K10 Academy · Portland, Oregon
Rescue Dog
Training
You gave them a second chance. We help them learn how to take it.
Call to Get StartedYou Adopted a Dog With a Story.
Let’s Write the Next Chapter Together.
Every rescue dog arrives with a history — and every adopter shows up with hope. Whether your dog is settling in beautifully or showing behaviors you weren’t expecting, training helps you understand each other faster and build something that lasts.
The Reality
Rescue Dogs Come With a History You Don’t Have
You don’t always know what happened before. Neglect, inconsistent handling, trauma, undersocialization — any of these can show up as behaviors that feel confusing or discouraging at home. That’s not a reason to worry. It’s a reason to get support early.
The most common mistake rescue adopters make is waiting too long — hoping the dog will “settle in” on their own. Some do. Many don’t. And the longer patterns go unaddressed, the harder they are to change.
Our Philosophy
Patience Has a Method Behind It.
At K10 Academy, relationship-centered training means we start where your dog actually is — not where you wish they were. We build trust before we build skills. We work at your dog’s pace, not a predetermined curriculum.
We also train you. Understanding what your dog is communicating — and how to respond — changes everything. Most clients tell us they leave the first session seeing their dog differently.
Common Challenges
Does Any of This Sound Familiar?
These are the behaviors we see most often in rescue dogs. If you’re nodding, you’re not alone.
Shuts down or freezes on walks, in new environments, or around strangers
Reactive to other dogs, people, or unpredictable sounds — if this is the primary issue, our Reactive Dog Training program may be the right fit
Anxious when left alone or struggles to settle in a new home
Jumps, pulls, or struggles with impulse control — high energy with no off switch
Inconsistent behavior — great one day, difficult the next, for no obvious reason
Slow to bond — keeps distance, avoids eye contact, or won’t engage
Rescue dogs often improve dramatically once they have structure, consistency, and a handler who understands them. That’s what we build together.
How It Works
Our Approach to Rescue Dog Training
Every rescue dog is different. We don’t use a one-size-fits-all curriculum — we build a plan around your dog’s specific history, behaviors, and what you want life to look like together.
Getting to Know Your Dog
We start by understanding what you’re seeing at home, what the dog’s background is, and what you’re hoping training will change. No assumptions, no generic plans.
Building Trust First
Before we ask a rescue dog to perform, we make sure they feel safe. Trust-building is the foundation — and for many rescue dogs, it’s the most important work we do.
Structure & Communication
Dogs thrive with clarity. We teach your dog what to expect from you — and teach you how to communicate in a way your dog can actually understand and respond to.
Real-World Practice
Skills get practiced in real environments — Portland neighborhoods, parks, and the situations your dog actually encounters day to day. Progress has to hold in real life.
Training Investment
Private sessions $140–$175 depending on package size. Tell us about your dog and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Sessions run $140–$175 depending on package size — the more sessions you commit to, the lower the per-session rate. Rescue dogs are all different — a quick call helps us understand what you’re dealing with and point you toward the right package.
Call 503.292.1396Adopted Through Oregon Dog Rescue? You Qualify for 15% Off.
K10 Academy volunteers weekly at Oregon Dog Rescue because we believe every shelter dog deserves a real shot at a great life. If you adopted through ODR, mention it when you call — your discount applies to any training package.
Before You Book
What to Expect
Rescue dog training looks different for every dog. Here’s what working with K10 actually looks like — so you start with the right expectations.
Private Sessions Only
All sessions are one-on-one. Your dog gets focused attention in an environment that’s calibrated to their comfort level — not a group class that adds more stress to an already stressed dog.
You’re Part of the Work
We train you as much as your dog. What you do between sessions matters as much as the sessions themselves. You’ll leave each one knowing what to practice and why it matters.
We Work at Your Dog’s Pace
We don’t push rescue dogs through a curriculum. Progress happens when a dog feels safe enough to engage — and we know how to create that environment and build from it.
Progress Is Real — and It Takes Time
Most rescue dog owners see meaningful change within the first few sessions. The full picture takes longer — and that’s okay. What we build is real, lasting change, not performance on command. You’ll have the tools to keep making progress long after we finish.
From Portland Dog Owners
“Ray and Alyda exceeded all my training expectations. My rescue dog struggles with reactivity towards strangers and physical contact — and Ray absolutely transformed the way both my dog and I approach the issue. They taught me how to strengthen my relationship with my dog, who is now far more comfortable in public settings.”— Nadia B.K. · Google Review
“We met Ray after adopting our sweet pup, Domino, from Oregon Dog Rescue. He is amazing and very patient and informative — he has so many tips and seems like he can troubleshoot any issue. We highly recommend K10 to anyone wanting help with both puppies and adults.”— Amanda B. · Google Review
“Ray was outstanding at helping us with our rescue cattle dog mix — terrific at helping us understand how to manage her high energy, impulse control, and anxiety. Great at staying adaptable when she stopped responding to a given technique. Cannot recommend enough.”— Brian C. · Google Review
They Found Their
Person. Now What?
You gave your rescue dog a home. Let’s give them the tools to fully live in it. Call us and we’ll talk through what you’re seeing and where to start.