Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Off leash training in Charlotte, NC. Based on feedback and votes from our Off leash training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Charlotte area.
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hey there my name is Matthew, but you can just call me Matt. Let me tell you a little bit about myself, I've been with Through The Leash for a little bit over 2 years. Before then my love and fascination for animal of all sizes drew me towards the science of animal studies in college. Despite knowing and pursuing my passion for animals I still wasn't sure wanted to do as a career, until I meet ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hello wonderful dog owners. I'm Lavelle Brown a Through The Leash trainer in the beautiful Los Angels, CA area. I have always loved animals and nature in general so dogs being man's best friend makes them my favorite animal. I am originally from Cleveland, OH and I am a University of Cincinnati alumni. I will never forget when I got my first puppy which was a Maltese. I taught her how to jump t...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
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). Shannon has a...
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Gabby was born and raised in the Charlotte area and her passion for working with animals has been cultivated through a variety of experiences in the animal industry. While in college she became a kennel attendant at a local doggy daycare, eventually growing into a bathing/grooming position and assisting in training.Gabby also has experience training service dogs; training her own personal dog a...
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Gracie has always had a deep connection with dogs. Born in Indiana, she moved to Charlotte at a young age, where her love for dogs continues to grow. From the moment she welcomed her German Shepherd, Selene, into her life, Gracie knew that working with dogs was her true calling. She brings with her a military background, having served in an esteemed capacity. As a graduate of South Carolina You...
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
McKenna's love for dogs developed at a young age, and she has been actively involved in the dog world for most of her life. She started out volunteering with animal rescues in middle school and started fostering animals in high school. She has a particular interest in helping dogs reach their full potential and is dedicated to expanding her knowledge of dog behavior and training.McKenna self-tr...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hi! My name is Sam Ferry and I am the Training Director in the Cleveland/Akron area. I studied wildlife conservation and ecology at Bowling Green State University. I've always had a passion for helping animals since I was a kid. I started getting into training in high school when I trained a medical alert service dog for myself. From there my passion in training grew. I worked in shelters all a...
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Rebecca grew up in Frederick County, Maryland and found her passion for working with animals at a young age. She competed as an equestrian athlete for over 15 years and ran a successful equestrian training and sales business in Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Rebecca started professionally training dogs in college. While attending the University of Maryland, Rebecca offered a variety o...
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Rob grew up with a passion and love for animals. While attending UNC-Wilmington, Rob decided to change that passion into practice and enrolled in a two year service dog program that showed him the true healing power of dogs. During that time, Rob applied and was accepted into a three month internship and was able to assist in the training and placement of privately owned service dogs. He was th...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Like many dog trainers, Emily discovered her love of training after adopting a difficult rescue dog and winding up in over her head. She employed the help of KeenDog trainer, Rachel, to set her rottweiler bully mix, Samson, up for success, and quickly fell head over heels in love with training. Craving more, Emily decided to leave the corporate world behind and join our team as a trainer in 202...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Thank you for reading my bio. I have been in the dog training industry for about 13/14 years now and call me biased but Through The Leash is most definitely a cut above the rest. I work in the back end of the company in the office, making sure things are running smoothly. Most likely you have spoken to me at one point or another, I'm the one with the strong English accent. I am one of the bigge...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training
Originally from Albemarle, NC, Kelly grew up with dogs and had her first 'adult pet' in college. Now she has two Brittanys with endless energy and big personalities. Kelly was introduced to Highland Canine when she was looking for some help with basic obedience for her oldest pup, Bene. He went through their three week Board and Train program and she immediately saw amazing results.A year later...
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Originally from Norfolk, VA, Meagan has over 20 years experience working with dogs. She has raised and trained dogs for service dog organizations, volunteered and worked at rescues and veterinary clinics, and has over 10 years managerial experience with dog daycare and boarding facilities.
Meagan also spent many years working at breeding facilities; raising and caring for a variety of...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hi, I'm Ki (key) and I'm a canine coach in Akron Ohio. I've always loved animals and helping people. Working for Through the Leash has helped me find a place where I can do both. It's great to be able to say I love my career and my awesome coworkers. I've learned so much about dog behavior and I'm excited to learn more every day. Helping clients communicate with their pups and improve their rel...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hey there, I'm Katrina Kensington and I love training dogs and the humans who own them. Training dogs isn't just about teaching them to sit, place and come when called, to me it is so much more. It is about developing a relationship that will be valued and enjoyed life long with your furry friend. It is about being a leader, a coach, an advocate and a bestie for your dog. I want to teach you ho...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
I didn't grow up with dogs but I have always loved animals and found a unique connection with dogs more than people in many ways. I always found comfort in being around dogs and still do to this day. Katrina introduced me to canine training in 2014. We always believed in helping people and living life to the fullest so we started KeenDog to reflect those principles and passions. I grew up aroun...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hi! My name is Molly and I‚'m so excited to be a part of the KeenDog Training team!My passion for dog training started when I was in undergrad. I completed two internships with different police department canine units in North Carolina ‚Mooresville PD and Raleigh PD to complete my degree in Criminology and Sociology. My intent was to become a police canine handler. I ultimately didn't go down t...
In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
My interest lies in helping people understand how dogs learn, what communicates safety and respect to a dog and what could accidentally create fear or anxiety for a dog. After many years of fostering countless dogs.it frequently seemed to be a misunderstanding on the humans part about why the dog was behaving the way they do. I started my journey with dog training to advance my own knowledge bu...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hi! My name is Kat and I like dogs!I've worked with dogs for almost 10 years and am still amazed I can make a career out of something I love so much! I got my start in the dog world in 2012 while I was still in college. I dabbled in dog training while working for a boarding/training facility but I wasn't too keen (see what I did there) on the methods used. So, I decided to see what else was out...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Jenna started her training journey like most trainers. She added a dog to her family and wanted to set him up for success so she reached out to KeenDog for help. She did not grow up around dogs and wanted to ensure she was doing everything right to live life to the fullest with her canine companion. She ended up falling in love with dog training. A few years later she decided to leave her offic...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hello! I'm Kayla, and dogs have been my absolute passion since I was a child. Understanding their body language and behavior has always come naturally to me. Dogs hold a special place in my heart, and I am dedicated to improving their lives through training and behavior modification. Having graduated from Animal Behavior College, specializing in basic obedience and positive reinforcement traini...
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Growing up in Bessemer City, North Carolina Valerie grew up with multiple animals and always knew he was an animal lover from childhood. During high school she started fostering and rescuing cats. She also has years of experience working at dog daycare and boarding facilities. Valerie started at Love in the Lead in 2023 and is one of our dog care assistants!
Outside of work, Valerie e...
Board and train, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hunter was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love for training dogs started when she was a young child when her family received an autism assistance service dog for her brother.
Hunter has been professionally training dogs for over two years and worked for several training counties across the country.
When not working, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending t...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Lilly's love for animals started at a very young age. When her family hired a professional dog trainer to come to their house weekly to train their puppy when she was 12, she ran with the information presented to her and started exercising her new found love for dog training. She began volunteering at rescues- fostering dogs, dog walking, and pet sitting. After receiving her BS in Exercise Scie...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hi there! My name is Nicole and my story started like many other trainers. I remember feeling a little bored when I was sitting in my college orientation and, with my love for knowledge, I knew something was up and I wasn't on the right path. I decided to take on my dream of working with animals, dogs in particular (of course!), and join an online program to become a trainer.Then came Sage, my ...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Trainer Drew turned his lifelong obsession with dogs into a training career in 2012. Since then he has coached countless owners towards reaching their dog's full potential. He thrives on finding that lightbulb moment for both dog and owner in every training session, hoping to spread the joy in learning and building behaviors.He has three dogs: Luna, the mutt that started it all, Ginger, an Aire...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
John Thompson is the owner and founder of Through the Leash Dog Training, a renowned organization dedicated to transforming the lives of dogs and their owners. A true embodiment of resilience and compassion, John's journey began with a distinguished career as a military veteran, where he honed his unwavering discipline, leadership, and devotion to service.After transitioning from the military, ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
A little bit about myself. I was born and raised in Southern New Jersey. I was an avid athlete that always accepted a challenge and strove to be the best at what I did. I attended The College of New Jersey and received my Bachelor of Science from their School of Business. I spent the next 14 years in the sales organizations for Pharmaceutical and Biotech companies. All the while growing up ...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training
Kress utilizes quick and easy methods for training and teaching pet dog owners. His approach is simple ,teach dog owners how to understand and properly communicate with their dogs to create a positive, productive and lasting relationship. Some of the methods of dog training utilized for teaching dogs include Clicker Training, Positive Reinforcement and motivational skills training, as well as r...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hey, hey! Rachel Williams here, and let me just say if you're looking for a team of amazing individuals that all share the same fiery passion for training dogs, then look no further. I'm more proud to be a member of the KeenDog team than ever before. I started my training journey when I worked for a franchise dog daycare and boarding facility back in 2015. I loved spending my days surrounded by...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Off leash training in Charlotte, NC is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Off leash training, we received 0 total votes, resulting in 30 dog trainers who focus on Off leash training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Off leash training listed first.
Dog trainers for Off leash training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Matt Barfield, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Off leash training in Charlotte, NC.
At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Matt Barfield, as well as the other dog trainers on this Off leash training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog.
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.
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — 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.