Below Threshold Dog Training

You love your dog. But the second you clip on the leash, your stomach tightens.

Will you round the corner and come face-to-face with another dog? Will a jogger or a skateboard send your dog into a lunging, barking spiral? Will you spend the whole walk scanning the street, gripping the leash, bracing for the next blowup?

If this is your daily reality, you're not alone — and you're not doing anything wrong.

Hi, I'm Jasmine. I'm a CPDT-KA certified trainer (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) specializing in leash reactivity, fear, and stress-related behavior in dogs across the Portland and Vancouver metro area.

My approach is force-free and R+ (positive reinforcement) based — meaning no shock collars, no prong corrections, no "alpha" theatrics. Just training grounded in how dogs actually learn, applied consistently until calmer behavior becomes the default, not the exception.

What Working Together Looks Like

• In-home and on-location sessions in real environments where your dog's reactivity actually shows up

• A customized desensitization & counter-conditioning plan, not a one-size-fits-all class

• Leash handling and body-blocking skills so you feel confident and in control, not just hopeful

• Trigger stacking and threshold education — learn to read your dog before the explosion, not after

• Force-free tools and equipment guidance (front-clip harnesses, long lines, etc.) fitted to your dog

• Safety-first protocols for muzzle conditioning when appropriate, with zero judgment

• Ongoing support between sessions so you're never guessing whether you're doing it "right"

• Realistic, humane timelines — no promises of instant fixes, just steady, measurable progress

You don't need a "perfect" dog. You need a plan that fits the dog you actually have.

No pressure, no obligation — just a conversation about what's going on and whether we're a fit

Do you serve both Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA? 

Yes. I regularly work with clients throughout the Portland metro — including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, and Gresham — as well as Vancouver, WA and Clark County. In-home sessions are available on both sides of the river; let me know your neighborhood and I'll confirm scheduling.

What does CPDT-KA actually mean, and why does it matter? 

CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) is a third-party certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. It requires documented training hours, ongoing education, and a rigorous exam covering learning theory, ethology, and humane training practices. Unlike "trainer" as a title, it's not something anyone can claim — it's evidence-based accountability.

What does "force-free" or "R+" actually mean for my dog?

It means training relies on reward-based methods — reinforcing behaviors you want rather than using pain, fear, or intimidation to suppress behaviors you don't. No shock, choke, or prong collars are used in my programs. Research consistently shows aversive methods carry a higher risk of increasing fear and aggression over time, particularly in already-reactive dogs.

My dog has bitten or nearly bitten someone. Can you still help?

Often, yes — but safety comes first. A dog with a bite history typically needs a more structured evaluation, possibly including muzzle conditioning, before we work near live triggers. This is exactly the kind of case a free consultation call is for, so we can discuss specifics and whether in-person work is appropriate right away or needs a preparatory phase.

How is this different from a group obedience class?

Group classes are usually the worst environment for a reactive dog — too many triggers, too little control over distance and exposure. My approach starts at a distance and intensity your dog can actually succeed at, then builds from there. Group classes may come later, once your dog has the skills to handle them.

How long does it take to see results?

Most clients notice changes in leash handling and early trigger recognition within the first few sessions. Meaningful, lasting shifts in reactivity typically take a few months of consistent work, since we're changing an emotional response, not just a behavior. I'll give you an honest read on your dog's specific case on the consultation call.

Do you only work with reactive dogs?

Reactivity is my specialty, but I also help with general obedience, puppy foundations, and everyday behavior challenges. If you're not sure which category your dog falls into, just ask on the consultation call.

What's included in the free 15-minute consultation?

Reactivity doesn't have to be your dog's forever story. Let's talk about what's going on and build a plan that actually works — for your dog, and for you.