★★★★★  4.9 from 1,200+ client reviews
Balanced dog training since 2013 · Serving 7 states across the US
Call us: 415-583-5412
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Portland · Dog Board & Train

Portland Dog Board & Train

If the reactivity, fear, 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
What is board & train in Portland?

Rebuild trust. Create structure. Enjoy life with your dog again. You’ve tried everything. The reward systems, the group classes, the boot camps.

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.
Why Portland families choose our board & train

Built around your dog — and you

Real-life training

A safe, loving, home-based setting — never a kennel facility. Field trips and everyday distractions build real reliability.

Safety & structure first

Max five client dogs per trainer. GPS collars, secure home environments, and constant supervision.

Progress you can see

Photo and/or video updates twice a week — watch confidence and reliability grow, step by step.

Coaching for you, too

Hands-on owner coaching sessions, detailed recap videos, and customized guidance to maintain success.

How it works

Your dog’s Portland transformation

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.

1–5
Client dogs per trainer — never more
2×
Photo & video updates weekly
GPS
Collars & secure home environments
0
Kennels — home-based, always
Problem behaviors we help with

Built for the tough cases

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

The curriculum

What your dog will learn

Core Commands

  • Heel (no pulling/reacting)
  • Sit-stay / Down-stay
  • Recall / Come when called
  • Place

Manners & Life Skills

  • Crate training
  • Doorway etiquette
  • Mealtime manners
  • Calm behavior in public & home
Included in the program

Everything your dog needs — nothing extra to buy

  • Pick up and drop off
  • In-home training in one of our trainer's homes and 24/7 immersion in our training program
  • One-on-one personalized attention with a maximum of five dogs per session
  • Two updates per week including multiple pictures and videos
  • Two follow up lessons after the Board & Train
  • Phone and email support during and after the program
Pricing

Portland board & train pricing

Your free consultation includes an exact quote for your dog and your city.

3wk
3-Week Board and Train
$3,900 starting
Check Availability
Most popular
4wk
4-Week Board and Train
$4,800 starting
Check Availability
6wk
6-Week Board and Train
$6,800 starting
Check Availability
3wk
Board and Train Refresher New
For previous clients only
$3,300 starting
Check Availability
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 went online to find a dog trainer for owners with aggressive dogs and came across Koru K9 and Will Greenway. I have had five sessions and a onboarding session all one hour each in Portland, Oregon.”

OR Olivia RucinskiVerified client review
★★★★★

“Our dog Molly, an English springer spaniel, recently returned from a 3-week board and train with Sparky Davis and Koru K9. She is a different dog!”

KB Karen ButlerVerified client review
★★★★★

“Rob was fantastic with our dogs! We completed a 7-lesson package with him and have seen great progress with our stubborn old lady, Stella.”

BT Becca TrevinoVerified client review
Questions

Portland dog board & train FAQs

Our Portland Board & Train program addresses a full spectrum of behavioral needs, including basic & advanced obedience (off-leash reliability, heel, sit/stay, and recall) and behavior modification (dog-to-dog aggression, human aggression, resource guarding, severe leash reactivity, and extreme anxiety).
Koru K9’s Portland Board & Train is a fully immersive, home-based program where your dog lives directly inside a professional trainer's home for several weeks. Your dog receives 24/7 structured guidance, personalized behavioral shaping, and real-world exposure, followed by hands-on transfer sessions with you.

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.

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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.