Google ★★★★★ 5.0 from 57 reviews (Jun 2026)
977+ 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.

Learn more →
Puppy school class
🐕

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.

Learn more →

Portuguese Water Dog (and others) Success Stories

★★★★★ Google
"Expert assistance, gratefully received and 2 calmer dogs as a result of Natalie's training. Many thanks, Kathie & Rob R."

Robert Rushford August 2019

★★★★★ Google
"Natalie was very professional and a lovely person to deal with. My 10 month old Lowchen was very responsive to her commands. I was very impressed with the training notes she sent the next day too. I would recommend Crazy Kind Calm . Jenny Ryan"

Jennifer Ryan July 2021

★★★★★ Google
"Gosh I wish I had found Natalie 2 years ago when my little Cavoodle Princess started her problems with barking and anxiety (We had attended puppy school and dog obedience, but no luck in helping these behaviours). Natalie is amazing and I already have a much calmer, happier little fur baby. Not only have our 2 sessions with Natalie been so helpful, but also Natalie sends out written info and videos."

Jen S March 2021

View all success stories →

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

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