This is a list of the top dog trainers in Philadelphia, PA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed, International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants-Accredited Dog Trainer, Association of Pet Dog Trainers- Member, AKC Evaluator, Certified Canine Athletic Advisor, Certified Canine Conditioning Specialist, Professional Dog Trainer- Absolute Dogs, Pet First Aid Certified, The Dog Gurus- Member, Master in Aggression
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Newtown Square, Wayne, Radnor, Upper Merion, Eagleville, Havertown, Lower Merion
Sarah Weber
Animal Trainer
CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, PDT, CCAA, CCCS, APDT
Sarah's background is pretty diverse in the animal field. She has worked in all aspects of canine behavior as a Sales Specialist for local pet stores as well as dog grooming. She has worked as a Boarding and Daycare Operations Manager, Canine Handler, and Shift Lead at Penn Vet Working Dog Center through the Univer...
CPDT-KA
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Philadelphia, west, south west center city
I'm a former trauma therapist and social worker. I'm a service dog handler. I've been training dogs over 10 years. I specialize in work with reactive, anxious, fearful and/or abused and neglected dogs
CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Based in Perkasie, PA and offering services at our location or in home within 25 minutes of our facility, covering parts of Bucks & Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania
Michael's love of dogs and dog behavior started in his childhood when he could be found spending hours a day with his Rottweiler/Shepherd mix, Mariah. As he traveled the neighborhood with friends, Mariah was never far behind.
While working as a meter reader in California, Michael was faced daily with dogs in yards that wanted to attack and defend their property. Wanting to be efficient...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Through high school I didn't know what I wanted to do for a career but I knew it had to be something I was passionate about. My senior year of high school, I took my puppy Dooley to a dog trainer and fell in love with the process. Soon after I was enrolled in CATCH - Canine Trainers Academy. Dooley is my best friend and was my training partner through CATCH.I look forward to being able to hel...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
A Philadelphia native and dog-kisser since she was in diapers, Audrey's drive to understand all things dog launched a lifelong fascination with behavior. She got her start training at the PSPCA in 2007 where she interned and assisted with training classes under two different training directors, gaining the experience needed to be a lead trainer from 2011 thru 2018. Audrey has continued to provi...
In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Through his previous work as a dog walker since 2015, Leo has worked with a wide range of canine breeds, temperaments, and behavioral issues. Leo cultivated his interest in dog behavior through volunteering with Saved Me Rescue and while working as a dog handler for dog daycares in the Philadelphia area. He refined his canine handling skills and training methods through mentorship with Tuff Pup...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Heather is a certified dog trainer with more than 10 years of experience training animals. She started when she was a teenager, volunteering at wildlife rehabilitation centers and animal shelters. Her fascination with training led her to study Behavioral Biology, earning her a Bachelor's Degree with honors from Johns Hopkins University. She then spent the next 6 years working as a zookeeper, w...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Betsy Feaster and Edward Erb are military veterans, who have been married for over 20 years. Following their service, both joined the corporate world and lived all over the world. After six years of exciting" ex-pat" life, they returned to the U.S. to dedicate their lives to their true passion - dog training! They are the current owners of Dog Training Elite in Southeast Louisiana (New Orleans ...
In home training, Puppy training
Erika is the Founder of From Dusk Till Dog and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant who graduated with distinction from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, a Government-Approved and State-Approved School and program that is licensed by the NJ Department of Education and the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This certification is based the standards of the nati...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
My name is Vania and I can't wait to meet you and your four-legged family member!I hold a degree in Fashion Merchandising as well as an international certification as a hairstylist. In recent years, I decided to dedicate myself to acquiring a dog training certificate through The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). This has allowed me to help so many wonderful families f...
Puppy training
Once you meet Peter Jam, you will immediately see the knowledge, interest, and love he has for his four-legged friends! This all started when he was just five years old and befriended his uncle's dog Jimo.Years later, he rescued Boogie and then Spottie, who became his best buddies. After the death of his two beloved dogs, Peter pursued his passion for dogs by getting officially certified as PDT...
In home training
I'm a 4th generation dogman who has been training dogs from childhood and I'm also a Canine Behaviorist. I have experience in training any dog from your tiny lap dogs to your bigger working breeds. I come well equipped with the experience needed for any situation big or small.
Board and train, Puppy training
Do you like sharp, dry wit and dogs in hats? Then you have a lot in common with Corrine. Corrine manages our Boarding School program, will lovingly keep it real, and support you in those tender moments to make small adjustments or big changes to be the best human you can be for your dog. Corrine has a background in coaching and teaching competitive gymnastics, and when not working with dogs in ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Robert's journey in dog training started in 2014 when he attended the Veterans Affairs and K9 Soldiers Inc Program. During his time at his program he met his mentor who was a retired New Jersey State Trooper. His mentor was a Supervisor over 5 states of K9 Teams who responded to the 9/11 attack and was on a panel of elite dog trainers selected by the US Attorney General.From there Robert contin...
CPDT-KA, APDT, CDTABC
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Abington, Warrington, Hatboro, Chestnut Hill, Cheltenham, Southampton, Feasterville, Warminster PA
I am a native Philadelphian and moved to Montgomery County, PA in 1975. I graduated from Ursinus College with a degree in secondary education and later graduated with honors from the Animal Behavior College. On average I teach up to 10 classes per week as well as continually work with private clients. I attend conferences to maintain the required credits to maintain my Certified Professional ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland but have lived all over, Illinois, Tennessee, Minnesota, Kansas City, and now Philadelphia PA where the majority of my family lives. For the past 10 years, I have worked in engineered sales designing and selling industrial equipment. Unhappy with the job and realizing I didn't have to do it forever, I came across Dog Training Elite. Having a dog that is well-tr...
In home training, Puppy training
In March of 1997, I developed a keen interest in dog behavior and training after adopting 'Jack' a very mixed-up aggressive Border Collie. I was able to get help from a local obedience trainer who taught me how to use clicker training to rehabilitate my dog. After spending months working on behavior modification with him, I saw how positive training methods were so effective in motivating Jack ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Raymond Rodriguez, the owner of Transform Your Dog LLC, has been passionately working with dogs since 2007. Inspired by Cesar Milan, Raymond has dedicated nearly two decades to understanding and improving dog behavior. Throughout the years, he has gained extensive experience working at various dog-related jobs, including Petco and Camden County Animal Shelter. He is a certified dog nutrition sp...
In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Matt is passionate about humane training methods grounded in behavioral science. He offers a hands-on, supportive coaching approach to training and behavior modification programs. You can see what Tuff Pup Training alumni have said about Matt on our testimonials page.Matt does in-home private training sessions with over 20 dogs each week.Matt graduated from Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training
Hello, and welcome to Squirrel! I'm Elisa. I've been training dogs (including a dance routine or two...) for over forty years, and been a board-certified family physician for twenty-eight of them.Since childhood, I've been obsessed with communicating with animals. I lived for the Jane Goodall and Jacques Cousteau 'specials' that came on TV, and in junior high school became fascinated with Lana,...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
David Shade is an award winning, professional dog trainer based in King of Prussia, PA. He served in the Army for 4 years as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. While serving a tour overseas in Afghanistan, he was awarded for valor and received The Purple Heart.
After his tour of duty, he went on to study Biology at Cabrini University before receiving a certification in dog t...
Board and train, Puppy training
Hi, Leigh here. Opportunity Barks, born in 2003, has become an award-winning dog training business that has helped thousands of dog owners. My superpower is helping people 'get' their dogs. I'm here to teach you to do the work that matters to build a life you love with your dog. Moments when people connect, and dogs are gotten by their owners, are my soul food. My life with dogs is my resume, l...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
My name is Nicolette and animals have always been the highlight of my life. My best friend as a child was my family's German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix, Sasha. Between horseback riding since I was four, always having dogs growing up, and volunteering at shelters, animals have always been what has made me happiest. I graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology...
In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Sami first cultivated skills as a trainer while volunteering at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, a premier research and educational facility dedicated to producing elite scent-detection dogs. While there, Sami learned first-hand the power of positive training methods, structured training plans, and dynamic canine enrichment. Sami assisted dogs at the facility in training for agility and scent d...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training
Greetings, my name is Dayna, and I am the owner of Taking the Lead Dog Training and an accomplished dog trainer with more than 15 years of experience. My journey into the world of dog training began when I volunteered at my local shelters and rescue groups. Over the years, I have fostered numerous cats and dogs, which has helped me gain valuable insights into their behavior. I have also worked ...
Katie, our Co-Owner has been working professionally with dogs and cats for over ten years! In 2022 Katie completed the Masters Program with CATCH Academy where she received her CCDT title as a certified dog trainer. Along the way she has picked up a specialty in cats and feline behavior, while sitting on the board of a popular Philadelphia Cat Rescue. Katie resides with six of her own cats and ...
Welcome to Philadelphia’s list of top dog trainers. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania list is based on 338 votes from the Pennsylvania Sniffspot community. Only the Philadelphia dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Sarah Weber at the top of this list with 226 votes. We also counted 1963 votes for Pennsylvania, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Philadelphia.
Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CPDT-KA. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Philadelphia dog trainer services include:
Behind every successful Philadelphia training session lies a passionate professional. Sarah Weber shares why they chose this path: amazing question! I became a dog trainer for a lot of reasons. The first, I actually really wanted to go to vet school. however, being dyslexic, I did not have the support at 17 that I have at 25. I transitioned into law enforcement studies to be a canine handler when I feel in love with dog training at penn vet working dog center as a volunteer and then kennel lead. Growing up, I always wanted to work with animals, I was a pet sitter, dog walker, kennel attendant, vet assistant etc. My first family dog was really was set the story for becoming a dog trainer. One of my clients tells me that I have the best 'Why you should hire me' story. I was raised one of 7 kids. We were all under the age of 14 when my parents got us our first family dog. A 10 week old 'native American Indian dog' if you know anything about the breed- not a good match for young kids and first time as adult dog owners. He was a loving dog to me.... he hated everyone else. I was in 2nd & 3rd grade when we had him. Looking back... he resources guarded spaces, food, objects, people (me), he had stranger directed aggression, conflict aggression and handling concerns. He absolutely hated my father. Long story, short. One night he ended up biting my youngest brother in the eye and he was medvaced to CHOP in philadelphia for emergency surgery. He thankfully retained his eyesight and healed! As for our dog, Lucas, He went on a 10 day bite hold. He relastically should have been euthanized then. At 9 days, they found a single guy, unmarried, no kids to take him... life happens and he ended up getting married and having a baby. He surreneded Lucas to a local sheltered where he was deemed unadoptable and behaviorally euthanized. I became a dog trainer to make sure history doesnt repeat itself. That we have dogs in the correct homes, that we keep dogs and humans safe. I became a dog trainer to support the best quality of life dog all dogs, and humans.. All 26 trainers on this Philadelphia list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Philadelphia trainer, Casey Buckley, uses the following methods: I'm a force free, fear free trainer.
Explore the top dog trainers in Philadelphia as voted by our community:
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
amazing question! I became a dog trainer for a lot of reasons. The first, I actually really wanted to go to vet school. however, being dyslexic, I did not have the support at 17 that I have at 25. I transitioned into law enforcement studies to be a canine handler when I feel in love with dog training at penn vet working dog center as a volunteer and then kennel lead. Growing up, I always wanted to work with animals, I was a pet sitter, dog walker, kennel attendant, vet assistant etc. My first family dog was really was set the story for becoming a dog trainer. One of my clients tells me that I have the best 'Why you should hire me' story. I was raised one of 7 kids. We were all under the age of 14 when my parents got us our first family dog. A 10 week old 'native American Indian dog' if you know anything about the breed- not a good match for young kids and first time as adult dog owners. He was a loving dog to me.... he hated everyone else. I was in 2nd & 3rd grade when we had him. Looking back... he resources guarded spaces, food, objects, people (me), he had stranger directed aggression, conflict aggression and handling concerns. He absolutely hated my father. Long story, short. One night he ended up biting my youngest brother in the eye and he was medvaced to CHOP in philadelphia for emergency surgery. He thankfully retained his eyesight and healed! As for our dog, Lucas, He went on a 10 day bite hold. He relastically should have been euthanized then. At 9 days, they found a single guy, unmarried, no kids to take him... life happens and he ended up getting married and having a baby. He surreneded Lucas to a local sheltered where he was deemed unadoptable and behaviorally euthanized. I became a dog trainer to make sure history doesnt repeat itself. That we have dogs in the correct homes, that we keep dogs and humans safe. I became a dog trainer to support the best quality of life dog all dogs, and humans..
The rules of engagement! Eye contact, clear communication, and passion for your partner (dog or human) are key. This advice is particularly relevant for dog owners in Philadelphia looking to improve their dog’s behavior.
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.