Synergy Behavior Solutions

We just took our dog in this morning for his behavior evaluation and I have to say, I was skeptical how much value we would get (I mean $ 300 – 400 is a lot of money) BUT it was well worth our time and money. We got a full 2 hours of individual attention including some basic training to start practicing at home. Their methods were humane and effective. We brought our excitable 156 lb mastiff in for aggression towards people and other animals and they made him completely comfortable. By the end of the first hour he was leaning against them and begging for treats as if he’d known them for years. I’m optimistic about his ability to reach the goals I have for his behavior now and I definitely plan on doing further training both private and in their reactive rover classes that are geared specifically on dogs with the same problems mine is having with strangers and other dogs.

I took their reactive rover class and saw very little improvement in my dogs overall behavior. She was able to do ok in the actual class but the lessons did not work outside class. Any attempt to get answers to my questions were met with attempts to sell me more classes rather than address my issues. I have gotten much further much faster using my own patience and you-​tube videos than the efforts from this very expensive class.

My dog had a rough time with our move to Portland and a few negative experiences in our new apartment building created unprecedented reactivity and anxiety. I worked with Scott for some private lessons and then took the Reactive Rover classes (beginners and advanced). The progress was incredible and I was so glad my dog returned to the happy, confident dog he had been. The entire team at Synergy is remarkable and really understand how challenging it is to cope with a reactive dog and truly offer a support system. I don’t know what I would have done without them. I would enthusiastically recommend them for any type of dog training, but particularly if you are struggling with reactivity, do not hesitate. Our quality of life was returned, both for my pup and myself, because of their gentle, thoughtful and committed care.

We have taken Puppy Classes and Family Dog classes with our two dogs. The style of training is positive reinforcement training– so the goal is to associate desired behaviors with treats. This works very well. Scott, Amber, Caroline are very patient and helpful. When you take one of their classes you get plenty of support for you individual dog’s needs during class as well as before and after class. Beyond being effective, this makes their classes a very good value.

Two years ago I sought out Scott and Valli at the recommendation of a Veterinarian who had used their training for her own reactive dog.
My relationship with my dog was exhausting and I knew I needed help seeing whatever it was I was missing. She was very reactive towards other dogs and the method I was using, just needed to be honed further. I lived in fear. And my dog knew it.
Scott and Valli helped me see minutia I had missed and taught me new strategies to «get ahead» of my dogs reactivity. Once I started being clear on the strategies, my relationship with my dog got more comfortable and happy. I learned more about respecting some of her limits and learned strategies for urging her to accept a bit of closer range without overwhelming her. I so appreciate how respectful and kind their process is.
I am a huge fan of these two Professionals and would recommend them to anyone to either help with troublesome issues or create a stronger fun filled bond with your dog. You would be in the best hands possible.
Thanks,
Jodi Burton and Isabelle

I have taken a puppy class and a family dog class from Scott. Each week I looked forward to it and did my «homework» to qualify for a prize in class. ;-)
The young dog I was working with really learned quickly with the positive training. I found Scott to be a gifted teacher. He is informative, articulate, kind and has a sense of humor so classes are really fun. I have been recommending Synergy to friends and our clients as well. I recommend Synergy for an experienced trainer and a positive experience for your dog.

Hello Everyone,
My name is Scott Raymond and I am the owner and head dog trainer of Synergy Dog Training. We work out of the Portland, Oregon area and specialize in private in-​home instruction and small group classes.
We help people privately with their dog’s behavioral challenges and have a special interest in working with shy dogs and with dogs who have aggression issues, both towards other dogs and towards people. We also run group classes for puppies between 8 and 16 weeks of age (Puppy Preschool) and classes for basic obedience and good-​manners (Family Dog).
I have been training dogs in obedience/​good manners and tracking for over ten years, and have been assisting dogs and their families for over seven years. I have attended numerous seminars and conferences on dog behavior and training issues and have achieved the status of Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT).
I am the Head Instructor for Project Pooch (
) where I help correctional facility youths train shelter dogs for adoption. I have titled dogs in tracking and competition obedience and am a Canine Good Citizen evaluator.
I would love to work with you. :-)
Thanks for reading!
Scott