Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Reactive dog training in Austin, TX. Based on feedback and votes from our Reactive dog training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Austin area.
CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Sun City, Jollyville, Buda, Taylor, Cedar Park, Leander, Wells Branch, Hutto
Whitney has always had a love for animals. When she just started high school, her family lost their last family dog and decided to adopt a dog. This is when they adopted a Jack Russell/Black Lab mix named, Hollywood. Very quickly they realized they needed help as she was very people and dog reactive. They found a trainer and it opened Whitney's eyes to the world of dog training. She began to re...
CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training
I live in Troy and serve the surrounding areas including Temple, Belton, Killeen, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Hutto, Jarrell, and Salado.
Sarah discovered a passion for training and behavior when she took her first dog home from a local shelter while attending Texas A&M University. Throughout college, she worked in a veterinary office. She graduated with a degree in Animal Science in 2007 and began teaching group puppy and obedience classes in 2010. In 2014 she began working with service dogs. For three years she worked with ...
CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Austin and surrounding Hill Country
I've been training dogs for for 8 years, all at The Canine Center for Training & Behavior. I am currently owned by a rescued German Shepherd Dog who makes me a better dog trainer every day. Our philosophy is "Life is short, have fun with your dog" I teach sports - agility, hiking with your dog, dog powered sports. I also specialize in reactive and aggressive dogs, retraining their brains to mak...
CPDT-KA
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Austin area
Maida Barbour, CPDT-KA, has been training dogs in the Austin area for over fifteen years. She specializes in Assistance Dog training, including Service Dog, Therapy Dogs, and Emotional Support Animals.
She uses trust-based techniques to create a safe, easy learning environment for both dogs and clients.
Her background is in Cognitive Theory and maintains an ongoing education in animal ...
Certified Integrative Behaviorist, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Buda, Kyle, Cedar Park, Manor, Bee Cave, Lakeway
I went from training horses using Natural Horsemanship methods to training dogs, and applying the same approach. I spent two years studying dog cognition and behavior as part of a mentorship program to learn to really understand what drives a dog's behavior. After working as part of the behavior team at Austin Pets Alive for 8 years I left to work with people directly to help dogs not end up at...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Following a childhood of begging for a puppy every Christmas (with 3 successes!), Lauren has taken every available opportunity to work with dogs: volunteering at local shelters, fostering, and working at a doggy daycare. Through her foster fail, Ollie, she learned about fear and reactivity behaviors and gained the confidence to adopt a high-energy puppy (Layla). Layla and Lauren have competed i...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Andrea's first job working with dogs was as a kennel tech at a small board & train facility, and her experiences volunteering with shelter dogs created a space in her heart for dogs who need friends the most. After teaching group classes at a pet store for 7 years she completed the Karen Pryor Academy to deepen her understanding of training. Volunteering with Service Dogs Inc. and working at th...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Carolyne is a native Austinite and lifelong animal advocate. She started her work with dogs as a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive and the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter. She was fascinated by the work the behavioral teams did to help improve the life of long-stay shelter dogs and dove head first into the world of dog training! Carolyne lives with two cats (who are clicker and target ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Joanna has a Masters degree in Educational Psychology and a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, and she's always been fascinated by the behavior exhibited by all animals. She's been lucky enough to balance a career in behavioral health and disability advocacy with her love of all things dog and dog behavior . She's apprenticed with a service dog organization, worked on the behavi...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
I've been professionally working with dogs for most of my life. It all started many years ago when I worked as a veterinary technician. I loved helping but after a while I got burned out from all of the sickness and death (they call that 'compassion fatigue') after several years.
I then started working in dog boarding facilities in the Austin area and quickly worked my way up to manage...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Kay Dameron has been working with animals since a young age. She began fostering in 2015 and promptly became passionate about dog training when she saw the difference it made in foster's lives. Facilitating communication between people and their dogs to create better relationships brings her joy. Kay is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Family Paws Parent Educator, and a CGC Canine Good C...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Alexandra was the Director of Behavior and Training at the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, DC. During her time there, she worked with the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Asheville, North Carolina, to develop HRA's first intensive program for severely fearful dog rehabilitation. She also taught classes on everything from obedience to dog reactivity. She has a Master's in animal b...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Latania is an avid dog lover and a huge enthusiast of dog sports. She found an insatiable interest in dog training after getting her heart dog Atlas. They started dog sports and hit the ground running trying their hands at everything from agility, to scent work to barn hunt.
Latania found a deep love for the science of training and the way enrichment can help dogs thrive and strengthen the ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Cindi is a proud scientist at heart, embracing her geek status with enthusiasm. With a background in biology, psychology, and physical therapy, she earned a Master's degree in Education and TESOL certification. As a trainer, Cindi applies her diverse expertise to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to the dogs in her care, fostering better communication between pets and their owners. Her a...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Shelly is a graduate of the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy, where she spent countless hours working to obtain her certification as a qualified professional dog trainer (VSA-CDT) and Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP), supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Professional member of Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and Association of Pet ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Miranda began her work with dogs as a volunteer at an animal shelter in Maryland, and then taught puppy classes and reactive/fearful dog classes before moving to Austin. Among her shelter work, she was the Shelter Operations Manager for Austin Animal Center and oversaw the shelter's behavior program and animal care. Miranda is a "behavior nerd" who's passionate about equity and access in the d...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Debi Krakar founded the Dog Alliance in 2006 with a vision of improving the lives of families in her community based on our powerful bond with dogs. She is the driving force behind creating the therapeutic programs of The Dog Alliance. She has fostered over 1,000 dogs in her home and, for the past five years, always has at least one service dog in training with her 24/7. She has whelped 12 l...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Lana came to animal welfare and dog behavior training in 2018, after 23 years in the performing arts as a producer, performer and executive director. Beginning as a volunteer dog walker and eventually a trainer at a local rescue, Lana fell in love with every one of "her" dogs, and with the process of helping them learn coping skills and life skills. A lifelong learner, Lana completed the Master...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Nancy first joined The Dog Alliance in 2010 as a pet therapy handler, volunteering with her dog, Jessie. She joined The Dog Alliance Board of Directors in 2012 and served as Board Chair 2013-2017. Nancy's passion for working with people and their animals inspired her to work with our pet therapy outreach program, service dog program, and pet dog training programs. Nancy earned her certificat...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Kellye McMaster has been competing in, training, and teaching dog Agility for 22 years. She has taken 3 of her dogs to AKC nationals, and has competed in AKC, USDAA, UKI, and NADAC competitions. Prior to teaching Agility in the Austin area, Kellye worked at a kennel board and train program and eventually owned her own training facility in Waco. She is a retired math teacher of 25 years and us...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Austin
My love for dog training started with my own pups as they developed issues I had no clue how to manage. I sought out help from a trainer, but my dogs didn't respond well to force, fear, or intimidation. I started learning more about positive dog training, which lead me to became a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College in 2017. My initial goal was to help shelter dogs become more...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training
Dogs have always been a passion of mine, and I've been fortunate to have owned several throughout my childhood. However, it was my time serving as a Military Police Officer that truly ignited my love for working with dogs. During my deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OIF/OND), I worked alongside explosive detection MWDs (military working dogs) and collaborated wi...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Cindy lives for adventure, whether it's traveling or competing in agility competitions with her boxer Franklin. As the Train Your Own Service Dog Program Manager, Cindy helps people select and train their own dogs so that they can become certified service dogs. She enjoys teaching everything from manners classes to agility and service dog task training. Cindy has been a Certified Professional D...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Devi's passion for animal training and welfare was evident at an early age when her favorite phrase was, ‚can I keep it?‚ Her many pets have included reptiles, insects, tarantulas, rats, hamsters, hedgehogs, doves, parakeets, cats, and dogs - she has never met an animal that she didn't love. Her previous career as a high school teacher shaped her into a patient and accessible coach of people. W...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Kathleen is the Agility Program Manager at The Dog Alliance. Kathleen merged her extensive experience with education and her love of dog training when she started teaching at The Dog Alliance in 2014. As an athlete and adventurer, agility work is one of Kathleen‚'s favorite classes to teach. She also loves agility work because it is a great sport for strengthening the bond between an owner and ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Betsy Roberts combines a strong business background with a deep commitment to pet care. With experience as a former business management professional, pet care business owner, and puppy raiser for service dogs, Betsy has developed a comprehensive understanding of both the corporate and canine worlds. She holds an MBA, is Pet First Aid Certified, and is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Curren...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Nisa is a certified trainer and dog behavior consultant, and is Fear Free Certified.. In 2018 Nisa began her career as a professional dog trainer in her home state of New York. In 2024 Nisa graduated with her Master of Science degree from Virginia Tech's Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare program. She is a believer in lifelong learning and has committed to continuing her education through the ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Eric began dog training when he rescued his own dog who had resource guarding issues. In 2014 he moved to Austin, a dog loving city that helped him grow as a trainer. He shadowed a service dog trainer for a couple of years and was inspired to learn how animals thought and how they see the world. He started working as a dog trainer, teaching basic manners classes and private lessons for several ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Kaci started her deep dive into behavior study after adopting her now 6 year old dog, Buddy, and seeking certified help with his journey through reactivity, separation anxiety, and more. Positive science-based training became her passion after seeing how Buddy's quality of life has been impacted, and completed her dog training certification program with the Victoria Stilwell Academy in fall of ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Olivia got her start working in the kennel at DogBoy's Dog Ranch and eventually became the assistant kennel manager and a trainer for the company. There she learned about dog behavior, how dogs interact, and how to work with a wide range of breeds and personalities. She really fell in love with dog training when she adopted a black lab with leash reactivity. Helping her pup work through these b...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Rachelle was born and raised in Austin, and grew up visiting the Austin Animal Center and hiking or biking every weekend. She started delving into training nine years ago when she adopted a six month old dog reactive dog, Lucy. I quickly was drawn into studying positive reinforcement training, and learning how to communicate with her. When the opportunities to train at PetSmart and DogBoy's Do...
Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, In home training, Puppy training
Killeen, Harker Heights, Fort Hood, Belton, Nolanville, Temple
Im an Army Veteran and currently train service dogs for a non profit. This non profit trains service dogs for free for military and Veterans. I do also help on the side for behavior issues. In addition to that I assist training for Waco Agility Group.
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Reactive dog training in Austin, TX is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Reactive dog training, we received 183 total votes, resulting in 32 dog trainers who focus on Reactive dog training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Reactive dog training listed first.
Dog trainers for Reactive dog training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Whitney Spence, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Reactive dog training in Austin, TX. Whitney Spence’s favorite part of their job is: My favorite part of being a dog trainer is being able to build such a strong trust and bond with fearful dogs. I also love to show owners just how amazing dogs can be!
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At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Whitney Spence, as well as the other dog trainers on this Reactive dog training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Whitney Spence encourages owners with this dog training tip: Always make sure you and your dog are having fun!
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I use science-based positive reinforcement training. We always start with a consultation to discuss their goals, what issues they are having, create a plan so we can achieve those goals, and continue with lessons and homework., while others like Sarah Alvarado adopt:
I begin with a 90-minute consultation, during which I take a thorough behavior history and help clients set goals. If a dog stays with me for a Board and Train, we follow the dog's stay with private lessons and written guidelines for continuing to build and maintain behaviors once the dog returns home.. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.
Always make sure you and your dog are having fun!which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in Austin.
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 those dreaded middle-of-the-night potty breaks were over. You were finally free from cleaning up puppy puddles. Then, suddenly, your furry friend starts having accidents again. It's frustrating, right? This puppy potty training regression is more common than you think. Don't worry; we'll help you get your pup back on track. We'll cover the common causes, offer practical solutions, and give you actionable steps to tackle this challenge together.
It's a cringe-worthy moment every dog owner dreads: your furry friend chowing down on something truly disgusting. If your dog has a penchant for poop, you're dealing with coprophagia. It's more common than you think, and thankfully, often manageable. This article explores the reasons behind dirty dog syndrome, from instinct to learned behavior. We'll also give you practical tips to help break this unpleasant habit.
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.
Herding dogs are amazing, intelligent companions. But that also means they need more than just a simple game of fetch. Finding the right toys for herding dogs is key to keeping them happy and stimulated. This article explores some of the best toys for herding dogs, including options specifically for breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. We'll help you discover the perfect herding toys for dogs to tap into their natural instincts and keep them entertained for hours.
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?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
* 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.
Does your dog suddenly transform into a barking, lunging Tasmanian devil on walks? It's stressful for both of you. If this sounds familiar, you might have a reactive dog. Understanding what is a reactive dog is the first step to calmer walks. We'll explore the common triggers and give you actionable strategies to manage and modify this behavior. Let's turn those stressful walks into enjoyable outings.
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.
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
Looking for the perfect dog park? Whether you need a wide-open public space or a private, fenced-in spot, this guide will help you find the best dog parks across the US. We'll cover top-rated public parks, the perks of private dog parks, and even explore Sniffspot locations – giving your pup a safe and fun place to play. Ready to find your dog's new favorite spot? Let's go!
Ready to discover Portland's best dog parks? Whether you're looking for a public park or the unique experience of a private Sniffspot, this guide has you covered. We'll help you find the perfect spot for your pup, with tips on what to bring, how to prepare, and even understanding dog body language. Plus, we'll explore some top Portland dog parks, including public and Sniffspot options, so you can plan your next dog-friendly 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.
Think American Staffordshire Terriers are tough? Think again. While their muscular build might intimidate some, these dogs are known for their playful and loyal personalities. This guide draws on the experience of nearly 10,000 AmStaff owners to reveal the truth about this often misunderstood breed. Want to learn more about caring for an American Staffordshire Terrier? You're in the right place.
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.