The best time to begin training is when you first consider bringing a dog into your life—or anytime after. With over 40 years of experience, Shawn Riley of The Dog Way uses natural, instinct-based methods to set you and your dog up for success. We work with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments, equipping you with the tools to become the calm, confident companion your dog naturally follows.
Many dog owners wonder when the right time to start training is. The answer is simple:
✅ Thinking about getting a dog? Start now! Preparation sets you up for success.
✅ Just brought your new dog home? Begin training from day one! First impressions matter.
✅ Dealing with a senior dog’s bad habits? Training can improve behavior at any age.
✅ Caring for a friend’s dog? Yes, training applies to any dog in your care!
No matter the age, breed, or background of your dog, early and consistent training ensures a lifetime of good behavior. At The Dog Way, we’re here to guide you from day one—because great dogs don’t happen by accident, they’re created through expert training and leadership.
Our Online Dog Training Services bring expert coaching directly to you, wherever you are. Perfect for busy people on the move. We provide virtual guidance to tackle issues like leash pulling, aggression, barking, jumping and destruction. The Dog Way methods make online / virtual training positive and effective.
Dog training isn’t just about teaching dogs—it’s about educating Portland dog owners to build a lifelong, natural bond with their pets. At The Dog Way, our hands-on, science-backed training methods help you understand the why behind every technique, ensuring you can confidently lead your dog in a way that aligns with their natural instincts.
Unlike traditional training approaches that rely on treat bribes or harsh corrections, we focus on canine psychology, leadership, and communication—creating a balanced, well-behaved dog who thrives in any environment. Our Portland dog training programs empower you to embrace a structured, instinct-based lifestyle that fosters calmness, trust, and lifelong obedience.
Ready to transform your relationship with your dog? The Dog Way provides expert, positive reinforcement training in Portland to help you and your pup live in perfect harmony.
Start Your Dog Training Journey with a Free Consultation
Your journey with The Dog Way begins with a personalized consultation with Shawn Riley, designed to set you and your dog up for success. This session allows us to understand your unique goals, challenges, and lifestyle, ensuring a customized approach that works for you.
What to Expect During Your Consultation:
💲 Cost: FREE
Once your consultation is complete, you’ll move on to a personalized training session. This session can be as short or as long as is needed, depending on your schedule and goals. Our sessions are designed to provide maximum value using the least amount of time.
💲 Cost: $175/hour
Mastering a philosophy and new skills takes some time. After your initial session, we can provide ongoing support to help you tackle new challenges and master advanced techniques, ensuring you and your dog achieve the lasting success you and your dog deserve.
Ongoing Training Covers:
💲 Cost: $125/hour
Proper leadership and structured training can help Portland dog owners prevent and eliminate problematic behaviors before they start. With the right guidance, your dog can develop positive habits that create a calm, well-behaved companion in any environment.
✅ No Jumping – Prevent your dog from jumping on people, furniture, or doors.
✅ No Anxiety Issues – Address and prevent separation anxiety and nervous behaviors.
✅ No Biting – Stop biting before it becomes a safety concern.
✅ No Excessive Barking – Reduce nuisance barking and unwanted vocalizations.
✅ No Digging – Prevent destruction in your yard, garden, and home.
✅ No Destructive Chewing – Protect furniture, walls, doors, and personal belongings.
✅ Healthy Affection Habits – Teach your dog when licking is appropriate.
✅ Door & Boundary Training – Prevent bolting through doors and reinforce house rules.
✅ Healthy Eating Behavior – Avoid food aggression and promote calm, polite mealtime habits.
✅ Safe Socialization & Play – Ensure safe interaction with other dogs, humans, and children.
✅ Travel Manners – Teach stress-free, safe car rides and travel habits.
By focusing on prevention, you avoid the time, money, and stress of correcting these issues later.
🐾 Eliminates Excessive noise making — Eliminate barking by building trust and clarity.
🐾 Follows proper play habits — Safe, respectful play with other dogs, humans, and children.
🐾 Understands boundaries — Learns to respect indoor and outdoor spaces.
🐾 Follows your leadership — Naturally respects you as a leader without constant correction.
🐾 Prevention is faster, more effective, and less expensive — Avoid the costly, time consuming process of "fixing" unwanted behaviors later.
🐾 Natural Instinct Alignment — Work with your dog’s instincts, creating an environment where healthy, happy behavior happens naturally.
🐾 Clarity and Structure — Provide clear, consistent direction and structure to eliminate confusion, reduce anxiety, and build trust.
🐾 Lifestyle Change, Not One-Time Training — The Dog Way method is not a temporary fix— it's about a lifelong way of living that keeps your dog balanced, calm, and happy.
🐾 Prevention Over Problem-Solving — Focus on preventing unwanted behaviors before they start, which is far easier and more effective than fixing issues later.
🐾 Custom Approach — To achieve the best possible results, training methods are always adapted to your dog's personality, age and unique needs- no two dogs are exactly alike.
🐾 Personalized for People, Too — Your lifestyle, personal skills, schedule, and experience level are factored into any plan
🐾 For All Ages & Breeds — The Dog Way works for every Dog and every situations. From purebreds to mixes From puppies to older dogs
🐾 Ongoing Adjustments — As your skills grow and your dog evolves, expectations and techniques will evolve to meet new goals and challenges.
Not seeing your question answered below? Email us at thedogwaytraining@gmail.com for personalized information.
Unlike most dog "training" programs, The Dog Way is based on true canine philosophy, psychology, and instinct. The Dog Way focuses on understanding a dog's needs and instincts. This approach leads to faster results, stronger bonds, and lasting success.
Absolutely! Aggression is almost always the result of confusion and unclear leadership. Even dogs that have been labeled "untrainable" OR?? can be guided to success with The Dog Way’s true canine-based methods. Shawn Riley has never met a dog he couldn’t help.
You’ll learn more important information about dogs in this session than most people learn in a lifetime. This introductory session teaches you the core concepts of leadership, trust, and communication. With patience and consistency, you’ll gain the skills and confidence you need for you and your do to lead the healthiest, happiest life together.
Absolutely. We provide ongoing guidance and support through in-person follow-up sessions and/or virtual support by phone or internet. Available for as long as you need to achieve and maintain success with your Dog. To learn more Click Here.
Let’s connect! Everything starts with a discussion about you, your dog, and your goals.
This is a FREE consultation that helps us determine the best path toward your goals.
For people that want a more comprehensive understanding of the true canine philosophy. Specifically formatted to give you all the information you need for a perfect start. Great for all experience levels. Learn advanced Philosophy and Communication through 3 core sets of rules on Leadership, Behavioral Structure, and Effective Communication. This lesson Includes support documentation and professionally created support video
Typically 2 to 3 hours.
$175/Hour
For those who want a comprehensive understanding of true canine philosophy, this lesson provides everything you need for a strong foundation in dog training. Designed for all experience levels, from beginners to experts, it teaches leadership, behavioral structure, and effective communication through three core principles. You'll also receive detailed support documentation and a professionally created training video to reinforce your learning.
$125/Hour
For those looking for unlimited access to personalized training and our exclusive resources, this option is perfect. Ideal for dog owners who want to take full advantage of The Dog Way's expertise, guidance, and unique training methods. Gain ongoing support, hands-on coaching, and access to our complete library of training materials to ensure lasting success with your dog.
Contact us for prices
If you live outside of the Tualatin, OR area, Phone / virtual / Remote or Online training may be great options for you. Click below for more details.