Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Portland

Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Portland Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Portland, Dog trainer, 4011 NE Hancock, Portland, OR.
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Canine Behavior Experts | Portland, OR
Training Oregon and Washington Dogs
Kind, Compassionate, Positive Reinforcement Training
Working Collaboratively with Animal Behavior Clinic 🩵

We ALWAYS celebrate our wins 🩵A heartfelt thank you to Deby R  for her wonderful 5 star review and for trusting Instinct...
06/01/2026

We ALWAYS celebrate our wins 🩵

A heartfelt thank you to Deby R  for her wonderful 5 star review and for trusting Instinct Trainer Poppy to be part of Gizmo and Ollie’s training journey.

The progress Ollie & Gizmo have made is something to be proud of, and it’s a testament not only to Poppy’s expertise, but also to Deb’s incredible hard work and commitment to her dogs. Training is a team effort, and when guardians and trainers come together, real change happens. Way to go, Ollie and Gizmo! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When a dog struggles to learn, owners often jump to assuming their dog is ‘being stubborn’, but we know learning doesn’t...
05/30/2026

When a dog struggles to learn, owners often jump to assuming their dog is ‘being stubborn’, but we know learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Dogs who feel safe, comfortable, and fulfilled have nervous systems that are ready to learn. When a dog feels unsafe, uncomfortable or has unmet needs, their brain is focused elsewhere: on coping, surviving, or getting those needs met.

Before we ask more of our dogs in training, it’s worth asking: what are our dogs telling us about how they’re feeling? Learning is a reflection of what’s happening in your dog’s brain and body — and when we zoom out and assess the whole dog, we often find our answers. Focus on meeting your dog’s needs first 🩵

05/28/2026

Ready for training that feels good for both ends of the leash?

At Instinct, we focus on training that is based in science and measured in impact. We’re committed to helping dogs feel confident and in our human world while embracing their nature as dogs. Whether you’re dealing with leash reactivity, puppy chaos or challenging walks: we can help.

👉 Book your first session today!
✉️ [email protected]
📱 971-358-8787

We’re here to challenge the age old saying ‘a tired dog is a good dog’. If your dog seems or unable to settle, they may ...
05/23/2026

We’re here to challenge the age old saying ‘a tired dog is a good dog’. If your dog seems or unable to settle, they may not need more activity — they actually might just need a nap 😴

Dogs aren’t designed to stay awake all day like humans are. Healthy adult dogs typically sleep 11 –1 4 hours every 24 hours, with sleep spread across both overnight rest and daytime naps.

As a general guide, most dogs benefit from:
✨ 3 - 6 hours of daytime napping
✨ Around 8 hours of dedicated overnight sleep

Sleep needs are separate from the quiet downtime and restful moments that make up another large portion of a dog’s day. Seniors and giant breeds often need even more sleep, and puppies typically need anywhere from 18 - 20 hours per day!

Rest is a biological need that supports learning, emotional regulation, recovery, and overall wellbeing 🐾

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars for Instinct Trainer Beth! Helping dogs feel safe and confident is key to our work. Kirsten’s pu...
05/22/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars for Instinct Trainer Beth!

Helping dogs feel safe and confident is key to our work.
Kirsten’s pup came to us struggling with fear and uncertainty, and watching his world grow has been a privilege. Through building trust, he’s now learning new things every day and experiencing the joy of training. Way to go! 🩵

05/15/2026

Looking for a skill to work on this weekend? Try teaching your dog to Pivot! 🐾

Pivot helps your pup learn how to use their back end, improves core strength, balance and coordination, and can make heelwork way cleaner (if you’re fancy like that). Plus: it’s a joy to teach ✨

Dogs are meant to explore, sniff, run and make choices about how they engage with their environment! Giving dogs safe op...
05/13/2026

Dogs are meant to explore, sniff, run and make choices about how they engage with their environment! Giving dogs safe opportunities to move freely helps them feel more relaxed and fulfilled. ⁠
⁠
Freedom of movement doesn’t mean taking off the leash and your pup run wild; it means creating opportunities where dogs can safely express natural behaviors. This can mean letting your dog follow their nose on a long line, visiting a secure fenced in area, ensuring their harness is minimally restrictive to their natural gait, or training a reliable recall that allows them to spend time off leash.

Every trainer has their go to gear — here are just a few of our favorites!From flirt poles and long lines to traffic han...
05/10/2026

Every trainer has their go to gear — here are just a few of our favorites!

From flirt poles and long lines to traffic handles and treat pouches, these are the must haves Instinct Trainers reach for everyday for safe handling, enrichment and play.

Have a favorite piece of gear we left out? Drop it in the comments ⬇️

05/08/2026

Bike box training with Sol has been a joy 🌞

Sol’s ability to ride relaxed in her mom’s bike box didn’t come naturally to her — what you’re seeing is the result of several months of thoughtful exposure, pratice, and onboarding of skills to set her up for success with Instinct Trainer Claire. The outcome? A confident, happy dog opting into bike rides around the neighborhood, just in time for Portland summer!

This is the beauty of positive reinforcement training. By moving slowly and building trust, Sol has unlocked a dreamy new activity and a way to spend time with her guardian.

Wildflower season in the Gorge is here! 🌸🐾⁠Beautiful views are better when we share them responsibly. Here are a few tr...
05/02/2026

Wildflower season in the Gorge is here! 🌸🐾⁠
Beautiful views are better when we share them responsibly. Here are a few tried and true tricks we recommend for good trail etiquette with your pup: ⁠
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🌿 Use a long line on for safety & freedom to explore without disturbing fragile blooms⁠
🌿 Practice stationing calmly on logs or rocks as other hikers pass⁠
🌿 Give plenty of space between you & other hikers ⁠
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Thoughtful hiking protects the landscape, wildlife, and your pup while soaking in the sunshine.

Address

4011 NE Hancock
Portland, OR
97212

Telephone

+19713588787

Website

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