What an amazing trainer and such a nice person! He walked me through defining my real issues and provided invaluable advice. And made sure I have continued access to him for any needed follow-up. A real jewel! read more

Great experience. I now have a well trained dog. David even came to our house to help with leash walking. Thank you Blackwood canine

From the very beginning, it was clear they are knowledgeable and competent. During the meet and greet, we had honest conversations and expectations, given our dog is a senior. We opted for a lengthy board and train and have been pleased with the results. The "at home" protocol hasn't been overwhelming and there is a clear difference in behavior and demeanor. I'm grateful we can board our dog with Blackwood going forward to only enhance what we've already learned. I wasn't familiar with board and train processes but I will definitely utilize Blackwood for all future dogs as well! read more

I found Karin (and David) about 5 years ago via the AKC website within a list of official Canine Good Citizen trainers / evaluators. I don't know what made me pick her out of the many, but I am seriously happy I did! I had a one-year-old female working lines-German Shepherd (she is now 6 years old+). Karin came to my home and stayed two hours to evaluate our situation, free of charge. I have worked with trainers before, but I have to say, Karin is awesome -- she is the best! I knew I (and my pup) would fare very well if we continued to work with her. Within the first meeting, she was able to recognize my pup's tendencies and what our options were. She has an extensive knowledge of dog behavior/ quirks which I could see immediately. We completed our 8-pack of private, home lessons, and I honestly cannot imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't hired her! I thought I was bonded to my dog before, but looking back, it is like comparing night and day! We continue to practice obedience on a daily basis and were members of their Protection Sports club for over a year and a half! Knowing Karin's style, it's somewhat hard to believe that anyone could have a negative experience due to lack of attention or effort. She has always provided straight-forward, constructive instructions for both my dog and I which has only resulted in success. She has always been available to answer questions and provide tips for any issues -- even 5 years later. IT IS TRULY ON THE OWNER TO TAKE ADVICE AND APPLY IT AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. Consistency is the ONLY way to make training stick! Once you have the tools, it's up to you to make it work throughout your dog's lifetime! After 5 years of implementing their training, my dog is only getting better and better in obedience, and I get compliments ALL THE TIME as to how well-trained she is (even from people who don't know dogs or are even scared of them). I obviously highly recommend both Karin and David -- they clearly know what they are talking about, and I couldn't have asked for anything more in fantastic dog trainers. You will not regret it. read more

Blackwood Canine - My grown up girl - Pet Training Near Me - Scappoose, Oregon

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We recently went back to learn how to use an e-collar to assist in off leash training. Karin is a dedicated and knowledgeable teacher and helped me feel confident before using this new tool to enhance Sunny's training. The e-collar has really been a game changer. Sunny is now eager and happy to run to me when called. read more

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If I could scream it from the mountaintops, I would. Don't walk, RUN to Blackwood Canine. Just save yourself the headache, go to the best and get it done right the first time. (I wish I had!) I had used other trainers before Karin and David since my puppy was 9 weeks old; drop off socialization classes, group classes, etc. At about 6 months old I was still experiencing extreme leash pulling, lack of general obedience and a puppy that was quickly becoming a 75 lb. dog with no boundaries. It is hard enough to teach your dog new skills. It's even harder if the methods you are using are not effective. Enter Karin and David (who came highly recommended) and their immersion training course. Upon pickup a handful of weeks later, I had a completely new dog. When I saw with my own eyes all of the skills and good behavioral changes that my dog had learned at Blackwood Canine, I was floored! It was seriously an art form watching my dog work with David and be so obedient. Does my dog look that good with me yet? No, of course not. Not YET (he's only been home a week). But the skills are there, the potential is there. I have SO many highly effective tools in my back pocket and SO much more confidence in my ability to maintain his newly acquired skills and general good behavior. Lastly - and what is actually the most impressive and appreciated aspect of working with Karin and David - is their wealth of knowledge at the ready. It's one thing to have a trainer tell you what to do to get a recall or a good sit. It's a completely other thing to ask personalized questions about a specific unwanted behavior of your specific dog and get an answer right away regarding why that may be occurring and an immediate example of a correction "drill" you can work on at home with your dog. This isn't some "cut and paste" training program. This is INDIVIDUALIZED training for ANY breed and ANY purpose (pet, working, sport, etc.). TL;DR Just enroll with them. You'll have an incredibly obedient dog and the handling skills to move forward into the maintenance phase with confidence! read more

I left my dog Miles with them for their boarding program and in the several weeks he learned many things. The one on one sessions with David were fun and helped me trained better with my dog. Karin is always available if I have a question or concern about Miles' training. Taking Miles over to them was the best decision I have made. Specially when I didn't know crap about how to train a springer spaniel. With their training I am able to understand my dog better but still have a lot of fun while doing so! read more

Blackwood Canine - Pet Training Near Me - Scappoose, Oregon

Our adorable 100lb dog had a lot of problems. He had taken control of the house and our walks. He was our first dog, and we were his first home, so we weren't properly communicating. With the low priced (compared to other trainers) one-on-one training we got him in tip top shape over the 2 months regimen. He walks in a heel, he has stopped biting at the leash (although I am still working on him with that) and he went from no obedience training to all of the basics, sit, stay, come, etc. I really appreciate how Karen and David did it while respecting my dog. Many trainers we researched wanted him on a shock collar without meeting him because of his size, but here they made him excited for training each week and made the main message positive reinforcement, with some stern corrections when necessary. When it was necessary, they taught us how to properly use corrective tools. Great overall training program that I would recommend to anyone, but especially new dog owners. Thanks. read more

David and Karin helped my partner and I immensely. Their knowledge about dogs is amazing. They really helped build up my working dog up to his full potential. No matter where your current dog's skill level currently is they help you to understand the challenges they face and how to move past them to be successful. Their help and guidance has without a doubt helped us to be a successful k9 team. read more

Karin and her team works wonders. My husband and I adopted a 2 year old Doberman Pinscher from the pound. He was a sweet dog but would run around and destroy things, get into fights with our other dog, had no recall, and really just didn't care about anything you would say or do. We had an assessment with Karin and she told us what the problem was and what the best plan of action would be. No playing games or sugar coating things, just a straight and honest assessment. After 6 weeks, he was like a new dog. I almost cried during one of the lessons I was so amazed. No more fights, no more trash strewn around the house, and overall he and the other dog are much happier now! I am so glad I trusted her and her team with my dog. Thank you again for helping our family!!! read more