Urban Pawsibilities - Dog & Puppy Training Classes in SE Portland

This is a HUGE shout-out to Emma and her incredible crew! Our young Heeler mix struggled with anxiety and dog reactivity, and private training only helped marginally. After a long search, we found Emma’s “Triggered Dog” class, and it was a game-changer. The dogs are safely separated while each family works on exercises and gradual exposure. The materials and homework are excellent and easy to revisit. Training in a new environment with different sights and sounds has helped our dog so much, and she’s always stoked to arrive at the facility. With Emma’s guidance, we moved on to “Tricky Dog” and now “Walkin’ Dog.” We understand our dog’s body language better, and see steady improvement in her behavior and our relationship with her. She even enjoys learning around other dogs in this environment. I highly recommend Emma and UP! These classes are a wonderful option for dogs who might not do well in typical group settings, and I’m so grateful they exist! (photo of our silly lady enjoying a break during her "Triggered Dog" class)

We-- my dog Buddy, and I-- are current PAWticipants of Urban Pawsibilities private training sessions with Skip-- a phenomenal trainer and iconic human. We've completed two sessions and have more lined up! Skip received us so warmly with jovial energy and excitement. They are incredibly informative, reassuring, validating, empowering, and superb at advocating for my needs/concerns as an owner, whilst also educating me about Buddy's needs/concerns that I may miss. They have tailored each session in a way that feels as though they've known us for some time and answer my many inquires with ease. Buddy is a sweet, gentle giant. I sought services because I wanted to better understand Buddy's anxiety with other dogs on leash. I also wanted to cultivate more intentional one on one time with Buddy (he's a Mastiff, so he loves to sleep) in a manner that was engaging for him including cues, tricks, and acknowledgment. The initial consultation call (as I could not determine what service Buddy and I would benefit most from) with Emma was incredibly helpful at selecting what service was best (seriously call and inquire, they will help you if you are oscillating between group classes/school/private lessons). Our trainer, Skip, has been instrumental in my education pertaining to dog behavior, cues, and emotions. And it's been so fun! Buddy instantly took to the tools we learned with Skip, who also gently drew my attention to some mobility issues with Buddy that I was not entirely attuned to/noticed leading me to seek veterinary care that has been helpful for him. Urban Pawsibilities has been a joyful experience for me, and one that rings joyfully within me cultivating fond and loving memories I'll have beyond Buddy's life (why can't dogs live forever, am I right)? In the meantime, Buddy and I continue, excitedly, with Skip and I have found Urban Pawsibilities to exude excellency across a spectrum of services and variety from who they staff/hire, to their employment of the newest/latest animal care/education, right down to pricing, communication, and availability. I trust them greatly and recommend them highly. We are so thankful to know Skip and to share a communal space with them. They are such a light, and Buddy and I are better because of them and UP!