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The Best Dog Trainers for Agility Training in San Jose, CA 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 San Jose, CA. Based on feedback and votes from our Agility training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the San Jose area.

  • 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.


  • 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...


  • 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...


  • 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...


  • 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 ...


  • 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...


  • 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.


  • 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.

    Sand...


  • 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 ...


  • 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


Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Agility training in San Jose, CA is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Agility training, we received 75 total votes, resulting in 17 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 M Cecilia Sternzon, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Agility training in San Jose, CA. M Cecilia Sternzon’s favorite part of their job is: My favorite part of being a dog trainer is to see those owners, who struggle so much at first, finally get that breakthrough to success. Seeing a happy dog parent with a happy and well-adjusted dog is so fulfilling for me. This is also why I so enjoy teaching the sports classes - because this relationship is solidified in these classes, and it's such a joy to see..

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. M Cecilia Sternzon, 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. M Cecilia Sternzon encourages owners with this dog training tip: Your dog is not stubborn! Replace the term 'stubborn' with 'insufficiently motivated', and your training will be transformed..

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Frequently Asked Questions About Agility Training in San Jose, California

How were the top Agility dog training dog trainers in San Jose selected?

We evaluated over 75 votes from local dog owners to identify the best Agility dog training trainers in San Jose. This process resulted in highlighting 1 exceptional trainers known for their expertise in Agility dog training.

What qualifications do the leading Agility dog trainers in San Jose hold?

Top Agility dog training trainers in San Jose are recognized for their expertise through certifications such as CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator, PPG Member. These credentials ensure they are equipped to address specific training needs in the region.

Who is the leading San Jose dog trainer in Agility dog training and why?

M Cecilia Sternzon is celebrated as the top Agility dog training trainer in San Jose due to their impressive 75 votes and their proficiency in Aggressive dog training and Reactive dog training, distinguishing them as a top choice in the area.

What behavioral issues do Agility dog trainers focus on in San Jose?

In San Jose, top Agility dog training trainers like M Cecilia Sternzon concentrate on issues such as A, R, P.

What are the common training techniques used by Agility dog training trainers in San Jose?

Training methods vary among top Agility dog training trainers in San Jose. For instance, M Cecilia Sternzon uses a method centered on: 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., Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.

How should I select the best Agility dog trainer in San Jose?

To find the ideal Agility dog training trainer in San Jose, consider their certifications, such as CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator, PPG Member, and their expertise in services like Puppy dog trainingand Reactive dog training. Reviewing their past results with dogs in San Jose can also guide your decision.

What’s the top advice for training dogs in San Jose?

When it comes to Agility dog training training, M Cecilia Sternzon advises: Your dog is not stubborn! Replace the term 'stubborn' with 'insufficiently motivated', and your training will be transformed. which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in San Jose.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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