About Me

Meet Jackson

CEO & Founder, Freedom of Dog Training Academy – Salem, Oregon

Hi, I’m Jackson, the proud owner and lead trainer at Freedom of Dog Training Academy here in Salem, Oregon. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in force-free, science-based training methods that are proven to help dogs learn faster and build lasting positive behaviors. My mission is to create confident dogs and empowered handlers—one team at a time.

Dogs are more than just pets to me—they’re my passion, my purpose, and my daily inspiration. They’ve taught me patience, joy, and how to appreciate life. That’s why I’m dedicated to helping others build strong, respectful relationships with their dogs based on trust, love, and consistency.

Why I Train

I’ve always had a heart for dogs, but my journey as a trainer began while walking my own pup. I saw someone struggling with their dog and offered a simple tip. When it worked instantly, they asked, “How did you do that?” The answer: patience, love, and consistency. That moment sparked my mission—to help more people understand and connect with their dogs.

Who I Help

At Freedom of Dog Training Academy, I work with dogs of all breeds and ages. I’m especially passionate about advocating for Service Dogs and their handlers, and I tailor training to meet the unique needs of every dog and family. I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but there is a right approach for your dog.

What to Expect

Training starts from the ground up. I focus on shaping behavior step by step to create a solid foundation that lasts. Whether you're just starting out or want help preparing for the CGC Test, I’m here to support you. I'm also proudly LGBTQIA+ friendly, and committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

My philosophy: There are no bad dogs—only dogs who need guidance, direction, and love.

Certifications:

  • IDTP Certified (International Dog Trainer Program)

  • IDBS Certified (International Dog Behavior Specialist)

When you choose Freedom of Dog Training Academy, you’re not just hiring a trainer—you’re gaining a partner in your dog’s journey. Let’s help your best friend become their best self—together.

International Dog Training Professional
Freedom of Dog Training Academy BBB Business Review
International Dog Behavior Specialist

Our Services

Welcome to Freedom of Dog Training Academy

Hi there!

I’m passionate about delivering excellent service to both my clients and their beloved fur babies. My top priorities are your satisfaction and the safety and well-being of your dog. I use force-free, science-based methods to help your dog thrive, focusing on shaping behavior and building a strong foundation tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

Services Offered:

  • Initial Consultation: 1–2 hours in-person, phone, or video – FREE
    We’ll discuss your goals and what you and your dog hope to achieve.

  • Private Training Sessions: 1-hour sessions held weekly at my location in Salem, Keizer, or Silverton, Oregon. During winter months, we do virtual training sessions.

    • To get on my schedule, a deposit is required

    • Payment plans are due monthly at the start of your session.

    • Package payments are due on the first training session.

    • Please note: All payments are non-refundable.

Additional Services:

  • CGC Test Prep: Once I feel your dog is ready, we can begin practicing for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test – $20 per test session.

  • Accepted Payments: Cash and credit cards and PayPal are welcome.

Please note: Same-day cancellations will incur a $100 fee.

I’m fully insured through State Farm, and I take pride in creating a safe, supportive environment where both you and your dog can succeed.

If you're committed to your best friend, then so am I! Together, we’ll work to ensure they’re not only in good hands—but also have great manners by the end of our training.

Looking forward to meeting you and your pup!

Thank You
From all of us at Freedom of Dog Training Academy Team

Group Classes

The Skills you learn in this class

In this class we teach you all basic obedience and life skill your dog needs.

$400 for 32 weeks

For two dogs only

Dog Ages Between

4 months and up

  1. Name recognition

2. Sit

3. Come

4. Stay

5. Heel

6. Down

7. Off

8. Wait

9. Leave It

10. Reliable Recall

progressing to more complex commands and socialization as the course advances.

Puppy Packages

  1. Go Potty

2. Name Recognition

3. Loose Leash Walking

4. "Come"

5. Stay

6. Down

7. Heel

8. Off

9. No

10. Kennel training

11. Chewing on furniture/walls

12. Stealing clothing/Food

13. Boundaries in the home/ environment

14. Reliable Recall

15. Wait

16. Take It

17. Watch Me

18. Drop It

19. Leave It

20. Door/Car Manners

$50 Per session

$300 for 6 weeks
$600 for 12 weeks
$1,200 for 34 weeks

Behavior Modification Packages

$90 per session
$1,440 for 16 weeks
$2,160 for 52 weeks

First things we do before training:
Risk Assessment to see where your dog is.
And Medical Assessment from your veterinarian to see if the dog’s problems are due to medical concern before trainings.


The 4 stages in Behavior Modification

1. Contemplation (Acknowledging that there is a problem but not yet ready, sure of wanting, or lacks confidence to make a change.

2.Preparation/Determination (Getting ready to change) Action/Willpower (Changing behavior).

3.Action/Willpower (Changing behavior).

4.Maintenance (Maintaining the behavior change).

Mild to Server issues like:

Jumping on people

Chewing

Play biting.

Separation Anxiety

Digging

Mild Reactivity

Resource Guarding

Begging

Leash Pulling

Fears and Phobias

House Training

Biting

Barking

Fearful of people and gender

Fearful of being picked up

Fearful of collars or leashes

Basic and Advanced Obedience Training Packages

$45 Per session $270 for 6 weeks $360 for 8 weeks
$1,080 for 34 weeks

What you will learn:

  1. Stay

  1. Sit

  2. Come

  3. Down

  4. Heel

  5. Off

  6. No

  7. Loose Lash Walking

  8. Door/Car Manners

  9. Off Leash Manners

10. Reliable Recall

Service Dog Program

2 Year Service Dog Program: $1,600 for 96 sessions. Optional Payment Plan of $200 for 8 months.

Our Service Dog Program is to provide skilled, devoted companions to support and assist veterans, and others with disabilities, creating teams focused on building a life of greater freedom and independence. We provide individual tasks for every need of our clients and their dogs. Before any mobility work your dog must be cleared by a licenses veterinarian for hip and shoulders checked and must show proof of that exam if the dog passes the exam we can proceeded with training.

Some of the tasks your dog will learn:

Deep Pressure Therapy

Interrupt harmful Behaviors

Retrieve Emergency Medicine

Nightmare Interruption

Find an Exit

Mobility Support

Interrupt Anxiety attacks

Alert to Alarms / Doorbells or knocks

Balance Assistance

retrieve items like phone

Alert To Handlers Name

Alerts: The dog is trained to recognize and alert the handler to specific triggers or onset of symptoms

Things I Train Your Dog

Diabetes

Mobility

PTSD

Medical Alert/Response

Opening and closing doors/cabinets

Turning on and off lights

Hearing Alert/all sounds

Interrupt nightmares.

Retrieve emergency medications.

Alert Tasks

Pressure Therapy

Psychiatric service dog

Seizure Alert Dog

Seeing Eye Dog balance

Military Discount

5% off all training packages

Facts And Questions

Why I Became a Dog Trainer?

Why did I decide to become a dog trainer. I decided to become a trainer so I can help others with their dogs. I have been very passionate about dogs all my life. Being a dog trainer helps me and my client’s bond with each other.

Why are my Services better?

Easy, Price! And commitment

What is shaping?

Shaping is a way to free you from forceful training and frustration. When shaping a behavior we’re breaking it down to its most basic principles, encouraging self-motivated engagement and turning your dog into a critical thinker. Shaping is used in all animal training from dolphins to bears!

Shots Are Required?

Does my dog need vaccinations before training? The Answer is YES! MUST show proof of vaccinations. And most importantly is Rabies vaccine.

How Do I Help My Clients?

I provide individual Training. I give 24/7 consults and advice during the clients training Progress. I train Service Dogs and I do basic dog obedience plus I do some behavioral Rehabilitation for dog reactivity; I do crate and resource guarding; The things I do not provide to my clients are DOG on DOG Aggression. I will also help my clients find a breeder if this is what they desire.

Laws on Service Animals

Under both ADA and FHA, there are no breed restrictions. If a disabled individual has an emotional support or service dog that the landlord prohibits (pitbull, rottweiler, German shepherd, Dobermans, husky), they must still accommodate that tenant and their service dog regardless of dog breed.

What Age of Dogs Do I Train

I train dogs at 8 weeks of age is best.

Past Client’s

Hi, this is Atlas that needs help he has pretty intense behavioral issues, and I was struggling to find a trainer. I have seen a huge difference with both my dogs, as well as the way I handle their behavior. Scheduling has been flexible, and the trainer is extremely patient with both the human and the dog. Highly recommend!

Hi, my name is Tootsie and my mom needed help Puppy Training me as to potting, basic obedience commands and we did all that with the help of Freedom of Dog Training. Thank You. Woof.

Hi, my name is Freya we contacted Freedom of Dog Training cause my mom needed help training me with basic obedience and had questions and Freedom of Dog Training did just that. I love Freedom of Dog Training. Woof.

Hi, this is Odie he was in need of pretty intense behavioral training, and I was struggling to find a trainer. I have seen a huge difference with both my dogs, as well as the way I handle their behavior. Scheduling has been flexible, and the trainer is extremely patient with both the human and the dog. Highly recommend!

Hi, my name is Daisey I contacted Freedom of Dog Training to get started with basic obedience and some Service dog Tasks. I am glad we found Freedom of Dog Training he helps me be a better puppy and would recommend Freedom of Dog Training. Woof.

Jackson has been amazing; he's working with my Chihuahua who is to the say the least a challenge and my rottweiler. My issue with training has always been the financial aspect and not being able to afford a trainer however he is very affordable. You can tell that he cares about the animals he's working with and their owners. I went into training hesitant on if we'd see any progress but during just one training session, we could see results. I'm excited to continue working with him. I would highly recommend his services.

Jackson has been amazing; he's working with my Chihuahua who is to the say the least a challenge and my rottweiler. My issue with training has always been the financial aspect and not being able to afford a trainer however he is very affordable. You can tell that he cares about the animals he's working with and their owners. I went into training hesitant on if we'd see any progress but during just one training session, we could see results. I'm excited to continue working with him. I would highly recommend his services.