This is a list of the top dog trainers in North Carolina, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
KPA CTP, FDM
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Hendersonville
I help families navigate their world with the canine companions they love. I teach owners how to set their dogs up for success and reach their goals using humane, science based training strategies based on the individual. I also offer puppy, cgc, manners, and reactive dog classes.
Certifications: KPA CTP, Fear Free Certified, AKC EVALUATOR, Family Dog Mediator
CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Professional, Registered Vet Tech - NC, Service Dog Coach, mentor trainer for CATCH Academy & Animal Behavior College
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Haywood County, Buncombe County, Franklin County, Candler, Canton, Asheville, West Asheville, Waynesville, Balsam, Cruso, Sylva, Biltmore Lake
Caitlin Morrow, head trainer for Behavior Tails, achieved her first dog training credential in 2007. After spending over a 15 years working in Western North Carolina, Caitlin knows most of the local veterinarians and vet techs and comes highly recommended by other dog trainers, past clients and the veterinarian community. Caitlin is a positive reinforcement based dog trainer that adheres to LIM...
Veterinary Behaviorist Recommended
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training
Raleigh/Cary/Durham/Chapel hill and surrounding areas in NC as well as Clarksville/Chase City, VA and ANYWHERE with internet (including internationally!)
What do you do when you have tried everything? It seems like things get better one day, but the next, things go two steps back. This struggle is something I have lived through and made me the trainer I am today. My own special needs rescue dogs had so many things going on. What started as just some simple frustration behaviors at first became full-blown behavior. Everything that is touted as a ...
IAABC, ABC, Animal Behavior Science, Aggression & Reactivity, Behavior Modification Training
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
JOHNSTON COUNTY, Clayton & Surrounding Areas
I am a 35-Year Veteran of Corporate world, as a Global Technology Executive, and a Boyscout from Childhood. My love for the Outdoors, Wilderness, Animals and Travels - has always been at the center of my Core & Spirit. I have stood in the Front & Center of many "Impressive" Boardrooms... closing major deals.. but at the end of every day - my biggest joy was standing in the middle of a Forest, o...
KPA-CTP
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Piedmont Triad of North Carolina in person and anywhere for remote training
Diana Blanchard has been involved with animals and animal rescue for her entire adult life. She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and has a Master's degree in nonprofit management. With her training and business skills combined, she has helped start and run multiple training centers, including her own company, Imagine Canine Academy. Teaching owners to bond with their dogs thr...
KPA-CTP CPDT-KA FFCP
Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Durham
I am behavioral neuroscientist with a specialization in
the neurobiology of learning and memory. My interest and research into how organisms learn and remember ultimately led me to the wonderful world of dog training, which I now does full-time. I am the owner of Learning to Dog Training and Enrichment in Durham, where I do private lessons, group classes, and puppy school. I am certified th...
With the belief that everyone (dogs and humans alike) learn best in an environment free of criticism, Hannah breaks down complex skills into bite-sized, accessible pieces, and develops practical techniques that leave her students with a sense of achievement and success. She is on a mission to make training effective + enjoyable for dogs and their handlers, which means optimizing positive reinfo...
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...
CPDT-KA CDBC LFDM
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Asheville, NC and Western North Carolina as well as virtual training internationally
Kim Brophey, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is an applied ethologist and owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center in downtown Asheville, NC. Kim's 20-year commitment to Family Dog Mediation® has been recognized both nationally and locally, awarded the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Outstanding Trainer of the Year in 2009 and the Best Dog Trainer of WNC six years in a row. She has lectured and ta...
Trained and mentored under Dr. Ian Dunbar, DVM, well-known for his positive animal training methodology. I also worked with Dr. Barbara Sherman, DVM of NC State University. I am a member of APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and a certified Evaluator with the AKC (American Kennel Club) for Canine Good Citizen, and STAR Puppy Evaluation (Socialization, Training, Activity, & Responsible Owner).
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training
After many years working with veterinarians, training facilities, grooming salons, and animal rescue organizations, in 2014 I opened Paws 4 Peace in Louisburg, North Carolina. My training techniques are derived from a holistic and compassionate perspective. I have found the use of positive approach training to be the most effective and creates long lasting results. Understanding the subtle nua...
CPDT-KA, Turid Rugaas Certified, MSW
Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough,
My work centers on companion dogs and helping them live well in a human world. I have been educated through Turid Rugaas, the Karen Pryor professional course, and Suzanne Clothier's Treat/Retreat technique for dogs who are socially awkward with people. I also have a Masters Degree in Social Work. I am passionate about both my work and the many opportunities to learn and improve my knowledge and...
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Pat Miller Certified Trainer Lever 2
Off leash training, Puppy training
Our virtual training spans the globe
Lisa Lyle Waggoner is a passionate advocate for humane, science-based, force-free dog training. She's the author of The Original Rocket Recall‚Ñ¢: Teach Your Dog to Come. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, a Pat Miller Certified Trainer-Level 2, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, and a faculty member of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior....
KPA-CTP, SA Pro Trainer
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training
Remote only
I am a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer. I have a soft spot for dogs who are labeled fearful, anxious, or reactive. My training plans always focus on meeting a dog's needs (as well as the human's) to help them feel safe and confident in this wild world. My training plans also focus on allowing dogs to have choice and agency in the learning process.
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...
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.
Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Raleigh, Wake Forest, Youngsville, Knightdale, Louisburg
Michele Godlevski
ACDBC, CBCC-KA, C.C. CPDT-KA, B.S
Founder and Owner of Teamworks Dog Training
Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (ACDBC),
Certified Behavior Consultant (Canine) – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA),
SFSPCA Academy Certified Canine Behavior Counselor (CC),
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT – KA),
National Association of...
MS, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training
NC Triangle
My goal is to bring you and your dog more joy and less stress!
My education level means you're getting top-notch, humane help. I've earned a Master's degree in dog and cat behavior. (And a Bachelor's in Animal Behavior.) This is what I've wanted to do since I was 12, and I wanted the best education I could get.
I love dogs AND people! You deserve compassion and und...
CPDT-KA, CTC, FPPE, Licensed Educator
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training
Heather is a native of the Asheville area and shares her home in Asheville, NC with her four dogs, Cosmo, a 15 yr old German Shepherd mix, Sage, a 10 yr old American Bulldog, Otchot, a 9 year old Shiloh Shepherd and Molly, a 3 year old Jack Russell Terrier, who keeps her on her game!Heather was an honors graduate in 2009 from the California based, San Francisco Academy for Dog Trainers and Beha...
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CCBC)
Pia Silvani has been teaching for over 30 years starting with dance, track and field, and swimming where her accomplishments and achievements were internationally recognized. But she found her true calling in coaching and teaching dogs and even cats, where she continues to receive international recognition and accolades in the many programs she has developed. Pia recently settled into a new an...
According to his parents, Joel has loved dogs since before he can remember himself. He received his B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from N.C. State, but after a few years working in RTP, decided it was time for a change. He took a job at a local kennel and found his way to doggie daycare, where he worked for 4 years learning everything the dogs could teach him. Joel is an expert on pack interaction...
I help families navigate their world with the canine companions they love. I teach owners how to set their dogs up for success and reach their goals using humane, science based training strategies based on the individual. I also offer puppy, cgc, manners, and reactive dog classes.
Certifications: KPA CTP, Fear Free Certified, AKC EVALUATOR, Family Dog Mediator
Caitlin Morrow, head trainer for Behavior Tails, achieved her first dog training credential in 2007. After spending over a 15 years working in Western North Carolina, Caitlin knows most of the local veterinarians and vet techs and comes highly recommended by other dog trainers, past clients and the veterinarian community. Caitlin is a positive reinforcement based dog trainer that adheres to LIM...
What do you do when you have tried everything? It seems like things get better one day, but the next, things go two steps back. This struggle is something I have lived through and made me the trainer I am today. My own special needs rescue dogs had so many things going on. What started as just some simple frustration behaviors at first became full-blown behavior. Everything that is touted as a ...
My work centers on companion dogs and helping them live well in a human world. I have been educated through Turid Rugaas, the Karen Pryor professional course, and Suzanne Clothier's Treat/Retreat technique for dogs who are socially awkward with people. I also have a Masters Degree in Social Work. I am passionate about both my work and the many opportunities to learn and improve my knowledge and...
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...
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...
Force free, fear free positive reinforcement only trainer.
There's no doubt, even from an early age, that I was destined to work with animals in a professional setting.
I've been very fortunate to have opportunities that allowed me to learn more about animals and how to work with them. In college, I shadowed an accelerant dog trainer and also volunteered at an animal sanctuary with hybrid wolves, dingos, and many other animals. I also had the ...
My goal is to bring you and your dog more joy and less stress!
My education level means you're getting top-notch, humane help. I've earned a Master's degree in dog and cat behavior. (And a Bachelor's in Animal Behavior.) This is what I've wanted to do since I was 12, and I wanted the best education I could get.
I love dogs AND people! You deserve compassion and und...
Gloria Schmidt is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Fear Free Certified Pet Professional (Elite Level).Prior to becoming a professional dog trainer, Gloria graduated with a degree in chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill. She enjoyed her five years at the lab bench especially when contributing to drug discovery research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. While th...
Cindy has been a lifelong dog lover, with her first love being her childhood dog Sunshine. Formerly a CPA and business leader, she has always been happiest in her career when her head and heart were engaged in solving problems and improving people’s lives, including her work at a company that treats people with eating disorders and an assisted living company.
Diana Blanchard has been involved with animals and animal rescue for her entire adult life. She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and has a Master's degree in nonprofit management. With her training and business skills combined, she has helped start and run multiple training centers, including her own company, Imagine Canine Academy. Teaching owners to bond with their dogs thr...
Lisa Lyle Waggoner is a passionate advocate for humane, science-based, force-free dog training. She's the author of The Original Rocket Recall‚Ñ¢: Teach Your Dog to Come. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, a Pat Miller Certified Trainer-Level 2, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, and a faculty member of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior....
According to his parents, Joel has loved dogs since before he can remember himself. He received his B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from N.C. State, but after a few years working in RTP, decided it was time for a change. He took a job at a local kennel and found his way to doggie daycare, where he worked for 4 years learning everything the dogs could teach him. Joel is an expert on pack interaction...
Hi! My name is Gina Allen and I am the Sales and Trainer Manager for Cornerstone K9. My husband, Jeff, and I started this company about 4 years ago and it has been an absolute blessing ever since. I was a REALTOR full time and would fill in periodically for sales and trained dogs for Cornerstone K9.
In January of this year (2024), Jeff asked me to fill in temporarily for sales until he...
Hi, I’m Jeff…. I started working and training pet dogs in 2010, a year after I was introduced to the dog sport of PSA (Protection Sports Association). Since that time, I have been training pet dogs with a wide variety of needs, and competing with my own dogs in PSA. I have decoyed at Regional and National level events and also competed with my own dogs at that level. I own 3 crazy Belgian M...
Welcome to North Carolina’s list of top dog trainers. The North Carolina list is based on 521 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the North Carolina dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Comora Tolliver at the top of this list with 107 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.
North Carolina dog trainer services include:
Dog trainers in North Carolina selflessly set pets up for success. Comora Tolliver shares why they chose this path: To help people understand the dog in front of them and to guide and help them become a successful team.. All 134 trainers on this North Carolina list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted North Carolina trainer, Caitlin Morrow, uses the following methods: Depending on what the issues are we will do an initial consultation to make a thorough evaluation of the situation and put a plan in place. For basic training with no problem behaviors being seen we dive straight into training. Written reports & summaries are given to behavior cases..
Explore the top dog trainers in North Carolina as voted by our community:
Reward your dog for the things you like when you see them offer it!.
To help people understand the dog in front of them and to guide and help them become a successful team..
Helping people understand how to let their dog live their best life!.
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.