This is a list of the top dog trainers in Albuquerque, NM, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Service dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Albuquerque in person, international via live links
Melissa Winkle, OTR/L, FAOTA, CHAIS, CPDT-KA is an occupational therapist and a professional dog trainer. She is founder and president of Dogwood Therapy Services, a human healthcare clinic and dog training facility specializing in human-animal interactions. She offers animal assisted occupational therapy, selection of pups and dogs and training for human-animal teams interested in animal assis...
Puppy training
Jennifer is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and has been with Pawsitive Training ABQ since 2020. Jennifer began her career teaching classes at a facility. She gained a great deal of knowledge and experience working with multiple people and their pups. She has enjoyed competing in dog sports with 2 of her dogs.
Puppy training, Agility training
Patricia Audibert was trained at the Connecticut K-9 Education Center in Newington, Connecticut. She has over twenty years experience handling behavior problems in canines.
Her dogs have titles in obedience, herding, and agility at the highest levels.
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training
Behavior Consultant and Separation Anxiety Trainer
All my life, I wanted to do something that had to do with animals, usually dogs, and seriously considered dog training in my 20s. But, life happened and I went on to pursue other jobs or passions; all of which fed my love of learning, teaching, and helping others. Eventually, I spent several years teaching at the college level as an ad...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Jori Pollard Carns has been training dogs with Sit Means Sit Dog Training since 2008. She is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She loves the sport of Dock Dogs and enjoys spending time with her six Dogs. She and her husband Sam are spending time between 3 different areas, Pueblo CO, Albuquerque NM, and Richmond VA.
We have recently added to Frenchie puppies to the family: Ricky and Lucy...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
My name is Scott Cleaver and I am a graduate of Animal Behavior College where I earned my certification as an ABC Certified Dog Trainer. My commitment to this program has provided me with a formal education in canine obedience training and understanding behavior and its motives. My certification, education and experience provide me the skills required to effectively and humanely train your dog...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
John has been at Sit Means Sit since February 2023. He is one of our amazing Kennel Techs and has also helped as a Trainer. He hails from the great state of Colorado, and has lived in New Mexico since 2012. He loves children, animals, and a healthy competitive spirit. He’s a father of three beautiful daughters, and one brillant son. If he’s not traveling the state watching his girls play v...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Andrea is an Albuquerque native, and has been training dogs at Sit Means Sit since 2016. She is a Certified Sit Means Sit Trainer, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, K9 Caring Angels Therapy Dog Instructor & Evaluator, as well as certified in Canine first aid and CPR. Prior to being a trainer with Sit Means Sit, she was a Veterinary Technician, working locally at Veterinary clinics since 1993. ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Laura has been with Sit Means Sit since early 2023. She started as a Kennel Tech, and is now a Kennel Tech Supervisor as well as a Trainer. Laura really enjoys working with dogs, especially those who lack confidence in themselves. Her dog River, is one of the reasons she enjoys helping dogs learn confidence. Laura adopted River from an overcrowded shelter, and with some solid training with Sit...
Puppy training
Jeni Grant created Train Your Best Friend, LLC to help the family dog and their families live happily together and to help with serious issues, such as anxiety, fear, aggression, and reactivity. Jeni provides group classes, seminars, private in home consults, online sessions, and direct training sessions with your dog. Train Your Best Friend is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and also offers rem...
In home training
Jessica grew up with an enthusiastic love of animals, especially dogs, and shared her childhood with a variety of animals. In high school, she happily realized that dogs were a topic that could be studied and began doing so through the CEC Veterinary Medicine program, and as a veterinary assistant at a local clinic. She then pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Sciences from New Mexico State...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
I started training service dogs in 1997 as a student trainer for Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW) in Santa Fe, NM. I continued to work with dogs as a groomer and as a animal care technician from 1999 - 2003 in Aspen and Broomfield, Colorado. In 2003, I moved to Honolulu, HI to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I graduated with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Applied Animal Biology...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Ava is new to the state of New Mexico! After spending most of her life in Ottunwa, Iowa, she decided to take a risk and start fresh here in New Mexico. Ava is our Office Associate here at Sit Means Sit, which means she is the happy voice you hear when you call and oftentimes the first smiling face you see here at our facility! She enjoys communicating with customers and loves seeing new dogs co...
Puppy training
Jennifer is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and is the newest addition to Pawsitive Training ABQ in 2024. She is also a certified Control Unleashed instructor. Jennifer began her career in the shelter world. In her spare time, she has enjoyed roller derby, riding horses, and raising foster animals.
Puppy training
Danielle began her journey in 2014 when she started a job at a doggy daycare and boarding facility in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Although she possessed a love for animals at a young age, it wasn't until then that she realized she wanted to make a career out of working with dogs.
Now, after years of invaluable training experiences in both pet dogs and working dogs, Danielle is ...
CPDT-KA
Deaf dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, In home training, Puppy training
Albuquerque, North Valley, Rio Rancho, Tijeras
20+ years training dogs, nationally certified, fear free
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
I began my K9 training career as a Marine in the Marine Corps from 2002-2010. I started out as a Military Police Officer and quickly worked my way into becoming a K9 handler. To be considered for the K9 program you have to be in the top 10 percent of your class, hold the highest marks in all aspects of your military training, and go through an interview process with your instructors, which in...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Christian has been with Sit Means Sit since October of 2020. He started off as a Kennel Tech, then became a Trainer, and is now the Senior Kennel Tech Supervisor. Christian helps with a little bit of everything here. He makes sure all the dogs are safe, healthy, happy, and get lots of love & playtime. In addition to that, he helps out with office tasks, training, leading group classes, doing le...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Cristian came to us in 2023, he started as a Kennel Tech and within a short period of time we saw the energy, positivity, and potential, and he moved up to Trainer in less than two months of being with us. He believes that hard work and dedication is fundamental for everything and that’s exactly what he brings when he comes to work. Cristian also loves going above and beyond for the clients...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
I’ve been working as a professional trainer with people and their dogs since 2011, and have worked hands-on with dogs for many more years than that. Veterinary clinics, grooming salons, doggie daycares, sheltering and rescue, working with budding therapy dogs, and showing and training my own dogs are all arenas I’ve spent time in. Simply put, I LOVE dogs and the lives we share with them. Bu...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Having been born and raised in Albuquerque, I have been part of the Acoma family for over 50 years.
I’ve competed in obedience and conformation, but my true passion is Agility, where I compete with my Australian Shepherds.
Currently, I am teaching beginning level agility classes, and enjoy bringing out the best in each dog/handler team.
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Jeannie is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) as well as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). She spent many years working and volunteering in shelters as a canine coach observing and assessing behavior.
Through her work with aggressive dogs Jeannie recognized how the sensory system in dogs can have a direct effect on behavior. Drawing on her years a...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Mary Aynn has over twenty years experience directing and assisting with classes in obedience, freestyle, tricks, and classes for puppies-in- program with a national service dog organization.
She is an evaluator for a local therapy dog group and actively participates with her own dogs.
She and her dogs also enjoy participating in local agility events, freestyle presentations,...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Sierra joined the team as a Kennel Tech in the summer of 23’. She is a born and raised New Mexican that hails from the Navajo Nation. She loves working with animals and has a passion for them. She’s currently studying about veterinary assistant tasks. She enjoys working as a Kennel Tech and learning new things. She especially loves taking care of them and of course petting them and giving ...
Puppy training
Wendy believes that each human-dog relationship is unique. She spends time learning how a client’s dog fits into the family and helps the client identify the most meaningful behaviors and skills for their dog to learn. She then sets training goals and adapts techniques and protocols to suit the specific needs of each client.
A professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, We...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Trish Spradley, owner of Acoma Training Center, has dedicated her life to the dogs. The motive ”Train for Life" is taken seriously. She feels all dogs deserve a home as part of the family.
Acoma training welcomes all dogs and temperaments.
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Felicia came to Sit Means Sit two and a half years ago with several years of experience working with and caring for dogs. She started off as a Kennel Tech and then became a Trainer. She is a certified Sit Means Sit Trainer, having gone through the Sit Means Sit Trainer program in Las Vegas, NV. Not only did she excel at it but enjoyed it, and Felicia brought back knowledge that she shared with...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
I am Steffi Trott, the dog trainer at SpiritDog Training (and hopeless dog enthusiast!). I am an energizer bunny who loves everything related to animals, the outdoors and – of course – training. I have four dogs of my own that I – of course – train every day and that participate in competitive agility as well.
I am always committed to finding the right approach for every dog an...
In home training
Maria is an incredibly talented trainer who especially excels in working with the human end of the leash. After growing up in Colorado, Maria got a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from Washington State University. With her great talent for teaching people, she explored different career options before her heart dog, Gabbro, led her to the field of dog training and behavior. Maria w...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Jason came to Sit Means Sit in 2023, and is one of our Senior Kennel Techs. Jason has owned dogs all his life, mainly bully breeds, and also has a whole clan of 5 ferret babies whom he loves with all his heart! Jason’s newest addition to the pack is a handsome bully named Thor! We love having Jason on the team, the dogs love him, he is welcoming to all of the clients and makes them feel like...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
After running a Pomeranian rescue for many years in Spokane, WA and training our rescues in the sport of rally to give them some basic obedience skills and something fun to do, we began to show our 10-year-old rescue in competition rally. She was very successful and earned a High in Trial in UKC at her first off-leash show. After she retired and I had paid my dues with the challenge of training...
Welcome to Albuquerque’s list of top dog trainers. The Albuquerque, New Mexico list is based on 17 votes from the New Mexico Sniffspot community. Only the Albuquerque dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Melissa Winkle at the top of this list with 17 votes. We also counted 78 votes for New Mexico, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Albuquerque.
Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Albuquerque dog trainer services include:
Behind every successful Albuquerque training session lies a passionate professional. Melissa Winkle shares why they chose this path: Melissa has always paid attention to the communication of dogs in her personal and professional life and learned early on how to have respectful relationships with them. She wanted to formally teach others about communication with dogs, welfare and well-being, and how to partner with mans best friend in personal and professional life. Melissa believes she is a trainer of people more so than a trainer of dogs.. All 31 trainers on this Albuquerque list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Albuquerque trainer, Jennifer Allen, uses the following methods: .
Explore the top dog trainers in Albuquerque as voted by our community:
Prioritize early bidirectional communication and building a positive relationship with your dog long before you attempt obedience and task training..
Melissa has always paid attention to the communication of dogs in her personal and professional life and learned early on how to have respectful relationships with them. She wanted to formally teach others about communication with dogs, welfare and well-being, and how to partner with mans best friend in personal and professional life. Melissa believes she is a trainer of people more so than a trainer of dogs.. Their passion for helping Albuquerque dogs shines every day.
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.