Dog Training in Portland

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’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.

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 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, 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.

Hi! I’m Mikayla. My dog training journey started on my 11th birthday with a Golden Retriever puppy named Penny. Penny was my first introduction to the world of canine behavior, training, and competitive obedience, and was a loving adventure buddy for many years.

After graduating from college, I decided to rejoin the dog community and adopted an Australian Cattle Dog rescue named Miracle. What was supposed to be a smooth entry back into the dog world quickly turned into a crash course in aggression rehabilitation and behavior modification.

Seeing the changes and improvements in Mira’s quality of life was incredibly rewarding, and inspired me to continue learning and developing my training skills.

I’ve trained in a variety of disciplines including competitive obedience, detection and nosework, and trick training. I am what’s called a “balanced trainer,” which means that I use a combination of training methodologies and tools (including slip leads, toys, prong collars, long lines, e collars, pedestals, and balance equipment) to teach and communicate with my dogs.

I strongly believe that owners must understand what tools to use, when and how to use them, and why to use them in order to communicate effectively with their dog. My training style is rooted in the NePoPo® approach, with emphasis building rapport, structure, and advocacy into the relationship between dog and owner.

I regularly pursue continuing education opportunities and study the latest advancements in behavioral research in order to expand my knowledge and best meet the needs of the dogs in my care.

When I’m not training, I can be found enjoying too many cups of coffee, spending time with my family, or lounging in the yard and reading a good book.

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!