Nakama Dog Training

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Nakama Dog Training Force-free, modern dog training in the Salem, OR area. Serving Albany, Dallas, Falls City, Independence, Monmouth, Salem, Silverton, Stayon and Woodburn.

Online sessions are available worldwide! I use force-free, science-based methods to help you and your dog build and maintain a healthy, happy relationship, with emphasis on balancing your dog's need to practice natural behaviors while also behaving politely in the human world. With positive reinforcement, your dog will learn faster, retain behaviors better and have lots of fun! I am an Accredited Dog Trainer by the IAABC, a Predation Substitute Training Instructor and a Fear Free Certified Trainer. I have completed Michael Shikashio's Master Aggression Course and am working on a Family Dog Mediator certification. As such, I have proven my knowledge on canine behavior and training and have pledged to train dogs with the least invasive, minimally aversive methods possible. I will treat you and your dog with the utmost respect and compassion. This is why I will never ask you to train your dog in a way that makes you uncomfortable. I will never use a choke chain, prong collar or shock collar on your dog or ask you to "dominate", intimidate or hurt your dog in any way. I believe in continuing education, which is why I strive to research dog training and behavior from reputable, scientific sources as well as through hands-on experience. This is also why I train with positive reinforcement; studies show that reward-based training is the best way to build a happy, healthy bond with your dog. I am currently working on 2 more professional certifications. I believe in doing right by you and your dog; if at any time you are unhappy with my services or I believe that another trainer would be a better fit for you, I would be more than willing to work with you to find another trainer to fit your needs.

Luna is a German Shepherd who was rescued from a backyard breeder and at the age of 2 had never left the yard.Her new ho...
10/12/2026

Luna is a German Shepherd who was rescued from a backyard breeder and at the age of 2 had never left the yard.
Her new home is a doggie paradise: acreage on a quiet street and 2 other shepherds to play with! Despite that Luna is struggling with separation distress and resource guarding her new mom.
Her brother Murphy likes to police the other animals and tell off cars passing by the property. Her sister Ryely likes to hunt deer that wander in.
They are all acting normal for German Shepherds, but we want to take things down by several notches.
During their evaluation I was able to interrupt a few tantrums start having the dogs wait their turn and they were all able to go out the door calmly, a first!

10/07/2026

Whenever I teach leash manners, the first thing I say is "Your dog controls the tension, not you."

Dogs learn that if the leash is tight, they need to fix it by turning, slowing down, or stepping back. Otherwise, they cannot go forward.

I never pull on a leash unless absolutely necessary, as this can create frustration, stress or discomfort. And your dog learns to just wait for you to tug instead of move on their own.

Practice enough, and tension disappears.

Kobe the Bully Mix is learning all the puppy things, and I'm learning cues in Portuguese!Kobe's biggest struggles are be...
10/04/2026

Kobe the Bully Mix is learning all the puppy things, and I'm learning cues in Portuguese!

Kobe's biggest struggles are being alone and controlling his rowdiness around another dogs; very normal for a puppy!

He's very smart and learns quick when he can pay attention. Remember puppies are babies, so they can only focus so long! Making things fun and easy is the key.

10/01/2026

Aversive trainers HAVE to set up the dog to fail, so they can punish it. Otherwise, their techniques would have no effect.
A skilled force-free trainer sets up a dog for success so they can reinforce the wanted behaviors and prevent the unwanted ones. They don't need to see a dog go off the rails in order to train it.

Can you draw dogs? I want to hear from you!I'm looking to create some PDFs for clients to refer to after sessions, and I...
09/24/2026

Can you draw dogs? I want to hear from you!

I'm looking to create some PDFs for clients to refer to after sessions, and I'd like to have some cute art to add to them!

I will need simple doodles and diagrams of dogs performing various training exercises; loose leash walking, going into a crate, etc. They don't have to be realistic, just clear and easy to understand.

You will be paid for your time and credited on every worksheet!

Please DM if interested!

09/23/2026

A long time coming with one of the most challenging leash manners cases I've ever had!

Sadie only gets walked when I come over. She does not want food. She does not want pets. She does not want toys. She just wants to go. She's my main inspiration for enrolling in Ash Osborn
Low Drive seminar next month.

So proud of Sadie!

09/21/2026

When I first met Hagrid, he rushed at my car. He had to be put on leash the entire time I was at his house so he wouldn't bark.
The last time I saw him, he was barking at people walking across the street.
Last week, he walked by tennis players with no issues whatsoever.

09/18/2026

Sound on for the most ignorant, scripted shock jock spiel I've ever heard.

Tyler the Heeler Mix has started to have no tolerance for other dogs near his stick, and is trending towards guarding th...
09/15/2026

Tyler the Heeler Mix has started to have no tolerance for other dogs near his stick, and is trending towards guarding things from people too. He also goes from 0-100 when playing with a ball which has led to some boo-boos.

We're still trying to puzzle out if there are any contributing factors to Tyler's behavior, including his age, his recent move to a new house, a possible issue with his leg, or past anxiety issues. If one or more of these is the problem, training isn't going to do much if we don't address it!

Tyler started to learn some disengagement, impulse control and focus during his evaluation and did a great job!

Donut turns into a whole other dog when the leash is on! She gets pully, nervous about people and lunges at dogs. In her...
09/10/2026

Donut turns into a whole other dog when the leash is on! She gets pully, nervous about people and lunges at dogs.

In her first session Donut learned how to keep a loose leash, stay calm when she sees spooky things and wait patiently at the door.

Good job, Donut!

Address

Salem, OR
97301

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 8pm
Tuesday 11am - 8pm
Wednesday 11am - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 8pm

Telephone

+12073328365

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