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The Best Dog Trainers in Washington, DC of 2024

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David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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

  • Liana Burgoyne Photo

    Liana Burgoyne

    CPDT-KA, CCFT, CCFC, AKC CGC® Approved Evaluator, NASM-CPT

    In home training

    Washington DC, southern Maryland, northern Virginia

    LianaFit Canine ConditioningLiana Burgoyne, CPDT-KANorthwest & Northeast DCwww.lianafit.comlianafitcanineconditioning@gmail.com757-773-4709Private lessons (in-person and virtually) plus group classes for manners, behavior modification, and canine fitness in the DC area. Also teaches classes for puppies and adult dogs at Colby's Dogcare in northeast DC. Also certified as Canine Fitness Coach and...


  • Joe Ryan Photo

    Joe Ryan

    PMCT-1, CPDT-KA, FFCP (Trainer), VSA-CDT

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training

    The DMV area

    Joe specializes in behavior modification with a focus on reactive and aggressive behaviors. He's studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws, Victoria Stilwell, and world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio, and The College of Scent Dogs. His knowledge of canine behavior, mixed with his force- and fear-free training philosophies, puts him among the most sought-after trainers in the regi...


  • Kayleigh Sullivan Photo

    Kayleigh Sullivan

    KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA

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

    NW Washington D.C, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, McClean, Arlington

    I have been training animals for over 10 years. For eight of those years I have trained elephants using positive reinforcement-based training. I graduated with a BA in Animal Sciences with a focus on Animal Behavior. I have experience working at veterinary clinics, animal shelters in behavior departments, and many years working with exotic animals in sanctuary and zoo/aquarium settings. I beli...


  • Avi Israeli Photo

    Avi Israeli

    ABCDT

    Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Washington, DC

    I received my certification from Animal Behavior College in 2012, and have been training full time since then.


  • Sophia Turshen Photo

    Sophia Turshen

    AKC CGG evaluator, Positive Rewards certification

    Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    I service the Washington DC Metropolitan area! Central and Southern MD, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia

    Sophia brings a wealth of experience in training well-behaved, well-adjusted dogs and equipping pet owners with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to maintain that training at home. Sophia is certified in Dog Training and Animal Nutrition and has worked in the field of pet care and training for over five years. In addition to running her own professional pet care and training business, Sophia...


  • Gwen Podulka Photo

    Gwen Podulka

    CPDT-KA

    Deaf dog training, Puppy training

    Puppies, Adolescent dogs, Senior dogs, Deaf dogs, Behavior Modification


  • Kimberly Agzigian Photo

    Kimberly Agzigian

    Puppy training, In home training, Board and train

    Kimberly's dog training journey began as a result of volunteering for collie rescues. She was shocked to see so many young collies being surrendered or returned due to behavioral issues. Kimberly met Kelly when she and her collies became certified therapy dog teams with National Capital Therapy Dogs (NCTD).Kimberly is an AKC evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community CGC...


  • Yasmin Baylor Photo

    Yasmin Baylor

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

    Yasmin (she/her) became interested in dog training and behavior when she adopted a behaviorally complex dog 8 years ago. Yasmin dove into the field of animal behavior first as a board member and training consultant for a local animal rescue and shelter, and then decided to become a professional dog trainer and fully pivot her career in 2020.Years of experience have helped Yasmin to develop a st...


  • Liana Burgoyne Photo

    Liana Burgoyne

    Puppy training

    As the head trainer of LianaFit‚Ñ¢, Liana is passionate about strengthening the bond between pet parents and their canine companions using positive reinforcement and canine fitness. She enjoys enriching the lives of dogs by improving their health and fitness while empowering clients to train with confidence, empathy, and evidence-based practices. In addition to holding multiple certifications, ...


  • Janine Castorina Photo

    Janine Castorina

    Puppy training, In home training, Board and train

    Janine has been training and competing in the sport of agility for several years and training dogs for over 10 years. Agility and tricks are her favorite sports.Janine finds teaching agility, tricks and training in general to be a uniquely rewarding experience. She loves being together with the students and the dogs are great. She enjoys watching them progress in dog sports and grow as teams. I...


  • April Chillari Photo

    April Chillari

    In home training, Puppy training

    My name is April and I am the owner and operator of Core Canine. I obtained my dog training certification through Animal Behavior College. My love of dogs brought me to volunteer with rescues and shelters. I realized, through these volunteer efforts, that behavior is the #1 reason owners surrender their dogs. I decided the best way to prevent dogs from being surrendered was to become a trainer ...


  • Kelly Citrin Photo

    Kelly Citrin

    Puppy training, In home training, Board and train

    Kelly's background in rescue is what drives her to make changes in the lives of the dogs and humans she interacts with. Her training philosophy is Patience, Persistence, Positive Reinforcement, Praise & Play. She believes an integration of these concepts is key to a successful and happy human and pup. In addition to serving as the trainer for Capitol Canines Animal Rescue and Forever Changed An...


  • Joelle Cuprak Photo

    Joelle Cuprak

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

    Joelle has been training professionally since 2017, and has worked with dogs for far longer as a dog walker, assistant veterinary technician, shelter volunteer and as a foster home for rescued dogs. Like many trainers, Joelle originally became interested in behavior and training while helping her mixed breed dog Geronimo with his reactivity. Joelle enjoys teaching humans as much as teaching dog...


  • Juliana DeWillems Photo

    Juliana DeWillems

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

    Juliana (she/her) is the Owner and Head Trainer at JW Dog Training. She has been training dogs since 2014 after she graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy.Juliana enjoys applying her knowledge of canine behavior and the science of learning when working closely with pet parents to improve their dog's behavior. Watching the training plan strengthen the bond between owner and dog ...


  • Missy Dilla Photo

    Missy Dilla

    Puppy training, In home training, Board and train

    Missy is a top Maryland trainer dedicated to positive reinforcement, force-free & free training methods. Driven by a lifelong interest in human and animal psychology, Missy's commitment to understanding the science, emotion, and feeling beneath the surface fuels her passion for dog training and behavior modification. She shares the 4 On The Floor belief that a strong foundation, built on mutual...


  • Brittany Fulton Photo

    Brittany Fulton

    Aggressive dog training, Herding training

    Hello! I am Brittany Fulton, owner of Dances with Dogs. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about my business and me. My life experiences with animals have contributed to the highly motivated dog trainer that I am today. I have a degree from the University of Oregon in psychology with an emphasis on animal behavior. I also have Certification in Training and Counseling from the Academy f...


  • Sarah Hampel Photo

    Sarah Hampel

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

    Sarah works with our Day School and Boarding School programs as well as assisting with several of our Basic Obedience classes.Sarah has a master's degree in Special Education and taught elementary school children with learning disabilities for more than 10 years. She has always had a love for animals and is delighted to be working with dogs and their people.She finds it immensely rewarding when...


  • Brittany Hassan Photo

    Brittany Hassan

    Puppy training, In home training, Board and train

    Brittany has been working in the Professional Dog Care industry since 2021 when she first started as a dog walker for a fear-free company in Alexandria, VA. After moving back to MD in 2022, she started working at Patrick's Pet Care where she learned that she had a knack for not only dog walking, but also dog training and behavior, and decided to pursue a career in the field.


    Britt...


  • Kat Heckert Photo

    Kat Heckert

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

    Kat (she/her) became interested in behavior and training when she entered the animal shelter world. Kat has worked in the behavior department of two animal shelters and has provided training services to shelter volunteers, fosters, and adopters. In 2020, she decided to take the leap from animal sheltering to private training and discovered how rewarding it is to work so closely with owners and ...


  • Gabriela Hubbard Photo

    Gabriela Hubbard

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

    HFDT offers force-free, reward-based dog training from puppy I to adult "shy", "fearful" "reactive" "aggressive" dogs. I work with ALL ages, sizes and breeds and tailor classes to promote demonstrable learning, real life skills, and a happy dog.

    Offering in-home training services. For those clients who prefer to use Zoom, virtual training is always an option.

    Scheduling is f...


  • Paul Johns Photo

    Paul Johns

    In home training, Puppy training

    Growing up, Paul enjoyed playing with his friends' and neighbors' dogs but wasn't able to have his own dog until later in life. On February 14, 2020, Paul drove to Stuart, VA to pick up his first dog: a 10-week-old border collie puppy named Ria. Some people would think that getting a highly intelligent and energetic border collie puppy would be a bit of a challenge for an apartment-dwelling, si...


  • Kathryn Kuhlen Photo

    Kathryn Kuhlen

    In home training, Puppy training

    Certified Professional Dog Trainer -- Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA)
    Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
    Certified Pro Dog Trainer (Absolute Dogs)
    Certified FitPaws Master Trainer
    Certified Wag It Games Tier 2 Instructor (WAG-CI)
    Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
    Certified C.L.A.S.S. Instructor
    Certified Canine Strength and Condition...


  • Liya Lachovizer Photo

    Liya Lachovizer

    Puppy training, In home training, Board and train

    After adopting her dog, Phoebe, Liya became interested in dog training. Using her BSc in Psychology from Ithaca College, Liya started researching about dog training until she decided to pursue it as a career. She became a certified trainer through Marker Training Academy for Dog Behavior and Modification, a force-free training school using KPA techniques in Israel, in 2022. She started taking o...


  • Jenna Land Photo

    Jenna Land

    A Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Jenna is passionate about working with animals and seeing the ways that they can impact the lives of others. She holds a BS in psychology, and is an experienced puppy raiser and area coordinator with America's Vet Dogs and the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. She has more than four years of service with those organizations.

    Jenna's certification...


  • Tricia Lude Photo

    Tricia Lude

    In home training, Puppy training

    Tricia is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Pat Miller Certified Trainer level 2 (PMCT-2), a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI), and has completed Susan Friedman's Behaviorworks Learning and Living with Animals behavior analysis course. Tricia has also been a positive reinforcement based trainer for over 25 years. She has trained and competed in Obedience, Conformat...


  • Heidi Meinzer Photo

    Heidi Meinzer

    In home training, Puppy training

    Heidi is a Cerified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI®) and trainer and teaches all levels of K-9 Nosework®, along with Levels Training, and other specialty classes in Northern Virginia. Her dog Boomer has his NW3 title in Nose Work, and he is also a Canine Good Citizen. When Heidi is not teaching people and their dogs, she focuses on animal law issues and helping companion animal owners and pet car...


  • Sandy Modell Photo

    Sandy Modell

    In home training, Puppy training, Agility training

    For over 25 years, Sandy has taught people how to train their dogs using rewards-based, positive reinforcement methods. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a licensed, certified Family Paws Parent Educator (FPPE), a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and on the list of national...


  • jackie moyano Photo

    jackie moyano

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

    Jackie Moyano transitioned careers from a respiratory therapist to dog training. In addition to caring for patients, she also taught both patients and respiratory therapy students. Jackie's medical teaching experience lends itself well to teaching people how to train their dogs. Pssst! Dog training is really people training! Jackie's dog training expertise and education comes from completing 3 ...


  • Dolores Murray Photo

    Dolores Murray

    In home training, Puppy training

    Dolores Murray is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG.)

    Dolores is committed to providing the most effective and results oriented solutions for our clients and their dogs, She helps them to build a solid foundation of life skills and a relationship base...


  • Tara Murtagh Photo

    Tara Murtagh

    CBCC, CPDT-KA, Fear Fear Certified Animal Trainer

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

    Washington DC, Potomac, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Alexandria, Arlington

    Tara has a bachelor of science degree from Suffolk University in Boston, MA. She is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is also a certified Fear Free Animal Trainer.


    Tara comes to Dog Latin from Homeward Trails A...


  • Caelyn O'Neill Photo

    Caelyn O'Neill

    Puppy training, In home training, Board and train

    Caelyn has had a lifelong connection with animals with a special interest in canine psychology and behavior. She is a handler for her multipurpose service dog, Tobias, and has over 7 years of experience working with dogs.

    She is excited about dog sitting for 4 on the Floor and hopes to become a professional dog trainer in the future. Caelyn has previously worked as a dog daycare attend...


  • Janet Oquendo Photo

    Janet Oquendo

    Agility training, Puppy training, In home training

    Janet Oquendo is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant ‚CDBC (IAABC).Certified Dog Trainer Maryland - Maryland Dog BehavioristShe is a prossional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers APDT,IAABC(International Association Animal Behaviors) and PPG (Pet Professional Guild). With the extensive education and training this ensures she is fully ...


  • Brett Peer Photo

    Brett Peer

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training

    Growing up with dogs, Brett was enamored at an early age. By age 12, he began tagging along his father (Dog Coach Michael Peer), to training appointments. This passion naturally evolved into a career, and in 2019, Brett officially joined our team.In just a few years, Brett has established himself as a skilled trainer with a dedicated following. Clients consistently return for personalized one-o...


  • Michael Peer Photo

    Michael Peer

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training

    Michael began his career with the US Park Police in 1988. He later joined the force's K-9 Unit, retiring after 30 years of dedicated work. He transitioned out of the K-9 Unit and founded Dogbedience in 2011. His lifelong commitment to helping people and dogs led him to pursue dog training where he continues to share his expertise and love for dogs.


  • Mark Platenberg Photo

    Mark Platenberg

    Puppy training

    Mark Platenberg is a certified professional dog trainer, born and raised in Northern Virginia, with a passion for improving communication between dog owners and their pets. For over 15 years, Mark has worked with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, honing his talent for understanding the unique needs and dispositions of each dog he trains. Mark's passion for dogs dates back to his childhood, w...


  • Erica Pytlovany Photo

    Erica Pytlovany

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

    Erica is an experienced behavioral consultant, helping dogs and their human families with everything from house training and basic manners to reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, and other challenging behaviors. She also teaches Basic through Advanced obedience skills including tricks and performance obedience like Rally, Fenzi TEAM titles and ring obedience.Outside of dogs, Erica is a C...


  • Hayley Richardson Photo

    Hayley Richardson

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training

    A committed advocate for holistic, positive reinforcement training, Hayley is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Dog Bite Safety Consultant with more than a decade of professional experience.

    Throughout her extensive international career, Hayley has supported clients with puppy foundations and manners training through to modification of compl...


  • Eryn Rolison Photo

    Eryn Rolison

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

    I've had dogs my entire adult life and wanted dogs my entire childhood. A likely story of a dog trainer, right? But it was after adopting a severely leash-reactive dog, Hossa, that I sought professional training help and changed the course of my relationship with dogs forever.I use positive reinforcement to create a fun and cooperative relationship between pet guardians and their four-legged fa...


  • Laura Sharkey Photo

    Laura Sharkey

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

    Laura opened WOOFS! in 2002 with the aim to improve the lives of dogs and their people in and around Arlington. A puppy development specialist, Laura brings nearly two decades of experience to helping dogs and dog owners, having taught hundreds of public dog training classes and worked one-on-one with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Laura's strong scientific background she has a Ph...


  • Jen Shearer Photo

    Jen Shearer

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

    Jen (she/her) was a devoted cat person until she rescued her first dog, Della Rae. The two quickly became inseparable, and as a first-time dog owner, Jen failed to recognize that Della's reactivity, fear of novel experiences, and hypervigilance foretold a lengthy training journey ahead.Together, they plunged into the confusing and unregulated dog training industry and experienced both highs and...


  • Morgan Stroup Photo

    Morgan Stroup

    Puppy training, In home training, Board and train

    Morgan's goal is to help foster a better relationship between dogs and their owners using positive training methods and activities that are both fun and practical. She puts a high emphasis on a solid foundation between teams utilizing pattern and engagement games. She participates in a wide variety of canine sports, including but not limited to: Agility, BarnHunt, AKC Conformation, Trick Dog, F...


  • Kayleigh Sullivan Photo

    Kayleigh Sullivan

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

    Kayleigh (she/her) has been training animals for over 10 years. For eight of those years Kayleigh has been training elephants using positive reinforcement-based training. Kayleigh graduated with a BA in Animal Sciences with a focus on Animal Behavior. She has experience working at veterinary clinics, volunteering at animal shelters in behavior departments, and many years working with exotic ani...


  • Mimi Tello Photo

    Mimi Tello

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Mimi adopted an Alaskan Malamute from CHAAMP.org and volunteered so much that she became Vice President Treat Giver. CHAAMP was having trouble finding rewards-based R+ trainers and needed support. So, she started her dog training journey and met Kelly who became her mentor and friend.Her focus is building healthy relationships based on two-way communication with kindness. Positive reinforcement...


  • Jutka Terris Photo

    Jutka Terris

    In home training, Puppy training, Agility training

    Jutka (yoot-ka) Terris trained her first German Shepherd Dog at age 11 in her native Hungary. Today Jutka is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed by CCPDT, the only organization that actually tests and certifies dog trainers and screens them for using positive methods only. Jutka is also an approved trainer for the American Kennel Club's S.T.A.R. Puppy Program and a certif...


  • Jennifer Thomas Photo

    Jennifer Thomas

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

    Jen works with our Day School and Boarding School dogs, teaches many of our group classes and also meets with private training clients to solve behavioral challenges. Jen is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior.

    Jen is a recovering lawyer who is delighted to now be working with dogs full time. Though she has dabbled in agility and trick training, her f...


  • Nina Tingley Photo

    Nina Tingley

    In home training, Puppy training

    Born and raised in Stuttgart, Germany Nina grew up with a family dog since the age of 12. In 2014, her and her husband adopted a one year old German Shepard-Collie Mix named Mickey, who had prior lived on the streets of Romania. Overwhelmed by all the triggers in Mickey's new environment, his behavioral challenges soon made it necessary for Nina to reach out to the helping hands of a dog train...


  • Carrie Williams Photo

    Carrie Williams

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

    In addition to her role as Director of Operations, Carrie is involved in all three of our training programs at WOOFS!. She teaches a number of group classes from Basic through Canine Good Citizen, trains pups directly in our Day School and Boarding School program, and works one-on-one with you and your dog to solve challenging behavioral issues.

    Carrie also volunteers with a non-profit...


  • Sam Wolfman Photo

    Sam Wolfman

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

    Sam WolfmanSam (she/her) specializes in reactivity and adolescent dogs. Her dog, Nola, is highly dog reactive. On Sam and Nola's training journey there were a lot of mistakes made along the way. Once Sam discovered the power of positive reinforcement, Nola began to progress in a way that Sam never thought would be possible.Sam is the former Director of Behavior and Pathway Planning at the Anima...


  • Christine Yeannakis Photo

    Christine Yeannakis

    In home training, Puppy training

    Chris interest in dog training began in early 2010 when she adopted two young adult rescued dogs. Both needed training and help with behavior challenges. After lots of reading, viewing videos and volunteering for Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, Chris decided she wanted to become a certified dog trainer. In January 2014, she entered the apprentice trainer program at a local training center. Many ...


  • Griselda Zelaya Photo

    Griselda Zelaya

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Her first job was at a small retail shop where they offered training. She slowly became more and more amazed with dog psychology and behavior.

    Griselda earned her dog training certificate CDTK through Catch! Dog Trainer academy and first aid/CPR certification.

    She wanted to work with all kinds of behavior challenges, so Griselda also received her dog aggression certification t...


Welcome to Washington’s list of top dog trainers. The Washington, District of Columbia list is based on 323 votes from the District of Columbia Sniffspot community. Only the Washington dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Liana Burgoyne at the top of this list with 130 votes. We also counted 323 votes for District of Columbia, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Washington.

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

Washington dog trainer services include:

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

Behind every successful Washington training session lies a passionate professional. Liana Burgoyne shares why they chose this path: because I love training animals! They light up my life, and watching the transformation between dog and handler is the most rewarding experience. All 50 trainers on this Washington list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Washington trainer, Joe Ryan, uses the following methods: R+ only! Using counterconditioning to modify emotional responses, then using DRA to modify behavioral responses..

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

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FAQ: Find the Best Dog Trainers in Washington, District of Columbia

Who is the top Aggressive dog training dog trainer in Washington, District of Columbia?

Liana Burgoyne has been recognized as leading dog trainer in Washington.They excel in providing Aggressive dog training and Deaf dog training and have helped numerous dogs and their owners in Washington reach important training goals.

What services does Liana Burgoyne offer in Washington, District of Columbia?

Liana Burgoyne offers a range of services, including Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Agility dog training. Their approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each dog in Washington, ensuring effective Aggressive dog training training.

What are the qualifications of the top trainers in Washington, District of Columbia?

Top trainers like Liana Burgoyne in Washington hold certifications such as CPDT-KA, CCFT, CCFC, AKC CGC® Approved Evaluator, NASM-CPT. These qualifications highlight their expertise and commitment to providing the best training services in Washington.

What is Liana Burgoyne’s top piece of advice for Washington dog owners?

When asked for their best advice for Washington dog owners, Liana Burgoyne shared: reward preferred behaviors and forget about the rest.

Why did Liana Burgoyne choose to offer dog training services in Washington?

Liana Burgoyne chose to provide their services in Washington because because I love training animals! They light up my life, and watching the transformation between dog and handler is the most rewarding experience. Their passion for helping Washington dogs shines every day.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

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  • 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