Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy training in St. Louis, MO. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the St. Louis area.
ACAAB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
St. Charles County, St. Louis City, remote sessions
I have a masters degree in behavior and am proud to be the only board certified applied animal behaviorist in the eastern half of Missouri. I also hold my Certified Behavior Consultant Canine and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (knowledge assessed) certifications, and I am a Fear Free Certified Professional dog trainer as well. I have been training professionally for 16 years. I served one y...
CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Puppy training
St. Louis
I'm obsessed with my cattle dog and my foster-fail rescue mix! We love exploring together. We also welcome foster dogs into our home and we'd love to see our current foster, longest shelter resident, Blaine, find his forever family!
Board and train, Puppy training
St.Louis, St. Peters
Jon has been training dogs for about 10 years now, but his whole life has been centered around training animals. He grew up on a farm and often showed farm animals there, as well as trained the farm dogs how to work and herd livestock.
.
Jon has seen all scenarios in his 10+ years of training, including shelter dogs who were on their last chance. He was able to take those dogs, train th...
Puppy training
Lucy retired from the Saint Louis Zoo. She enjoys training her dogs and teaching Rally, Obedience, Tricks, Earthdog, Barn Hunt, Lure Coursing, Conformation, Breeding and Puppy Training. All of her volunteer activities are related to the Greater St. Louis Training Club.‚ I have had the pleasure to be part of the Greater St. Louis Training Club's transition to clicker training. I have seen the cl...
Puppy training
Fran is a retired High School math teacher. She enjoys participating with her dogs in Dog Scouts. She also enjoys training her dogs in obedience, rally obedience, scent work, and barn hunt. Fran also volunteers with the Humane Society of Missouri as a puppy foster parent. Training is essential for building a successful relationship with your dog. It should be fun and rewarding for both of you. ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Meet Alecia! She has worn several hats during her tenure with DTE, but now keeps the train on the tracks as our Operations Manager. "Had I been told 5 years ago I would be switching careers into dog training, I would have more than likely laughed! I didn't foresee this industry in my future having spent 15 years in the medical field. However, now I can't imagine things any other way. Helping cl...
Puppy training
Bob is a professional dog trainer and Mayor of Fenton Missouri. His term ends in 2021. He is active in American Sighthound Field Association lure coursing (ASFA), Large Greyhound Racing Association (LGRA) and AKC Rally. Bob also volunteers with Greyhound Companions Of Missouri as a training consultant, St. Louis Area Sighthounds (SLASH). He has served as the Director of Gateway Buick Club. This...
In home training, Puppy training
Sue's interest in animals began at a very early age. She has taken family dogs to training classes, and then trained new pets on her own. She found she had a skill for it and has helped many friends with training solutions for their pets. Sue owned horses for many years and assisted a breeder/trainer with training young horses. She began volunteering at animal rescues in 2009 gaining experience...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Leah is a graduate of Animal Behavioral College in animal behavior. She is also a graduate of Casey Ray's STL dog trainers. She has trained therapy dogs for children with disabilities as well as hospice training and enjoys being a mentor for other trainers in animal behavior college. Leah loves to understand the psychology of dogs and figure out the what and why to problem behaviors. She is a s...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Meet Chelsea! She hails from Illinois and her life has always revolved around a passion for helping dogs. Its quite evident as she owns 6 rescue dogs! Chelsea began her journey working in local shelters. There she assisted in screening and training the incoming dogs. "I've always been drawn to the more challenging cases. While most employees shied away from the more reactive and aggressive dogs...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Juan is an expert in dog aggression and canine body language. Since 2012 he has been working hands-on with the most aggressive dogs around town. If your dog has been deemed too aggressive to work with by other trainers in the past, Juan would be interested in meeting you and your dog.You won't see Juan around the facility often as he usually performs in-home lessons working with our most challe...
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
A transplant from Southwest Michigan, Danielle moved to the St. Louis area in 2016 to pursue dog sports at a higher level. She has performed in big exciting environments like the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, NFL halftime shows, fairs, festivals, private events, and in more than a dozen world championships across several sports with several dogs. While her hobby lies within the dog sport sec...
Puppy training
Lisa is an Information Technology specialist and a dog and cat trainer at Columbia Animal Hospital in Columbia, Illinois. At the hospital she uses her Fear Free certification knowledge to help the clients and their pets feel more accepting of veterinary exams and procedures. She enjoys training her dogs tricks, just for fun. I came to training through a fear aggressive dog and have a special in...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Kimberly's interest with dogs began at an early age. As well as training her own dogs, she reached out to assist friends and family members' dogs. Kim began volunteering and participating with different organizations to help dogs in need.At this point in her life, Kim was working in the counseling field helping individuals. After her experiences with educating and improving dogs' behaviors, she...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Puppy training
Trent was born and raised in St. Louis. Some of his favorite things include camping, road trips, cooking, and playing soccer and volleyball in his free time. Of course the road trips and camping include his baby, 6 year old husky Luna. She is the one that really inspired Trent to do what he does today. He started by training her, and watching her grow and learn so fast. It amazed him how much s...
Puppy training
Owner and Trainer Erin King (She/Her) got started in the world of dog training at age ten with her first Border Collie, Finn. Together they competed in dog sports, performed in half-time shows, and moved across the country. Though no longer with us, Finn is a big part of this story, he was an excellent teacher and friend. In 2015, after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Tru...
Puppy training
Barb is a clinical child psychologist, specializing in learning and adjustment problems. She enjoys training her dogs in obedience, Canine Good Citizen skills and tricks. She enjoys walking the neighborhood, hiking on local trails, and meeting new people with her dogs. She is involved with Brittany Rescue and she trains and socializes shelter puppies at the Humane Society of Missouri. She is a ...
Puppy training
My name is Jennifer Maurer, and I am the founder of PetImpact! a positive reinforcement and relationship based dog training service serving St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles and Illinois. We are committed to making an impact in the life of you and your dog!I am a dog trainer that coaches you on how to create a strong bond with your dog based on mutual love, trust and respect. From t...
Puppy training
Carol works as a Special Imaging Technologist in Cardiology and Electrophysiology and is a part time Professional Dog Trainer. She enjoys doing Canine Scent Work, obedience and trick training, dabbling in field work training, taking long hikes and playing ball in a big field with her dogs. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the North American Canine Scent Wo...
Puppy training
Shawn is a higher education career and educational specialist, animal behavior instructor, and textbook author. She enjoys training her dogs obedience and scent work (nose work). All of her volunteer activities are related to the Greater St. Louis Training Club. I love being a trainer with the Greater St Louis Training Club because the wonderful people utilize clicker training, an evidence-base...
Puppy training
Although I just recently got into dog training, I have been around dogs and owned many dogs my entire life. As a dog trainer I have thoroughly enjoyed helping clients train their dogs. Having the knowledge I do about canines has transformed my life in so many ways. My focus is on creating pleasant and respectful relationships between people and the animals that enrich our lives every day.
Puppy training
Shelley is a professional dog trainer who specializes in puppy development and behavior. Two of her dogs help her teach K-12 classes about kind animal care, welfare and safety at the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO). She helped them earn conformation, Canine Good Citizen and Tricks titles. Each summer, Shelley and her dogs team teach 200 children dog-training skills at HSMO's 'Kids for Critter...
Puppy training
Liz is a full time accountant and a part time Professional Canine Fitness Trainer. She enjoys training and competing in Scent Work, Rally Obedience, Canine Freestyle, Agility, and Barn Hunt. I have been training in various dog sports since 2014. I have taken several classes and workshops with the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy since 2015 to enhance my training. I love to learn about dog training and ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Meet Michelle! She has been an animal lover her whole life and was always bringing home dogs and critters. Michelle began her journey working at local boarding and daycare facilities around St. Louis. After gaining years of experience in canine behavior, she shifted to animal rescue and adoption. There she screened incoming dogs, helped train and acclimate them to their new surroundings and fac...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Matthew Sulhoff is the Head Trainer for OLK9 St Louis. He was raised in the Lindbergh South County District, after graduating high school he joined the Navy. After serving his country, he used his military training to become a chef, and he eventually moved back to Missouri.
His interest in animal training is a result of being raised by a mother who often fostered animals and volunteere...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Meet Jon! He grew up in Arkansas and his family always had a pack in the house. After college, Jon spent over 10 years in the coaching profession instructing high school swimming. In 2020, Jon began participating in Disc Dogs STL with his pups and realized his passion for training and dog behavior. "My first competition was a disaster, but we improved immensely after educating myself and traini...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Matt grew up in Austin TX in a house full of animals. He began training the family dogs at an early age. Raised in a hunting family, he learned retrieving, tracking and the responsible way to incorporate e-collar use in different training aspects."I always aspired to work with animals as a career but it just didn't happen for me."
After 20 years in wholesale distribution, that chance finall...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Anna Wilsman has been training and showing dogs for 30+ years. She has shown and titled in AKC conformation, obedience, and tracking. She is a past member, trainer, and fun match judge for MCOTC and past member and trainer for GSDCSTL. She has also trained and shown in Schutzhund and PSA.Anna is committed to providing the most effective, convenient solutions to her clients' dog training needs. ...
Puppy training
Alane is happily anticipating retirement, so she can spend more time with horses and dogs. When I was 13, my mom tried to convince me that I really didn't like or need horses and suggested a dog instead. It didn't work though: horses have always been top dog but dogs do run a close second. I got my start with GSLTC via Molly in puppy kindergarten in 2012 and am a trainer on Monday nights. Curre...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
With over a decade of experience in Dog Training since September of 2010, I have honed my expertise through extensive education and practical application.During the years 2010 to 2012, I completed a rigorous 2-year hands-on training course that provided me with comprehensive knowledge in reading canine body language, dog behavior, handling, and training by working with shelter dogs. During this...
In home training, Puppy training
After working animal related fields for nearly two decades, Mandy is well known in the community for her expertise in animal behavior and rehabilitation, fighting animal cruelty and breed discrimination, educating and advocating for responsible pet ownership and her work rescuing dogs in need. Her professional experience over 20 years includes dog training, vet technician, kennel management, an...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in St. Louis, MO is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 63 total votes, resulting in 31 dog trainers who focus on Puppy training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy training listed first.
Dog trainers for Puppy training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Jody Epstein, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in St. Louis, MO. Jody Epstein’s favorite part of their job is: The joy on people's face when they see their dog making healthier/safer behavior choices. And the joy I see in the dog when they realize they don't have to be afraid.
.
At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Jody Epstein, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Jody Epstein encourages owners with this dog training tip: Every interaction is a training interaction. Meaning, every time we engage with a dog, we are telling that dog how to engage with us.
.
An initial consultation allows me to learn about the life, health, and behavior history of the dog. This also allows me to observe the dog directly. Using the information gathered during the consultation, I design a management plan to prevent the dog practicing the undesired behavior as well as a behavior and training plan to help the humans help their pups work through the behavior challenges and find a more comfortable life together. I use a variety of counter conditioning protocols to help the dog make new associations with those things that trigger their behavior outbursts. This results in a more confident and resilient dog. I do not utilize any tools or techniques that rely on fear or pain to suppress behaviors., while others like Kailey King adopt:
At CARE STL we are proudly force free and positive only as much as we possibly can (given our stressful shelter environment).. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.
Every interaction is a training interaction. Meaning, every time we engage with a dog, we are telling that dog how to engage with us.which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in St. Louis.
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.
Is your dog overly excited or fearful around other dogs? Do they bark, lunge, or whine? You might have a reactive dog. Many dog owners face this challenge. Understanding what a reactive dog is is the first step to helping them. This guide explores the common causes of dog reactivity, explains what makes a dog reactive, and offers practical tips and resources. Let's work together to build a stronger bond with your dog and enjoy stress-free walks.
Does your dog's reactivity make walks stressful? You're not alone. Many dog owners face similar challenges. This guide offers practical advice and support for managing reactivity, including finding the best online dog training for reactive dogs. We'll connect you with reactive dog support groups, share training tips, and explore resources like the best dog training app for reactive dogs. Let's build a stronger bond with your dog, together.
* 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.