Take the Lead Dog Training | Portland Dog Trainer – Leash Pulling & Reactivity

Programs

For dogs that pull on leash, bark or lunge at dogs or people, or don’t listen outside.Get clear, practical training so your dog listens—even around real-world distractions.

Calm, Reliable Behavior - So You Can Enjoy Life With Your Dog

Every dog is different, but most situations fall into a few common patterns. Here’s a simple way to figure out where to begin:

Pulling on walks? - <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="/training-packages#services-1">Calm Dog Foundation</a>Barking or lunging at dogs or people? - <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="/training-packages#services-1">Reactivity Reset</a>

START WITH A CONSULTWe figure out what’s really going on with your dog and where to start.BUILD A CLEAR, PRACTICAL PLANYou’ll know exactly what to do—no guessing or overwhelm.BUILD REAL-WORLD RELIABILITYSo your dog listens around distractions, not just in controlled environments.

Receive individualized training sessions tailored specifically to your dog’s unique personality and environment.

In-Home Private Lessons

For dogs that listen at home but not in publicIf your dog knows what to do but doesn’t do it outside, this program builds consistency in real-world environments.<ul><li>Listen around distractions</li><li>Stay calm in public</li><li>Follow through anywhere</li></ul>

Real-World Reliability

For new puppy owners who want to start off rightSet your puppy up with structure, clear communication, and good habits from day one.<ul><li>Prevent bad habits before they start</li><li>Build confidence and structure</li><li>Raise a well-behaved dog from the beginning</li></ul>

Puppy Foundations

For owners working toward advanced obedience and certificationPrepare your dog for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/">Canine Good Citizen</a> testing and real-world reliability.<ul><li>Meet CGC standards</li><li>Strengthen advanced obedience</li><li>Build dependable behavior</li></ul>

CGC Prep & Certification

For dogs that pull on leash, get overexcited, or don’t listen consistentlyIf everyday life with your dog feels frustrating or unpredictable, this program builds calm, responsive behavior you can rely on.<ul><li>Walk your dog without being dragged</li><li>Get consistent listening at home and outside</li><li>Create a dog that’s easier to live with</li></ul>This program is also a great fit for puppies and dogs that need better consistency and structure.

Calm Dog Foundation 

For dogs that bark, lunge, or overreact to dogs or peopleIf walks feel stressful or embarrassing, this program helps your dog stay calm and neutral around triggers.<ul><li>Reduce barking and lunging</li><li>Build calm behavior around dogs and people</li><li>Enjoy walks again</li></ul>For more advanced goals like public reliability or CGC-level behavior, we build toward that within the program.

Reactivity Reset

Dog Training Programs

Certified AKC <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/">Canine Good Citizen (CGC)</a> Evaluator Fully insured for in-home training servicesWorking with dogs in real homes, real neighborhoods, and real-life situations—just like yours.Trusted by dog owners throughout the Portland / Beaverton area

Experienced. Insured. Trusted.

Dolly (German Shephard Mix) - Started with calm structure from day one

Millie (Flat-Coated Retriever) - From stressful walks to calm, controlled behavior

Otis (Cavapoo) - Easier to handle day-to-day

Maple (Golden Retriever) - Reliable recall even around distractions

Shiloh (Border Collie mix) - Passed CGC with calm, reliable behavior

Buckley (Flat Coated Retriever) - Reliable behavior outside the home

Real Dogs. Real Results.

Ivy the Rottweiler looks up to the heavens while sitting for a treat. July 4, 2019.

When I got my first puppy, Rob was incredibly helpful in getting us started with training. His calm presence made Dolly immediately comfortable with him, and he did an excellent job of explaining and demonstrating the proper training techniques.

10/10! Rob is super flexible, approachable, resourceful, and educates in a manner we can connect with. I would recommend him to other dog owners for sure!

Really helpful dog training with emphasis on communicating better with our family pet. Started with recall command which has greatly improved. Now working on impulse control with place and stay commands. He has great recommendations for tools to use and insights into what dog is thinking. Found the sessions to be very helpful and informative.


Rob is great! He saw what our dog needed within the first few minutes of meeting him. Rob is a very knowledgeable trainer and he’s very articulate in giving instructions to the owner that we can follow
and practice. 
Our groomer has noticed a significant improvement in our dog since we’ve been seeing Rob. I highly recommend him!

Real Stories from Dog Owners

If life with your dog feels overwhelming—pulling on walks, reacting to other dogs, or struggling to stay calm outside—you’re not alone.I work with owners who are tired of managing the chaos and want a dog they can actually enjoy living with.My focus is simple: clear structure, calm behavior, and training that actually works in the real world.This isn’t about quick fixes.It’s about helping you and your dog communicate clearly so things finally start to feel easier.Less stress. More control. A dog you can trust in everyday situations.

Rob Russell

Owner / Trainer

Meet Your Trainer

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Dog's Behavior

Let’s Talk About What’s Going On With Your Dog

Address and manage your dog’s separation anxiety with tailored behavior modification techniques and support.

Relaxing Dog on a Moody Winterday in bed.

Separation Anxiety Support

For owners working toward advanced obedience and certificationPrepare your dog for the Canine Good Citizen test while building reliable real-world behavior.<ul><li>Meet CGC standards</li><li>Strengthen advanced obedience</li><li>Build dependable behavior</li></ul>Want to learn more about the CGC program? You can read about it <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/">here</a>.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep

For dogs that listen at home but not in publicIf your dog knows what to do but doesn’t do it outside, this program builds consistency where it actually matters.<ul><li>Listen around distractions</li><li>Stay calm in public</li><li>Follow through anywhere</li></ul>

Man throws a dalmatian treat 
Instagram @polka_dot_loki 


For dogs that pull on leash, get overexcited, or don’t listen consistentlyIf everyday life with your dog feels frustrating or unpredictable, this program builds calm, responsive behavior you can rely on.<ul><li>Walk your dog without being dragged</li><li>Get consistent listening at home and outside</li><li>Live with a dog that’s easier to handle</li></ul>This program is also a great fit for puppies and younger dogs that need structure, focus, and clear guidance.

Calm Dog Foundation

For dogs that bark, lunge, or overreact to dogs or peopleIf walks feel stressful or unpredictable, this program helps your dog stay calm and neutral around triggers.<ul><li>Reduce barking and lunging</li><li>Build calm behavior around dogs and people</li><li>Enjoy walks again</li></ul>For more advanced goals like public reliability or CGC-level behavior, we build toward that within the program.

Struggling with leash pulling, reactivity, or a dog that won’t listen outside?

We’ll look at what’s going on, where things are breaking down, and give you a clear plan forward.Helping dogs and owners succeed in everyday life