★★★★★  4.9 from 1,200+ client reviews
Balanced dog training since 2013 · Serving 7 states across the US
Call us: 415-583-5412
Home› Locations› Oregon› Portland› Aggressive Dog Training
Portland · Aggressive Dog Training

Portland Aggressive Dog Training

If the leash reactivity or aggression feels unfixable, we want you to know it’s not.

3–8 week programs Max 5 dogs per trainer 2× weekly photo & video updates
★★★★★

“Whether we’re your first call or your last hope.”

Programs from $3,600 · GPS collars · Max 5 dogs
How does aggressive dog training work in Portland?

Rebuild trust. Create structure. Enjoy life with your dog again. You’ve tried it all. Group dog training classes, positive-only methods, boot camps that promise quick fixes. But your dog is still out of control—and your home still feels like a battlefield.

Problem behaviors we help with

Behavior we work with in Portland

If the reactivity, anxiety, fear, or aggression feels unfixable, we want you to know it’s not.

Tell Us About Your Dog →

Aggression

Dog-to-dog aggression, Human aggression, Resource or food guarding, Dogs fighting

Fear & Anxiety

Fear based behaviors, Separation anxiety, Generalized anxiety, Destructive behaviors

Obedience Issues

Pulling on leash, Not coming when called, Jumping, Excessive barking

Our philosophy

Let the heeling begin.

Ever wonder why some Portland dog Board & Train programs promise quick fixes or take a one-size-fits-all approach, only to leave you with unreliable results and behaviors that come back? That doesn’t mean your dog is broken — it means they need a different approach.

At Koru K9 Dog Training in Portland, our Board & Train programs are built for real-life success — not shortcuts. We focus on lasting behavior change through connection, consistency, and clear communication.

Real-life training in real environments. Each day includes structured sessions, field trips, and exposure to everyday distractions — city sidewalks, parks, and real streets, never a kennel run.
1–5
Client dogs per trainer — never more
2×
Photo & video updates weekly
GPS
Collars & secure home environments
0
Kennels — home-based, always
How it works

How aggressive dog training works in Portland

We treat every dog as if they were our own — because we know how much they mean to you.

1

Pick-up day

Pick up and drop off are part of every program. Your dog travels safe and settles into their trainer’s home.

2

Life in a real home

Your dog lives with a professional trainer — structured sessions plus playtime, exercise, and rest, never a crowded facility.

3

Real-world training daily

City streets, parks, and field trips — with at least two photo/video updates per week so you follow the progress.

4

Delivery & go-home lesson

We personally deliver your dog back and teach you everything they’ve learned — plus two follow-up lessons.

Your local team

Koru K9 trainers serving Portland

Local trainers who live and work where you do.

Rhys Cervantes

Portland, OR
Certified Behaviorist

My name is Rhys, I’m a professional dog trainer who has been working with dogs since I was 16 years old. My approach to training is relationship based.

Read full bio

Rob Russell

Portland, OR
Certified BehavioristCGC Evaluator

Rob’s passion for dog training was shaped by Nanook, a Malamute/Timberwolf mix whose lack of early training taught him firsthand how important clear communication and leadership can be.

Read full bio

Lindsey Estabrook

Portland, OR
Dog BehavioristTom Rose School

Most know Lindsey as the girl with the dog. In 2004 she began her canine ventures by raising a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This experience sparked an interest that ignited a passion.

Read full bio

Annette Johnson

Portland, OR
Dog BehavioristKoru Master Program Graduate

After over 20 years in the Information Technology industry, Annette decided it to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a dog trainer. The skills learned in her Information Technology career have taught Annette how to be a…

Read full bio

Maloree Campbell

Portland, OR
Dog Behaviorist

Maloree has been training dogs since she was 12 years old. Her and her dog Bella were the youngest certified therapy dog team for Delta Society and Intermountain Therapy Animals.

Read full bio

Natalie and Lee Lane

Oregon Coast / Portland, OR
Dog Behaviorist

Natalie and Lee Lane, a husband-and-wife team on the Oregon Coast. Originally a Northern California native, Natalie interned and eventually worked for a dog training facility in Chico as the Training Center Coordinator.

Read full bio

Alex McGovern

Portland, OR
Certified Behaviorist

Hi! My name is Alex McGovern, I’ve been training dogs professionally for about 5 years! I originally got into dog training when I rescued a reactive dog I fell in love with the process and the science behind why dogs behave…

Read full bio

Rhys Cervantes

Portland, OR
Certified Behaviorist

My name is Rhys, I’m a professional dog trainer who has been working with dogs since I was 16 years old. My approach to training is relationship based. I believe that clear communication, trust, and mutual respect create the strongest results; whether you’re raising a family companion or developing a working/sport dog.

I focus on helping owners build meaningful partnerships with their dogs so that training can be something both human and dog enjoys. I share my life with two Belgian Malinois who keep me constantly learning. We compete together in ringsport and spend a lot of time in the woods hunting truffles, giving me the opportunity to experience both the precision and challenge of sport work and the joy of exploring the PNW with my dogs!

Training dogs isn’t just my profession, it is a lifelong pursuit, and I am very passionate about helping people better understand and connect with their dogs.

Rob Russell

Portland, OR
Certified BehavioristCGC Evaluator

Rob’s passion for dog training was shaped by Nanook, a Malamute/Timberwolf mix whose lack of early training taught him firsthand how important clear communication and leadership can be. That experience still drives his approach today.

With decades of experience around dogs and years as a professional trainer, Rob helps owners better understand their dogs, build confidence, and create calmer, more fulfilling relationships through practical, real-world training.

Lindsey Estabrook

Portland, OR
Dog BehavioristTom Rose School

Most know Lindsey as the girl with the dog. In 2004 she began her canine ventures by raising a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This experience sparked an interest that ignited a passion. She continued working with service dogs for the next twelve years. Focusing greatly on early development and socialization of puppies in training.

After attending The Tom Rose School in 2017, she ventured into other fields of dog training. Participating in agility, tracking, nose work, protection, obedience, tricks and therapy work. In more recent years she has been the manager and trainer for a doggy daycare in Southern Oregon.

During which Lindsey set up a canine enrichment program. The idea being a daycare alternative that provided both mental and physical stimulation for dogs that were not suitable for social play. Enrichment activities included obedience, tricks, agility, nose work, treadmilling, brain games and more.

As a trainer, Lindsey’s goal is to maximize a dog’s potential. As this varies from dog to dog, so does her approach of achieving it.

Annette Johnson

Portland, OR
Dog BehavioristKoru Master Program Graduate

After over 20 years in the Information Technology industry, Annette decided it to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a dog trainer. The skills learned in her Information Technology career have taught Annette how to be a continuous learner, communicate well, understand her client’s needs quickly, set realistic expectations and follow through on what she says she will do.

Annette successfully completed Koru K9’s Balanced Trainer Academy’s Master Program. Annette is passionate about teaching other dog owners how to experience the very best in their unique bond with their K9s. Annette’s love of dogs started with Betsy the Beagle.

After Betsy, she has had several dogs, all of different breeds, sizes and temperaments from Baloo the Springer Spaniel, Whilee the Akita, Coyote, German Shepherd mix, Impulse the mutt, Mater the Golden Retriever and Thor the Mastiff mix. Annette currently has two purebred Italian Mastiffs, Stella and Nero.

Maloree Campbell

Portland, OR
Dog Behaviorist

Maloree has been training dogs since she was 12 years old. Her and her dog Bella were the youngest certified therapy dog team for Delta Society and Intermountain Therapy Animals. At 16 she began working as a trainer at Gateway to Canine Partnerships in Salt Lake City training service dogs and running daily classes and outings.

She also managed a veterinary clinic as the lead technician and office manager for 6 years. She did an internship at Logan Haus Kennels in West Virginia. She worked for Ty the Dog Guy and then opened her own business for 5 years in Salt Lake City. Once she moved to the PNW she now lives on an acre with her 3 German Shepherds, a French Bulldog, and a Bengal kitten.

She trains and competes in IGP, Dock Diving, and Scent work with her dogs. Her passion is helping owners have a meaningful relationship with their dog and fixing reactive behaviors. She also specializes in therapy and service work. She volunteers for Woof Project and frequently has foster dogs. She is so excited to help you with your pup!

Natalie and Lee Lane

Oregon Coast / Portland, OR
Dog Behaviorist

Natalie and Lee Lane, a husband-and-wife team on the Oregon Coast. Originally a Northern California native, Natalie interned and eventually worked for a dog training facility in Chico as the Training Center Coordinator. In 2005, Natalie earned her certification as a Registered Veterinary Assistant.

In 2011, she graduated from Sierra Nevada University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Her professional animal training career has included working with everything from tigers to tortoises, but dogs have always played a pivotal role in her life. Lee was born and raised in Northern Idaho and his family always had extra-large dogs such as St. Bernard’s and Brasileiro Filas.

Lee pursued a career as a heavy-equipment mechanic, but a dog named Jack jump-started his venture into dog training. Through their experience training Jack, both Natalie and Lee acquired a devoted passion for Balanced Dog Training and the high quality of life it can bring even the most reactive dog.

In 2016, Natalie and Lee began working as Dog Trainers for GET RATTLED which conducts rattlesnake, porcupine, and skunk aversion training clinics for dogs all over the country. Jack has since passed, but his legacy lives on in the work Natalie and Lee now do together. They both work for Koru, offering in-home and Board and Train for people looking to bring out the best in their dog.

Natalie and Lee, their American Bully Valkyrie, cat, chickens, ducks, horses, goats, reptiles and 2 pet skunks live on the Oregon Coast in Lincoln County. They are thrilled to be able to represent Koru K9 and bring their experience to the area.

Alex McGovern

Portland, OR
Certified Behaviorist

Hi! My name is Alex McGovern, I’ve been training dogs professionally for about 5 years! I originally got into dog training when I rescued a reactive dog I fell in love with the process and the science behind why dogs behave the way they do. I began fostering and training the dogs I had through rescues and shelters.

Throughout the last five years I’ve worked with so many dogs who struggle with aggression, insecurities that lead to reactivity, and your classic basic manners. I’ve also been heavily involved in dog sports over the last three years and I love having fun with my dogs!

One important take I have from this journey is that dogs are always training, we are always reinforcing behaviors, whether that’s a positive thing or a negative thing! I love working with people and their dogs and creating a customized plan that makes their day to day life easier!

More reviews

Results from families like yours

Verified reviews from clients across every market we serve.

★★★★★

“I am SO happy we invested in Koru K9. We got matched with Natalie and Lee as our trainers and they have been INCREDIBLE.”

TL Tasha LaRueVerified client review
★★★★★

“Rob was professional, flexible, and had many resources he was happy to share! Thank you for your time!”

V VickieVerified client review
★★★★★

“I took my 1 1/2 year old 'hyper' aussie doodle, Gigi for a 3 week board and train with Irini.”

AM Annemarie M.Verified client review
Questions

Portland aggressive dog training FAQs

Our Portland aggressive dog training programs address a full spectrum of complex behaviors, including social aggression (dog-to-dog aggression, stranger aversion, and human bite risks), environmental & fear reactivity (severe leash reactivity, fear-based aggression, and territorial guarding), and possessive behaviors (food, item, or spatial resource guarding).
Immersive Home-Based Board & Train or Hybrid Programs are generally recommended for aggressive dogs. Living in a trainer's home removes triggers from your everyday environment, allowing professional behaviorists to safely establish new behavioral baselines before teaching you how to manage and maintain those results at home.

Each trainer works with just 1–5 client dogs at a time, ensuring your dog receives focused attention, personalized dog training, and plenty of affection in a real home environment. This small, intimate setting allows our expert trainers to tailor each session to your dog's unique personality and behavior challenges—whether it's leash reactivity, separation anxiety, or basic obedience. Your dog isn't just trained—they're cared for like family.

Your dog will receive exceptional care, personalized training, and plenty of individual attention throughout their stay. In our Board & Train program, each trainer works with only 1 to 5 dogs at a time. This intentionally small size ensures your dog receives the focused support they need to succeed. Each day includes multiple one-on-one training sessions, play, physical exercise, and rest. Your dog will live in the trainer's home—not a kennel—and will be treated like one of their own. We don't just teach commands, we help your dog build confidence, trust, and the skills they need to thrive at home and in the real world.

Your dog's safety is our top priority at Koru K9. During our Board & Train program, your dog lives in a safe, structured, and supervised home environment—not a kennel facility. This allows for 24/7 monitoring, individualized care, and secure containment when dogs are not actively training or supervised. Each dog is housed in a crate when unattended, which not only ensures safety but also supports structure and calm behavior. Our trainers follow strict safety protocols to prevent injury, stress, or accidents. From controlled environments to professional handling, our training programs are designed to keep your dog safe, secure, and thriving throughout their stay.

Yes — your dog will absolutely remember you after completing their Board & Train program. Dogs are deeply bonded to their people, and that connection doesn't disappear during training. In fact, time spent apart often strengthens the bond. Rest assured you will be greeted with tails wagging, full-body wiggles, and all. Throughout the program, your dog is learning new skills, gaining confidence, and practicing calm behavior. When you reunite, you'll see not only a dog that remembers you, but one that is the best version of themselves. Our go-home lesson helps you step into your new role as the leader your dog needs, and we provide clear, personalized guidance to make the transition smooth and successful. With continued consistency at home, you'll build an even stronger relationship with your dog.

Other dog training programs in Portland

Dog Board & Train

Dog Board & Train for Portland dogs and their families.

Explore Dog Board & Train →

In-Home Dog Training

In-Home Dog Training for Portland dogs and their families.

Explore In-Home Dog Training →

Dog Behaviorist

Dog Behaviorist for Portland dogs and their families.

Explore Dog Behaviorist →

Your companion is worth it. Your peace of mind depends on it.

Whether we’re your first call or your last hope, Koru K9 will meet you — and your dog — where you are, and help you build the calm, confident companion you’ve been searching for.