This is a list of the top dog trainers in Kentucky, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Lexington/Fayette County, Jessamine County, Bourbon Co and beyond
After starting my career and really cutting my teeth in a big box store 15 years ago, I learned how to help people of all different walks of life. I joined the crew at Manners Matter about 4 years ago where I am able to offer a wider array of classes and help people with more challenging issues.
Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers- Knowledge Assessed Karen Pryor Academy Graduate American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, Puppy training
Central Kentucky area. Lexington, Nicholasville, Versailles, Lancaster and surrounding areas.
Mandy Eakins, owner and head trainer of Manners Matter Dog Training and Daycare, is a multi certified trainer through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers and The Karen Pryor Training Academy. Mandy is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a Faculty Advisor for the Victoria Stilwell Dog Trainer Academy. Training dogs for over 25 years, she has done everything from sear...
CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Lexington and Nicholasville
My name is Andrea Breault. I live in Lexington, Kentucky with my husband and our animals. I have a degree in animal studies and psychology. I started my dog training career at a dog daycare and training facility in the area five years ago. When not training other people's dogs, I work with mine and enjoy pet photography.
KPA-CTP, AKC CGC Evaluator, Ph.D. in Human and Community Development, Certificate in University Teaching
Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Lexington, Nicholasville, and surrounding areas
When not training, I teach online fashion merchandising and design courses; I am a Master Clothing Volunteer with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension program, and I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and traveling.
CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, IAABC-ADT, Fear Free Certified Professional
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Fayette County, KY and surrounding areas
I have been training dogs since 2011 and have earned multiple certifications within that time. I started at PetSmart and broke away in 2014 once I hit the ceiling there. I have a soft spot for Dobermans and Belgians. I love teaching group classes and lately I've been learning the sport of Rally. My goal is to always learn and grow as a dog trainer and behavior consultant!
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Lexington, Louisville, Nicholasville, Paris, Georgetown KY
I started training and showing my own dogs in 1984 and over the years my dogs have earned titles in AKC obedience, tracking, agility, tricks. I started teaching other people to train their dogs in 2000. My methods have evolved over the years and I try to keep current in continuing education. I am also a presenter for the Family Paws program. I have a Master's Degree in Behavioral Science and w...
Competed at the National level in AKC, USDAA, and TDAA.
Protection/guard dog training
Christina Wakefield started teaching in 1998 and her specialty is teaching Dog Agility classes of all levels, including distance skills. She's taught a vast variety of breeds from chihuahua's to great danes to mixes of all kinds. Her goal is to combine an informative and structured class, that's a lot of fun for both dog and handler. Christina has competed at the National level in AKC, USDAA,...
CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, CCUI, Fear Free Professional
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Lexington
My goal is to help my clients achieve harmonious, enjoyable lives with their dogs. Isn't that what we dream of when we adopt a puppy or dog?
Having adopted most of my pets from shelters and rescue groups, I've experienced many of the problems and frustrations that my clients face. I know how good it feels to see a timid dog gain confidence and to see a dog learn to walk peacefully pa...
In home training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Annie is a breath of fresh air to our team. She can always be found with a smile and willing to help whenever she can. Prior to coming on to Duffy's and being a part of the clan, she worked on a farm, handling a lot of animals and especially working with the farm dogs. She has worked with positive reinforcement training with dogs prior to coming onto Duffy's and expanding her training style to ...
In home training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
In 2005, Jana Davis not only graduated salutatorian from Southern Indiana's Charlestown High School, but she also earned a full basketball scholarship to Oakland City University. Graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's of Science in 2009, Jana launched into a ten-year teaching career where she instructed young people in mathematics at Meade County High School and Community Montessori.
In home training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Born and raised in Southern Indiana, Grant has no memory of life outside the company of trained working dogs. German Shepherds accomplished in obedience skills, formidable in their security ability, and proficient in scent detection were his everyday companions.
After graduating from Floyd Central High School (ranked within the "Top Ten" schools of the Louisville Metro area), Grant wen...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
I've dedicated the majority of my adult life to the art of dog training, blending being a good dog steward, studying canines and developing my craft into a unique approach that's as effective as it is enjoyable. Certified, licensed, and insured, I've got the credentials to back up my passion and ensure your furry friend is in good hands.
I'm not your typical super serious trainer. I fi...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Jim comes to us as a former real estate consultant and territory sales director. While training his personal dogs he realized a desire to take his training skills to a higher level and began attending classes at a local dog club. He later trained at multiple OLK9 locations in Florida and Kentucky and became a certified trainer with Off Leash in 2021.
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training
I want you and your dog to have the best possible relationship because I know this joy, and I’m inspired to share it.
I’ve spent much of my youth learning about people and carefully honing my teaching skills to what they are today. When I took my first dog to our very first training class, I felt like there was something missing.
Years went by and I found a position teaching do...
In home training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Heidi has grown up with Duffy's Training philosophy her entire life. Being Matthew Duffy's daughter, Heidi has been in and around Duffy's Dog Training Center since she was old enough to walk. Heidi trained her first two dogs for Duffy's over summer break when she was just 12 years old. At 13 years old, Heidi started showing her own dog at AKC conformation competitions. At 15 years old, Heidi be...
In home training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Scotty Poole graduated from North Harrison High School of Southern Indiana in 2017. All through his Elementary and High School years, Scotty was a devoted Scout. He began as a Wolf Cub in 2007 and worked his way to the highest honor of Eagle Scout in 2017. Scotty earned 43 merit badges on his Journey to Eagle Scout and also served as Assistant Scoutmaster.
Scotty joined Duffy's Dog Tr...
In home training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Heaven came on with Duffy's with a fresh look at dog training. She is one of our spitfire personalities. Loves dogs and is always up for the challenge in whatever she takes on. She had no prior experience before her time here and has built all her dog handling professionally while with us. This is not to say she has not been around dogs her whole life. She trained her own dogs prior to starting...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training
As a child, my happy place was on the dairy farm where I grew up. There were animals to play with, and they accepted me unconditionally. In elementary school, there was this one moment – this defining moment – that went all wrong and left me feeling isolated, like I couldn’t let anyone know the real me inside for fear of being rejected.
As a teenager, I had the opportunity to rai...
After starting my career and really cutting my teeth in a big box store 15 years ago, I learned how to help people of all different walks of life. I joined the crew at Manners Matter about 4 years ago where I am able to offer a wider array of classes and help people with more challenging issues.
My name is Andrea Breault. I live in Lexington, Kentucky with my husband and our animals. I have a degree in animal studies and psychology. I started my dog training career at a dog daycare and training facility in the area five years ago. When not training other people's dogs, I work with mine and enjoy pet photography.
When not training, I teach online fashion merchandising and design courses; I am a Master Clothing Volunteer with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension program, and I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and traveling.
Christina Wakefield started teaching in 1998 and her specialty is teaching Dog Agility classes of all levels, including distance skills. She's taught a vast variety of breeds from chihuahua's to great danes to mixes of all kinds. Her goal is to combine an informative and structured class, that's a lot of fun for both dog and handler. Christina has competed at the National level in AKC, USDAA,...
Annie is a breath of fresh air to our team. She can always be found with a smile and willing to help whenever she can. Prior to coming on to Duffy's and being a part of the clan, she worked on a farm, handling a lot of animals and especially working with the farm dogs. She has worked with positive reinforcement training with dogs prior to coming onto Duffy's and expanding her training style to ...
In 2005, Jana Davis not only graduated salutatorian from Southern Indiana's Charlestown High School, but she also earned a full basketball scholarship to Oakland City University. Graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's of Science in 2009, Jana launched into a ten-year teaching career where she instructed young people in mathematics at Meade County High School and Community Montessori.
Welcome to Kentucky’s list of top dog trainers. The Kentucky list is based on 840 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Kentucky dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Rebecca Rossi at the top of this list with 351 votes.
Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and KPA-CTP. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Kentucky dog trainer services include:
Dog trainers in Kentucky selflessly set pets up for success. Rebecca Rossi shares why they chose this path: I became a dog trainer after having a near incident with my own dog at my very first ever obedience class that was compulsion based. That moment stuck with me for years and made me question our approach with dogs. I truly wanted to learn better, do better, then use that knowledge to help others avoid the pitfall I experienced.. All 18 trainers on this Kentucky list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Kentucky trainer, Mandy Eakins, uses the following methods: Our training is LIMA based..
Explore the top dog trainers in Kentucky as voted by our community:
Stay humble..
I became a dog trainer after having a near incident with my own dog at my very first ever obedience class that was compulsion based. That moment stuck with me for years and made me question our approach with dogs. I truly wanted to learn better, do better, then use that knowledge to help others avoid the pitfall I experienced..
My favorite part of being a dog trainer is when I run into my clients having great moments with their dogs around our community..
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
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.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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?
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.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.