It’s been about 6 months since we completed our private lessons with Ruben, and the change with both our dogs has been pretty spectacular. We have two dogs under three years old (one labradoodle and one blue heeler mix) and their puppy energy has gone from destructive to totally adorable and fun. They walk on leash better, they listen at the park better, they mellow out in the house better...they’re just better. My favorite part, though, is that my dogs seem so much happier. I can tell that they’re more confident in themselves and in us as their owners - they understand what we expect and seem genuinely pleased with themselves when they follow it. The lifestyle changes that Ruben advocates really do work, and will make your relationship with your dog(s) stronger and so much more fulfilling. Which is what dog ownership is all about if you ask me. Also, he is ridiculously patient with people like us who have limited skill with dog training, and he’s one heck of a teacher. A huge thank you from Jocelyn, Davis, Zapp, and Apollo!

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We are so glad that we enlisted the help of Ruben and Shane with our 4 year old Bill. Bill would bark at the TV, bark at other dogs and get into fights with our neighbor's dog. We had a hard time taking him for walks and getting him to listen to us. He recently completed the 5 week training and we can see a HUGE difference. He can now stay on place (see pic!), doesn't bark at the TV and knows his commands. We can take him on walks around the neighborhood without him pulling on the leash. Everyone we've told about Bill's training can't believe the difference in his behavior and they are so impressed! Ruben and Shane are so knowledgeable and helpful with any questions and the follow-up support (in-home visit and group walks) has been amazing. They are also so great at giving us, the owners, constructive feedback that really gives you confidence that you can continue the training at home. Thanks Ruben and Shane!

Ruben did a fantastic job with our puppy. Still hard to believe our dog is the same dog. Listens to commands, walks calmly, etc... Really liked how Ruben kept us updated every few days during training by posting pics and videos. Nearing the end of training, we received detailed and easy to follow instructions on how to continue Zippy's training once we brought him home. On pick up, Ruben answered all my questions and I was able to leave with a clear understanding of what to do. Highly recommend Kindred Dog PDX.

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Kindred Dog PDX has been a great experience so far. We got little Run Run back yesterday and there has been a huge improvement. Ruben took the time to train us to maintain this good behavior, including my 8yr old son.

We have a strict couple months ahead of us to help keep Runny the good dog she now is. I am confident we can do well as Ruben will stop by in the coming weeks to troubleshoot.

Thanks again, Kindred Dog PDX!

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We had our dog Griff with Ruben for 3 week training a few months back. Ruben and Shane did a phenomenal job laying the ground work, building the fundamentals in training both the dog and us. We were astonished to see improvements in his behavior so quickly. Months later, we are still working on implementing the training techniques that Ruben has instilled in us, and are so delighted to see the progress he has made overall. One of the best things about this training is that Ruben has been there to support us along the way, be it through check-in phone calls or weekend pack walks. It's very clear that Ruben is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, has a great passion for what he does, and cares deeply about his clientele. We are so happy to have chosen Kindred Dog PDX, thanks Ruben!!!

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We took Autumn to Ruben for 3 weeks of train. It has made all the difference in the world not the she was a bad dog, she just liked pushing the envelope and now she is doing awesome and so are we. Ruben laid the ground work and showed us how to work with her. I would like to thank everyone at kindred dog board and train for a job well done.

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The change in Malcolm is really amazing. Given the amount of time he's been allowed to make his own decisions and get his way, we weren't sure if two weeks was going to be enough to start him on a different path, but he's been like a new dog since we picked him up. He isn't perfect, but having tools to help him along is so different than the helplessness we felt before this. Not only that, but we're seeing Mal become a more confident dog as time goes on, which is an amazing thing.

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My two older pups have been home for two weeks, and they've settled in to a nice routine. We couldn't go on walks prior to Ruben's help. We're now able to go on several of them a day, and the girls really love the exercise. They are far more relaxed in a down/stay while I'm cooking or cleaning than they used to be. Thanks Ruben!! I've got two happier pups 😊

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Ruben has been incredible. I recently moved to Portland and my dog Ruby was barking and being very destructive when left alone. I was ready to give up on the situation. Ruben showed me how to give Ruby more structure on walks and at home to reduce her anxiety and energy levels. He has been so helpful and it has been wonderful to work with such a knowledgeable and caring trainer. Ruby is not longer barking and destructive. There has been a complete change in her overall behavior and she is clearly happier and calmer. Ruben has really been an invaluable influence in this process. Not only has he solved the problem I came to him with, he has greatly improved Ruby's quality of life. I highly recommend him.

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When we sent our dog (Georgia) to Ruben we were at our wits end. A typical morning before she stayed with him would have meant her barking incessantly for attention, chewing our kids' toys up for attention, her waking up the kids, nipping to get us up off the couch (all before coffee!!!!). This is her first morning back and she's sitting on her bed calmly waiting for her breakfast as I have my coffee and write this. Yesterday she was in her crate (with the door open) and we started dancing (something that before would cause her to jump and bark and nip non-stop until we stopped). She didn't try to run out, she just kept sitting calmly watching us. She didn't seem upset or have any reaction at all. It might not seem like a big deal, but I cannot emphasize enough what a change he has made and how disruptive her outbursts were to our day and our kids.

Ruben kept telling us we would have a lot of work to do after we got her back. I can see that she's not perfect yet, but so far, we've felt in control for the first time....Her homecoming has been so much easier than I thought and it keeping up the training is looking totally doable and easy even with an infant and a toddler! We're so excited and back in love with our doggy.

Besides the awesome work he's done with Georgia, he has been a joy to work with. He is always quick to respond to all our questions. He seems to truly care about the dogs and the work he does and we have been nothing but pleased so far. We've even sent our other dog to him for the next two weeks!

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Before we went to Kindred Dog Pdx we were never confident that we could have Josey off leash because she basically had no recall. She was also a bit anxious when people and other dogs approached. So, we decided to enroll her in a 4-week Board and Train last October.

We have been so very pleased with the care, support and expertise that were given to us since that time. Ruben and Shane are great at communicating with us and our 3 year old lab/pittie mix. Their gentle yet firm manner of speaking to Josey and their clear teaching style really allowed Josey to be more calm and confident.

We have been regulars at the weekly group alumni class which is a great community support gathering with pearls of training that we take with us to practice before the next class.

The saying ‘It takes a village…’ can also be applied to the care that’s often times needed in the raising of these wonderful K9 friends. My husband and I took up the responsibility and energy of raising a very active 8-week old pup while we are in our 70’s. We are very fortunate and grateful that we were guided to Kindred Dog Pdx and have become confident dog handlers in the process.

Kindred PDX has been life-changing for me and my dog!

My dog used to bark constantly, showed leash reactivity & was overall incredibly anxious. The list of things she was comfortable around was shorter than what set her off (bikes, swings, men, big dogs, my cats, basketballs, being in the water). I used to feel guilty even leaving the house. We now go out in the world with both of us feeling calm and excited to adventure together!

I simply cannot recommend them enough! Rueben and Shane did an AMAZING job with my dog's board and train. They've also provided knowledge and support that have helped me keep up with her training now that she is home. While my dog was away at the board and train program, I had a book to read and things to learn as an owner. And now that she is back, I have been bringing her to the weekly class for dogs that have completed training with Kindred. The training sessions & access to group classes were two of the main reasons why I chose Kindred PDX. They really stood out above all the rest. Rueben and Shane made me feel safe leaving my dog with them for a month, educated, and capable in my ability to train my dog and give her the stress-free life she deserves.

Some say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". Well Kindred PDX and my 6 year old dog are solid proof that that just isn't true! 11/10 stars :)

I am so incredibly grateful for Ruben and Kindred Dog PDX Training. When we first got our dog, he was a 95 pound, energetic, power house. He would drag us on the leash and rarely listened to direction. Recall was not even a thing of existence. He was so much dog that we wanted to pull our hair out with frustration.

Now, we have a dog that walks without pulling and a dog that is eager to listen. His recall is dialed and we feel so confident in most scenarios that get tossed at us. Overall, our dog is just more confident and so are we.

I can’t emphasize enough how far this dog has come and it’s all because of the tools that Kindred has given us. We are super proud of how far our dog Barkley has come and it’s all thanks to Kindred Dog Training!

I have been so pleased with the results of our work with Ruben. His approach to training, understanding of dog behaviors and flexibility to find the best way for the dog and owner to achieve their goals makes him a very valuable resource!

We’ve had such a positive experience doing private training with Ruben & group classes with Ruben and Shane. We adopted a 2 year old shelter dog who struggled with poor impulse control, bad reactivity with other dogs, & separation anxiety. Since working with Kindred Dog we’ve learned a ton and watched our dog become much more skillful and confident. Ruben and Shane are really knowledgeable, kind, and patient with our pup and us humans. There’s also an impressive attention to detail in their teaching and great communication between session. I’d highly recommend Kindred Dog.

I have had a lovely experience with Kindred Dog PDX. My pup, Olivia, has done the Board & Train as well as private lessons and general boarding and Ruben and the team are just wonderful and the obedience training is excellent. I cannot recommend them enough!

Before working with Ruben, I was contemplating giving up our very reactive dog (not that anyone would want him). The dog went after strangers in an aggressive, frightening way, and he had already nipped a few people. A worse bite seemed inevitable. Ruben taught me to keep everyone safe, to give consistent firm feedback, to read dog body language, and to embrace that this is a different sort of dog who needs a certain kind of love and boundaries in order to thrive. His approach is measured and thoughtful.

We’ve come a very long way. My dog listens to me and trusts me. You don’t re-wire a dog’s reactions overnight but thanks to Kindred Dog PDX our progress is impressive and we’re getting there.

Incredible! Our dog had attended multiple training programs in the past, but never fully adapted to obedience until Ruben. It's been over a year since we completed the board and train program, and Sasha is still a Rockstar. We couldn't be happier with the results or more grateful for Kindred and the work they invested.

We are so thankful for Ruben and Shane! I can't say enough positive things about Kindred Dog. We rescued a German Shepherd mix, Lola, and she had some reactivity and fear aggression, which was so stressful and disheartening. We've done a board and train, private lessons and open gym, and Ruben and Shane have taught us how to become the best dog owners we can be, and Lola is a completely different dog from working with them over the last few years. I also appreciate how much ongoing help they offer even after the lessons end. Thank you both for everything!

Ruben and Shane are super supportive, positive, and patient as they help you grow your dog-owner toolbox. They're great for new or experienced dog owners. They both share so many lessons, tips, and tricks within the hour sessions that can be implemented immediately. Unlike some dog trainers in PDX, Ruben will follow up with you to ensure your dog and you are successful. They are both committed to you and your dog's well-being....

End Result:

Our dog is now calm on walks. Walks next to us. Is able to stay connected with us even when other dogs or people are near him. His impulse control has greatly improved. In between walks, play, and training he is able to relax faster and longer and find his calm.

I would strongly recommend Kindred PDX to anyone.