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The Best Dog Trainers for Agility Training in Raleigh, NC of 2024

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David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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

  • Susan Bankauf Photo

    Susan Bankauf

    In home training, Agility training

    I have been training and competing with dogs for over 20 years. Initially, my focus was on competitive obedience but over time switched to agility. Agility is a great way to have fun with your dog while strengthening your bond and teamwork. Having competed at a National level and training several different breeds of dogs, I have a broad knowledge of the training needed for this sport. This has ...


  • Candace Brady Photo

    Candace Brady

    Puppy training, Agility training

    In her early years, Candace was required to do a science experiment for school. She decided to research the effects of Pavlov’s Dog and using treats vs. praise. She used her brand new golden retriever puppy, Abigail, teaching many different behaviors. The experiment went to regionals where it won honorable mention. Candace always said it went so far and won because Abby was so cute. Her inter...


  • Heather Clarkson Photo

    Heather Clarkson

    In home training, Agility training

    Heather has been involved in dog rescue and training for more than ten years. She owns an assorted pack of herding breeds, spaniels, and poodles, and trains and competes in agility, dock diving, dog disc, and herding. Heather believes strongly in the bond achieved through teaching dogs and puppies new things, and loves helping owners create a lasting relationship with their canine companions.


  • Cal Corona Photo

    Cal Corona

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Cal has loved dogs since childhood, but began exploring his passion in 2013 when he trained his first service dog. This snowballed into a career change just after Cal graduated with his B.S. in Geology in 2019.

    Since this shift, he has enjoyed working most with high energy, high drive dogs and helping them process and work through their big feelings. He is an Accredited Dog Trainer (AD...


  • Henry Gayhardt Photo

    Henry Gayhardt

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Henry began his journey in animal sciences with his undergraduate courses at NC State, where he discovered a passion for animal care, animal behavior science, and the fundamentals of training. He worked with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds throughout his time in school, and at multiple daycares and kennels. Henry started his official journey into the world of dog training with the Animal ...


  • Laurence Gesquiere Photo

    Laurence Gesquiere

    In home training, Agility training

    Laurence has been involved in agility since 2004 and competes in AKC, USDAA, and UKI. She has attended several Nationals and has earned an ADCH as well as several MACHs on her sheltie Angel and border collie Bandit. She is currently competing with her two border collies, Cyclone and Twister, and training her two 7-month-old Border Collie puppies, Breeze and Storm. Laurence started teaching agil...


  • Michele Godlevski Photo

    Michele Godlevski

    In home training, Puppy training, Agility training

    Founder and Owner of Teamworks Dog Training
    Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (ACDBC),
    Certified Behavior Consultant (Canine) – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA),
    SFSPCA Academy Certified Canine Behavior Counselor (CC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT – KA), National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors Endorsements (N.A.D.O.I.) in Manner...


  • Patrice Goldston Photo

    Patrice Goldston

    Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training

    Patrice graduated at the top of her class from the prestigious Highland Canine Training Program, where she received her certifications in on-leash, off-leash, and behavior modification training. Patrice is also a graduate of Peace College with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Animal Science.

    Patrice’s love for dogs began with her first dog at the age of nine. At that early age, she r...


  • Beth Grooms Photo

    Beth Grooms

    In home training, Agility training

    Beth is one of the owners of the Whole Dog Institute. She began her training career 25 years ago when she realized her first dog had some behavior issues. She went on to complete her Diploma of Canine Behavior Science and Technology from the Companion Animal Science Institute and earned her PMCT-2 by taking multiple week long workshops with Pat Miller. She passed her exam by the Certificatio...


  • Robin Kirk Photo

    Robin Kirk

    In home training, Agility training

    Robin has always held a special place in her life for dogs. While observing her children interacting with their dogs she became interested in how dogs learn, relate and react to the people around them. In 2004, she graduated from Triple Crown Dog Academy, now called Starmark Animal Behavioral Center in Texas, as a Certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist. Combining her BSN in nursing wi...


  • Dave Labowicz Photo

    Dave Labowicz

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Dave has been working with dogs since 2001. Prior to moving to North Carolina in 2014, he volunteered at an animal shelter for eight years and fostered ten different pups. Dave also made trips to post-Katrina New Orleans to volunteer his time with Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO).

    Dave was introduced to All Dogs Allowed when he fostered a dog who was in need of behavior modification. D...


  • Diane Lewis Photo

    Diane Lewis

    In home training, Agility training

    Hi! My name is Diane Lewis. I have been doing agility with my rescue dogs since the late 90’s. My current pack consists of an Aussie named Sissy( rescued at 2), Romeo, a border collie ( rescued after being chained for 3 years) and a darling mixed breed named Joy. They all learn differently and that has helped me become a better trainer. I have taught agility for several years and strive to ma...


  • Keegan Matuszek Photo

    Keegan Matuszek

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Keegan has always enjoyed working with all types of animals. They discovered a passion for building relationships and understanding through training and are especially appreciative of a dog’s special role in a person’s life; all of their dogs have taught them something different, and have contributed to shaping them as a person. Keegan strongly believes training should be fun for both the d...


  • Remy Metzger Photo

    Remy Metzger

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Remy has been passionate about animals for as long as she can remember. She previously rode horses,
    and has experience handling a variety of different animals, but has found that dogs are her true calling.
    Her first dog, Baby, developed reactivity and aggression towards other dogs. Working to rebuild Baby’s
    ability to co-exist, and even enjoy the company of her own species is what...


  • Vicky Palmer Photo

    Vicky Palmer

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Working at her parents’ boarding kennel at the age of 14, kickstarted her journey working with and training dogs. Over two decades later, she’s still doing what she knows best, helping dogs and their parents, using fun, positive and engaging methods.

    Vicky headed off to the animal shelter world after receiving a BA in Biology and Animal Behavior in 2009. After volunteering at her l...


  • Katrin Patergin Photo

    Katrin Patergin

    Puppy training, Agility training

    From a young age, Katrin has always held a special affection for dogs. Their intelligence and unique personalities have captivated her throughout her life. For many years, Katrin has been a dedicated dog walker, creating precious bonds with each furry friend she meets. She has a deep interest in dog training and has pursued her academic journey at the Animal Behavior College and the Nordic Educ...


  • Katherine Pritchard Photo

    Katherine Pritchard

    Puppy training, Agility training

    As a crossover trainer, Katherine brings a unique background to her training. Her main focus is on the relationship between the owner and dog- and how to make the process fun for both. By utilizing rewards and a focus on communication, Katherine aims to not only train dogs but also empower owners to actively participate in their pets’ learning process.

    Katherine’s passion lies in w...


  • Sorrel Robinson Photo

    Sorrel Robinson

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Sorrel specializes in helping dogs overcome fear, reactivity, and frustration—challenges their own childhood dog faced. Sorrel’s approach is deeply informed by a biological sciences background, emphasizing using an understanding of learning and behavior to build confidence in dogs and owners. A big proponent of play, many of Sorrel’s training approaches involve game-like training exercise...


  • Jordaan Romburgh Photo

    Jordaan Romburgh

    In home training, Agility training

    Jordaan grew up on a small farm in South Africa with a wide variety of animals. His down to earth, big-hearted approach to humans and animals give him a special way with clients and dogs. After spending 11 years working with shelter animals at San Francisco/SPCA and SF Animal Care and Control, Jordaan joined the staff of a dog training business in California where he worked for several years. I...


  • Sage Sanders Photo

    Sage Sanders

    Puppy training, Agility training

    From a young age, Sage found joy in animal breeding and training online games. This ignited a lifelong fascination with animal behavior and genetics.

    Over the past three years, she has dedicated her time to kennel work, gaining invaluable experience in caring for and understanding the needs of hundreds of canine companions. Her deep interest in training led her to successfully clicker ...


  • Katie Selvey Photo

    Katie Selvey

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Katie has been working with dogs professionally for 13 years and has her CPDT-KA training certification. She managed a successful dog daycare and boarding facility here in the area for 7 years. She fell in love with the fact that you can make your living helping both dogs and people. It was also during this time that she was introduced to the world of animal rescue. The dog daycare worked close...


  • Nora Torrey Photo

    Nora Torrey

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Nora has an extensive customer service and medical admin background, however, she also had a passion for working with dogs her whole life and has volunteered at animal sanctuaries and shelters on and off for years. In 2017, she decided to quit her desk job and start her own pet care business. Getting to work with more dogs every day (and learning their body language) naturally led to dog traini...


  • Pamela Wyman Photo

    Pamela Wyman

    In home training, Agility training

    Pamela Wyman is a Certified Trainer with 24 years of urban dog experience. She is a graduate of the renowned SF/SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, taught by Jean Donaldson. Pamela also holds a Certificate in Separation Anxiety Treatment, having studied under Separation Anxiety expert, Malena DeMartini. Pamela brings an enthusiastic and creative teaching style to her work. Clients find Pamela able t...


  • Judith Young Photo

    Judith Young

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Judith recently started a new Pet Partners group, Pet Partners of NC Triangle. Judi has been a Pet Partners handler since 2011. Her first registered therapy dog was Jackson, an Australian shepherd. Jackson not only provided therapy on visits; he also helped Judi with her own mother’s passing. When Jackson passed over the rainbow bridge, Judi wanted to keep his memory alive. She told us, “He...


Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Agility training in Raleigh, NC is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Agility training, we received 0 total votes, resulting in 24 dog trainers who focus on Agility training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Agility training listed first.

Dog trainers for Agility training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Susan Bankauf, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Agility training in Raleigh, NC.

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Susan Bankauf, as well as the other dog trainers on this Agility training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Agility Training in Raleigh, North Carolina

How can I get in touch with these dog trainers?

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

Are these dog trainers certified professionals?

Each dog trainers certifications are listed in their profile. Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification. However, many private institutions offer certifications. Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification.

What methods do these dog trainers teach?

There are many methods for teaching dogs. All of the trainers included on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. You can see more information in each trainer’s profile regarding their training specialties.

How much do these dog trainers cost?

Dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services. We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Going through a training process with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the confidence of a dog; it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog and for you. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog.

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training. Aggression is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. If you believe you have an aggressive dog, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

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

We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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