DOG SPECIALTIES

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Introduction

I make every effort in the time allowed to get client and their dog working together I make training fun! Helping those with their pets succeed in a balanced relationship Very rewarding to see a dog change his behavior

Overview

Hired 142 times

Background checked

44 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2018

2017

2016

Featured Projects

40 photos

Dog Training - Portland 2024
Dog Training
I highly recommend Cynthia and assure you will be
We highly recommend Cynthia. We have a 11-month-ol
Cynthia has been wonderful with which to work. My

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, value, and professionalism.

Excellent 4.9

69 reviews

96%

Read reviews that mention:

Brian H.

May 22, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

I couldn’t be more satisfied with the work that Cynthia and JD did with my dog Klara. Klara was very aggressive with other dogs, and constantly barking. They were able to train her to be calm and ignore other dogs (and stop barking), and then teach me what I should be doing to always have Klara’s attention. The change in Klara is amazing. The whole experience has been positive, and it was clear that Klara loved and respected Cynthia and JD. And even though I had been a dog owner before, they offered me several helpful tips that I was previously unaware of. I highly recommend Dog Specialties.

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • I'm flexible • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Barking • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Torrey S.

Nov 30, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

I couldn’t have chosen better trainers! Cynthia and JD has been great for me as a first time dog owner. Will continue to seek their guidance! Highly recommend!

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • Puppy training • Crate training • Chewing • Digging • Biting • Barking • House training • Destructive behavior • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location

Dog Training

Howard H.

Jun 12, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

We are very pleased with the work Cynthia and her son did for our dog. We got her as a puppy early in the pandemic, so it was difficult to train her professionally, and she wasn’t properly socialized around other people. Although she was often very sweet and loving, she had developed some bad habits such as barking at animals on the TV, running around and biting when it was time for a walk, and barking at any sound she heard overnight. We decided to leave our dog with Cynthia for three weeks, during which we came out three times to see the dog and work on training. She has now been home with us for two weeks, and the change in our dog has been dramatic. She no longer barks at the TV and stays quiet overnight. When she does bark, we correct her and she remains quiet. She gets excited for walks but behaves calmly. It’s as if Cynthia provided us with a way to properly communicate with our dog. She is responsive to our commands and eager to please us. It was well worth the time and effort.

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • Aggressive behavior modification • Barking • Leash pulling • Biting • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Amanda B.

Mar 5, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

I used to dread taking my dog Benny on walks because she was reactive to a lot of things men, anything on wheels, trying to get to dogs she couldn’t see but could hear. It was absolutely anxiety inducing and I really didn’t know what to do. We have had three sessions with Cynthia so far and it has been a game changer. I can now take Benny on walks and not be terrified something could happen. She walks with me now and does not pull me over trying to get to things. She is much better with men and even lets Cynthia’s son handle her. Cynthia and her son are so knowledgeable and patient and I am so happy with the progress Benny has made. We still have a lot to work on but I am so happy we BOTH can enjoy walks now.

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Kathi J.

Oct 8, 2022

Hired on Thumbtack

We chose this trainer for our boy, Remi. He is a English Setter who is sweet but had absolutely no self-control and way too much energy. He is only 40 pounds and I am a larger woman. That little beast was not safe for me to even take on walks. He could pull me anywhere and could knock me over. We were desperate to get him trained for our own safety and we were not successful with private, in-house training. We chose this trainer and I am so thankful I found her! We went for one of our training sessions (included in the package) an I could not believe the difference in our boy! I was able to walk him on the leash without any pulling whatsoever! He did well following some of the simple commands he learned. And even more impressive was the recall. We learned him explore his surroundings and when I called him he immediately turned and came to me! He is almost done with his training and I am really looking forward to bringing him home and keep the wonderful progress moving forward! I will add to my review after we have had him home a few days, but with the incredible progress we already saw, I am pretty sure I will only have more good things to say! I definitely recommend this trainer and have already recommended her to a few of my friends.

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • Digging • Destructive behavior • At the pro’s location

Dog Training

Credentials

Background Check

Cynthia Thompson

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Board and train is 550.00 a week with a two week minimum Some, puppies I suggest 3 weeks
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Meeting them and their pet discussing their home , work situation and time for pet. Exploring any issues that need correction and lessons for the owner on how to work with their dog
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been showing breeding and training German Shepherds and training clients pets for over 30 years