Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Dog Trainers in San Jose, CA of 2024

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in San Jose, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

  • Stacy Braslau-Schneck Photo

    Stacy Braslau-Schneck

    MA CPDT-KA CBCC-KA CAP2

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

    Santa Clara County/Silicon Valley

    I am dedicated to helping pet dog owners solve their behavior problems and love their well-trained dogs through my unique combination of experience, education, knowledge, and skills. I pursued a Master's degree in Human and Animal Cognition (Psychology) and then founded Stacy's Wag'N'Train in 1998. I have been continuing my education, refining my knowledge and my skills, since then, through me...


  • M Cecilia Sternzon Photo

    M Cecilia Sternzon

    CPDT-KA, PPG Member, CGC Evaluator

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    South Santa Clara County, CA; Milpitas, CA; Remote

    I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and Pet Professional Guild (PPG). With over 20 years of professional experience in dog training, I stay on top of the latest scientific discoveries in learning and behavior, and work to remain knowledgeable and up-to-date with consistent continuing education.


  • Nathalie Mosbach Smith Photo

    Nathalie Mosbach Smith

    CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified, Dog Aggression Certification

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    San Jose, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Cupertino

    Nathalie started her professional dog career in 2007 as a dog hiker by taking up to 10 dogs on-leash to local parks and preserves. She continued her education in dog training and dog behavior and specializes in fearful, anxious and aggressive dogs. Nathalie's approach to dogs is based on the dog's need using reward based training methods which are non-confrontational and non-violent methods.


  • Nancy Le Photo

    Nancy Le

    Honors graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, 2-year program (CTC) Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) Separation Anxiety Professional (SAPRO) Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) AKC CGC Evaluator

    Puppy training

    South Bay area

    Nancy Le is a certified professional dog trainer that's been serving the South Bay Area for over a decade. She is committed to effective training using force free and reward based training methods. Nancy is an honors graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, 2-year program (CTC). Also known as the "Harvard for Dog Trainers," she continues her education under the guidance of world re...


  • Erika Liljefelt Photo

    Erika Liljefelt

    - CTBC-Certified Trainer & Behavior Consultant - FDM-Certified Family Dog Mediator - SAPT-Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer - CDW-Certified Dog Walker

    Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    San Jose, CA, and surrounding areas

    I am a dog trainer that is committed to using only humane, education-based training methods that are based on a positive reinforcement & force-free philosophy. I believe that kindness and a relationship built on a foundation of trust and joy are the most important parts of helping a dog and their caregivers work through whatever they are struggling with or need. I believe that we need to look a...


  • Sue Rusnak Photo

    Sue Rusnak

    CTC

    Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training

    Sue had always wanted a dog growing up but her mom always said I already have too many animals, we don't need a dog. See there were 6 kids in her family. Only later did Sue find out that her mother was actually scared of dogs after being bit by one as a child. Though dog ownership came later in life, Sue didn't have her own first dog until in her late 20's, she always seemed to be around other ...


  • Nick Arnold Photo

    Nick Arnold

    In home training, Puppy training

    Nick's journey into dog sports began alongside his wife, Kaylee, and her black lab Lexie, igniting a passion for dock diving that would pave the way for his exploration into other dog sports.

    For eight years, Nick has been actively immersed in Barn Hunt, including two years of judging experience. His dogs, Trigger and Cinder, have amassed an impressive array of titles across Barn Hunt,...


  • Rochelle Ball Photo

    Rochelle Ball

    In home training, Puppy training

    Rochelle was raised in central Africa, but has been a Bay Area resident for over 20 years. In her previous lives she was a biologist and then a registered nurse. She first fell in love with training and the science of learning during an internship at the Oakland Zoo, working with a mentor and helping to care for and train the giraffe. Rochelle has worked at the Hayward and Alameda Animal shelt...


  • Dawn Bushong Photo

    Dawn Bushong

    In home training, Puppy training

    Dawn became fascinated with training animals at a young age, and taught the family pets (dogs and cats) to do silly tricks for treats, even teaching one cat to jump through a hoop like the big cats in the circus. After she picked up a used book at around age 12 about training dogs to win obedience titles, it was all over. Dawn trained the family dog at the time - a basset hound - many of the ...


  • Jena Casey Photo

    Jena Casey

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Jena has been a dog lover and animal caregiver since her most formative years. As a child she sought adventure trekking the Santa Cruz Mountains, creeks and beaches. One of her prized recent doggy memories is walking her German Shepherd companion Gordon as they tracked wildlife in the African bush. Her dog training qualification stems from years of work in wildlife behavior and child behavior m...


  • Mike Colucci Photo

    Mike Colucci

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Mike Colucci is always interested in evolving methods and applying them to modifying canine behavior.

    "I enjoy training because there is gratifying feeling when you see a light bulb come on above a dogs head. When the behavior you were focusing on settles in and the dog is on the same page, eager to earn more reinforcement, it is very exciting!" Mike enjoys teaching Puppy, Family Dog 1...


  • Jen Conrad Photo

    Jen Conrad

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Jen has been an animal lover and advocate all her life. Growing up on acreage in the Sierra Nevada foothills, her family always had lots animals around to take care of. She has a passion for helping animals in some capacity, whether through activism, rescue and rehabilitation or human education. She has spent some time volunteering at organizations like the Sacramento SPCA, Santa Cruz County An...


  • Chad Culp Photo

    Chad Culp

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training

    Chad Culp is the owner of Thriving Canine, a full-time dog training business in Gilroy Ca. (San Francisco Bay Area) Chad is a certified dog trainer, canine behavior specialist, writer, author, speaker and world-wide dog advice persona via Facebook, YouTube and ThrivingCanine.com. His formal credentials are that he graduated from Animal Behavior College. He is also a graduate of Global College o...


  • Ani Elmaoglu Photo

    Ani Elmaoglu

    In home training, Puppy training, Agility training

    Ani is a Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy, Fear Free Certified and an AKC CGC Evaluator. Ani was involved in animal rescue for over 20 years and transitioned that passion into providing effective and convenient solutions for people top meet their dog's needs. Ani continues to to pursue her ongoing education in dog behavior by attending courses and seminars and keeping up to...


  • Martha Ghofranian Photo

    Martha Ghofranian

    In home training, Puppy training

    Martha is originally from Long Island and moved to the Bay Area over 20 years ago. She has always had a love of dogs but childhood allergies prevented her from having one of her own. When she got her first dog Ruby at the age of 23 her whole world changed. Martha now has 4 dogs (Jasper 14, Lovey 10, Denali 7 & Cheyenne 4). Martha has had customer service related jobs since she was 16, from ...


  • Stacy Goldstein Photo

    Stacy Goldstein

    In home training, Puppy training

    A California native, Stacy grew up in LA with a passion for both wild and domestic animals. Having a dog in her life since the day she came home from the hospital, she has been training and caring for dogs, cats, and horses her entire life. After adopting a completely wild, young Mustang horse, she studied natural horsemanship and positive reinforcement methods for horses and then applied them ...


  • Shannon Hall Photo

    Shannon Hall

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Shannon is our Disc Dog instructor. Shannon comes from a long background of professional competition in barrel racing. For the last ten years, she has found a new love in the sport of Disc Dog. She and her husband, Ryan, are members of the demo team for the Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate and have performed at major sporting events as the halftime show. She has 4 border collies, Emma, MacLaren, Ni...


  • Jessie Hawkes Photo

    Jessie Hawkes

    Jessie's lifelong passion for animals blossomed as she cared for her family pets and observed her mother's work in the veterinary and pet sitting industry. In 2014, she began volunteering at the SFSPCA, where her special fondness for nurturing dogs and assisting with challenging cases quickly emerged.Through dedication and hard work, Jessie quickly advanced to the position of kennel master, lea...


  • Shanni Hendler Photo

    Shanni Hendler

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

    Throughout her life, Shanni has had a love for animals. She grew up in a unique farm environment where she had access to livestock, pets and fowl and has learned to care for many species.

    She has always been fascinated by dogs and has studied the relationship between dogs and humans for years. Through practice and study she has learned how dogs communicate and interact with the world ...


  • Dee Hutton Photo

    Dee Hutton

    Agility training

    Dee works with all levels of students from beginning through advanced competitors. She competes in USDAA, AKC, ASCA and NADAC and has achieved numerous advanced titles on her dogs.

    Dee's training philosophy emphasizes the relationship between you and your dog by using play and positive reinforcement in training and competing. She enjoys watching the beginning handlers as they learn to ...


  • Danny Kimbrell Photo

    Danny Kimbrell

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

    Army Veteran Danny specializes in Board and Train, and working with dogs with a bite history Founder of both Athens Dog training and non-profit Real Service Dog Inc. Danny Makes assisting dogs in behavior modification a main priority. A mentor for new trainers Danny continues to pass on the science of positive reinforcement training to developing trainers that are assets the community.
    ...


  • Leena Koivuniemi Photo

    Leena Koivuniemi

    In home training, Puppy training

    Leena Koivuniemi is an experienced dog trainer who graduated from Animal Behavior College. She made her externship at Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where she participated with puppy to intermediate dog training classes. Prior to joining the Humane Society Leena was an agility class teacher at Fetch Sam! having taught 3 different agility classes at the center. Leena is a positive reinforceme...


  • Alisha Krishnayya Photo

    Alisha Krishnayya

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

    Alisha is an internationally certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and CPDT-KA. She has been passionate about dogs since she was a child, and decided to take the plunge into the world of training after quitting her corporate job back in 2018. She started her training journey with Shirin Merchant, a pioneer in the field of dog training in India and has completed her Basic training, Therapy Dog a...


  • Sangeetha Lakshminarayanan Photo

    Sangeetha Lakshminarayanan

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Sangeetha has been a foster for over two decades and with the perfect dog rescue for the last nine years byfostering, training and supporting the rescue in many ways. She loves the time spent in rehabilitating dogs, of all sizes and breeds, with behavioral or medical issues and setting them up for success with a furever family.Sangeetha started, just over a year ago, a community group, 'Sustain...


  • Cathy Leavitt Photo

    Cathy Leavitt

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Barn Hunt Judge and instructor Cathy Leavitt of K9 Rat Pack and K9 Sports Dynamics of Fremont teaches the Barn Hunt classes and conducts the Barn Hunt trials. Barn Hunting is the fun sport of locating rats hidden in a cylinder in stacks and tunnels built of hay. No experience or training needed for dogs but a sense of humor is required! She has two dogs, Sykes, a New Zealand heading dog and Sac...


  • Ed Mabie Photo

    Ed Mabie

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Ed is responsible for building, maintaining and running all of our agility and training equipment. You'll see him weekend mornings at the agility classes. He is a mechanical whiz with patience for problem solving. Sandi and Ed were married on a 50' sailing yacht with the family Golden Retriever at their side. Ed also loves sailing and racing out of the Santa Cruz Harbor. Ed graduated from Sant...


  • Kait Martone Photo

    Kait Martone

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Kait has extensive experience working with many species on her family's ranch. Kait handles many aspects of training from organizing our office and keeping communications on track, to working with clients and animals and maintaining our training facility in Aptos.


  • Nannette Morgan Photo

    Nannette Morgan

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training

    Nannette Morgan has been training dogs for over 15 years, and spent 20 years training and competing with horses in dressage and jumping competitions. But for her, experience isn't enough. Nannette believes in formal education and training, and striving for the highest levels of excellence in her field.To that end, Nannette is the only IAABC-certified Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant ...


  • Lee Morrow Photo

    Lee Morrow

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Lee Morrow has decades of experience working with reactive dogs and adopting reactive dogs who need behavioral help. Lee is a member of the Pet Professionals Guild and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and attends their annual conference in October. Lee teaches some fun Puppy and Family Dog classes for us.


  • Sandi Pensinger Photo

    Sandi Pensinger

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Sandi has decades of experience working with animals and has been working as a full time professional trainer since 2000. Sandi teaches a full range of classes including Puppy, Family Dog and Dog Sports (Agility, Scent Work, Treibball). One of Sandi's priorities is to help dog owners prevent dog behavior problems with training, fun sources of exercise, and enrichment. Sandi is a member of the o...


  • Monica Pielage Photo

    Monica Pielage

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Monica Pielage has been training dogs since her teenage years in 4-H. She has trained dogs in cattle herding, search and rescue, as a Therapy Dog and now focuses on Treibball or Urban Herding as it is also called. Her Australian Shepherd, Jojo, has achieved the following titles from the National Association of Treibball Enthusiasts; TE-N, TE-I, TE-A, OTE-N, OTE-I. Monica taught 4-H dog project ...


  • Christine Salazar Photo

    Christine Salazar

    In home training, Puppy training

    Christine is a California native, who was raised in the Bay area. With a love of animals from an early age, it was not surprising to find her living with two dogs, five cats, and a blue and gold macaw at one time as an adult. Where it all really began was with her purchase of a German Shepherd puppy back in 1998. Determined to have a stable, well rounded dog that would be welcomed anywhere, she...


  • Liz Stewart Photo

    Liz Stewart

    In home training, Puppy training

    Liz has been doing pet therapy work for 10 years. She started with her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Angel, in 2008 with Pet Partners formerly Delta Society while living in SoCal. They then became certified with Valley Humane Society once they moved up to the Bay Area. Liz prepared Chloe to take over for Angel when she was getting close to retirement. Chloe was certified at VHS after completing her ...


  • James Taylor Photo

    James Taylor

    Board and train, Off leash training, Puppy training

    James Taylor has always had a special place in his heart for dogs. James grew up in Chicago with his Shepherd/Collie mix named King. James was in the 1st grade and found himself locked out of his home in the dead of winter, with no way to contact his parents. Cold and scared, he sat by the back door, King sitting next to him, and waited patiently for his family to come home. He grew tired and s...


  • Kelly Vaillancourt Photo

    Kelly Vaillancourt

    In home training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    I'm Kelly Vaillancourt, the owner of WunderDog Training. I teach in-home, reward-based dog training within Santa Cruz County. Using humane, scientific training methods, I will teach you how to effectively train your dog using positive reinforcement. Whether it's basic training, resolving leash reactivity, or addressing behavioral problems; teaching your dog using force-free techniques has a ...


  • Kelly Vaillancourt Photo

    Kelly Vaillancourt

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training

    I'm Kelly Vaillancourt, the owner of WunderDog Training. I teach in-home, reward-based dog training within Santa Cruz County. Using humane, scientific training methods, I will teach you how to effectively train your dog using positive reinforcement. Whether it's basic training, resolving leash reactivity, or addressing behavioral problems; teaching your dog using force-free techniques has a l...


  • Dieuwke Velde Photo

    Dieuwke Velde

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Dieuwke (Dee-you-kuh) van der Velde, certified positive reinforcement trainer through Animal Behavior College, interned at Humane Society of Silicon Valley. With a background as a research technician at Stanford, I believe in continuous learning to learn evolving techniques and tools staying abreast to successfully train dogs. I fully subscribe to positive reinforcement training and adopt this...


  • Sophie Webb Photo

    Sophie Webb

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Sophie is our Agility Instructor. Sophie's passion is agility. She enjoys teaching novice up to advanced students in the nuances of relationship to build a strong agility performance. Sophie is competitive in Agility with her dogs, Daiya and Cash. Sophie is a world-renowned artist, scientist, and author of peer reviewed scientific papers, field guides and extraordinary natural history books


  • Holly Wolff Photo

    Holly Wolff

    In home training, Puppy training

    Holly has been training animals most of her life. She trained a horse at age 12. She studied zoology and animal science at UMass Amherst and volunteered as a zookeeper at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician in California and worked at the East Bay SPCA and Valley Humane Society. Holly has fostered more than 200 cats and dogs for local animal shelters. On ...


Welcome to San Jose’s list of top dog trainers. The San Jose, California list is based on 164 votes from the California Sniffspot community. Only the San Jose dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Stacy Braslau-Schneck at the top of this list with 82 votes. We also counted 2983 votes for California, with the remaining trainers listed outside of San Jose.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CGC Evaluator. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.

San Jose dog trainer services include:

  • Puppy training
  • In home training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Agility training
  • Aggressive dog training
  • Off leash training
  • Board and train
  • Service dog training
  • Deaf dog training
  • Herding training

Behind every successful San Jose training session lies a passionate professional. Stacy Braslau-Schneck shares why they chose this path: I was asked to teach classes at the SF/SPCA when I was volunteering at the city shelter, and fell in love with helping pet owners find their dogs' greatest potential!. All 39 trainers on this San Jose list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted San Jose trainer, M Cecilia Sternzon, uses the following methods: In my behavior consultations, I take a full history and perform a functional assessment prior to giving any recommendations. I also work with the clients to establish clear and reasonable goals for the program. The methods I use are dog-friendly and science-based, emphasizing positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors. In some cases, I may refer to a veterinarian to rule out medical issues for certain behavior problems. Along the way, I give my clients clear training plans, with written follow-ups to our meetings..

Explore the top dog trainers in San Jose as voted by our community:

Sniffspot Dog running on field

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

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near San Jose

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list


See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In San Jose


FAQ: Meet the Top San Jose, California Dog Trainers

Who are the top-rated dog trainers in San Jose, California?

In San Jose, Stacy Braslau-Schneck has earned the highest recognition for their expertise in Aggressive dog training. They, along with M Cecilia Sternzon and Nathalie Mosbach Smith, provide personalized training services to meet the diverse needs of San Jose dog owners.

What drives San Jose dog trainers to excel in their services?

Stacy Braslau-Schneck and other leading trainers in San Jose are motivated by a passion for helping dogs and their owners. Stacy Braslau-Schneck was inspired to offer their services in San Jose because I was asked to teach classes at the SF/SPCA when I was volunteering at the city shelter, and fell in love with helping pet owners find their dogs' greatest potential!.

What are the top services offered by San Jose trainers?

The top trainers in San Jose, such as Stacy Braslau-Schneck, specialize in providing Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training. They describe their services as: I help pet dogs and their owners! I specialize in reactivity training and helping shy or fearful dogs, as well as puppy training!.

What is Stacy Braslau-Schneck’s best piece of advice for San Jose dog owners?

Stacy Braslau-Schneck recommends: Evaluate your timing, your rate of reinforcement, and your criteria. Make sure you are rewarding the moment/action you mean to; that you are rewarding those actions more than the environment is rewarding the old default actions; and that you are setting your expectations small enough to achieve success yet high enough to create progress!. This advice is particularly relevant for dog owners in San Jose looking to improve their dog’s behavior.

How can I choose the right trainer in San Jose for my dog’s needs?

Choosing the right trainer in San Jose involves considering their services, such as Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Agility dog training and Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, as well as their qualifications, including CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator, CTC, Fear Free Certified, PPG Member.

Why are certifications important for San Jose dog trainers?

Certifications like CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator, CTC, Fear Free Certified, PPG Member are crucial for trainers in San Jose as they ensure that each trainer has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective and positive training.

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
The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnail

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners
Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

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

Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

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

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

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

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

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

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

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

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

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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