Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Dog Trainers for Puppy Training in Pittsburgh, PA of 2024

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy training in Pittsburgh, PA. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Pittsburgh area.

  • Beth McGonigal Photo

    Beth McGonigal

    Certified Behavior Consultant Canine, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear Free Professional

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Pittsburgh

    Hi there, I'm Aunt Beth! At NPAB we focus on nothing but positive reinforcement-based, fun & effective training the whole family can do. As a certified professional trainer, I offer a variety of services, including in-home dog manners training, behavior consultations and behavior modification, and group classes at our training & education facility, as well as at local veterinary offices and cou...


  • Vanessa Wheeler Photo

    Vanessa Wheeler

    Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

    Vanessa (she/her) has been involved in the dog world since 2010 with roles like volunteer dog walker, volunteer manager, staff kennel attendant, dog sitter, and foster parent. She cites her most notable experiences as: joining several of her rescue friends out of state assisting in dog fighting confiscation efforts (#367), interning at the Humane Society of the United States in their state leg...


  • Debby McMullen Photo

    Debby McMullen

    Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Allegheny, Fayette, Butler, Beaver, Green, Washington, Mercer, Westmoreland, Indiana counties

    I am the author of the How Many Dogs? Using Positive Reinforcement Training to Manage a Multiple Dog Household, which has also been translated into German. I write as a contributor for Victoria Stilwell's Positively website as well as on my book's website.

    I began my training career in 1998 as a volunteer instructor at Animal Friends shelter in Pittsburgh. I have taught literally thou...


  • Rachel McMichael Photo

    Rachel McMichael

    CBCC-KA, CCDT, IAABC-ADT, CTDI

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Rachel McMichael is the owner and founder of UpSwing Canine Behavioral Services and UpSwing Total Pet Care, LLC. With nearly 20 years of experience working with dogs and an entire lifetime around them, Rachel now specializes in the most shy/fearful dogs as well as dogs with moderate behavior issues. Rachel goes beyond the basics for dogs in need and puts concentration on humane, positive and ef...


  • tena parker Photo

    tena parker

    Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Southwest PA, Allegheny County, southern butler county, Pittsburgh neighborhoods

    Tena Parker has been working with dogs for over 15 years. She earned her Master's Degree in Education and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (with a minor in Physics, just for fun) from Sarah Lawrence College and is the head trainer for and owner of Success Just Clicks Dog Training. She is a nationally Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with IAABC, a nationally Certified Professional Dog...


  • Selena Johnson Photo

    Selena Johnson

    CPDT-KA FDM

    Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Allegheny County

    I am a disabled dog trainer who specializes in basic and advanced obedience. I am hoping to also help others train their own service dog for their disabilities. I've been helping others train their dogs for a year now while training my own animals for 4. Everything from donkeys to ferrets no animal is too big or too small.


  • Zee Altherr Photo

    Zee Altherr

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Zee earned their Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner in December of 2021, and joined the SJC team shortly after to focus on strengthening their teaching and training skills. They are a big proponent of continuing education and puts a lot of time into it to stay relevant and well-rounded in the field. In addition to assisting at SJC, Zee can be found managing the training department a...


  • Katherine Anselm Photo

    Katherine Anselm

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Katherine is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) as well as a Fear Free Certified trainer.

    She got her start in training working with her own dog Kuzhaar. She realized her love for training and decided that helping people learn to train their dogs effectively was her calling.

    She strives to always provide her students with the most scientific...


  • Lisa Bartel Photo

    Lisa Bartel

    Puppy training

    ‚ÄãWhen my family decided that we wanted to add a furry family member we adopted Jasper. We discovered that Jasper was fearful as well as people and dog selective. We realized we needed help, so we found a local positive reinforcement trainer and worked together with our dog to become a trusting team.

    Because of my desire to learn about dogs in order to help more dogs, I began to volu...


  • Lauren Coates Photo

    Lauren Coates

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Lauren Coates is a certified, professional dog trainer who graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior in 2022. She is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers as well as a professional member of the Alliance of Modern Pet Professionals of Pittsburgh. Lauren has been working with dogs for the majority of her life in many different ways in...


  • Vince Conrad Photo

    Vince Conrad

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training

    Hi, I am Vince. As a youth in rural western Pennsylvania, I learned the special level of trust and bonding that occurs between a well-trained dog and its handler while training and working hunting dogs. When you and your dog understand each other, your relationship is able to reach new levels of confidence and joy that were previously unattainable.
    I have always loved dogs but put that inte...


  • Coleman Fish Photo

    Coleman Fish

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Coleman spent 4 years in an apprentice program at SJC working up to teaching entire classes on her own. She spent her time learning training skills, the science of training, our training process, plenty of training techniques to problem solve issues, and solid classroom management and human teaching skills. She put all of her knowledge to the test and recently passed her Certified Professional ...


  • Meg Grabe Photo

    Meg Grabe

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Meg recently started working at Success Just Clicks this year as an assistant and an official apprentice but has enjoyed training her personal dogs for the past ten years with Tena. Over the years she’s gained an incredible body of knowledge and skillset for training. She loves competing in numerous dog sports and spending time outdoors hiking with Penny and Randy. Her goals include new skill...


  • Rebecca Hilbert Photo

    Rebecca Hilbert

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    I began my journey into dog training in 2017 when my adolescent corgi, Bunsen C. Honeydew, began to display aggressive behavior in human directed resource guarding and leash reactivity. I finally found hope in a local Pittsburgh based positive reinforcement trainer. What I experienced with the positive reinforcement trainer and training methods would change the trajectory of my life. In 2018, I...


  • Nadine Josephs Photo

    Nadine Josephs

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Nadine has been working at Success Just Clicks for a while now to continually improve her knowledge of dogs and dog training. She enjoys working with likeminded professionals, in a positive environment. Watching the progress between people and their dogs as they participate in the variety of classes offered, is what she enjoys most. Nadine
    shares the SJC philosophy that a ‘well trained do...


  • Andrea Lamping Photo

    Andrea Lamping

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Andrea J Lamping is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified and Knowledge Assessed Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), as well as a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI). All these letters mean that she cares about offering the most current evidence-based methods available and is committed to learning from high caliber industry leaders, mentors, and peers.

    While A...


  • Sarah Stephens Photo

    Sarah Stephens

    In home training, Puppy training

    Sarah is the owner of FurEver Good Dog Training. She connects so well with dogs that some consider her bilingual. She has eleven years experience in positive reinforcement training with dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Because of her approach and effectiveness, Sarah is beloved by dogs and depended upon by their owners.

    Sarah successfully trains by building bonds and respecting bou...


  • Vanessa Wheeler Photo

    Vanessa Wheeler

    In home training, Puppy training

    Vanessa has held various positions since becoming involved in animal welfare in 2010. She spent a decade working her way from volunteer dog walker to shelter staff, foster parent, and full-time professional dog handler for a local victim’s services agency. She even presented her master’s thesis on dog bite prevention at an annual public health conference. Throughout this time, she put in wo...


  • Kelly Wilson Photo

    Kelly Wilson

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Kelly is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with CCPDT and is a certified Canine Good Citizen and Star Puppy Evaluator for AKC. She started her path to dog training as a volunteer at The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society (now Humane Animal Rescue) 20 years ago cleaning dog kennels and walking dogs. She moved into vet tech training, assistant training, and eventually became a lead trainer f...


Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in Pittsburgh, PA is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 436 total votes, resulting in 19 dog trainers who focus on Puppy training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy training listed first.

Dog trainers for Puppy training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Beth McGonigal, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in Pittsburgh, PA. Beth McGonigal’s favorite part of their job is: The lightbulb moments from dogs and their owners.

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Beth McGonigal, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Beth McGonigal encourages owners with this dog training tip: Build a healthy relationship with your dog.

Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Trainers For Puppy Training In Other Cities Near Pittsburgh


See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In Pittsburgh


Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Training in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

How were the leading Puppy dog training trainers in Pittsburgh determined?

The best Puppy dog training trainers in Pittsburgh were identified based on 436 from local residents, highlighting those who excel in their field and are highly rated by dog owners in the area.

What are the key services offered by top Puppy dog trainers in Pittsburgh?

In Pittsburgh, prominent trainers like Beth McGonigal offer a variety of specialized services tailored to address specific behavioral issues. Their services are designed to meet the diverse needs of dogs in the region.

What qualifications do top Puppy dog trainers in Pittsburgh possess?

Leading trainers in Pittsburgh for Puppy dog training hold certifications such as CTDI, CBCC-KA, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), IAABC-ADT, CCDT, showcasing their dedication to maintaining high standards in professional dog training.

What is the most valuable training advice from Beth McGonigal for Pittsburgh dogs?

Beth McGonigal emphasizes that the most crucial advice for Puppy dog training training is Build a healthy relationship with your dog.This insight is vital for improving your dog’s behavior in Pittsburgh.

How do trainers in Pittsburgh keep their skills current?

Pittsburgh trainers stay updated by participating in ongoing education and certification programs, such as CTDI, CBCC-KA, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), IAABC-ADT, CCDT. They also engage with local shelters and community events to refine their skills.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnailExplore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnailExplore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners
Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnailExplore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners
Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks thumbnailThe Best San Diego, California Dog Parks
The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnailBikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started
Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnail

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    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.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    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.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    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.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    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?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    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!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    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.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    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?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    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.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    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.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    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.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    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.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    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.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    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.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    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.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    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.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    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.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    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.

Dogs breeds