Have you "fallen in love with Portland" after 10-15 long-term visits here? I hope not because (like a few people I know) you saw a photo of Mt. Hood on a calendar, or read an article about Powell's books or food carts....how much time have you spent here? I would tell ANYONE planning to relocate to do a lot of research, and props to you because this is EXACTLY the way to do it, communicate with denizens! Don't rely on chambers of commerce or visitors' associations of park sites, talk to the locals. Good for you. You were at the coast (not sure which part; the cities out there vary a lot). I have been to lots of cities (and rural areas) and I don't have good things to say about the dog situation in PDX. Keep working on training, for sure. Be prepared for others to advise you to give your dog sedatives.