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Monday 11am - 8pm Tuesday 11am - 8pm Wednesday 11am - 8pm Saturday 11am - 8pm Sunday 11am - 8pm

Nakama Dog Training

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United States
Salem, OR
Nakama Dog Training

Force-free, modern dog training in the Salem, OR area. Serving Albany, Dallas, Falls City, Independence, Monmouth, Salem, Silverton, Stayon and Woodburn.

Online sessions are available worldwide! I use force-free, science-based methods to help you and your dog build and maintain a healthy, happy relationship, with emphasis on balancing your dog's need to practice natural behaviors while also behaving politely in the human world. With positive reinforcement, your dog will learn faster, retain behaviors better and have lots of fun! I am an Accredited

Dog Trainer by the IAABC, a Predation Substitute Training Instructor and a Fear Free Certified Trainer. I have completed Michael Shikashio's Master Aggression Course and am working on a Family Dog Mediator certification. As such, I have proven my knowledge on canine behavior and training and have pledged to train dogs with the least invasive, minimally aversive methods possible. I will treat you and your dog with the utmost respect and compassion. This is why I will never ask you to train your dog in a way that makes you uncomfortable. I will never use a choke chain, prong collar or shock collar on your dog or ask you to "dominate", intimidate or hurt your dog in any way. I believe in continuing education, which is why I strive to research dog training and behavior from reputable, scientific sources as well as through hands-on experience. This is also why I train with positive reinforcement; studies show that reward-based training is the best way to build a happy, healthy bond with your dog. I am currently working on 2 more professional certifications. I believe in doing right by you and your dog; if at any time you are unhappy with my services or I believe that another trainer would be a better fit for you, I would be more than willing to work with you to find another trainer to fit your needs.

01/26/2025

Remember Wadsworth? His little sister Star has signed up for reactivity training!
Star is a cattle dog mix, and a lot of her reactivity seems to stem from frustration. She also has many stereotypical herding behaviors such as cutting off people moving around and bumping your legs when you walk away.
Since studying herding games, I've incorporated them into every program when a herding breed signs up; not only do they tap into some deep instincts, they can help with frustration reactivity and they're fun to do!
Here Star is starting to learn "go out", where she has to move around keeping the cones between her and Mom. I'm hoping with this as an outlet it can decrease her crowding and cutting off people in the house.
Swipe to see the awesome management Mom has set up while Star is working on barking at the door!

01/19/2025

Starting January 26th, I am hosting puppy socials !
Puppies from 2-5 months are welcome and can enjoy structured play time and positive exposures to people, new objects and sounds in a safe, clean environment.
You'll get to learn all about your puppy's body language & play style, as well as what polite play looks like and how to intervene when needed.
Puppy socials are every Sunday at 5 PM and cost $30.
Sign up on my website; link in bio!

01/16/2025

Posted • if you hate reading, learning, and knowing, boy have I got the career opportunity for you!

01/11/2025

Coming soon....

01/05/2025

Darwin is the newest member of a household that already had 4 dogs, and he is struggling with getting overexcited and rough when the other dogs were playing. He also jumps on guests when he first sees them; he just is so happy to say hi!
Darwin is learning how to slow down when he says hello and that he doesn't need to be a third wheel when his siblings are playing. His sister Sage is also learning proper greeting behavior and his brother Walter is learning that Darwin isn't scary.
Stay tuned for updates!

01/03/2025

A look back on 2024!

Dogs trained: 93
Most common breeds: Doodle, cattle dog mix, shepherd mix
New breeds: Doberman Pinscher, Mini Schnauzer
Most common names: Frankie, Willow
Favorite names: Avago, Ikki, Capistrano

2024 was a tough year for me both personally and professionally, but I saw so much love support from the dog training community both locally and online. Here's hoping to a much better 2025!

12/27/2024

Trillium the Shepherd Mix (left) has a history of fiercely guarding her toys and treats from other dogs and people. She's been working hard and this was the first time she completely ignored little sister Mora while she had a high-value item. Leashes were just in case, but we didn't even need them!
Trillium will also now allow Mom to go near her food bowl while she's eating and doesn't try to keep her away from chewies she's enjoying.
Trillium also struggles with using her teeth on other dogs when she gets upset, so our next big project is learning to wear her muzzle in public and making better choices when she's overwhelmed.
Stay tuned for updates!

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from Nakama Dog Training!

12/24/2024

Sugar the Pitsky is struggling with resource guarding, which is more of a concern now that there's a baby in the house! She will be learning how to wear a muzzle as an extra layer of protection, and also that it's OK if other animals or people are near her food.
Since babies and toddlers cannot understand how to interact appropriately with dogs, it's up to the adults to manage and supervise so that everyone stays safe and comfortable. We're working towards Sugar not worrying about the baby at all, but even then it's important to never leave a dog and young child alone together!

12/21/2024

Do your homework; your trainer will know if you haven't!

Posted •

12/16/2024

Not a good pic of me but a pic of me doing a good deed. This is when I met Kuru & Kurumi and busted them and their siblings out of the hoarding situation.

Kuru has been renamed Isabella & they're both doing great; they went to their first adoption event yesterday! They & the rest of their siblings will be available in a few weeks!

That being said, I need more photos of myself with dogs!

12/14/2024

Repost from

If the only training your dog is getting is when the trainer comes to visit, you're not going to get very far! And yes, we can tell if you've been practicing!

12/10/2024

Posted • There is almost nothing that frustrates me more than Instagram videos of trainers crowding or trying to handle dogs who are showing signs of distress. There is absolutely no reason for this.

Yes, it can be more effective for me to demo skills for clients, but with experience, I’ve learned to take a hands-off approach to coaching. Sometimes we even have to talk on the phone at first while working at a distance so I don’t come closer than your dog can handle! This is what’s best for your dog. Not only can pushing a dog past their comfort zone make the problem worse, but it’s likely you’ll get a bite on their rap sheet, creating liability for you!

So if a dog trainer ever insists that they must handle, come into close proximity with or touch your stressed dog to demonstrate, do yourself a favour and look elsewhere.

12/04/2024

This Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to !

Your donations will go directly to help my new foster puppies, Kuru and Kurumi! They were rescued from a hoarding situation along with their 4 other siblings and need their puppy shots, food and potty pads.

Of course there are many other dogs that need help; Charlotte and Meredith, the other puppies from the hoarder, are still in foster, as well as 15 other dogs. New dogs are always coming in!

11/30/2024

The holidays are officially here; it's Small Business Saturday!

I just want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of you who’ve trusted me to work with your pups this year. It’s been such a joy to see your dogs grow and thrive, and I’m so grateful to be part of their journey.

Give the gift of dog training this holiday season, whether a loved one is getting a puppy from Santa or you're shopping for your own dog!

11/27/2024

Posted • A new study from Clive Wynne (who also took part in another abusive study with pro-punishment, anti-science, anti-medication Ivan Balabanov where some of the dogs reacted so poorly from constantly being shocked by shock collars they had to be removed from the study.) was recently released that basically discusses what equipment is best to stop your dog from pulling. But here is the thing - your dog isn't pulling. Not like you think they are. Not like we've been led to believe by those on both the balanced (punishment based) and f+/force free (reinforcement based) sides.

What is missing from many of these conversations is WHY your dog is "pulling", or appears to be pulling. Your dog has four legs. The majority of dogs walk faster than we do. We historically walk our dogs on leashes that are too short to allow them to walk naturally, and at their own pace. The result is a dog at the end of a tight leash the majority of the time. This looks like pulling. This feels like pulling. This is your dog trying to walk normally.

This is your dog trying to walk normally and follow their nose. Their nose that is THOUSANDS of times more powerful than ours. Not just that, but their sense of smell is linked to their sense of SIGHT. They are trying to see with their nose.

They are trying to see with their nose and walk at their normal, natural pace.

And your six foot (and sometimes shorter) leash is restricitng this. This is why your dog "pulls". We don't need to prevent them from doing it. We need to figure out the best and safest way to allow them to walk naturally, and engage in their natural behaviors while out on that walk - like sniffing and peeing on all the things.

Studies like this will make people think these are problems. THESE ARE NOT PROBLEMS.
Your dog isn't pulling. YOUR DOG IS TRYING TO BE A DOG. And to be honest, I'm really tired of BOTH SIDES seemingly ignoring this fact.

11/24/2024

🆘️ URGENT! IMMEDIATE FOSTERS OR FOREVER HOMES NEEDED!

These 4 dogs are currently living in a hoarding situation and need to get out! Their guardian is cooperating with but they need a warm and safe space as soon as possible. Every dog is neutered and fully vaccinated.

Loki is a year old(?) shepherd mix who nervous of strangers, but should form a strong attachment once he gets to know you. When I met him today he was frustrated with another dog through the fence and redirected onto his brother Rocky (snapping, no bites), so he would probably do best as an only dog or possibly with a friendly, calm dog. He is tolerant of his guardian's grandchildren but was scared of their rougher handling, so no kids or older kids would be ideal.

Maggie is an adult shepherd mix who is very attached to her people. She is sweet, but froze up when I tried to take her for a walk around the property and would only move when someone she knew came with us. She will need someone with fearful dog experience and could probably use a friendly dog in the house. Dog-savvy older kids or no kids would be best.

Rocky is a year old lab (?) mix who is cautious, but curious and wants to be friends with everyone. He is being ganged up on by the other dogs in the house but still wants to play, so he would do great with a friendly dog. Older kids or no kids because he is a jumpy, pully guy when he gets excited!

Achilles is a 10 month old shepherd mix who is friendly, treat-motivated and ready to learn! When I took him for a walk he was ready to go without hesitation, and in 20 minutes already started picking up on check-ins and not pulling. Did I mention it was his first leash walk ever?! He would do great with another dog to play with and dog-savvy kids.

If you're interested in helping these pups, please contact for more information!

11/22/2024

Let's get Meredith a home for the holidays!

Meredith, like her brother Lewis & sister Charlotte, is a 5.5 month old Boxer mix who escaped a hoarding situation. She is shy and needs her space to warm up to people, but once she chooses you as her person she will be your constant companion.
Meredith prefers to sit back and take it all in in public spaces, but at home she's full of energy and puppy spunkiness! She'll need an active family, preferably one with fearful dog experience so they can help her learn that new things aren't scary. She could live with older children and could be either an only dog or be with a friendly dog who will give her space when she needs it and allows her to be queen of the dog toys.
Interested in Meredith? Contact for more information!

#

Address

Salem, OR
97301

Opening Hours

Monday	11am - 8pm
Tuesday	11am - 8pm
Wednesday	11am - 8pm
Saturday	11am - 8pm
Sunday	11am - 8pm

Telephone

+12073328365

Website

http://www.nakamadogtraining.com/

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Videos

Before & after videos are problematic pt 3 #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining

Before & After videos are problematic pt 2 #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining

Before & AFTER videos are problematic part 1 #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining

Hime's been doing so well with her neutrality towards others in public! If people talk to her it's still very exciting for her, but people who ignore her are no big deal! #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #kishuinu #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining

Frankie the Lhasa Apso mix is working on his reactivity to people coming into the house and some other anxieties. After discovering his most recent aggression problems was because of undiagnosed IVDD (always check your reactive/aggressive dogs for pain!), he got on pain meds that stopped his biting immediately and training him became easier. Here Frankie is practicing one of the most difficult exercises for him; calm behavior when someone comes to the door! Previously hearing someone come up the path was enough to set him off, but now he only barks when he hears the bell and can stop as soon as he sees who's arrived. He used to continue barking for a few minutes after a guest came in, now he can immediately calm down. We'll keep practicing! #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #reactivedogs #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingvideo

Hime still struggles with recall if she's off-leash and people or other dogs are around, but she's a pro otherwise! #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining

And not a shock collar in sight! I love to remind aversive trainers: just because YOU can't train a behavior without aversives doesn't mean the rest of is can't either. Can't tag Ivan properly because he blocked me 🤭 #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #kishuken #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #dogtrainingvideo #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining #kishusofinstagram #scienceishard

#oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingvideo #kishuinu #puppy #puppiesofinstagram

This has been so hard for Hime, especially since she's in hear! Boys are very, VERY interesting. We also were practicing sitting still, which Hime thinks is dumb. #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingvideo #kishuken #puppy #puppiesofinstagram

Freya has been working on her frustration reactivity for a while now, and this is the closest she has gotten to another dog while walking with me without barking! #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #dogtrainingvideo #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #reactivedog #noshockcollarneeded #germanshepherd #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining

Good relationship + proper training > shock collar. Your dog won't run away from you if that relationship is strong & you've worked hard on training. Don't let people scare you into thinking you need a shock collar to keep your dog with you. #oregondogtrainer #salemdogtrainer #trainbetter #dog #dogtraining #allyouneedaretreats #nakamadogtraining #dogsofinstagram #trainwithoutpain #forcefree #snackleadernotpackleader #ffo #prodogtrainer #noshocknoprongnochoke #clickertraining #keepcalmandcarrytreats #cookiepusher #noshockcollarneeded #dogtrainingdoneproperly #proudlypositive #noprongcollarneeded #forcefreeoregon #forcefreedogtraining

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Our Story

My goal is to help you and your dog become a happy bonded pair through force-free, reward-based training. With positive reinforcement, your dog will learn faster, retain commands better and have lots of fun!

I will treat you and your dog with the utmost respect and compassion. This is why I will never ask you to train your dog in a way that makes you uncomfortable. I will never use a choke chain, prong collar or shock collar on your dog or ask you to "dominate" your dog.

I believe in continuing education, which is why I strive to research dog training and behavior from reputable, scientific sources as well as through hands-on experience. This is also why I train with positive reinforcement; studies show that reward-based training is the best way to build a happy, healthy bond with your dog.

I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed by the CCPDT and a Fear Free Certified Trainer. As such, I have proven my knowledge on canine behavior and training and have pledged to train dogs with the least invasive, minimally aversive methods possible.