Google ★★★★★ 5.0 from 74 reviews (Oct 2026)
1039+ 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
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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

★★★★ Google
"Natalie was great and gave us all the tools we need to continue training at home. A lot was packed into the training session and we got a lot out of it. The detailed follow up class notes are also fantastic. Would highly recommend Crazy Kind Calm Dog Training"

— Rhian Margate September 2022

Macedon Ranges
★★★★★ Google
"Nat was amazing, she made time to come to our home to see our new puppy. She provided us with really good techniques to use with our puppy. I would highly recommend Nat, we will be sure to have Nat come again if we need more positive behaviour strategies. Thanks Nat"

— b kel

Macedon Ranges
★★★★★ Google
"Reuben, my 9mth old German Shepherd had his first visit from Natalie today. He is a very large dog, beautiful, but super excitable. He was starting to jump up on guests, & not consistently obedient, & had a few other behaviour issues. I couldn’t believe the things Natalie could get him to do with treats & a few gestures & key words. I now believe Reuben is in fact a very intelligent dog, who just needs short training sessions with me a couple of times a day, reinforcement of good behaviour,and a few more visits and advice from Natalie. Already I am confident I can work on his behaviours, & am so glad I did not re- home him, as suggested by some friends & family members…Reubs & I will do this journey together, & succeed! Thankyou Natalie!♥️🐾"

— Anne Fraser

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

Ludo Portuguese Water Dog dog training
Ludo Trentham
Remus Staghound X dog training
Remus Chewton
Lenny Labradoodle dog training
Lenny Sunbury
Floss Bordoodle dog training
Floss Gisborne
Max Rottweiler X dog training
Max Kyneton
Cash French Bulldog dog training
Cash Gisborne
Crosby Labrador Retriever dog training
Crosby Romsey
Penelope Labradoodle dog training
Penelope New Gisborne
Suzie Gsd X dog training
Suzie Romsey
Sadie Border Collie dog training
Sadie Castlemaine

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