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The Best Puppy Trainers in Raleigh, NC of 2024

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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

Gina Allen
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Hi! My name is Gina Allen and I am the Sales and Trainer Manager for Cornerstone K9. My husband, Jeff, and I started this company about 4 years ago and it has been an absolute blessing ever since. I was a REALTOR full time and would fill in periodically for sales and trained dogs for Cornerstone K9.In January of this year (2024), Jeff asked me to fill in temporarily for sales until he found som...

Jeff Allen
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Hi, I'm Jeff. I started working and training pet dogs in 2010, a year after I was introduced to the dog sport of PSA (Protection Sports Association). Since that time, I have been training pet dogs with a wide variety of needs, and competing with my own dogs in PSA. I have decoyed at Regional and National level events and also competed with my own dogs at that level. I own 3 crazy Belgian Malino...

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 interes...

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 (ADT) from th...

Megan Esala
In home training, Puppy training
My name is Megan and I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (iaabc.org), a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (ccpdt.org) and a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator. To learn more about Family Paws please visit: familypaws.comI've been working...

Chris Farr
Puppy training
Chris Farr's journey in the world of dog training and competition began in 2002. By 2004, he was already making a name for himself, consistently achieving high rankings in obedience and protection competitions across the west coast. His exceptional talent led him to compete and secure placements at the national level. Driven by a passion for continuous improvement, Chris spent several years att...

Kayla Fox
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Hello! My name is Kayla. I've been working professionally with dogs since 2010. But I've always been a dog nerd. I emersed myself into the dog world completely when I was 12. That's when I got my first Rottweiler. I had wanted one for 4 years. My Rottie and I competed in AKC conformation and obedience. I was the number 1 JR. Rottweiler handler in the country for 3 consecutive years. I also hand...

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 ...

Michele Godlevski
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Founder and Owner of Teamworks Dog TrainingAssociate 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 Manners & Agility Instruction, Ch...

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 recognized th...

Erika Krahe
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Hello, I'm Erika!I grew up in Raleigh, NC and have always been fascinated with animals! I began my career in the veterinary field but then realized that my true passion lies within the canine mind as opposed to the medical side.So in 2019 I delved into the world of training by taking a job in dog training. I gained pivotal hands-on experience with pet, personal protection, police and military w...

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. During that...

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 dog a...

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'sability to co-exist, and even enjoy the company of her own species is what ignited Remy's l...

Tyler minor
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
What's going on! I'm Tyler minor, a professional dog trainer and canine specialist through Starmark Academy in 2017. Although I've been in the dog industries since 2015, where I started out at a doggy daycare boarding facility. I saw more potential in dogs that led me to a professional dog training school.I'm on the path to helping owners, and most importantly the DOGS that are in front of me. ...

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 local animal sh...

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
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 working with hi...

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 exercises that...

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 train her ...

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
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...

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 love...

Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in Raleigh, NC is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 0 total votes, resulting in 23 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 Gina Allen, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in Raleigh, NC.

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Gina Allen, 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.

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See the Best Puppy Trainers in Other Cities Near Raleigh

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Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Training in Raleigh

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

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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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 Puppy Trainers in Raleigh, NC of 2024

Gina Allen

Jeff Allen

Candace Brady

Cal Corona

Megan Esala

Chris Farr

Kayla Fox

Henry Gayhardt

Michele Godlevski

Patrice Goldston

Erika Krahe

Dave Labowicz

Keegan Matuszek

Remy Metzger

Tyler minor

Vicky Palmer

Katrin Patergin

Katherine Pritchard

Sorrel Robinson

Sage Sanders

Katie Selvey

Nora Torrey

Judith Young

See the Best Puppy Trainers in Other Cities Near Raleigh

See the Best Dog Trainers by Type in Raleigh

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Training in Raleigh

How can I get in touch with these dog trainers?

Are these dog trainers certified professionals?

What methods do these dog trainers teach?

How much do these dog trainers cost?

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

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

David Adams

About Sniffspot

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Dog reactivity guides

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Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

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