The Best Dog Trainers in Chattanooga, TN of 2023

Welcome to the Chattanooga, TN Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Chattanooga based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This list is a subset of the broader Top Trainers in Tennessee list. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.

Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.

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The Best Chattanooga, TN Dog Trainers in 2023

Jaimie Shaw

Jaimie Shaw, CTC
Southern Mutt owner and Training & Behavior Consultant.

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here, and I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together.

Good training can create amazing results. I love seeing the turnaround in a dog's behavior, but even more I love watching my students and clients get so much joy from their dogs. It's wonderful seeing dogs' lives improved because they can now be trusted on walks and outings to the park. It's this kind of transformation that fuels me.

Whatever has brought you to a professional dog trainer's website, whether a small irritation or a larger frustration, a new best friend you're eager to get off to a great start with, or a long-standing problem you're finally ready to tackle, I'm here to help.

I am an honors graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers, the most rigorous and highly-respected school for dog trainers here in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to studying under Jean Donaldson at The Academy for Dog Trainers, I've studied under Dr. Susan Friedman through her Living and Learning with Animals course. I've also mentored with certified trainers, volunteered on behavior modification teams at animal shelters, and continue to attend professional development seminars and conferences to remain up-to-date on the latest research in the field.

As a result, I use only humane training methods based on sound scientific principles of learning. I believe the way we get training results matters as much as the results themselves.

Certifications: Certified in Training & Counseling (CTC)

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Southern Mutt provides professional, private, in-home training and behavior modification services for dogs of all ages and breeds.

Behavioral issue focus:

Barking, lunging, growling during walks?
The outbursts happen every time you see another dog, and it makes walks a nightmare. We'll teach your dog to ignore fellow canines and focus on you instead. Let's get you both enjoying your walks!

Barking, lunging, growling at (or hiding from) neighbors or guests?
Whether it happens on walks, when the doorbell rings, or when guests enter your home, it's disruptive, frightening, and embarrassing. We'll get your dog feeling more comfortable around new people, and we'll set up protocols for smooth, safe visits.

Barking, lunging, growling at (or hiding from) family members?
You're frustrated and perplexed by your dog's possessiveness of his toys or food, or his distrust of a trusted family member whether that's your spouse, child, or a close relative. It just doesn't make sense, and it's creating chaos in your household. We'll work together to re-establish the peace.

Training methods:

I am an honors graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers, the most rigorous and highly-respected school for dog trainers here in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to studying under Jean Donaldson at The Academy for Dog Trainers, I've studied under Dr. Susan Friedman through her Living and Learning with Animals course. I've also mentored with certified trainers, volunteered on behavior modification teams at animal shelters, and continue to attend professional development seminars and conferences to remain up-to-date on the latest research in the field.

As a result, I use only humane training methods based on sound scientific principles of learning. I believe the way we get training results matters as much as the results themselves.

All Southern Mutt services begin with a 90-minute consultation. Each client's situation and needs are unique - their training plan should be, too.

I take a history to understand the situation, assess the dog, and discuss the client's goals. Then build a training plan specific to their dog, household, and lifestyle. My goal is to give them the best chance of reaching theirs.

In this first session together I also share my professional insights into your dog's behavior, the range of potential training outcomes, and how to set up for training success.

I'll show you some simple ways to bring immediate relief, too, by creating a management plan to increase safety and decrease incidents while we train.

From there, we meet for an hour of coaching each week until we meet the goals.

Why I became a dog trainer: I became a Behavior nerd.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping people have more enjoyable lives with their dogs.

My #1 dog training tip: : Catch your dog in the act of 'getting it right' and reward the heck out of it!

Service areas: The Greater Metro Chattanooga Area

Website: https://www.southernmutt.com

Leah Lykos

I'm a dog "trainer," but more so a coach for humans who need help with their canine relationships.

I believe that dogs are basically wild at heart, and I want to help keep them that way! Living with us in our domesticated world isn't always easy for them, so let's channel their natural drives in a way that keeps them emotionally balanced and out of trouble. In this method we make a deep relationship with our dogs based on trust, while also fulfilling their innate need to maintain a type of primal wildness.

Because dogs keep us connected to nature, examining the ways in which we move and interact with them is vital. If you'd like to learn more about this type of movement-based drive training, please feel free to contact me.

Certifications: Canine Resistance Training

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Obedience classes, behavioral assessments, behavioral modification, puppy training, reactive dog rehabilitation.

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, fear, aggression.

Training methods: Behavior consultations, training plans, training videos, teaching engagement with food and toys.

Why I became a dog trainer: Because my dogs have taught me everything I need to know about myself and my relationship to the world. They are the best mirrors and best teachers!

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping people create trust, safety, and clear communication in their relationship with their dog.

My #1 dog training tip: Hand feeding!

Service areas: Chattanooga, Red Bank, Hixson, Signal Mountain

Website: https://www.caninemovementlab.com/

Sniffspot Chattanooga Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Chattanooga dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Chattanooga as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.

How can I get in touch with dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these Chattanooga dog trainers certified professionals?

Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.

What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in Chattanooga?

Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.

What methods are used in the dog training sessions?

There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the Chattanooga trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.

Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?

Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.

Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?

Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.

How much does dog training in Chattanooga cost?

Chattanooga dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a Chattanooga dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Chattanooga you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

How much do dog trainers make in Chattanooga?

Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in Tennessee was $29,877 per year and $14.36 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Tennessee Cities

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

Knoxville, TN
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near Tennessee

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

Alabama
Arkansas
Georgia
Kentucky
Mississippi
North Carolina
Virginia

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