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The Best Dog Trainers in Charlotte, NC of 2024

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in Charlotte, NC, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

  • Trish McMillan Photo

    Trish McMillan

    certified professional dog trainer (through CCPDT), certified dog behavior consultant and associate certified cat behavior consultant (through IAABC) who holds a Master's degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training

    Trish McMillan is a certified professional dog trainer (through CCPDT), certified dog behavior consultant and associate certified cat behavior consultant (through IAABC) who holds a Master's degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England. She specializes in training and behavior modification work using positive reinforcement with dogs, cats, and horses.During her seven yea...


  • Shannon Burch Photo

    Shannon Burch

    She holds certification from the Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).

    Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Charlotte, Lake Wylie, Belmont, Gastonia, and Fort Mill areas

    After spending 10 years in the equine training industry, Shannon made the transition to dog training in 2014. She saw a great need for educated trainers with powerful and accessible tools for everyday dog owners to communicate with their pets. She holds certification from the Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).

    Sha...


  • Cheryl Connolly Photo

    Cheryl Connolly

    Karen Pryor CTP, Fear Free, ABC-DT.

    Deaf dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    South Charlotte, Union County

    Force free, fear free positive reinforcement only trainer.


  • Matt Barfield Photo

    Matt Barfield

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Hey there my name is Matthew, but you can just call me Matt. Let me tell you a little bit about myself, I’ve been with Through The Leash for a little bit over 2 years. Before then my love and fascination for animal of all sizes drew me towards the science of animal studies in college. Despite knowing and pursuing my passion for animals I still wasn’t sure wanted to do as a career, until I m...


  • Jill Beitel Photo

    Jill Beitel

    In home training, Board and train

    a graduate of NC State University, has over twenty-five years of dog training experience. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, (CPDT-KA) by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and Pet Professional Guild, and a member of two local dog training clubs. She is active in several dog rescu...


  • Amy Blom Photo

    Amy Blom

    Puppy training, In home training

    I have always loved working with and spending time with animals, and believe every animal deserves the best humans have to offer. After more than 20 years as an adult trainer in an international consulting career, I had the opportunity to branch into my next career, finally working with humans AND animals!I am so excited to be combining my expertise of human adult learning and business managem...


  • Lavelle Brown Photo

    Lavelle Brown

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Hello wonderful dog owners. I’m Lavelle Brown a Through The Leash trainer in the beautiful Los Angels, CA area. I have always loved animals and nature in general so dogs being man’s best friend makes them my favorite animal. I am originally from Cleveland, OH and I am a University of Cincinnati alumni. I will never forget when I got my first puppy which was a Maltese. I taught her how to ju...


  • Shannon Burch Photo

    Shannon Burch

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    After spending 10 years in the equine training industry, Shannon made the transition to dog training in 2014. She saw a great need for educated trainers with powerful and accessible tools for everyday dog owners to communicate with their pets. She holds certification from the Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). Shannon ha...


  • Travis Burch Photo

    Travis Burch

    Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Spending his childhood romping through the woods with his golden retriever, Tubbs, Travis found 2 of his greatest passions: Animals and the Outdoors. Entrepreneurial at heart, Travis earned his MBA from Gardner Webb University, specializing in Tourism and Hospitality. Spurred on by 2 years at a guest ranch in Montana, Travis loves helping people disconnect from their stress-filled lives and rec...


  • MIKE CALINOFF Photo

    MIKE CALINOFF

    Puppy training

    Doglogics Training & Socialization owner, trainer and entrepreneur, Mike Calinoff, is the 2023 Normy Winner of the "Best Dog Trainer" on Lake Norman award.

    Mike's love for dog training has prompted him to develop unique methods of problem-solving -- particularly with dogs who suffer from reactivity, aggressions and impulse control issues.

    ‚ÄãAnd puppies -- Mike loves puppies...


  • Gabby Changanaqui Photo

    Gabby Changanaqui

    Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Gabby was born and raised in the Charlotte area and her passion for working with animals has been cultivated through a variety of experiences in the animal industry.

    ‚ÄãWhile in college she became a kennel attendant at a local doggy daycare, eventually growing into a bathing/grooming position and assisting in training.

    Gabby also has experience training service dogs; training ...


  • Anna Claire Photo

    Anna Claire

    Board and train, In home training

    After being a full time trainer with Allegiant K9s for 3 years, Anna Claire has recently made the decision to transition into a part time role with Allegiant K9s. While she no longer does Board and Train Training, she continues to assist with follow-up sessions with her clients , offers general boarding for all Allegiant K9s graduate dogs and assists with pack walks and events as well. While we...


  • Gracie Clingenpeel Photo

    Gracie Clingenpeel

    Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Gracie has always had a deep connection with dogs. Born in Indiana, she moved to Charlotte at a young age, where her love for dogs continues to grow. From the moment she welcomed her German Shepherd, Selene, into her life, Gracie knew that working with dogs was her true calling. She brings with her a military background, having served in an esteemed capacity. As a graduate of South Carolina You...


  • Brooke Crane Photo

    Brooke Crane

    In home training

    a graduate from Millersville University and Sante Fe College Teaching Zoo, has a passion for ALL creatures. Brooke got her start training a wide range of exotic animals while receiving her degree in Zoo Animal Technology. She has worked as an animal ambassador, trainer and performer at Busch Gardens Tampa where she found her love for connecting people and animals. She later went on to work at B...


  • McKenna Cranford Photo

    McKenna Cranford

    Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    McKenna’s love for dogs developed at a young age, and she has been actively involved in the dog world for most of her life. She started out volunteering with animal rescues in middle school and started fostering animals in high school. She has a particular interest in helping dogs reach their full potential and is dedicated to expanding her knowledge of dog behavior and training.

    McK...


  • Sam Ferry Photo

    Sam Ferry

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Hi! My name is Sam Ferry and I am the Training Director in the Cleveland/Akron area. I studied wildlife conservation and ecology at Bowling Green State University. I’ve always had a passion for helping animals since I was a kid. I started getting into training in high school when I trained a medical alert service dog for myself. From there my passion in training grew. I worked in shelters all...


  • Addison Gantkowski Photo

    Addison Gantkowski

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, In home training, Board and train, Service dog training, Agility training

    As a middle schooler I help out in the neighborhood taking care of our neighbor's dogs when they are away at work. I am always looking to further my knowledge on dog behavior and how dogs respond to the training we provide. My favorite part of this job is getting to meet all the new dogs-especially the puppies! When I'm not at school or helping out with the training, you can find me hanging out...


  • Angela Gantkowski Photo

    Angela Gantkowski

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, In home training, Board and train

    I am an Appalachian State University alum with a BSBA in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing. I am excited to expand my knowledge on video editing through different outlets such as YouTube, Instagram, etc.
    If I am not training or video editing you can find me at a racetrack supporting my friends as well as getting footage for my next post/video.


  • Sharon Gantkowski Photo

    Sharon Gantkowski

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Growing up, my family always had multiple dogs in our households, and I realized how important it was for a dog and its owners to train together to enrich their lives and establish that forever-bond. Having a passion to work with Service and Therapy dogs is the reason I wanted to get involved with the Dog Training Elite's Training modalities. Coming from a background in Early Childhood Educatio...


  • Shawn Gantkowski Photo

    Shawn Gantkowski

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training

    I come from a background in customer relations and business management in the automotive industry. After years of the corporate lifestyle I found it was time to move on and build something the entire family was passionate about while at the same time utilizing our skillsets. When looking for that opportunity to build something together we first started by asking ourselves what it is we wanted t...


  • Shawn Gantkowski Photo

    Shawn Gantkowski

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, In home training, Board and train

    I come from a background in customer relations and business management in the automotive industry. After years of the corporate lifestyle I found it was time to move on and build something the entire family was passionate about while at the same time utilizing our skillsets. When looking for that opportunity to build something together we first started by asking ourselves what it is we wanted t...


  • Rebecca Golian Photo

    Rebecca Golian

    Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Rebecca grew up in Frederick County, Maryland and found her passion for working with animals at a young age. She competed as an equestrian athlete for over 15 years and ran a successful equestrian training and sales business in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

    Rebecca started professionally training dogs in college. While attending the University of Maryland, Rebecca offered a variety o...


  • Jared Gonzalez-Dees Photo

    Jared Gonzalez-Dees

    Aggressive dog training, Herding training

    Hi everyone! My name is Jared. I’m a Behavioral Specialist with Mango Dogs Carolinas, working here in our beautiful city of Charlotte & Surrounding Areas. I help struggling dog owners with their dogs all around the city. I have a 6 month old pup of my own. His name is Pax and he is a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    If you’re having issues with your puppy, or adult dog’s behavior, I can help...


  • Rob Gunsel Photo

    Rob Gunsel

    Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Rob grew up with a passion and love for animals. While attending UNC-Wilmington, Rob decided to change that passion into practice and enrolled in a two year service dog program that showed him the true healing power of dogs. During that time, Rob applied and was accepted into a three month internship and was able to assist in the training and placement of privately owned service dogs. He was th...


  • Emily Harris Photo

    Emily Harris

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Like many dog trainers, Emily discovered her love of training after adopting a difficult rescue dog and winding up in over her head. She employed the help of KeenDog trainer, Rachel, to set her rottweiler bully mix, Samson, up for success, and quickly fell head over heels in love with training. Craving more, Emily decided to leave the corporate world behind and join our team as a trainer in 202...


  • Mariah Hinds Photo

    Mariah Hinds

    Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training

    Your Charlotte NC dog trainer, Mariah, is a certified dog trainer through the Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT). Your dog will learn as quickly as possible with results that will last with Mariah’s commitment to continuing education, effective positive training techniques, and dedication to kind communication with humans. Get started now with one of our Charlotte Dog ...


  • Rayne Hurley Photo

    Rayne Hurley

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Thank you for reading my bio. I have been in the dog training industry for about 13/14 years now and call me biased but Through The Leash is most definitely a cut above the rest. I work in the back end of the company in the office, making sure things are running smoothly. Most likely you have spoken to me at one point or another, I’m the one with the strong English accent. I am one of the big...


  • Emma Italiano Photo

    Emma Italiano

    Agility training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Emma was born and raised in North Carolina and has had a passion for animals since she was a young girl. She grew up around dogs, cats, horses, and goats, and always knew that she wanted to work with animals.

    Emma has over a decade of experience working with dogs. She has worked with local breeders and raised puppies for service work as well as assisting in service dog training. She ...


  • Kelly Jordan Photo

    Kelly Jordan

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training

    Originally from Albemarle, NC, Kelly grew up with dogs and had her first 'adult pet' in college. Now she has two Brittanys with endless energy and big personalities.Kelly was introduced to Highland Canine when she was looking for some help with basic obedience for her oldest pup, Bene. He went through their three week Board and Train program and she immediately saw amazing results.A year later ...


  • Kelly Jordan Photo

    Kelly Jordan

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training

    Originally from Albemarle, NC, Kelly grew up with dogs and had her first 'adult pet' in college. Now she has two Brittanys with endless energy and big personalities. Kelly was introduced to Highland Canine when she was looking for some help with basic obedience for her oldest pup, Bene. He went through their three week Board and Train program and she immediately saw amazing results.A year later...


  • Meagan Karas Photo

    Meagan Karas

    Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Originally from Norfolk, VA, Meagan has over 20 years experience working with dogs. She has raised and trained dogs for service dog organizations, volunteered and worked at rescues and veterinary clinics, and has over 10 years managerial experience with dog daycare and boarding facilities.

    Meagan also spent many years working at breeding facilities; raising and caring for a variety of...


  • Ki Kearns Photo

    Ki Kearns

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Hi, I’m Ki (key) and I’m a canine coach in Akron Ohio. I’ve always loved animals and helping people. Working for Through the Leash has helped me find a place where I can do both. It’s great to be able to say I love my career and my awesome coworkers. I’ve learned so much about dog behavior and I’m excited to learn more every day. Helping clients communicate with their pups and impro...


  • Katrina Kensington Photo

    Katrina Kensington

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Hey there, I’m Katrina Kensington and I love training dogs and the humans who own them. Training dogs isn’t just about teaching them to sit, place and come when called, to me it is so much more. It is about developing a relationship that will be valued and enjoyed life long with your furry friend. It is about being a leader, a coach, an advocate and a bestie for your dog. I want to teach yo...


  • Katrina Kensington Photo

    Katrina Kensington

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Hey there, I’m Katrina Kensington and I love training dogs and the humans who own them. Training dogs isn’t just about teaching them to sit, place and come when called, to me it is so much more. It is about developing a relationship that will be valued and enjoyed life long with your furry friend. It is about being a leader, a coach, an advocate and a bestie for your dog. I want to teach yo...


  • Phillip Kensington Photo

    Phillip Kensington

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    I didn’t grow up with dogs but I have always loved animals and found a unique connection with dogs more than people in many ways. I always found comfort in being around dogs and still do to this day. Katrina introduced me to canine training in 2014. We always believed in helping people and living life to the fullest so we started KeenDog to reflect those principles and passions.

    I g...


  • Phillip Kensington Photo

    Phillip Kensington

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    I didn’t grow up with dogs but I have always loved animals and found a unique connection with dogs more than people in many ways. I always found comfort in being around dogs and still do to this day. Katrina introduced me to canine training in 2014. We always believed in helping people and living life to the fullest so we started KeenDog to reflect those principles and passions.

    I g...


  • Sandra Kofler Photo

    Sandra Kofler

    Aggressive dog training, Herding training

    Hi! My name is Sandra and I take care of all the behind the scenes work here at Mango Dogs Carolinas. I’m the first point of contact for when you reach out to us for help with your dog(s).

    I’m a veteran of the veterinary industry but have also trained dogs myself. I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring under some of the most recognizable names in the industry and bring forth a wealth...


  • Molly Kuekes Photo

    Molly Kuekes

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Hi! My name is Molly and I’m so excited to be a part of the KeenDog Training team!

    My passion for dog training started when I was in undergrad. I completed two internships with different police department canine units in North Carolina – Mooresville PD and Raleigh PD – to complete my degree in Criminology and Sociology. My intent was to become a police canine handler. I ultimatel...


  • Molly Kuekes Photo

    Molly Kuekes

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Hi! My name is Molly and I’m so excited to be a part of the KeenDog Training team!

    My passion for dog training started when I was in undergrad. I completed two internships with different police department canine units in North Carolina – Mooresville PD and Raleigh PD – to complete my degree in Criminology and Sociology. My intent was to become a police canine handler. I ultimatel...


  • Maureen Link Photo

    Maureen Link

    In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    My interest lies in helping people understand how dogs learn, what communicates safety and respect to a dog and what could accidentally create fear or anxiety for a dog. After many years of fostering countless dogs….it frequently seemed to be a misunderstanding on the humans part about why the dog was behaving the way they do. I started my journey with dog training to advance my own knowledge...


  • Maureen Link Photo

    Maureen Link

    Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    My interest lies in helping people understand how dogs learn, what communicates safety and respect to a dog and what could accidentally create fear or anxiety for a dog. After many years of fostering countless dogs….it frequently seemed to be a misunderstanding on the humans part about why the dog was behaving the way they do. I started my journey with dog training to advance my own knowledge...


  • Morgan Listebarger Photo

    Morgan Listebarger

    Agility training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Morgan is our Social Media Coordinator and is also known as the “Pup-arazzi.” She is responsible for our filming, photography, and editing. She makes sure your pup looks great on camera!

    Morgan got her start in media relations while pursuing a degree in mass media communications at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.


    While working towards her degree, she...


  • Dave Meyer Photo

    Dave Meyer

    Board and train, In home training

    Qualifications & Experience:

    2016- Present: Owner and Head Trainer of Allegiant K9s
    2011- 2016: Full-time Certified Guide Dog Trainer for Leader Dogs for the Blind
    2014: Helper/decoy for personal protection dog training with Elite-K9
    10+ years experience with behavior modification
    10+ yrs experience with advanced off leash training
    2001 Sled dog ...


  • Dave Meyer Photo

    Dave Meyer

    Agility training, Puppy training

    Qualifications & Experience:

    2016- Present: Owner and Head Trainer of Allegiant K9s
    2011- 2016: Full-time Certified Guide Dog Trainer for Leader Dogs for the Blind
    2014: Helper/decoy for personal protection dog training with Elite-K9
    10+ years experience with behavior modification
    10+ yrs experience with advanced off leash training
    2001 Sled dog ...


  • Kat Minerva Photo

    Kat Minerva

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Hi! My name is Kat and I like dogs!

    I’ve worked with dogs for almost 10 years and am still amazed I can make a career out of something I love so much! I got my start in the dog world in 2012 while I was still in college. I dabbled in dog training while working for a boarding/training facility but I wasn’t too keen (see what I did there) on the methods used. So, I decided to see wha...


  • Kat Minerva Photo

    Kat Minerva

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Hi! My name is Kat and I like dogs!

    I’ve worked with dogs for almost 10 years and am still amazed I can make a career out of something I love so much! I got my start in the dog world in 2012 while I was still in college. I dabbled in dog training while working for a boarding/training facility but I wasn’t too keen (see what I did there) on the methods used. So, I decided to see wha...


  • JAMES OSCO Photo

    JAMES OSCO

    My training philosophy is entirely positive, and based on one key ingredient: THE RELATIONSHIP! All good relationships have good COMMUNICATION. I am a balanced dog trainer and I use positive reinforcement to shape behaviors, and to create a clear form of communication between the dog and humans..

    I call my program The Upstate Way!

    Just like we teach our kids to count before we...


  • Connor Phillips Photo

    Connor Phillips

    Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Hi! My name is Connor Phillips. I have been training with Through The Leash for over 2 years and had been handling dogs for several years prior to joining the team. I’ve had a love and passion about caring for animals for my entire life, but after training dogs these last 2 years I know this is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. After joining the team in Charlotte, I have been ab...


  • Sam Portillo Photo

    Sam Portillo

    In home training, Service dog training, Puppy training

    Sam Portillo is an incredibly passionate professional dog trainer with four years of experience in the field of animal training and behavior. She graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy and remains a Certified Training Partner with the KPA. Sam is also a CGC Evaluator for the American Kennel Club, recognizing exceptional canine citizens and assisting clients in preparing for the...


  • Jenna Rabel Photo

    Jenna Rabel

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Jenna started her training journey like most trainers. She added a dog to her family and wanted to set him up for success so she reached out to KeenDog for help. She did not grow up around dogs and wanted to ensure she was doing everything right to live life to the fullest with her canine companion. She ended up falling in love with dog training. A few years later she decided to leave her offic...


Welcome to Charlotte’s list of top dog trainers. The Charlotte, North Carolina list is based on 16 votes from the North Carolina Sniffspot community. Only the Charlotte dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Trish McMillan at the top of this list with 14 votes. We also counted 521 votes for North Carolina, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Charlotte.

Our rankings include trainers certified by Fear Free and certified dog behavior consultant and associate certified cat behavior consultant (through IAABC) who holds a Master's degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.

Charlotte dog trainer services include:

  • Puppy training
  • In home training
  • Board and train
  • Aggressive dog training
  • Off leash training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Agility training
  • Service dog training
  • Protection/guard dog training
  • Deaf dog training
  • Herding training

Behind every successful Charlotte training session lies a passionate professional. Trish McMillan shares why they chose this path: . All 72 trainers on this Charlotte list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Charlotte trainer, Shannon Burch, uses the following methods: .

Explore the top dog trainers in Charlotte as voted by our community:

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near Charlotte

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list


See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In Charlotte


FAQ: Find the Best Dog Trainers in Charlotte, North Carolina

Who is the top Aggressive dog training dog trainer in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Trish McMillan has been recognized as leading dog trainer in Charlotte.They excel in providing Aggressive dog training and Reactive dog training and have helped numerous dogs and their owners in Charlotte reach important training goals.

What services does Trish McMillan offer in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Trish McMillan offers a range of services, including Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training. Their approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each dog in Charlotte, ensuring effective Aggressive dog training training.

What are the qualifications of the top trainers in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Top trainers like Trish McMillan in Charlotte hold certifications such as certified professional dog trainer (through CCPDT), certified dog behavior consultant and associate certified cat behavior consultant (through IAABC) who holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England. These qualifications highlight their expertise and commitment to providing the best training services in Charlotte.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US