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Protection/guard dog training

The Best Protection/Guard Dog Trainers in 2024

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of dog trainers who specialize in Protection/guard dog training. Based on feedback and votes from our Protection/guard dog training community, we've curated a list of top-rated dog trainers in the US.

Jason Johnson
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, Off leash training, Puppy training
Mesa
Jason is a Professional Dog Trainer with a background as a Law Enforcement K9 Handler and has exceeded 17,000 dog training hours. For upwards of 6 years, he was a member of the National Police Canine Association (NPCA) and the National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA).
During this time, he worked with Patrol Dogs in Narcotic Detection and Suspect Apprehension and worked with Human Scent...

Cait Patton
CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified, CGC, Currently studying for PhD in veterinary medicine and behavioral health, working on obtaining CBCC-KA
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, Herding training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
St. Louis (city, county, and areas of Illinois)
I'm Cait! I've been working with dogs for 20 years now! I have big goals of helping people understand scientific based methods and the benefits of doing so. I have not always been a solely R+ trainer, and I believe my honest was and ability to have open conversations about this has opened a lot of doors to help bridge the misunderstanding of what R+ is and the types of dogs it will work for. I ...

SAM Selim
IAABC, ABC, Animal Behavior Science, Aggression & Reactivity, Behavior Modification Training
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
JOHNSTON COUNTY, Clayton & Surrounding Areas
I am a 35-Year Veteran of Corporate world, as a Global Technology Executive, and a Boyscout from Childhood. My love for the Outdoors, Wilderness, Animals and Travels - has always been at the center of my Core & Spirit. I have stood in the Front & Center of many "Impressive" Boardrooms... closing major deals.. but at the end of every day - my biggest joy was standing in the middle of a Forest, o...

Desiree Lomer-Clarke
CPDT-KA
Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland within the beltway
I am a former lawyer turned trainer after dealing with a reactive dog of my own. I have been training since November of 2008 in Arlington, Virginia and I have the best clients.

Ali Brown
CPDT certificate (Certified Pet Dog Trainer) from Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Ali was a member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) for 15 years and served on multiple committees as well as serving on the Board of Directors for a 3 year term
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training
Ali Brown graduated from Ursinus College with a B.S. in Psychology, and earned her M.Ed. in Human Development / Behavioral Science from Lehigh University. Working earlier in her career as a behavior therapist/consultant with mentally challenged children and adults, she made a fulfilling switch to working with dogs in 1998.In 2001, Ali became one of the first 100 trainers to receive her CPDT cer...

Ingrid Komisar
CCPDT-KA
Protection/guard dog training, Off leash training
Ingrid is our go to trainer for leash reactivity, adolescent woes, resource guarding and many other nuanced behavior problems. She loves seeing clients understand and treat their dog's anxieties!

Denise Nord
Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training
Denise has been training and competing with dogs for over 25 years. She has competed in obedience with multiple dogs. She has been teaching puppy classes for over 20 years. Her obedience and puppy classes are based on proven positive training methods. Denise also trains and competes in agility, nosework, lure coursing, tracking, conformation and rally.

Charlotte Hoberg
CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training
Charlotte is the owner of Sit n Stay Training and specializes in Reactivity and Sports Training, but has plenty experience in basic manners and puppy foundations as well. She attends training seminars as often as possible to continue to educate herself in the field of dog training. Along with training other people's dogs, Charlotte works hard to progress her own dog's training. Pax (pictured) i...

Christina Wakefield
Competed at the National level in AKC, USDAA, and TDAA.
Protection/guard dog training
Christina Wakefield started teaching in 1998 and her specialty is teaching Dog Agility classes of all levels, including distance skills. She's taught a vast variety of breeds from chihuahua's to great danes to mixes of all kinds. Her goal is to combine an informative and structured class, that's a lot of fun for both dog and handler. Christina has competed at the National level in AKC, USDAA,...

Marcus Wright
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
King County
Dogs impact our lives in so many waysthe connection I have with my dogs inspired me to live out my passion. What started out as training dogs for friends and family transitioned to full-time when I established The North West Dog Trainer in 2019. Over the past 10 years, I've had the pleasure of impacting countless households including the lives of 800 plus dogs and their humans since launching o...

Megan Esherick
Certified professional dog trainer, Certified through Do More with Your Dog as a Trick Dog Instructor and Canine Fitness Coach and am an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Approved by the AKC to judge agility and Junior Showmanship
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training
I am a certified professional dog trainer with many years of experience in a variety of dog sports. I founded The Clever Hound LLC in 2016 after 17 years as a service dog trainer.I have a bachelor's degree in Small Animal Science and many years of experience training dogs and solving behavior problems using positive reinforcement. I love working with non-traditonal breeds and helping handle...

Brad Norton
Protection/guard dog training
Brad Norton began his interest in dog training in the late 90's after meeting Dan Hosford when looking for a trainer for his out of control Labrador puppy. Dan is a highly sought after competitive gun dog trainer. He has been educating dogs and owners alike, to the highest possible levels, for some of the most difficult competitions in the K9 world for over 4o years."After working with Dan and ...

Michelle MeGill
VSA-CDT
Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, Herding training, In home training, Off leash training
Fort Lauderdale
Recent transplant from Philly, PA and now working in South Florida! I'm so excited to expand my business and spread the word of the R+ community. My dog daughter Jolene (the Queen) is the reason I'm a trainer now. Here in Florida my goal is to grow my business, connect and hire incredible trainers and be another bold leader of compassionate + humane training.

Mitchell Adcock
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training
Born and raised in central FL, I joined the Marine Corps at age 17. After a couple of years spent working as a military police officer in California and Japan, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to school and become a Military Working Dog handler. After working with my (now retired) working dog Xxcalibur for close to three years, I was afforded the opportunity to become a Military Working...

Amber Alcala
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
As someone who once faced challenges with my own reactive dogs, I understand your situation not just as a dog trainer but as someone who has walked in your shoes. It brings me immense joy to help an owner transition from feeling anxious about neighborhood walks to reaching out and sharing that, for the first time, they genuinely look forward to going out with their dog.-Amber

Sophie Amphlett
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
I was born in North Wales, U.K., living in a rural area and my closest companion as a child was my black labrador dog, Nellie, with whom I would spend hours a day walking in the woods. After school, I moved to London and worked in the city for 14 years where I met my husband.We moved to the USA, had some kids, adopted a dog, Bentley, and our family was complete. As our youngest kid became of sc...

Judit Arroyo
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Judit was only 17 years old when she found herself in over her head with her first dog, Puffy. Always a timid pup, at two years old he became very aggressive and reactive towards people and other dogs. Not willing to give up on her dog and not able to afford training Judit was determined to learn the art of dog training. In 2002 she launched her career as a professional dog trainer when he appl...

Anna Ashmore
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
With over a decade of experience in dog training, Anna emphasizes balanced methods and positive reinforcement. She studied at the Animal Behavioral College and has a background in Behavioral Psychology, aiming to foster stronger bonds between dogs and their owners. Anna is experienced with various breeds and behavioral challenges, Anna is also AKC certified.

Jessica Baba
Board and train, Protection/guard dog training
Jessica is an obedience trainer and demonstrator for Nashville K-9. She's been an integral part of the training team since 2006. Prior to Nashville K-9, she trained in obedience in southern California where she was raised. She attended UC Berkley as an undergrad and completed law school at the University of San Diego. She enjoys hiking, kickboxing, and culinary arts.Jessica volunteers her time ...

LaShaunti Bailey
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
LaShaunti is a Chicago native raised in the southern suburbs. She's loved animals ever since she was a kid, but she's always had a special love for dogs. Her first dog was a long-haired dachshund who lived to be 12. She was a girl's best friend and fueled her passion for animals. As a kid, LaShaunti was constantly watching Animal Planet with her dog and various other pets.After graduating high ...

Lin Barrett
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Lin has always been passionate about all animals. Having grown up in a small town in Connecticut, they grew up around dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, you name it! Their passion for dogs stumbled into their life with a tiny Westie puppy their parents adopted for the family. Lin took every opportunity to learn about dogs and training after that. With this passion in their back pocket, they m...

Eduardo Bayardo
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Eduardo is a balanced dog trainer who believes dogs succeed when we combine positive reinforcement techniques with firm, yet gentle guidance. He possesses three years of practical experience addressing a wide range of dog behavioral issues and two years of experience in specialized dog scent work for federal law enforcement. Lalo's love for dogs, genuine passion for dog training, and expertise ...

Mike Beckett
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Dog training is essential to ensure a happy and healthy relationship between a dog and its owner.

Mike Beckett is widely known as The 21st Century Dogman. He has been Professionally Training working dogs and family companion dogs for over 16 years. Mike Beckett's extraordinary communication with dogs began when he was a young child. His Lifetime of Experiences with Dogs offers canine o...

Alecia Beyers
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Meet Alecia! She has worn several hats during her tenure with DTE, but now keeps the train on the tracks as our Operations Manager. "Had I been told 5 years ago I would be switching careers into dog training, I would have more than likely laughed! I didn't foresee this industry in my future having spent 15 years in the medical field. However, now I can't imagine things any other way. Helping cl...

Tawin Blackwell
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Starting as young as six years old, Tawni was always asking her parents for their permission to take in as many of the dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and even horses, as possible, that needed a loving and caring home; her unconditional love and passion for animals was evident. By age twelve, she had multiple dogs, cats, horses, chickens, guinea pigs, and rabbits but always had the deepest bonds...

Justin Brooks
Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training
Boss Canine, LLC. dates back to 2010 when our Master Trainer, Justin Brooks discovered his passion and love for dogs. Justin purchased his first Cane Corso puppy and quickly realized the importance of having a well-behaved canine. Justin has spent many years perfecting a technique that uses positive reinforcement to increase comprehension. Our master trainer is committed to building the bridge ...

Naima Brown
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Before discovering her passion for training dogs, Naima received her Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Houston and pursued graduate degrees and a professional career in the higher education, counseling and technology consulting industries. Her first dog inspired her to pursue training with Sweetwater Bark as a client, and she has since developed a keen interest in dog behavi...

Justyna Buettner
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Justyna has fostered and helped rescue several animals since her early 20s and is completing her certification with Animal Behavioral College. Jusyna has been training puppies with Anything Is Pawzible for the last two years. When not at work she likes to spend time with her three kids, her fur babies Cooper (dog) and Ziggy (cat) and her reptile babies Ocho (bearded dragon), Pearl (snake) and B...

Travis Burch
Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Spending his childhood romping through the woods with his golden retriever, Tubbs, Travis found 2 of his greatest passions: Animals and the Outdoors. Entrepreneurial at heart, Travis earned his MBA from Gardner Webb University, specializing in Tourism and Hospitality. Spurred on by 2 years at a guest ranch in Montana, Travis loves helping people disconnect from their stress-filled lives and rec...

Aimee Burton- Owner
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Aimee was born and raised in San Diego and is the daughter of a veterinarian. Her mother ran and operated their 3 veterinary hospitals where she grew up helping out after school with the family business. She also grew up with many other types of animals. Goats, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and horses that were on her grandparents' small farm in Ramona, where she spent he...

Shannon Busher
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Shannon has been a certified Canine Academy trainer for the last 3 years, and has trained over 375 dogs with positive experience techniques! Before finding her true passion as a dog trainer, Shannon was educated in Equine Studies. Shannon began her dog training career as an agility handler where she competed in CPE trials with her dog. Shannon believes that dog training is important because dog...

Alyssa Carlson
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Growing up in a family that shared a common love and admiration for all animals around them, from a young age Alyssa was taught how to care for, train, and love animals of all shapes and sizes. Her very first best friend as a young girl was her ferret, who she potty trained and spent all of her time working on tricks or playing with. While in her early teens she moved to training the family dog...

Mitchell Christian
Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Puppy training
Mitchell Christian, is the owner and head trainer at Christian K-9 Academy and the president of the non-profit German Shepherd Rescue Ohio. Mitch's love for dog training started in childhood, but it really blossomed while serving in the United States Marine Corps, where he spent some of his time around the handlers of the military working dogs and his passion grew. At the end of his active duty...

Brigid Clancy
Aggressive dog training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training
Starting my training endeavor after having a childhood dog with issues of attacking other dogs and being just an absolute maniac on the streets, but a lover in the home. I wanted to learn more and be able to enjoy outings with my dog instead of leaving them at home due to things I thought I couldn't control. After some YouTube videos and applying some training to my first dog (Nyx), I found tha...

Beth Clayton
Board and train, Protection/guard dog training
Beth has been a life-long student. She has been a high school counselor, a tax accountant, and now a kennel technician (aka aspiring trainer). One consistent thing in her life is her love of animals, especially dogs. In her spare time, Beth enjoys hiking, strength training, and spending time in the mountains.

Tatiana Coreas
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Hello everyone, my name is Tatiana and my main focus when working with clients has always been to teach owners canine psychology and breaks things down in a way that makes it where you don't have to do this for a living to understand what goes on in your dog's head. My goal is to strengthen the bond between you and your dog especially in today's society where dog friendly cafes and patio resta...

Karin Coyne
Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Karin has been training dogs since 2005. Her personal dogs have competed in flyball, agility, obedience, rally, barn hunt , disc and dock diving. At home she has Kevin-a Malinois Border Staffy, and Carl a Sports Mix and Lyra-a cat who acknowledges she exists. Some of her qualifications include: Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed Founder of the International Dog Parkour Asso...

Kayla Crist
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Kayla is a graduate from our Trainer Apprentice program. Prior to starting her own apprentice training, Kayla was a member of our care team for over 2 years, helping got make sure all of our dogs were happy and loved while at school! Kayla has spent her life around animals, which started when she joined her local 4H program and continued to support that program as a leader and mentor. Kayla lov...

Tommy Cross
Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Puppy training
Tommy is our dedicated kennel manager, ensuring that operations run smoothly and that all the dogs receive the highest standard of care. In addition to overseeing daily kennel activities, Tommy expertly sets up training scenarios for our police and protection dogs, helping to prepare them for real-world situations. As an Iraq combat veteran, he brings a wealth of experience and discipline to hi...

Abigail Curtis
Protection/guard dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, In home training, Agility training
Abigail has been training dogs since 2002. Her personal dogs have competed in agility, obedience, rally and barn hunt and she is captain of the flyball team here in Columbus. 'At home she has Gina-an ancient border collie mix, Sulley-a chihuahua mix, Flux-a Border Collie Jack Russel mix, and Mouse a whippet.‚ Some of her qualifications include:Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State ...

Evan Dallas
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
As a Chicago area native, Evan grew up spending as much time with dogs as he possibly could (despite not being able to have one at home due to a sibling's allergies). As an adolescent, he spent his free time training the dogs of family members and soon realized he had a passion for working with animals. During his college years, Evan worked as a dog walker while living in Chicago and spent his ...

Dustin David
Board and train, Protection/guard dog training
Dustin is an apprentice trainer at Nashville K-9, engaged in day to day activities and immersing himself in the multiple facets of the dog industry.

Dustin is a native of Naples, FL and has always had a passion for animals. His family is deeply involved with the Florida English Bull Dog Rescue and supportive of their efforts in finding good homes for bull dogs in need. Dustin is a grad...

Chelsea Donaldson
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Meet Chelsea! She hails from Illinois and her life has always revolved around a passion for helping dogs. Its quite evident as she owns 6 rescue dogs! Chelsea began her journey working in local shelters. There she assisted in screening and training the incoming dogs. "I've always been drawn to the more challenging cases. While most employees shied away from the more reactive and aggressive dogs...

Andrew Donnelly
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Andrew has been a dog walker for over seven years, serving River North, Streeterville and Gold Coast. After attending Fetch Find Academy's training program, he became a Field Operations Manager for Chicago Pet Sitters where he trained staff members in safe-handling techniques. His passion for training and educating dog owners stems from a cynopraxic philosophy: enhancing the human-dog relations...

Ron Dorazio
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training
Ron Dorazio, head trainer at Rapid Results, has been training dogs since the 1970s (since 2002 professionally) and is certified as a 'No Limitations Dog Trainer' by Fred Hassan's Sit Means Sit School for Dog Trainers in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Rapid Results TrainingThe Rapid Results method of dog training not only works, but is also fast, affordable, and easy to learn. No more chasing your dog ar...

Alex Ebert
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Alex's desire to become a trainer started in 2011 when he had an out of control German shepherd puppy named Titan. His mom gave him an ultimatum to get him trained or he had to go! That led him to Alex seeking ecollar training. Alex and Titan did so well with the training that Terry offered him a job as a trainer.Alex is passionate about training because he loves to see the better quality of l...

Andria Fuller
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
I'm from the Clinch Valley mountains deep in southwestern Virginia (Virginia, not West Virginia). My dad was a rodeo man and a lumberjack/logger. So, animals were a big part of my upbringing. I left Virginia for Detroit after high school where I lived for 20 years bartending and going to school. I moved to Phoenix in November of 2020, right at the beginning of Covid. I moved here from Detroit...

Laura Gabell
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Protection/guard dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hi, I'm Laura! My journey started five years ago when I found an emaciated pit bull in a city park, who became my first foster dog, and changed my life forever. He had terrible manners on leash, was aggressive towards other dogs, jumped on counters and people, and would bite to get what he wanted. I used every positive reinforcement technique suggested to me and experienced limited results. Thi...

Katie Gaffney
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Katie is a lifelong dog lover who has always been interested in animal behavior and training. She graduated in 2015 with a degree in animal science from Texas State University and worked at a dog boarding facility. During this time, she took a lot of classes with her dog. After graduation, Katie started her career working in veterinary and human diagnostic laboratories. She moved to Sugar Land ...

Tamara Gansz
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Tamara Gansz has been obsessed with dogs since her earliest days. While her degree is in Art History, she started Pets-Chicago, a dog walking company, in 2003 and has been humbled and learning every day through the beauty of the animals she cares for. Leeloo, Jinx and Sevro are Tamara's three rescue dogs and each has been a beacon for her to dive deeper and learn more. Leeloo, a therapy dog ...

Sniffspot’s list of dog trainers for Protection/guard dog training is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Protection/guard dog training, we received 296 total votes, resulting in 142 dog trainers who focus on Protection/guard dog training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Protection/guard dog training listed first.

Dog trainers on this list for Protection/guard dog training are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Jason Johnson, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Protection/guard dog training.

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Jason Johnson, as well as the other dog trainers on this Protection/guard dog training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog.

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

See the Best Protection/Guard Dog Trainers by City

Note: We only include metros where we have enough data to compile a solid list

See the Best Dog Trainers by Type in the United States

Sniffspot Protection/Guard Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions

What is protection/guard dog training?

Protection or guard dog training focuses on teaching dogs to protect their owners and property from potential threats. This training involves specific techniques to enhance a dog's natural guarding instincts, ensuring they respond appropriately to various situations requiring protection.

Why do you need a guard dog trainer?

A guard dog trainer is essential if you require a dog to provide security and protection for yourself, your family, or your property. These trainers teach dogs to respond to potential threats with controlled aggression and heightened alertness, making them valuable for personal safety and security.

How did Sniffspot choose the best protection dog trainers?

We identified the top protection/guard dog trainers based on 296 votes from dog owners and professionals. This selection process led to the recognition of 13 trainers who specialize in providing advanced protection and guard training services.

What qualifications do the top guard dog trainers have?

The leading protection/guard dog trainers hold certifications such as CPDT-KA, CCPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified, CGC, VSA-CDT, which demonstrate their expertise in training dogs for protection and security purposes. Because this is considered highly-specialized dog training, proper certification is essential.

Who is the top guard dog trainer and why?

Jason Johnson is acknowledged as the top protection/guard dog trainer due to their extensive experience and 88 votes. They are renowned for their specialized techniques in protection training and their successful track record in preparing dogs for real-world security situations. Jason Johnson also excels in: Aggressive dog training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog training, Agility dog training.

What behaviors do protection/guard dog trainers focus on?

Protection/guard dog trainers focus on behaviors crucial for effective guarding, such as alertness, controlled aggression, and obedience under stress.

What are the most common training methods for protection/guard dog trainers?

Training a dog to become a guard dog involves teaching controlled aggression and bite inhibition. Typically, this involves ongoing positive reinforcement to ensure they display aggression only at key times.

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

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
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.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity
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.
How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
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.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

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

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Protection/Guard Dog Trainers in 2024

Jason Johnson

Cait Patton

SAM Selim

Desiree Lomer-Clarke

Ali Brown

Ingrid Komisar

Denise Nord

Charlotte Hoberg

Christina Wakefield

Marcus Wright

Megan Esherick

Brad Norton

Michelle MeGill

Mitchell Adcock

Amber Alcala

Sophie Amphlett

Judit Arroyo

Anna Ashmore

Jessica Baba

LaShaunti Bailey

Lin Barrett

Eduardo Bayardo

Mike Beckett

Alecia Beyers

Tawin Blackwell

Justin Brooks

Naima Brown

Justyna Buettner

Travis Burch

Aimee Burton- Owner

Shannon Busher

Alyssa Carlson

Mitchell Christian

Brigid Clancy

Beth Clayton

Tatiana Coreas

Karin Coyne

Kayla Crist

Tommy Cross

Abigail Curtis

Evan Dallas

Dustin David

Chelsea Donaldson

Andrew Donnelly

Ron Dorazio

Alex Ebert

Andria Fuller

Laura Gabell

Katie Gaffney

Tamara Gansz

See the Best Protection/Guard Dog Trainers by City

See the Best Dog Trainers by Type in the United States

Sniffspot Protection/Guard Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions

What is protection/guard dog training?

Why do you need a guard dog trainer?

How did Sniffspot choose the best protection dog trainers?

What qualifications do the top guard dog trainers have?

Who is the top guard dog trainer and why?

What behaviors do protection/guard dog trainers focus on?

What are the most common training methods for protection/guard dog trainers?

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