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The Best Dog Trainers in Iowa of 2024

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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

Marie Appel
Service dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Serving Cedar, Scott, Jackson, Jones, Linn and Benton Counties
I started training my own dogs in 4H in 1997 and started professionally training in 2016. I also run a dog swimming pool and breed and train dogs for detection work.

Clint Knox
Animal Behavior College Graduate
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Greater Des Moines Area
I started my dog training career after graduating from Animal Behavior College in 2009. I opened Knox Canine Training in 2017 and we now have 6 employees

Janee Wise
Bachelors, masters, CPDT-KA
In home training, Puppy training
Des Moines, IA area
My name is Janee Wise-Jansen and I am a dog trainer/educator. My goal as a trainer is to create clearer communication between my clients and their dogs. I have a bachelors in Animal Science and a masters in Animal Behavior and Conservation. I also have 2 wonderful Golden Retrievers.

Jenn Hirakawa
CPDT, AERIE, NNCDS, IAABC, APDT
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, Off leash training, Puppy training
Winterset, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa
N/A

Sheila Williams
CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Greater Des Moines Metro
Sheila is certified and knowledge assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Sheila has 20 years of experience working with dogs in different capacities including rescue, daycare, rehabilitation, group classes, and private training.

Sheila regularly attends training seminars and conferences to stay current on the latest practices, methods, and e...

Laura Amick
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
An avid equestrian in her youth, Laura competed in the dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines through college. Her knowledge of equine body language & solid training techniques helped in starting young horses from the racetrack under saddle for pleasure riding. After an automobile accident left her horse training passions by the wayside, she was introduced to the Great Dane; a horse among dogs!...

Ankeny Avenue
In home training
Ankeny Bark Avenue, Bark Avenue West, and Waukee Bark Avenue are resort-style vacation facilities for dogs, providing dog boarding and dog daycare and combining homelike amenities with recreational, safe activity. Our inviting facilities feature clean, secure, and fun-filled environments exceeding pet care industry standards. Our well trained and dog-loving staff provide the highest levels of c...

Emily Blythe
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training
Homeward Bound Behavior and Training, LLC is owned by Emily Blythe. Emily has over 15 years of experience helping families and pets in need. She got her start in Nebraska, moved to Iowa, and now her journey has brought her to Wisconsin!

She has extensive experience working in animal shelters and veterinary clinics. She specializes in feline, canine, and avian behavior and implements ...

Nick Bochner
In home training, Puppy training
Nick Bochner has always loved dogs. He began his dog training career in 2019 when he started working as a dog trainer‚Äôs apprentice at a local training facility.

Nick‚Äôs favorite part of training is helping families integrate dog‚Äôs into their lifestyle. He loves to work with puppies and help their owners set them up for success! From potty training and crate training to socializati...

Natalie Caldwell
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Natalie Caldwell has been a part of the Knox Canine Training since the Fall 2018.

Natalie adopted her boy, Rogue, a German Shorthair Pointer, in June 2015. Soon she had a mess with inconsistent handling, trainers wanting to utilize training techniques Natalie was not comfortable with using. When Clint Knox began Knox Canine Training, Natalie was one of the first in line. It wasn‚Äôt l...

Kimberly Cameron
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
I have always had a passion for animals and have groomed dogs since 2007. I became passionate about dog training while actually training my own dog to be a service dog. Since then I have gone to dog training school through catch academy and received my certification. I hold a certification as a CCDT and am working towards my IACP certification. I am attending the master aggression course with w...

Leah Carlson
Board and train, Off leash training, Puppy training
I spent years immersed in the world of dogs, initially through roles in boarding/daycare facilities and grooming salons. Working closely with these animals ignited a deep passion within me. However, it was a chance encounter with a female boxer mix named Genie, found wandering the streets of my neighborhood, that truly propelled me towards becoming a trainer.

Taking Genie into my care,...

Christine Fox
In home training
Christine Fox, CPDT-KA, began her career in dog training in 1989, researching both dog behavior and canine communication with professional behaviorists from all over the world. Throughout her career, she has helped thousands of dogs and pet parents as well as met some of the industry leaders including, Patricia McConnell, Kyra Sundance, Victoria Stilwell of It‚Äôs Me or The Dog, and Dr. Ian Dun...

Cannady Fritzjunker
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Cannady has worked as a social worker for 25 years serving the families of Des Moines, focusing her work on people with disabilities, community support programs, counseling, and managing teams. She earned a BS in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Iowa State. She has a passion for service-based programs and has realized the impact a service dog can have on someone needing to re-engage in his o...

Janis Gandy
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Janis joined Knox Canine Training in July 2020. She is on the board at Iowa Weimaraner Rescue and has been a big supporter of Knox Canine Training since the beginning. Accounting is her full time day job but her home life is dogs. Janis currently has 3 resident Weims and 2 fosters. They have fostered about 30 Weims through IWR. All ages, all personality types. Janis works hard to have good pack...

Michelle Hoile
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Michelle began her dog training passion in 2013 after adopting two bully mix dogs, Joe and Nina, from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. She is a graduate of Iowa State University and was an educator for many years, but became even more passionate about learning all she could about science driven learning for dogs and their human companions. Beginning in 2014, she began teaching dog and puppy c...

Clint Knox
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training
Clint Knox began his dog training career in 2006 after getting two American Bulldog puppies, Vega and Cash. A graduate of Animal Behavior College and an ABC Certified Dog Trainer, Clint has taught both private and group training classes using positive reinforcement training to help thousands of dogs and owners solve their behavioral problems. In 2017, Clint launched Knox Canine Training to focu...

Holly Leas
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
A Guinness World Record title holder, Holly, has trained and shown dogs in 40 countries on 5 continents for 37 years. Leas is an Expert trainer, Behaviorist, and Professional Handler who specializes training All Breeds of Dogs in Obedience, Conformation, Therapy, Service, & Canine Good Citizen curriculums with the family business, All Breed Dog Obedience, for over 70 years.

Holly Leas ...

Sharon Leas
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Sharon has trained dogs as part of All Breed Dog Obedience for over fifty years. Her husband Neal D. Leas originated program and she has been an integral part of the Leas lineage, Lutzhaus Kennels. She has owned and shown German Shepherds on 4 continents with F.C.I. International 4 Continent 10 Champion Clayfield's Mon Ami, who was inducted into the Guinness World Record Book in 1988 as ‚ÄúGrea...

Em Muench
In home training, Puppy training
Em Muench is a dog lover who began her dog training journey in 2019. She fell in love with learning how to understand and better communicate with dogs while training service dogs for a local nonprofit.

Em‚Äôs passion lies in helping owners enjoy life with their dog. She finds it extremely rewarding to see the transformation that takes place not only with the dog, but with the owner, as...

See More Trainers In Iowa

The Best Davenport, IA Dog Trainers In 2024

Marie Appel
I started training my own dogs in 4H in 1997 and started professionally training in 2016. I also run a dog swimming pool and breed and train dogs for detection work.
View profile

The Best Des Moines, IA Dog Trainers In 2024

Clint Knox
I started my dog training career after graduating from Animal Behavior College in 2009. I opened Knox Canine Training in 2017 and we now have 6 employees
View profile
Sheila Williams
Sheila is certified and knowledge assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Sheila has 20 years of experience working with dogs in different capacities including rescue, daycare, rehabilitation, group classes, and private training.

Sheila regularly attends training seminars and conferences to stay current on the latest practices, methods, and e...
View profile
Laura Amick
An avid equestrian in her youth, Laura competed in the dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines through college. Her knowledge of equine body language & solid training techniques helped in starting young horses from the racetrack under saddle for pleasure riding. After an automobile accident left her horse training passions by the wayside, she was introduced to the Great Dane; a horse among dogs!...
View profile

Welcome to Iowa’s list of top dog trainers. The Iowa list is based on 90 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Iowa dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Marie Appel at the top of this list with 36 votes.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CPDT-KA. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.

Iowa dog trainer services include:

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

Dog trainers in Iowa selflessly set pets up for success. Marie Appel shares why they chose this path: To help people and dogs have a great relationship with clear communication.. All 25 trainers on this Iowa list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Iowa trainer, Clint Knox, uses the following methods: We are positive reinforcement trainers utilizing clickers.

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

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Trainers By City In Iowa

FAQ: Meet the Top Puppy dog training Dog Trainers in Iowa

Who are the top Puppy dog training dog trainers in Iowa?

Our top-rated trainer, Marie Appel, has earned 36 votes for their outstanding work in Service dog training. Alongside them, Clint Knox and Janee Wise have also made a significant impact amongst Iowa pets.

What motivates Iowa dog trainers?

Marie Appel became a dog trainer because To help people and dogs have a great relationship with clear communication./. Similarly, Clint Knox and Janee Wise have unique motivations, with 2009 andTo teach dog guardians how to better interact with and meet their dog's needs. driving their passion.

What is Marie Appel biggest tip?

For Marie Appel, the best tip is to: Work to build a great relationship with your dog and everything else will fall into place..

What do Iowa trainers love most about their work?

Marie Appel finds the greatest joy in Seeing clients over their challenges to have that dog they really wanted., while Clint Knox and Janee Wise cherish I love helping people understand their dogs, and I love helping people understand their dogs, respectively.

How do you become a certified trainer in Iowa?

All the top trainers in Iowa have earned certifications like , demonstrating their expertise in Puppy dog training, 3295, Reactive dog training, 2480, In home dog training, 1728, Off leash dog training, 981, Aggressive dog training, 836, Deaf dog training, 510, Service dog training, 256, Board and train dog training, 185, Agility dog training, 144 and beyond.

Why are these certifications crucial in Iowa?

Qualifications like CPDT-KA ensure that each trainer is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address a wide range of behavioral issues, from Service dog training to Aggressive dog training.

How do their methods differ?

Iowa’s Marie Appel describes their method as: Group training plans focus on the AKC STAR Puppy test and CGC. Individual plans are customized to meet client needs.. Meanwhile, Clint Knox says: We are positive reinforcement trainers utilizing clickers. As you can see, there are diverse approaches to Service dog training in Iowa.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Dog Trainers in Iowa of 2024

Marie Appel

Clint Knox

Janee Wise

Jenn Hirakawa

Sheila Williams

Laura Amick

Ankeny Avenue

Emily Blythe

Nick Bochner

Natalie Caldwell

Kimberly Cameron

Leah Carlson

Christine Fox

Cannady Fritzjunker

Janis Gandy

Michelle Hoile

Clint Knox

Holly Leas

Sharon Leas

Em Muench

See More Trainers In Iowa

See The Best Dog Trainers By City In Iowa

FAQ: Meet the Top Puppy dog training Dog Trainers in Iowa

Who are the top Puppy dog training dog trainers in Iowa?

What motivates Iowa dog trainers?

What is Marie Appel biggest tip?

What do Iowa trainers love most about their work?

How do you become a certified trainer in Iowa?

Why are these certifications crucial in Iowa?

How do their methods differ?

David Adams

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