can make interventions and suggestions in our training that are more true to life. I also appreciate that they are recorded, as I have replayed it on occasions where I can’t remember the specific instruction she gave. I think our zoom sessions really allow us to focus on training the trainer (me!) to work better with my dog in our everyday contexts.”

~Kenzie & Rio

Only the learner in front of us gets to dictate what is possible. While many of our clients do achieve their goals, we do not make any promises or guarantees on any particular behavior trajectory.

All animals are sentient beings and it would be unethical and erroneous to make any guarantees about their behavior.

Due to a variety of factors nobody can know how many sessions or how much time it will take to see a significant change in your dog’s behavior. Generally speaking, if a trainer “guarantees” they can “fix” a behavior in any amount of time, this should be considered a red flag. Behavior (in any species) cannot be guaranteed.

The Puppy 102: Gamify Teenage Mayhem curriculum builds directly on that of the Puppy 101: Foundations curriculum and is designed for puppies 5-18 months.

A critical component to success in the Puppy 102 class is both you and your puppy being proficient in the foundational skills covered in the Puppy 101: Foundations curriculum.

Please follow this link to enroll in the Puppy Foundations E-Course. The program is $50/month and can be canceled anytime.

A clicker is useful as a precise 'marker' but is not absolutely necessary in order to effectively implement Marker Training techniques. Some people prefer to use a verbal marker such as the word, “yes!”

We recommend watching THIS VIDEO from the page on our website about Positive Reinforcement Training which elaborates on the efficacy of using a marker (such as a clicker) when training non-human animals.

Private Training

The quantity of sessions needed depends on the individual dog as well as your expectations of the outcome. Most behavior change journeys require life-long learning and training.

Due to a variety of factors nobody can know how many sessions or how much time it will take to see a significant change in your dog’s behavior. Generally speaking, if a trainer “guarantees” they can “fix” a behavior in any amount of time, this should be considered a red flag. Behavior (in any species) cannot be guaranteed.

Our smaller Private Training packages are a great way to “dip your toes” into….

Day Training & Enrichment Program

A generalized estimate at the amount of time needed to get maximum results would likely be around six months. We know this isn't possible for everyone, and always like to emphasize that your dog will be receiving high level training, weekly enrichment, and it will have a lasting impact on your dog’s behavior for however long they can attend. Whether you completely achieve the training goal(s) you set when enrolling your dog in this program really depends on the dog and how much you apply the training systems they've learned in the program when at home (in between lessons).

Some of our first Day Training clients are still attending simply because they see the difference in their dog’s behavior when they’re attending the program versus when they’re not. During their time in the program their goals continue to shift and evolve as milestones are achieved. These long term Day Training dogs have been attending one to two full days a week for eight months. They are definitely our most improved and impressive group of dogs.

The least amount of time someone has stuck with the program is three months with their dog attending one half day of training a week. They expressed they were very satisfied with the results despite not being able to bring their dog longer than three months.

We hope this helps paint a picture of what to expect. Ultimately, training is always for the life of the dog. While we understand not every client can stick with the Day Training program on an ongoing basis, we believe it will certainly give your dog an energizing training boost!

Finding high-quality Board & Train operations run by Certified Professional Dog Trainers who use positive reinforcement methodologies can be challenging. Many Board & Train facilities employ aversive tools or place animals in stressful situations and environments.

Look for:

• Welfare-focused care from certified professionals

• Training that happens in their own comfortable environment

• Better skill transfer since learning occurs where they'll use it

• Daily written recaps and video documentation of progress

If you're considering any training program, we recommend reading this article written by Noble Woof founder Brie Blakeman for guidance on evaluating whether a training company aligns with your values. You can also learn more about credentials in the dog training industry here.

We are committed to creating a safe place for all and strive to make high quality dog training as accessible as possible. We offer discounts for BIPOC and other marginalized communities.

Please reach out to Katrina at katrina@noblewoof.com for more information.

We can’t wait to meet you and your dog!

While native heart-worm disease is rare in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is also home to many rescue dogs from around the country (and globe!). Heart-worm disease has a long prepatent period (6 months) where a dog may be infected, but they will test negative. Since heart-worm is spread by mosquitos, once a dog that’s infected becomes part of the population, dogs are at risk of contracting the disease if they are not on a monthly internal preventative.

It is primarily the internal parasite protection afforded by all heartworm preventatives that is the most important part. Especially for puppies and for all dogs that are socializing.

The most important reason is that monthly preventatives treat internal parasites that are potentially zoonotic (roundworms and hookworms). Monthly preventativea are especially important if the dog lives with small children. Dogs are easily infected if they are doing a lot of socializing or going to places where dogs frequent. Hookworms can migrate through the feet from soil contaminated with hookworm eggs/larvae. Dogs can easily become infected with any internal parasite, including giardia, by walking through contaminated grass/soil and then coming home and cleaning/licking their paws, butt sniffing, etc. Unfortunately, there is no preventative medication for giardia.

LEARN MORE HERE

Our day training program is not a free-roaming daycare. It’s focused on training and structured skill-building. Dogs have brief play sessions, depending on whether there’s an appropriate play match for them present on that day.

If your dog struggles with confinement or finds it difficult to settle without constant play, they may not thrive in this environment. We want every dog in our program to be comfortable and successful, so if we find your dog is too frustrated or stressed by the setup, we may recommend private training as a better option.

We’re committed to finding the right fit for you and your dog, and we’d be happy to discuss any concerns or answer any questions you might have before scheduling an evaluation.

It is our opinion that training is ultimately a lifelong journey, and we’ve created training programs (aka packages) to ensure people are prepared to invest in what we believe is the minimum amount of sessions they will need to get the ball rolling in the right direction. It is always encouraged and recommended that people renew their packages when they are able to afford to do so. Behavior change takes time, and many of our clients continue to renew their packages multiple times after their first has been completed.

We have two types of packages, with some customizable options.

1. Coaching Only Packages (Starter Puppy/Dog, Complete Puppy/Dog, or Pepperoncino).

   These packages include a 90 minute Consultation and three/six Coaching Sessions, respectively. We recommend scheduling Coaching Sessions on a bi-weekly (every other week) cadence, because behavior change takes time and practice, and two-weeks is a sufficient amount of time to implement the training homework your coach will give in each session.

2. Comprehensive Packages (Seasoned Puppy, Seasoned Dog, and Ghost Pupper).

   Our top tier comprehensive package, are a little bit different. These packages include two different types of lessons. Coaching Sessions and Tutoring Sessions.

   • Coaching Sessions are where your trainer teaches you and your dog simultaneously. The focus of these sessions is on teaching you how to train your dog. We recommend scheduling these sessions on a bi-weekly (every other week) cadence.

   • Tutoring sessions are where your trainer comes and works with your dog without you. The focus of tutoring sessions is to onboard and fine tune important skills we need your dog to know to reach your training goals. We typically recommend scheduling these sessions twice a week for best results.

We work with most behavioral needs ranging from puppy training, adult basics, all the way up to severe canine anxieties and even aggression. In some cases, we will refer to another training company if your dog has a severe bite history or multiple complex behavior issues that would be best addressed by a Veterinary Behaviorist. Another reason we might refer out is availability.