About Assembly of the Wandering Shepherd

A nonprofit teaching dog classes in Gresham

Assembly of the Wandering Shepherd is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Gresham that provides free pet end-of-life and grief support and teaches dog classes and lessons for a fee to keep those services free. Founder and president Robynn Harris, ODMN, CCFT, is a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer and an Animal Chaplain.

Approach

Robynn describes a science-based, compassionate approach learned from trainers including Terry Ryan, Risë VanFleet and Valli Parthasarathy, built on positive, ethical reinforcement that replaces fear and force with communication, consent and fun. The classes welcome senior and disabled dogs.

Classes and prices

Group classes have 3-4 students and run about 55 minutes weekly for six weeks ($245); private classes follow the same curriculum in about 30 minutes ($300). Private lessons are $75 each or $200 for three and can cover good manners, puppy fitness, conditioning, senior fitness, weight loss coaching, tricks, CGC prep and therapy dog prep. Fitness Fun classes are AKC FitDOG approved, and there are olfactory, tricks and therapy animal classes, plus therapy dog ($75), senior dog ($100) and canine fitness ($350) assessments.