About
Bryan Castleberry brings a wealth of experience in dog handling, training, boarding, grooming, and breeding, having worked in the field since 1985.
During his time as a USAF Security Policeman working with elite Military Working Dogs, Bryan discovered his true passion wasn’t in law enforcement, but in dog training. After his discharge, he dedicated time to volunteering with the Humane Society while earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1995, Bryan moved to Los Angeles and joined the iconic Hollywood Dog Training School as a Kennel Tech, where he trained under Rick Hughes for two years. Here, Bryan had the unique opportunity to learn from a school that had trained some of the most famous dogs in history, including Lassie and Rin Tin Tin.
Bryan’s journey continued as head Trainer/Handler at Frostfire Kennels, one of the pioneering Belgian Tervuren breeding facilities on the West Coast. Under the guidance of Judith Lee Smith, he refined his skills in training and handling. It was also during this time that Bryan met Emily Dixon, a Bend native, and their shared love for dogs brought them together. In 2001, Bryan and Rick Hughes reunited at Canyon View Training Ranch, a free-range boarding facility in Topanga Canyon, which further expanded Bryan’s expertise in the field.
In 2007, Cascadia Canine was born as a mobile, in-home dog training business. By 2008, Bryan and Emily had expanded to include boarding and daycare services, pioneering the free-range style that is now popular throughout Oregon. Cascadia Canine Training Ranch quickly grew to accommodate 20 daycare dogs, 20 boarding dogs, and countless training clients. After a property zoning issue in 2012, Bryan shifted back to focusing solely on in-home lessons.
Finally, in the winter of 2016, Cascadia Canine Training School found its permanent home in the heart of Bend. Today, Bryan and his team offer Private Training, Group Classes, and the popular Day School program, providing expert care and personalized training for dogs of all breeds.
During his time as a USAF Security Policeman working with elite Military Working Dogs, Bryan discovered his true passion wasn’t in law enforcement, but in dog training. After his discharge, he dedicated time to volunteering with the Humane Society while earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1995, Bryan moved to Los Angeles and joined the iconic Hollywood Dog Training School as a Kennel Tech, where he trained under Rick Hughes for two years. Here, Bryan had the unique opportunity to learn from a school that had trained some of the most famous dogs in history, including Lassie and Rin Tin Tin.
Bryan’s journey continued as head Trainer/Handler at Frostfire Kennels, one of the pioneering Belgian Tervuren breeding facilities on the West Coast. Under the guidance of Judith Lee Smith, he refined his skills in training and handling. It was also during this time that Bryan met Emily Dixon, a Bend native, and their shared love for dogs brought them together. In 2001, Bryan and Rick Hughes reunited at Canyon View Training Ranch, a free-range boarding facility in Topanga Canyon, which further expanded Bryan’s expertise in the field.
In 2007, Cascadia Canine was born as a mobile, in-home dog training business. By 2008, Bryan and Emily had expanded to include boarding and daycare services, pioneering the free-range style that is now popular throughout Oregon. Cascadia Canine Training Ranch quickly grew to accommodate 20 daycare dogs, 20 boarding dogs, and countless training clients. After a property zoning issue in 2012, Bryan shifted back to focusing solely on in-home lessons.
Finally, in the winter of 2016, Cascadia Canine Training School found its permanent home in the heart of Bend. Today, Bryan and his team offer Private Training, Group Classes, and the popular Day School program, providing expert care and personalized training for dogs of all breeds.
Philosophy
Cascadia Canine Training School uses a wholistic philosophy of dog handling in which compliance without food bribery is the primary focus and is based on proven training techniques used daily by Ranch and Farm dogs, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Police Detection dogs, Military Patrol dogs, and Search and Rescue teams. Food/treat training has it's place in teaching new concepts, but it should be phased out as soon as is possible.
In a comprehensive program, all facets of the training paradigm are used (as opposed to just using the easy or "fun" techniques). This produces a dog who listens to you out of respect and affection, not bribery. When a dog respects you as well as loves you, the relationship is balanced and healthy. Clear communication and leadership develop the understanding necessary for both the dog and owner to enjoy a rewarding relationship.
The program we teach concentrates on the owner as much as the dog. The conditions that the dog is living under on a day-to-day basis are producing more problems than most owners are aware of. Obedience training is a lot more than teaching your dog a Sit/Stay. It is teaching your dog that his place in your life is as a sidekick, not an equal.
In a comprehensive program, all facets of the training paradigm are used (as opposed to just using the easy or "fun" techniques). This produces a dog who listens to you out of respect and affection, not bribery. When a dog respects you as well as loves you, the relationship is balanced and healthy. Clear communication and leadership develop the understanding necessary for both the dog and owner to enjoy a rewarding relationship.
The program we teach concentrates on the owner as much as the dog. The conditions that the dog is living under on a day-to-day basis are producing more problems than most owners are aware of. Obedience training is a lot more than teaching your dog a Sit/Stay. It is teaching your dog that his place in your life is as a sidekick, not an equal.
Click the link for more information. www.youtube.com/@CascadiaCanine/videos