Resources and FAQ

We offer puppy training, dog training, and behavior consultations.

Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

We train the same basic and advanced classic training skills as other trainers. The difference is we also focus on when it is best to use those skills and why. Well-being means we consider the welfare and capacity of both the dog and family. Holistic means we think of the whole dog and whole family when considering which skills will best suit all parties. LEGS (learning environment, genetics, self) is based on Kim Brophy’s ethological focused Family Dog Mediation. LEGS helps us reframe dog behavior in terms of behavioral diversity rather than labels or mere disobedience.

Industry Recognized Certifications

• Accredited Dog Trainer through the IAABC, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

• Certified Dog Bite Educator through Dognostics.

• Certified Family Dog Mediator through the Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course

• Certified Drink With Your Dog® instructor through Summit Dog Training.

• Licensed Dog Therapy Team Evaluator for Pet Partners

Professional Memberships

• IAABC

• Doggone Safe

• Pet Professional Guild

• Pooch Parenting Coach Collective

• Thrive Essentials

Education

• Animal Behavior Consulting: Principles & Practice. IAABC Foundation

• Dog Trainer Foundations. Karen Pryor Academy

• Dog Bite Prevention Educator Certification Program. Dognostics

• Family Dog Mediation Program

• Drink With Your Dog® instructor course

• Living & Learning with Animals professional course. Behavior Works

• Pet Partners Therapy Team Evaluator course

• Aggression in Dogs Conference 2025

• Currently finishing Fostering Collaborative Care Instructor Program

• Ongoing education & courses through organizations promoting canine well-being and effective positive training

See our Yelp Page or Facebook page for reviews.

Before we start working with an individual or family, we seek to make sure our well-being focused training is a match for those we work with. If we feel another trainer or organization may be a better fit, we’ll give you the resources to pursue your training goals.

Working with Blue Mountain Canine is more than just training. We specialize in helping families train skills in context. This means, for example, we don’t just teach “stay.” We help you figure out when to best use “stay” where to use it, and when another skill or protocol might work better.

Sessions are an hour and we implement modular learning (breaking down training into focused learning theme segments). Most sessions include training skills accompanied by skills related to topics like management, enrichment, games, socialization, or “hacks” so that the skills learned last longer than traditional obedience approaches.

Our work is informed by applied behavior analysis, ethology, and trauma awareness.

It really does — and often better than people expect! Online sessions are calm, flexible, and surprisingly powerful — especially when it comes to helping you feel confident and supported. In fact, many dogs (and humans!) learn more effectively online because they’re in a familiar space and not distracted by a new person in their home. You don’t have to drive and you save time.

We use Google Meet to coach you through practical, real-life skills in real time. It’s not just us watching from a screen — we’re guiding, teaching, troubleshooting, and cheering you on every step of the way.

Online training is a safer option for everyone when it comes to certain types of reactivity as well.

Many dogs behave very differently when a new person enters the picture. Sometimes they shut down. Sometimes they hold it together just long enough to trick everyone.

That’s exactly why we start online. It gives us a chance to learn what’s really happening when no one’s watching, so we can support both you and your dog more effectively. You’re welcome to share video if you have it — but we promise, we don’t need to witness the chaos to help calm it.

We are experienced trainers and behavior coaches and often know what’s going on without needing to see it first.

At Blue Mountain Canine, we don’t just teach dogs to sit or stay. We work with the whole picture of behavior, using four guiding pillars to help dogs and their families thrive:

1. Understanding what’s driving the behavior
   We look beyond surface-level issues to explore the why — including stress, arousal, genetics, learning history, and unmet needs. We use the LEGS model (learning, environment, genetics, self) to guide that process with compassion and clarity.

2. Teaching life skills that fit real life
   Instead of rigid obedience drills, we focus on practical, adaptable skills that actually work in your daily life — like recall, walking together peacefully, or helping your dog settle in a busy household.

3. Improving communication on both ends of the leash
   Dogs are always communicating — and so are we. We help you understand body language, emotions, and consent cues, so training becomes a two-way conversation, not just a list of commands.

4. Collaborating with families for sustainable change
   Training shouldn’t feel overwhelming or one-size-fits-all. We meet you where you are, co-create a plan, and offer ongoing support that respects your time, energy, and real-life capacity.

In short: we’re not just “fixing” behavior. We’re building relationships rooted in trust, clarity, and co-regulation — so both you and your dog feel better, not just behave better.

Oregon: Adams, Athena, Echo, Helix, Hermiston, Milton-Freewater, Mission, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, Rieth, Stanfield, Weston.

Washington: College Place, Walla Walla.

Travel fees are not included in the base price. Price based on mileage from Pendleton.

We don’t use prong collars, e-collars, or punishment because our focus is on long-term well-being, safety, and understanding — not forcing compliance.

While these tools may suppress behavior temporarily, they do not address why a behavior is happening. In practice, they often require increased intensity or repeated use over time as dogs habituate or the underlying issue remains unresolved.

Our approach emphasizes understanding behavior, teaching practical life skills, improving communication, and supporting families in ways that fit real life. We believe training works best when dogs feel safe enough to learn and humans feel confident responding without fear or force.