Paula Ratoza

My name is Paula Ratoza and I have been involved in training dogs and their owners for 40 years. I enjoy helping owners learn to communicate effectively with their dogs. Seeing them gain confidence when they realize their dog will respond to them let’s me know I’m doing my job. I taught obedience classes for Portland Park Bureau and Portland Community College for many years, where many students will remember my Doberman, Baebea, the namesake of this blog.

I have been a dog lover my entire life owning many breeds over the years. For the last 20 years I have bred, trained and handled Doberman Pinschers.

I actively compete in AKC, NADAC, and USDAA trials and have achieved winning scores and multiple titles on several of my dogs. In 2010 my Baebea was the most AKC titled Doberman in U.S. history. It’s also been rewarding to see many of my students earn High In Trial’s and top level titles in obedience and agility.

For the past 9 years I have been active as an AKC Agility judge. Watching 300 runs in a weekend has allowed me to observe many training and competing styles.

Feathers and Fur Talent Agency is my animal talent business that I started in 1992. I have worked with virtually every breed and temperament, from timid toy breeds to large, strong-willed working dogs. I even did a movie where I handled ducks!

I am a certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator offering sessions that conclude with the CGS exam. Basic and competition obedience, rally, and commercial work/tricks classes are held at Wet Dog Wellness Center in SE Portland. I also offer companion obedience, nose work and agility with regularly scheduled group classes available on a drop-in basis.  Both group and private lessons are available.