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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.

06/16/2025

Lucy's non-existent leash manners are actually the result of other things: a strong prey drive, some mild stranger danger and emotional overload. Once we get an handle on these the rest should be easy!
In 2 sessions Lucy has gone from barking & lunging at a decoy squirrel to calmly looking away from it (and choosing to self-soothe by chewing a toy), and from anxious, frantic pacing in the front yard to calmly lying down!

06/15/2025

Oliver the Labrador taking a break during training. He's learning leash manners, and there's 2 things we implemented that immediately improved his walking: a longer leash and time to sniff!

06/10/2025

When Bad-Faith Challenges Masquerade as Proof

A punishment-based trainer recently posted about a $50,000 “challenge” claiming force free trainers are scammers becasue we claim we can “fix” serious animal to animal agression using only positive reinforcement. No one took the bait. So naturally, he declared that force-free trainers must be frauds.

The thing is, I don’t know any skilled reinforcement-based trainers who promise to “fix” aggression, especially the kind rooted in fear, trauma, or predatory drive. If a dog is biting to cause serious harm, that behavior will always require long-term management. That’s just reality.

And this is where defining terms actually matters.
What does it even mean to “fix” something? If you mean reversing time and pretending the dog has no history of fear or aggression—no, that’s not what we do. But if you mean creating safety, supporting emotional recovery, reducing intensity, and building alternative behaviors through ethical interventions? Then yes. I do fix aggression, using a framework that includes prevention, management, enrichment, conditioning, and behavioral strategies not rooted shortcuts. But “fix” doesn’t mean we pretend risk disappears.

Ironically, it’s often punishment trainers who promise permanent solutions. I’ve personally heard countless times that the only way to permanently fix aggression is with a shock collar. So if this challenge proves anything, it’s that no trainer, regardless of method, was willing to stake that kind of guarantee. Not even the so-called “real trainers” the post elevates. How do i knownw? Because none of them took the bait either.

And here’s the deeper irony:
The trainer used the refusal to take the bait as proof that force-free trainers are scammers.

But think about that logic.
He sets up an undefined, hostile, bad-faith test, waves around a dollar amount like bait, and then declares victory when no one plays the game. That’s not evidence of fraud. That’s a setup. And the refusal to engage isn’t cowardice, it’s professionalism.

Real trainers don’t gamble with dogs’ lives for online theatrics. We don’t parade them around for internet points. We work with complex emotional systems. We prioritize long-term outcomes. And we choose ethics over optics—every time.

06/09/2025

Posted • Going out on a limb today to share some information that I think is really important. And many of us won’t share this because it makes us vulnerable and a target in many cases.
“You’re just not using the right tools”
“Positive only has limitations”
“You need a better trainer”
These are ALL comments I have seen and been subject to. What is REALLY being said here is that in order to change some behaviours there are those out there willing to do MAJOR emotional and physical harm to your dog. This isn’t an option for me and many other behaviour specialists and trainers.
Quality of life means that your dog isn’t living in constant fear or anxiety anticipating that they will be subject to pain and discomfort and in many cases, abuse. When we move towards using tools and methods to change behaviour that compromise welfare we really need to consider quality of life.
So, with that I say there are limitations for behaviour change. EVEN if you are going the direction I’m warning against. Don’t forget, dogs aren’t washing machines in which we simply replace a part and voila, they are “fixed”. It doesn’t work that way.

05/27/2025

I got a call for help about an "aggressive, out-of-control" puppy. Imagine my surprise when I saw this little guy, Tigger!
Turns out, Tigger wasn't aggressive at all. He was reacting in self-defense from his guardians' attempts at training him with physical discipline. Since these methods rely on pain and fear, it's no surprise Tigger was snappy and growly.
Since this was the only way his guardians knew how to train (after all, it had "worked" with previous dogs), we spent time talking about why Tigger was responding that way and how to teach him behaviors positively. Tigger is a smart pup and once he knew he was safe with me we were buddies. Now that we have some positive training exercises on board I am confident Tigger won't be "aggressive" again.

05/26/2025

Nobody moves until Bean says so!
Bean the Australian Shepherd is true to his herding nature in that he will bark and chase after anything out of place: dogs on the street, strangers coming to the house, the neighbor's cows getting too close to his fence and those pesky animals on TV.
However, Bean means well; once the barking stops he's happy to say hello and wants to play. Bean was the first dog ever to be EXCITED to see my decoy dog! His reactivity seems to be mostly frustration that he can't investigate the thing properly.
Bean will be learning how to channel his herding instincts elsewhere and calmer ways to check things out.
Thank you for laying a great foundation and getting Bean and I together!

05/16/2025

Honi conquered a major hurdle; being loose while I'm in the room! Originally if she had been off-leash she would've immediately rushed to bite me and then bark incessantly. Now she is excited to see me, can touch my hands with her nose and practiced muzzle training with me!

05/12/2025

Rita the Husky Mix needs help with reactivity and hyperactivity. After meeting her I realized that all of her struggles are because of fear.
Before hiring me, Rita's guardian contacted 2 other trainers. One wanted to immediately put a shock collar on her. Another recommended a shake can. A family friend recommended spraying vinegar water in Rita's face. Not only are these all terrible suggestions, for a dog like Rita they will absolutely make things worse and increase her fear.
Luckily, Rita's guardian knew these were not good options and reached out to me. Rita already was the calmest she's ever been with a stranger in the house and was able to explore her front yard for the first time in a while. She is super smart and should make progress very quickly!

05/07/2025

Herbo needs a new home!

Herbo is a 2 year old neutered Labrador (possibly mixed) that is looking for a new forever home. His guardians feel they cannot give Herbo the time and training he needs to live his best life.

The Good:
Herbo is a very smart, loving dog. He is quick to learn and would love to join you on your outdoor adventures. With the right training he might be a great hunting dog!

The Not-So-Good:
Herbo is struggling with dog reactivity. He has bitten a dog and caused injury when the neighbor's dog stuck its head under the fence to bark at him. In public, he prefers his personal space and gets upset when dogs come within 6'-8' feet of him. Herbo gets along well with the other dog at home, but would probably be happiest as an only pet.
Herbo has separation anxiety and would do best with guardians who are home more often than not.
Herbo is still working on jumping and climbing people (he just wants to love on you), so even though he loves kids he'd do best in a home with no kids or older kids.

I evaluated Herbo yesterday and he is a very smart dog; I don't see any reason he can't make progress with continued training.

If you're interested in learning more about Herbo please send me a DM!

05/06/2025

Posted • I don’t want an obedient dog.
I want a dog who can express himself without fear. I want a dog who has agency: who has choice, control and the ability to consent. I want a dog who has as much agency as possible.
We put an enormous amount of pressure on our dogs (pressure we don’t even put on ourselves). We expect them to behave in ways that go against so much of their individuality, instincts, and abilities.
I say we throw obedience out with the trash and focus on agency.
Do you agree?

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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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.