Welcome to the Oklahoma City, OK Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma 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.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, which is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with all private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches and more. Sniffspot has worked closely with dog trainers to create safe spaces for dogs and our top trainer lists are a natural extension of that relationship. You can browse Sniffspot's local dog parks here.
The Best Oklahoma City, OK Dog Trainers in 2023
Zach Smiley
Born and raised in Oklahoma. Have been into training for 9 years and have been working professionally in this field for 3. I have a CTC (certification in training and counseling) from The Academy for Dog Trainers and have taken multiple other courses including the Aggression in Dogs Master Course from Mike Shikashio & Living and Learning with Animals from Dr. Susan Friedman. Continuing education and skill building will always be something important to me.
Certifications: CTC
Services include:
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
- Puppy training
More info about service provided: Virtual Consultations, In Home 1-on-1's, In Home Day Training - From basic to advanced manners/obedience, Fear & Frustration based reactivity
Behavioral issue focus: I work with a lot of family dogs who need basic to advanced manners, leash walking, recall etc... I also worked with a lot of fearful dogs and dogs who show fear or frustration based reactivity.
Training methods: I am a rewards based trainer following the IAABC/CCPDT Joint Standard version of LIMA which is influenced by the Humane Hierarchy. We will make sure all your dog's needs are being met and teach them skills using a clear marker system and various rewards including food, play, affection, and any other things your dog may be motivated for.
Why I became a dog trainer: To help people understand and better live with their canine companions.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing those "ah-ha!" moments with both the dogs and their handlers.
My #1 dog training tip: Dogs do what works, so make what you want them to do work for them.
Service areas: OKC, Edmond, Guthrie, Norman, Yukon, Mustang, Midwest City, Moore
Website: https://www.evolveddogtraining.com
Jessi Lane
Jessi began her career in veterinary medicine in 2007. She worked in several emergency medicine and day practice facilities. She graduated from Oklahoma State University - OKC in 2010, receiving her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. She is also a nationally and state licensed Registered Veterinary Technician.
Working in the veterinary medical field piqued her interest in human and animal behavior. She saw how anxious and fearful some of the patients were and wanted to find a way to decrease that anxiety. She noticed that while everyone loves their dogs, unwanted behavior can make it hard to connect and form solid relationships between them. She began researching the topic and found that prevention can be the key to preventing unwanted behaviors. In 2011, she started teaching Puppy Pre-K and Basic Obedience classes. To further her education, Jessi attended the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training and Behavior and graduated as a Certified Training Partner in 2014.
Jessi's passion is to encourage and strengthen the human-animal bond. She is a current member of the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians, Association of Pet Dog Trainers and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is a Certified Family Dog Mediator, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator thru AKC and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor with Do More With Your Dog. She has a certificate of completion for the Master Course Aggression in Dogs by Michael Shikashio. Jessi continues to learn and grow her knowledge base by attending continuing education classes, seminars and conferences.
Jessi enjoys competing with her dogs in Agility, Barn Hunt, Lure coursing, Dock diving, Antler Shed hunting and Trick Dog. She currently has two dogs, Colt a Doberman and Chaos her Australian Shepherd and Spryte a Heeler puppy. When not training dogs, Jessi can be found anywhere outdoors with her family - husband Jordan, son Jackson, daughter Cheyenne, and stepdaughter Izzy.
Certifications: RVT, KPA-CTP, Family Dog Mediator, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Certified CGC Evaluator, Completion of Master Dog Aggression Course
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Puppy training
- Agility training
More info about service provided: I offer group classes from Puppy Preschool to Advanced Manners, Pet Agility, Reactive Dog classes, Outdoor and around town classes. Private lessons for behavior modification and Manners. Puppy board and train,
Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, Fear, confidence building, dog aggression, human agression, separation anxiety.
Training methods: I am a force free, LIMA based trainer. If there is someone who wants private lessons or needs help with behavior modification they sign up for a consult. We work on establishing the dogs needs, how to help prevent those unwanted behaviors and then how to start teaching the dog an alternative.
Why I became a dog trainer: I worked in the vet field as a Registered Veterinary Technician and saw the needs for owners to really understand their dog and their dogs behavior.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love watching the light bulb moments with owners and with dogs. And when they work together like a perfect dance.
My #1 dog training tip: Forget obedience, make sure your dog is comfortable.
Service areas: Oklahoma Metro Area, Oklahoma County, Cleveland County
Website: https://rocanimaltraining.com
Sniffspot Oklahoma City Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions
How are Oklahoma City dog trainers selected for this list?
These are the top dog trainers in Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City?
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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City cost?
Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City dog trainer. How can I get listed here?
As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City?
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 Oklahoma was $33,661 per year and $16.18 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 Oklahoma Cities
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near Oklahoma
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
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Texas
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Merlin Noble is a full-time freelancer who loves to work on creative and innovative projects. She is an enthusiastic person who is passionate about learning new skills. She is highly motivated, resilient and flexible in handling diverse issues.
She is a proud MOM of two kids and four happy dogs - Hulk, Alwyn, Avira, and Flash! In addition to her dogs, she has a backyard poultry farm that’s made up of 30 hens, 2 roosters, 3 runner ducks, and 2 Pekin ducks. She’s a woman of guns and a State-level Rifle competition shooter who chose clay pigeons and paper targets since hunting is not allowed in the country she resides. When she isn't working, you can find her in the kitchen inventing her own recipes, watching her poultry farm in her backyard, practicing in the shooting range, and watching a movie with her family.
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