Cyrus Heiduksa

Certifications: Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT); Graduate of Whole Dog Academy; American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR; Associates Degree in Science from Portland Community College

Memberships: Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT); Bonded and Insured through Business Insurers of the Carolinas; Licensed through Dog Adventures Northwest

Cyrus has owned high-energy Portuguese Water Dogs since 2007, and he has taken them out for big swimming and hiking adventures several times per week throughout that time, in all weather. He knows how important cardiovascular exercise and social activities are for the physical and mental well-being of dogs. Cyrus has also trained, handled, and groomed show dogs. He understands that every dog has its own unique personality and needs, so he pays close attention to their history and their body language, and he tailors his handling, communication, and play style to suit each dog. Cyrus is dedicated to force-free, fear-free, positive training techniques. He can help with basic skills, puppy socialization, and advanced behavior issues such as barking, jumping, leash reactivity, or nervousness. His training goal is to build a happier, calmer life for you and your pup. Your adventuring pets can expect an exciting day of fun and stimulating activity; and you can expect clear, prompt communication, and deeply attentive care for your animal family.

Cyrus uses he/him pronouns.

To contact Cyrus directly, email him any time at cyrus@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventure or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Hannah Davidson

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; Dove Lewis Pet First Aid/CPR; Bachelor of Arts in History from University of San Diego, California; Master of Arts in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Hannah grew up on a small farm where she was surrounded by pets of all sorts: horses, sheep, goats, chickens, cats, crows, rats, snakes and, of course, dogs! When she was just 8 years old and a member of 4-H, she trained her fearful rescue dog Davoika. Through that experience she learned the value of positive reinforcement as a training method. Fast forwarding through many awesome canine companions and a career in nonprofit finance and operations, Hannah decided to trade in the spreadsheet and recommit full-time to her love of all things dog! She completed the year-long academic canine behavior training program through Whole Dog Academy and passed the CPDT exam with flying colors. Besides taking dogs out for fabulous adventures, she volunteers for the Portland Animal Welfare Team (PAW Team) which provides free veterinary care to the pets of low-income and homeless individuals. She resides with her current bestie, Grimm, her “street dog” rescue with personality and energy to burn!

Hannah uses she/her pronouns.

To contact Hannah directly, email her any time at hannahd@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Jaime Gleason

Certifications: Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) pending; Dove Lewis Pet First Aid/CPR; Bachelor of Arts from Portland State University

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Jaime was lucky enough to be raised on a small farm with a menagerie of pets ranging from chickens to horses, ducks to dogs, rabbits to cats—leading to a lifelong obsession with animals and curiosity about their behavior. They have influenced Jaime’s life ever since, leading finally to a career working with animals. Currently, Jaime is in training to become a dog trainer, inspired by their childhood and years of borrowing friends and family's dogs while they worked or travelled. Dogs crave adventure and so does Jaime! Spending so many hours with cats and dogs has lead to many lasting friendships and bonds with “furry nieces and nephews”—most beloved is former roommate Mr Bates (Schnauzer/Jack Russell mix, lovingly called a “Schnack”). Over the past years as a professional dog walker and pet sitter, Jaime has had a multitude of experiences with geriatric and special-needs pets, and loves maintaining a clear line of communication with human clients. Putting minds at ease and handling challenges together is key to excellent animal care. Jaime is looking forward to adventuring and snuggling your pups, and sending you tons of photos along the way!

Jaime uses they/them pronouns.

To contact Jaime directly, email them any time at jaime@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Jess Lara

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; Dove Lewis Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Jess' love for dogs and the outdoors began at a young age when she attended her Grandpa's K9 Search and Rescue trainings, where she became fascinated with the dogs' working ability and the training process. Fast forward, Jess has become dedicated to learning about the most up-to-date and ethical training methods through self-education, working with other trainers, and attending seminars. She has spent many years training two of her own dogs in Search and Rescue, one for Wilderness Air Scent and the other for Tracking, learning how to navigate the wilderness and how to administer K9 First Aid in the process. Jess' home has a training and boarding space to give your dog 5-star treatment during their stay. She understands the importance of exercise, and will make sure your pup is safe and having the time of their lives during their adventure. Jess enjoys spending time with dogs of all sizes and personalities, from sensitive to boisterous. She lives with her three high-energy dogs, a Lapponian Herder, a Standard Poodle, and an All American Rescue dog. Together they enjoy dog parkour, herding, obedience, biking, and hiking.

Jess uses she/her or they/them pronouns.

To contact Jess directly, email her any time at jess@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Jessi Walters

Certifications: Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Jessi is an animal lover who has delightfully called Portland home for the last ten years. Jessi grew up with two fantastic Labs, a Pomeranian, a kitty, and a rabbit, while spending many teen years riding horses.

Some years later, with a big move to a new city, Jessi knew she wanted an animal companion to accompany her to the PNW. She adopted her black domestic cat Cheri, from a local shelter and they started an adventure of a lifetime. This incredible bond with Cheri gave Jessi’s life new meaning, and her desire for pet stewardship blossomed into professional animal sitting.

Since 2019, Jessi has been a Cat Sitter for Cats In The City in Sellwood, OR. This experience has allowed her to better understand animal psychology, learn from trained professionals, offer care and companionship, and spend copious amounts of time with wonderful Portland kitties. Jessi is excited to extend her animal guardianship and training to canines through Dog Adventures Northwest!

Jessi uses she/her pronouns.

To contact Jessi directly, email her any time at jessi@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Jessica Heffron

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; Whole Dog Academy Graduate

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Jessica has always had a love and deep connection with animals, starting from a very young age. In 2012, she took a chance on a rescue dog named Molly and her life was never the same. Jessica taught preschool for many years and Molly came to work with her everyday. She quickly saw how children and adults alike bonded and connected with her dog in ways she could never have imagined. Molly crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2018 and this sent Jessica on a journey to help people understand and connect with their dogs the way she had with Molly.

Over the last year and a half Jessica has dedicated her time studying the most ethical and up-to-date training methods and theories at Whole Dog Academy here in Portland. She and her partner live in Gladstone with their two cats and newly adopted puppy. When Jessica isn't training dogs, she enjoys cooking, gardening and hiking. She is excited to work with Dog Adventures Northwest and help new clients and their dogs!

To contact Jessica directly, email her any time at jessica@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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John Hawkins Gordon

Certifications: Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) pending; Dove Lewis Pet First Aid/CPR; Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Portland State University 

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest 

John Gordon joined the Dog Adventures Northwest Team in 2013. John loves animals, and has been keeping dogs and cats happy while their families are away since 2009. Before that, John worked for several years as a dog walker and pet sitter on the mean streets of New York City. He will work closely with you in order to maintain normal routines for your pets and to make your time away from home worry-free. John has worked with almost every kind of special need and can handle everything from administering medicine for puppies to preparing special diets for seniors.

John uses he/him pronouns.

To contact John directly, email him any time at john@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Kate Johnson

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; Whole Dog Academy Graduate; Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at Flagler College; Dove Lewis Pet First Aid

Memberships: Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT); Pet Professionals Guild (PPG); Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Kate is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) under the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and practices force-free, fear-free, positive training. She is committed to and uses the most current, gentle, science-based, positive training and behavior modification techniques. Kate has always had a love for animals and the outdoors. After 18 years working in office administration, she decided to follow her love of animals and nature and create a new career working with dogs. Kate’s family includes her husband and daughter as well as her dog Powells and cat Poppy. Kate is passionate about puppy socialization and helping families welcome puppies into their new home successfully as well as helping them properly socialize their new puppy in a thoughtful and intentional way in order to raise a more confident, relaxed, and well-adjusted adult dog. Kate has been serving as the Board Secretary of Whole Dog Academy, an education and research-based nonprofit organization, since 2015. Committed to lifelong learning, Kate completed Whole Dog Academy's rigorous canine behavior and dog training program and attends continuing education seminars conducted by national and international leaders.

Kate uses she/her pronouns.

To contact Kate directly, email her any time at kate@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Luanne Jarman-Miller

Certifications: Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) through the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program; Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington (UW-AAB); Family Paws Parent Educator; American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid; Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Animal Behavior emphasis) from Portland State University

Memberships: Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner; International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC); licensed, bonded and insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Luanne’s journey into the world of dog behavior and training started when her pup, Iris, became a reactive puppy at six months old. As Iris’ reactivity grew, Luanne sought out a behaviorist, but then decided she would become the behaviorist. This lead her to her UW-AAB certificate and her KPA-CTP. Iris now holds the role of “neutral dog” in Luanne’s science and positive reinforcement based classes for reactive dogs. Luanne’s favorite part of working with reactive dogs is seeing them grow more confident and optimistic and building a relationship of trust with their humans.

Luanne uses she/her pronouns.

To contact Luanne directly, email her any time at luanne@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Peter English

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; Whole Dog Academy Graduate; Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) pending; Dove Lewis Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Peter has always had a deep connection with most animals, particularly dogs. Growing up caring for his family dog, cats, rabbits, and various other creatures, he learned how patience and dedication can lead to a lifetime of rewarding companionship for animals and their humans.

Peter and his wife recently added a Corgi puppy to their family, and watching him grow has been an amazing experience for everyone involved. Although he is fairly new to the training and sitting community, what Peter lacks in formal training, he makes up for with his enthusiasm and passion for happy, healthy, and well-behaved dogs.

Peter enjoys outdoor adventures, as well as art, cooking, and board and video games. He is currently a part of Whole Dog Academy and is working to acquire his CPDT . He has a flexible schedule and is happy to work with pets' individual needs, and believes every animal deserves love, care, and fun.

Peter uses he/him pronouns.

To contact Peter directly, email him any time at peter@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Phillip Berns

Certifications: Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

An animal lover from a young age, Phillip is thrilled to have been a pet-sitter with Dog Adventures Northwest since the summer of 2020. Growing up, Phillip bonded with a Miniature Pinscher and a Boxer/Bloodhound pooch, as well as a number of cats and even a duck! In fact, when moving out to Portland from Milwaukee, WI back in 2009, he came with two sweet kitties in tow, and has rarely been without animal companionship since. Phillip currently resides with his sweetheart and their sweet black cat, Cheri. When not cuddling or playing with a furry companion, Phillip is also a professional actor, freelancer, Tarot reader, and wedding officiant who loves hiking, camping, and reading!

Phillip uses he/him pronouns.

To contact Phillip directly, email him any time at phillip@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Rosie Schurman

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; Pet Tech First Aid/CPR; Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Mount Holyoke College; Master of Arts in Global and Sociocultural Studies from Florida International University

Memberships: Association of Professional Dog Trainers; Pet Professionals Guild; Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Rosie’s career with dogs began when she adopted a feisty Jack Russell named Fiske during graduate school. Despite their best efforts, the trainers she contacted to help her with Fiske didn’t know how to deal with his behavioral issues. So, Rosie started reading about dog behavior and training in an effort to help her new housemate become a better adjusted, happier, and more fulfilled pup. One of the biggest lessons Fiske taught Rosie was that high-energy dogs need lots of off-leash exploration time! Since then, Rosie decided to leave academia in favor of working with dogs, and completed an apprenticeship to obtain her CPDT-KA certification. As a trainer, Rosie especially enjoys working with the families of new puppies to instill strong socialization, house habits, and play skills early on. She also works with puppies and adolescents to build up impulse control and social skills, strengthen leash manners, and explore new, mentally-stimulating activities such as nose work, puzzle games, sniff walks, and agility. With DANW, Rosie loves watching her canine friends explore their surroundings, discover new ways to use their amazing noses, and go home sated, happy, and relaxed.

Rosie uses she/her pronouns.

To contact Rosie directly, email her any time at rosie@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Simone Riley

Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (pending); Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics from Linfield College; American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Simone has been cultivating an education in dog training and behavior since 2017, after being given the gift of a very troubled and challenging first dog. Clara (pictured) was brought home as a puppy, and after making all the mistakes in the book, Simone found herself with an adolescent with some worrying anxiety and behavior problems. She later learned that Clara’s breeding, early development, and detrimental training intervention were likely a perfect storm. Despite being an accidental crash course, Clara has come a long way, and enjoys a peaceful, joyful, carefully-managed life. Simone’s ongoing journey to help her dog has ultimately led to a complete career change into dog training. Once she began learning, something clicked (pun intended) and Simone decided she wanted to help dogs in her community live their best lives. Unsurprisingly, this story is a bit of a cliché among dog trainers!

In 2019, Simone joined a team of talented trainers at Plucky Puppy as an assistant instructor for classes and puppy socials. This was a meaningful transition in her learning experience, as it provided an added dimension of teaching others how to best teach dogs. It has also brought invaluable opportunities to learn from seasoned trainers. Simone is committed to using force-free, positive reinforcement-based methods of training and engaging with animals. She is currently learning to incorporate play and other “life rewards” into training to supplement her use of food treats. Simone also has a special interest in enrichment. She loves saving her recyclables to create unique puzzles for her dog’s meals, and making calming sniffing activities. Feel free to request ideas!

Simone uses she/her pronouns.

To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Tosten Larson

Certifications: Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) through the Karen Pryor Academy (pending); Dove Lewis Pet First Aid/CPR

Memberships: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Tosten has had a whole host of different dog friends as companions and members of his family for his entire life. From his childhood growing up in Montana with his three Sheepdog sisters (Flesnes, Lillehammer, and Gabriela), to city life with his teacup Chihuahua Billy, to his newfound dog Birdie, canine companions have always been there with him. Throughout his twenties and thirties, Tosten was a volunteer at the Seattle and Portland Humane Societies as a foster parent to the littlest of the pups waiting to be adopted into permanent homes, and he is now pursing certification as a dog trainer. He approaches his relationship with dogs with the awareness that dogs, like people, have different needs, attitudes, desires, and styles of communication that need to be honored in order for them to be their best possible selves.

Tosten uses he/him pronouns.

To contact Tosten directly, email him any time at tosten@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog’s adventures or training underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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Verena Sutherland

Certifications: ProTrainings Pet First Aid Certification, M. Ed. From Concordia University; Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) through the Karen Pryor Academy

Memberships: International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC); Pet Professionals Guild; Licensed, Bonded, and Insured through Dog Adventures Northwest

Even though Verena grew up around dogs in the Northwest of Germany, her path to force-free, humane animal training did not start with dogs but her formerly feral Mustang, Guinevere. Guinevere did not react well to traditional horsemanship methods, so when faced with the tough choice to risk physical injury or give up her horse, Verena was fortunate enough to be put on a very different path by a dog trainer friend. The suggestion of “Why don’t you try clicker training?” led Verena to a passion for training and behavior and, most importantly, a happy and willing horse. Verena now teaches equine clicker training clinics and lessons around the Portland area.

She discovered that she enjoyed training dogs as much as horses and pursued her training certification through the renowned Karen Pryor Academy, where she earned her title as Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) in the spring of 2021. She is passionate about further education and the intricacies of behavior and is always enrolled in at least one more course than she can feasibly manage on her journey to becoming the best trainer she can be.

Verena loves hiking and adventuring with dogs. Her focus is on keeping the dogs running and playing while making sure everyone is truly having the best time and engaging appropriately. When it comes to training, her more than fifteen years of experience as a teacher help Verena break down even complicated concepts so that dog owners learn how to best connect with their animals. She is especially passionate about creating a dialogue between animal and handler, and teaching husbandry behaviors without struggle.

When Verena is not taking dogs out on adventures, teaching dogs to be solid citizens. or working with clients and their animals, Verena loves spending time hiking, playing, and training with her own dog Ozymandias, and of course getting to work with her horse Guinevere. (And since clicker training truly works with all species, she's even trained her cats to sit!)
Verena uses she/her pronouns.

To contact Verena directly, email her any time at verena@dogadventuresnw.com. To get your dog's adventure underway, just fill out our inquiry form and we will be in touch within 24-hours!

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