Google ★★★★★ 5.0 from 47 reviews (Feb 2026)
940+ 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

Adele Tippetts April 2021

Harry
German Wirehaired Pointer • Castlemaine
★★★★★ Google
"It was very helpful, information packed and enjoyable session!"

Anthony Murphy

★★★★★ 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

View all success stories →

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

Ludo Portuguese Water Dog dog training
Ludo Trentham
Shadow Maremma Sheepdog dog training
Shadow Heathcote
Pippa Pug dog training
Pippa Gisborne
Remy Labradoodle dog training
Remy Woodend
Hunter Australian Kelpie dog training
Hunter Castlemaine
Nitro Australian Kelpie dog training
Nitro New Gisborne
Rudy Dachshund dog training
Rudy Mount Helen
Beverly Bernese Mountain Dog dog training
Beverly Hepburn Springs
Ollie Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog training
Ollie Macedon
Poppy Healer x Kelpie dog training
Poppy Gisborne
Gee-Bee Labradoodle dog training
Gee-Bee Sunbury

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