Google ★★★★★ 5.0 from 70 reviews (Sep 2026)
1029+ dogs trained in the Macedon Ranges Read success stories →

Portuguese Water Dog Training

Do you have a Portuguese Water Dog that needs some training help? Natalie from Crazy Kind Calm dog training can help!

With over 900 dogs trained across the Macedon Ranges, Natalie understands the unique personality and needs that come with this wonderful breed.

Portuguese Water Dogs are athletic, intelligent dogs bred to assist fishermen. They're energetic, water-loving, and eager to work — with a curly coat and an enthusiasm that needs proper channelling.

Common Portuguese Water Dog traits and training needs

  • High energy — bred for all-day physical work and needs significant daily exercise
  • Mouthy breed — uses their mouth to carry things and communicate
  • Can be exuberant and jumpy during greetings and when excited
  • Intelligent and needs mental stimulation — boredom leads to destructive behaviour
  • Pulls on lead, especially near water or when excited about activities
  • Can develop separation anxiety if too dependent on their family

Portie owners have an athletic, clever dog who approaches everything with enthusiasm. If yours mouths your hands, drags you towards every body of water, or can't settle without a good run first — that's the working heritage coming through. Their intelligence and eagerness to work with their handler makes them excellent training partners. They just need enough outlets for all that energy.

Mango - Portuguese Water Dog dog training

Portuguese Water Dog Training Options

Whether your Portuguese Water Dog is a new puppy or an older dog with some habits to work on, we've got options to suit.

One-on-one dog training
🏠

One-on-One Training

Personalised sessions in your home, where the challenges actually happen. We work together on your specific goals — whether it's pulling on lead, barking, poor recall, jumping up, or something else entirely.

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Puppy school class
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Puppy School

Group classes in Kyneton for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. Build confidence, learn essential skills, and socialise with other pups in a safe, supportive environment.

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Portuguese Water Dog (and others) Success Stories

Euki
Spoodle • Maldon
★★★★★ Google
"I love Nat's energy and passion for her job! It's contagious and you can really see how much she wants you and your pet to succeed. Nat is very approachable and supplies notes after sessions to help keep you on track. I would recommend you contact her if you are stressing out and needing help with your dogs challenging behaviours!"

— Annemarie Bell

Spoodle dog training in Maldon
Bella
Maremma x St. Poodle • Mount Macedon
★★★★★ Google
"Natalie was amazing, with so many helpful suggestions and training routines with Bella our labrador. Highly recommended."

— Elizabeth Alexander

★★★★★ Google
"I got in touch with Natalie to ask for advice about an issue with my dog and she was so helpful, considerate and generous with her time. I’m very grateful to her and really appreciate her and her approach."

— Sarah McDonald November 2023

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Some of the Portuguese Water Dogs (and others) We've Trained

Ludo Portuguese Water Dog dog training
Ludo Trentham
Odin Hairless Peruvian (Coated) dog training
Odin Malmsbury
Joey Rottweiler X dog training
Joey Daylesford
Bella Stafford X dog training
Bella Coomoora
Ollie Crumpet Border Collie dog training
Ollie Crumpet Kyneton
Barney Border Collie x Jack Russell dog training
Barney Trentham
Benny Golden Retriever x Staffy dog training
Benny Castlemaine
Darcy English Bulldog dog training
Darcy Sunbury
Scruffy Jack Russell Terrier dog training
Scruffy Kyneton
Smokey Australian Kelpie dog training
Smokey Kyneton

Ready to train your Portuguese Water Dog?

Let's talk about your goals and how we can help your Portuguese Water Dog become the best dog they can be.

Get in touch