Google ★★★★★ 5.0 from 51 reviews (Apr 2026)
962+ 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

Sadie
Border Collie • Kyneton
★★★★★ Google
"Natalie has been working with us and our little one for a while now and we cannot thank her enough for her knowledge and effort. She’s a wonderful trainer, with a very positive philosophy and we are so pleased with the progress we have seen within our Sadie."

James Hibbert

Cash
French Bulldog • Gisborne
★★★★★ Google
"Natalie was fabulous with my dogs! I have a very anxious Frenchie who I wasn't even sure could be trained. Nat took her time slowly teaching her (and me) steps to achieve our goals. The understanding/care she shows both animals and humans is fabulous! Thanks Nat 🙂🐶"

Mich Cachia

French Bulldog dog training in Gisborne
Vesper & Lenny
Lauriston
★★★★★ Google
"We love Natalie. She has this special talent to make dogs feel at ease, and explain behaviours to us humans that make sense. She uses practical suggestions that have helped us manage a now multi-dog household better. We have a bit more training to do but her follow up notes will safely guide us. We highly recommend Natalie and Crazy Kind Calm."

Tamara Ryf

dog training in Lauriston
dog training in Lauriston
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Some of the Portuguese Water Dogs (and others) We've Trained

Ludo Portuguese Water Dog dog training
Ludo Trentham
Arthur Labrador x Poodle (Std) dog training
Arthur Sunbury
Kipp Kelpie x Border Collie dog training
Kipp Kyneton
Piper Labrador x Rottweiler dog training
Piper Pipers Creek
Bella Labrador Retriever dog training
Bella Kyneton
Jimmy Whippet dog training
Jimmy Kyneton
Bertie Vizsla dog training
Bertie Kyneton
Timmy Bichon Frise dog training
Timmy Castlemaine
Indigo Labrador Retriever dog training
Indigo Gisborne

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