The Best Dog Trainers in Baltimore, MD of 2023

Welcome to the Baltimore, MD Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Baltimore based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This list is a subset of the broader Top Trainers in Maryland list. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.

Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, which is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with all private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches and more. Sniffspot has worked closely with dog trainers to create safe spaces for dogs and our top trainer lists are a natural extension of that relationship. You can browse Sniffspot's local dog parks here.

The Best Baltimore, MD Dog Trainers in 2023

Tanzi Leary

I have been teaching other people to help dogs for 10 years, and hold several credentials. I am a "Certified Dog Behavior Consultant" (CDBC), "Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed Level 1" (CPDT-KA), and "Pat Miller Certified Trainer" (PMCT1). That means I am certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and by a famous trainer, Pat Miller, both via examination and demonstration of training methods in three intense academies. I am also an "SA Pro Trainer" (SAPT), meaning she has taken a course with Julie Naismith, certified behavior consultant and author of Be Right Back!, to learn how to work with dogs that experience separation anxiety. I earned a "Fear Free Certified Professional" (FFCP) certification from the Fear Free Pets organization to be able to assist clients and veterinarians with handling techniques to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in dogs during visits.

In 2022, I won the #1 spot in Sniffspot's Top Trainer contest for Baltimore and Maryland and ranked #3 in the US.

Certifications: CDBC, CPDT-KA, PMCT1, SAPT, FFCP

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: I work one on one in private sessions with clients and their puppies and dogs to address behavior issues like puppy basics, manners, and big emotions like anxiety, fear, phobias, and aggressive behavior

Behavioral issue focus: Anxiety, fear, phobia, predation, aggression, and any manners work or puppy foundation work

Training methods: I teach my clients the basics of canine cognition, motivation, body language, and learning processes, to make small changes with a big impact on their dog's behavior. We look at how to set up their home and routines to be more successful with less effort. The first step is an hour-long intro call to gather info and set goals. then we follow up with private lessons. In lessons, we follow the Humane Hierarchy to train without trauma- no pain, threat, shame, or intimidation of dogs, or their people.

Why I became a dog trainer: I started fostering dogs for an organization, and each dog seemed to have more problems than the last dog. I had always been good with dogs and decided I should learn more about how to really work with them if I was going to continue fostering. I started taking classes from Pat Miller and then worked at MDSPCA for two years to really get my hands on a lot of dogs that needed help. Along the way, MDSPCA group class clients and volunteers started to ask if I could come to their homes to help, and my career began.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love helping people communicate better with their dogs. The "language" barrier gets in the way more than anything, and it can be life-altering for the dog and the people to understand each other.

My #1 dog training tip: Pay for anything you like with an entire bowl of food, piece by piece, daily for a couple of weeks, and you will have a different dog. Sitting, standing, lying down, eye contact - anything the dog offers on his own is fair game.

Service areas: Reisterstown, Glyndon, Owings Mills, Pikesville, Stevenson, Timonium, Lutherville, Towson, Mt. Washington, Hampden, Roland Park, Ruxton, Guilford, Homeland, Stoneleigh, Rodgers Forge, Sparks, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Parkville

Website: https://www.dogcrazylady.com/

Liana Burgoyne

LianaFit Canine Conditioning
Liana Burgoyne, CPDT-KA
Northwest & Northeast DC

Private 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 Canine Fitness Trainer.

Certifications:  CPDT-KA, CCFT, CCFC, AKC CGC¬Æ Approved Evaluator, NASM-CPT

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Service dog training
• Puppy training
• Agility training

More info about service provided: the only Certified Canine Fitness Trainer in DC! obedience training, group classes, private in-home lessons, day training, basic commands, potty training, distraction training, Canine Good Citizen training, canine fitness for sports dogs and pet dogs

Behavioral issue focus: reactivity, confidence building, puppy behaviors

Training methods: free virtual consultations, in-home and virtual options, positive reinforcement, force free

Why I became a dog trainer: because I love training animals! They light up my life, and watching the transformation between dog and handler is the most rewarding experience

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: witnessing my clients beginning to think like dog trainers

My #1 dog training tip: reward preferred behaviors and forget about the rest

Service areas: Washington DC, southern Maryland, northern Virginia

Website: https://lianafit.com

Kelly Citrin

Always passionate about animals, Kelly fell in love with her first pit bull in 2006. She began to volunteer at MCHS, and then MCASAC shelters, working with difficult to handle dogs, studying behavior - attending classes every Sunday - and training specific dogs to make them more adoptable. She also joined OPH rescue and was the lead for developing the rescue in Montgomery County, MD.

In 2008, she began to rescue and rehabilitate pit bulls and still does so today. Kelly began teaching obedience and agility at Zoom Room in 2012, and also became the 'Pit Bull Mentor' for students struggling with their (mostly rescued) pit bulls.

Brutus, her actively working certified therapy dog, passed his CGC and they joined NCTD in 2014, attaining additional READ Certification immediately. Together, Kelly and Brutus began working with middle school aged children with behavioral problems in alternative education schools/programs. Kelly was elected to the NCTD Board in 2016 as an officer and still serves as Secretary.

In 2021, Kelly assembled a team who shares her vision and philosophy in training and founded 4 On the Floor. Our mission is to help every dog achieve their fullest potential and live happy and healthy lives through natural and positive solutions. We use ONLY positive, force free, harm free training methods. Since our inception, we have built a wonderful community and have grown through word of mouth referrals! The highest compliment we can get is a referral and your trust in us to care for the next dog just as well as we did yours.

We hope you and your dog will join us to learn, play, and have some fun

Certifications: CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training
• Agility training

More info about service provided:

We provide training and socialization across Montgomery county through both group classes and private sessions. We teach classes in Rockville, Bethesda and Potomac and hold private sessions across the county.

We provide basic & obedience training and behavior, modification, day training, all levels of puppies, leash reactivity, aggression, therapy dog, adolescence & adults, out and about, distractions, canine good citizen, and dog sports, including agility, rally, tricks, and scent work.

Behavioral issue focus: Leash reactivity, aggression, fear/anxiety & undersocialization, bite cases, separation distress/anxiety, transitioning OUT of shock & prong collars and other aversive devices

Training methods: 4 On the Floor is a positive and harm free based dog training company that cares deeply about each dog that comes through our programs. Our trainers are certified and insured. 4 On the Floor is founded by Kelly Citrin, an active therapy dog instructor with a working therapy dog, who serves as secretary on the board of National Capital Therapy Dogs. We have classes to meet the needs of any dog owner from puppy classes, to CGC, to agility, to those who are ready to begin their path of becoming a therapy dog. We would love to help you find the best solution for you and your dog!

Why I became a dog trainer: Because I want to help humans understand their dogs, so that they may have the strongest, most trusting relationship possible to set them up for happy and healthy lives.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Puppy classes are always fun, but it is super rewarding to help leash reactive dogs evolve through our training process and learn to feel safer around other dogs

My #1 dog training tip: Quiet is so powerful. You will be amazed at what your dog offers you if you are quiet and you wait.

Service areas: Montgomery County, MD, including Rockville, Bethesda, Kensington, Wheaton, North Bethesda, Potomac, North Potomac, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Germantown, Burtonsville, Darnestown, Olney, Germantown. Also most of Anne Arundel County and NW Washington, DC

Website: https://www.4onthefloor.dog

Pat Miller

Pat Miller, author of The Power of Positive Dog Training (2001), Positive Perspectives (2003), Positive Perspectives 2 (2008), Play With Your Dog (2008), Do Over Dogs (2010), How to Foster Dogs (2013) and Beware of the Dog (2016) has been training dogs for more than 30 years. She has trained a variety of breeds and mixed breeds (her own dogs) including Rough Collies, a Bloodhound, Australian Kelpies, Bull Terrier, Irish Setter, St. Bernard, Scottish Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Australian Shepherd, Pomeranians, and a Springer Spaniel, and competed successfully with many of them in the obedience and Rally rings. She also trained her first Australian Kelpie to herd sheep and ducks (or more correctly, Keli taught Pat to herd). Keli was Miller’s Canine Field Agent, riding with her on patrol during the years she was an Animal Services/Humane Officer in California.

Miller worked for 20 years at the Marin Humane Society in Novato, California, during which time she collaborated with Trish King to create the country's first 'Color Coding' system for shelter dogs and volunteers. This system was successful in reducing behavior problems in shelter dogs (with a corresponding reduction in euthanasia) by identifying difficult-to-handle dogs and matching them with more experienced and capable volunteer handlers.

Miller was a humane officer/animal control officer and testified successfully in numerous animal cruelty and abuse cases. She also played a major role in the development and implementation of Marin County and State of California Dangerous Dog laws.

Miller moved to California's Central Coast in 1996 after completing her BS degree in Business Administration with honors in the major. There she launched Peaceable Paws, LLC in Monterey/Santa Cruz, and introduced the Color-Coding system at the Santa Cruz SPCA while serving on the Board of that organization. She joined the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) in 1996, was elected to the APDT Board and is past President of that organization. She is also a member of the Pet Professional Guild.

In the fall of 2001, Miller and her 14-year-old Terrier mix, Josie, were one of the first 23 dog/owner teams in the world to earn a title in the then-newest canine sport, at the first sanctioned Rally Trials ever held, during the APDT annual conference in Ellenville, New York. Miller was one of the first 136 trainers to be awarded the title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) that fall, through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and has also received her CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant) through CCPDT, and served on that Board as well.

In the fall of 1999, Miller and her husband, Paul, relocated Peaceable Paws, LLC to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Where she helped create FOCAS - Friends of Chattanooga Animal Services - a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the work of the Chattanooga Animal Services Division. Also in Chattanooga, she opened the Peaceable Paws Intern Academy, which draws trainers from around the world. In cooperation with several other training professionals, she helped create TAPPT, the Tennessee Association of Positive Pet Trainers and MAAPPPT - the Mid-Atlantic Association of Positive Professional Pet Trainers. Miller also holds an Associate Degree in Administration of Justice, is a freelance writer and regular contributor to and Training Editor of The Whole Dog Journal. Her first book, 'The Power of Positive Dog Training' was published in August of 2001 by Howell Publishing and has been on Amazon.com's best-selling dog training book list since January of 2002. Her most recent book, 'Beware of the Dog (2016)' is a highly acclaimed work on canine aggression. In March of 2015 she was named by Dog Fancy Magazine as one of '45 People Who Have Changed the Dog World' and in October of 2018 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Miller and her husband moved to Fairplay, Maryland in the Spring of 2004 where they live on an 80-acre farm with their three dogs, four cats, three horses and a pot-bellied pig. Pat and Paul operate their Peaceable Paws dog-friendly training center and Peaceable Pastures horse boarding facility there. Pat offers group dog training classes, private behavior consults, training camps, seminars and workshops worldwide, expert witness services for animal-related legal cases, and is Director of the Peaceable Paws Trainer Academies and Training Programs.

Certifications: Certified Behavior Consultant, Canine (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

Services include:

• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: We offer small group classes as well as private training and behavior counselling. Our private behavior modification services incunlde but are not limited to aggression, anxiety, arousal, reactivity, fear-based behaviors, and more. We also offer 1- and 2-day workshops at our 80-acre Fairplay campus, and 6-day academies for trainers and would-be trainers.

Behavioral issue focus: We work with all behaviors - fear, aggression, anxiety, arousal, reactivity and more. All force-free, of course.

Training methods: All force-free - I was one of the early leaders in the force-free training world. We use treats and clickers or verbal markers to communicate with the dog that her behavior has just earned a treat. Behaviors that are reinforced are likely to be repeated. Our behavior work is also all force free - we use operant and classical conditinoing to change behavior and give the dog a new association with the things that are upsetting or arousing to her. Training plans are individualized to each client.

Why I became a dog trainer: I have worked with animals all my life. After 20 years at the Marin Humane Society I decided it was time to have an impact on animal lives from a new direction. When my wonderful dog Bonnie hid under our deck rather than train with me, I realized I needed to reconsider my training methods. At that time (late 1990's) I was using what I now call "old-fashioned" coercive methods. It was how everyone trained in those days. I learned about positive reinforcement-based training, became a "cross-over trainer" and never looked back. I then made it my mission to share this then-new, humane and effective approach to dog training with the rest of the world to help improve the quality of life for our canine companions.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing the relief on human faces when I tell them they don't have to hurt their dogs anymore.

My #1 dog training tip: You are your dog's advocate and guardian. Don't EVER let anyone do anything to her that feels wrong to you, or that you know will hurt her.

Service areas: All of the Mid-Atlantic Region - andwe are based in Washington County, MD. Students travel to us from long distances - trainers come to our academies from around the world.

Website: https://www.peaceablepaws.com

Kathy Forthman

I have over 15 years of professional dog training experience. I also have experience in corporate human resources and a masters and bachelors degree in Psychology.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, Certified Fear Free Trainer, Certified Family Dog Mediator

Services include:

• Puppy training

More info about service provided: I provide pet manners training via group classes and private training. Puppy through intermediate levels using positive reinforcement methods.

Behavioral issue focus: Fear, mild resource guarding, mild separation anxiety

Training methods: I work with the owners goals and the dogs abilities. My training classes are structured to cover real life, usable skills and are taught at the dogs pace in a positive way.

Why I became a dog trainer: I started out as a student with my own dog and became really interested in learning about how dogs learn and how to motivate them.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing the progress the dogs make over the course of a session, it is fun to watch.

My #1 dog training tip: See the dog in front of you and work with what you see

Service areas: I serve Harford county Maryland, Northern Baltimore County Maryland and South Eastern PA

Website: https://www.politepooches.com/

Rachel Drachman

I first started working at a dog daycare on a whim right after college. It was supposed to be a very temporary transitional job, but I absolutely loved learning about dog behavior. It wasn't until I got my corgi, Guster, that I really got into training.

I love working with him and teaching him new things. Our favorite thing to work on is trick training! Learning new tricks together solidified our relationship and taught me so much about how to communicate with him. He has made me a better trainer and challenges me to continue learning and practicing. I love teaching and working with owners to build a strong bond with their own dog and understand how to effectively communicate with them.

Certifications: CPDT-KA

Services include:

• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: I provide private sessions for puppy socialization and training, basic obedience, advanced obedience, and reactivity. I teach group classes for basic and advanced obedience as well as reactivity.

Behavioral issue focus: I often work with adolescent dogs on things like leash manners, impulse control, and general obedience. I also work quite a bit with reactivity in dogs.

Training methods: When working with clients I start by getting some background information on their dog including the behaviors they are seeing and what their goals are. From there we determine the root cause for any problem behaviors and work to address them. I demonstrate and coach owners through any necessary behavior modification and teach alternate behaviors so they can practice and reinforce any desired behaviors.

Why I became a dog trainer: I want to help people understand and communicate with their dog. Owning a dog should be fun for the human and the dog, not frustrating and difficult. I want to help owners be able to enjoy their dog, and help dogs live happy and fulfilled lives.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Many reactive dog clients come in for a session and are stressed and frustrated with their dog, understandably so. My favorite thing about training is working with people and helping to make them feel more comfortable and confident. I love when my clients feel that they understand their dog better and feel more confident and hopeful going forward with training.

My #1 dog training tip: Whatever gets reinforced gets repeated.

Service areas: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County

Kathy Forthman

I have over 15 years of professional dog training experience. I also have experience in corporate human resources and a masters and bachelors degree in Psychology.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, Certified Fear Free Trainer, Certified Family Dog Mediator

Services include:

• Puppy training

More info about service provided: I provide pet manners training via group classes and private training. Puppy through intermediate levels using positive reinforcement methods.

Behavioral issue focus: Fear, mild resource guarding, mild separation anxiety

Training methods: I work with the owners goals and the dogs abilities. My training classes are structured to cover real life, usable skills and are taught at the dogs pace in a positive way.

Why I became a dog trainer: I started out as a student with my own dog and became really interested in learning about how dogs learn and how to motivate them.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing the progress the dogs make over the course of a session, it is fun to watch.

My #1 dog training tip: See the dog in front of you and work with what you see

Service areas: I serve Harford county Maryland, Northern Baltimore County Maryland and South Eastern PA

Website: https://www.politepooches.com/

Arrow Weiser

I am Sparrow aka Arrow, and I am the lead trainer and one of the owners of WeiserWays. I am a dog reactivity specialist and educator and I love to spread the knowledge of positive reinforcement.

I am trans and use he/him pronouns, I am Queer and love serving the LGBTQIA+ community.

I have my undergrad in Psychology and my Masters Degree in Animal Behavior concentrated in dogs.

I focus my work on creating a space where dogs have a voice and are able to communicate freely without the fear of repercussions; while also giving humans an environment where they are able to learn without the pressure of having to be perfect, and instead being intentional, empathetic, and self-aware.

We believe that training is a collaborative approach, and use an anti-racist lens when working on training. This means we believe in being vulnerable, deconstructing perfectionism, training, and feelings; dismantling the dog/owner binary, and instead creating a space where you and your dog can learn how to love and communicate with one another authentically.

WeiserWays is a hybrid business, we train on zoom worldwide, as well as in person around the DMV area.

Certifications: B.S. Psychology
MSC Animal Behavior

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training

More info about service provided: WeiserWays is a hybrid business (virtual and in person) and focuses on dog reactivity and aggression.

Our training is based in teaching the dog how to make decisions that are rewarding and enriching for both the dog and the human. In order for us to do this management is out in place to ensure that we are setting the dog up for success.

We use some cues in training, but mainly focus on teaching the dog how to make decisions on their own by giving the dog choices.

We do this so the dog learns how to make decisions and problem solve on their own instead of always waiting for the human to give them a cue.

This allows the dog to have more freedom of movement, freedom of choice.

Behavioral issue focus: I work with dogs that are lead reactive to other dogs, humans and other animals, dogs that guard their house, family, or barriers, muzzle training, dogs that are escape artists, and dogs that have bite records that need some extra TLC

Training methods: My training begins with a 90 minute virtual consultation that is all education based. This goes over the canine ladder of aggression, dog behavior postures and body language, WeiserWays definitions, dogs hierarchy of needs, how to fill your dogs cup up, the hierarchy of dog training, what Positive Reinforcement is and how to make it a lifestyle, the wheel of emotions, stages of competence, and a basic emotions print out.

Once we finish the consultation there is a one week observation period where the dog guardian uses the education from the consultation to observe their dog and better understand their stress signals, patterns of reactivity, takes the dog to the vet, changes the environment if needed, and fills out a daily observation log.

Once the observation period is over we begin training. The human tells me what they observed in their dog, this allows the human to be kore aware of the dogs emotions and better advocate for them.

Once we begin training I have a training plan for the dog and guardian that is unique to their training needs. This plan covers the expected duration of training, exercises we will be workin on, homework, a training log for the human to fill out daily, and a training portal to upload videos, take notes, see their homework, and ask questions.

I see my clients once a week and depending on the severity of the dogs Reactivity, and if the human is doing the homework outside of training sessions we work together anywhere from one month to two years.

My training is founded in Positive Reinforcement and anti racist practices. This means we don't believe in punishment, and we dismantle the dog-owner binary. Words matter in my training, and the way we work with dogs is always collaborative and curious.

Why I became a dog trainer: I became a dog trainer because I was adopted and a reactive kid when I was younger and I felt that no one understood me. It wasn't until I worked with a therapist that used her dog in our sessions that I felt more understood and comfortable. Because of my reactive past I understand reactive dogs on a different level and want to give back what they gave to me.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Teaching people the beauty of being vulnerable with their dogs, and giving dogs a space where they can be their authentic self without judgement.

My #1 dog training tip: Become more self aware of your emotions so you are able to recognize how you are feeling, this way you will not react to your dogs reactions, and you will create more space for yourself to recharge.

Service areas: I work mainly in Baltimore and Washington DC covering Baltimore city, Baltimore Country, Prince George's county, Bethesda

I cover all of DC and am often working with clients in Capital Hill, Columbia Heights, pleasant Plains, Silver Springs, Brightwood Park, Brentwood

Website: https://weiserwaystraining.com

Hannah Sigel

Recent transplant from Boston, MA! I am looking forward to growing with the Baltimore dog community! My name is Hannah Sigel (she/they), I work with humans and their dogs to develop better communication to teach desired behaviors and relieve frustration & unwanted behaviors.

Certifications: IAABC-ADT, AKC CGC Evaluator, Fear Free Shelters, PFA, First Aid

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Offering both in home one-on-one personalized sessions and group training classes. Training can be online or in-person. Included when purchasing a package is unlimited text/call support between sessions. Payment plans and sliding scale available. Check out @BaltimoreK9Tutors on Instagram for more details!

Behavioral issue focus: Fear, anxiety, stress, reactivity, aggression, sensitivities, foundational skills and manners.

Training methods: Effective, ethical, dog training based in science. Consistent and positive dog training builds trust and confidence between dog and human. From puppies to seniors, positive dog training promotes overall well-being through strengthening social, mental and physical health.

Why I became a dog trainer: As soon as I was able to read, I always had a dog encyclopedia in my hand. At 11 years old, I began apprenticing with K9 Tutors and had my own clients by the time I was 15. It was a huge help to my mental health and relationships. Now skip ahead an 'unrelated' college degree and several careers later (one of which was a music early childhood teacher and community choir, where I became a certified yoga teacher and social-emotional learning facilitator, as well as Psychology first aid/post-traumatic stress management certification among other trainings which helped me practice intentionality and inclusivity. Then boom, the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others I took the leap and quit (or put in a month notice) and created Boston k9 Tutors, now Baltimore k9 Tutors. I still am very much that little kid with the dog encyclopedia in my hand. I find myself always learning and doing my best to stay up to date with the most current scientific consensus in order to use the least intrusive minimally aversive strategies when training and creating behavior modification plans. Long story short, I enjoy dogs, dog behavior, humans, collaboration and behavior modification.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Watching relationships develop, communication improve, being able to be learner focused and of course, dogs!

My #1 dog training tip: Measure your dog's food out for the day, use 1/3 in the bowl, 1/3 for training and 1/3 for enrichment.

Service areas: Baltimore City, Hampden, Charles Village, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Canton, Inner Harbor, Townson, Mt Washington, Ruxton, Guilford

Website: https://baltimorek9tutors.com

Liz Catalano

Liz has extensive experience teaching and developing specialty classes, including dog-to dog aggression classes and has created varied classroom curriculum to train dogs to all levels of performance. In addition to training dogs and their people, Liz has also mentored and provided instruction to trainers on learning theory, ethology, instruction skills, classroom management, and dog handling as part of a nationally recognized accreditation program.

Dedicated to continuing education, Liz routinely attends seminars, intensive study programs and operant conditioning workshops to enhance her knowledge and increase her skill. She has been mentored by the internationally known trainer Bob Bailey and was privileged and honored to have co-taught two seminars with him in 2017: Effective Coaching for People and Dogs, and Training Dogs and People Efficiently.

Liz is a regular contributing writer to Maryland Dog Magazine. She has also been published in APDT's Chronicle of the Dog, a peer-review journal on the special considerations in training a deaf dog,'Pet Parent' Magazine, and appeared on NJ's local Channel 12's 'Pet Stop'. Liz was a featured speaker at the 2011 Hunter College Psychology Symposium and at the 2012 International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Educational Conference.

Liz's own dogs are trained as a classroom demonstration dogs, are Certified Therapy Dogs, have earned titles in agility and obedience, Nosework and have even 'played' with sheepherding. Her dogs have appeared in books, calendars, commercials, fundraising campaigns and nationally-released training videos. When not training dogs, Liz works on her book and is an amateur artist and photographer. She has enjoyed the company of multiple canine companions for many years and currently shares her life with her husband and their three deaf Australian Shepherds.

Liz is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) and an AKC Evaluator. Liz holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Management and a Graduate Certificate in The Advanced Psychology of Animal Behavior and Conservation from CUNY's Hunter College.

Certifications: CPDT, CDBC, CTDI

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: Liz teaches all levels of pet training classes from puppy kindergarten to advanced off-leash. She also teaches classes for reactive dogs, along with tricks and Rally. She offers behavior consultations for problems behaviors and works with Veterinarians and Veterinary Behaviorists. She owns The Coventry School, Howard County's premier dog training facility, which offers training, day camp, grooming, and boarding.

Behavioral issue focus: Liz specializes in behavior modification for anxiety, compulsive behaviors, fear and aggression.

Training methods: Using positive reinforcement methods, Liz develops training plans in conjunction with behavior consultations.

Why I became a dog trainer: Training dogs is my passion.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Watching dogs understand what I am asking them to do.

My #1 dog training tip: Don't talk so much!

Service areas: Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Frederick

Website: https://www.thecoventryschool.com

Bethany Poese

Hello! I'm Bethany (she/her). I have been training professionally for 7 years, and started my own training business in 2022. I share my life with a nearly 12 year old pit bull, named Juno, who is responsible for introducing me to the world of R+ training for reactivity, and a 7 year old cocker spaniel mix, Maxwell, who has given me more empathy for those living with 'difficult' dog than I really wanted to have!

A proud crazy cat lady, I also have 3 cats, and shhh - I'd sooner go without dogs than cats. (Gasp!) I am an avid and obsessive reader, and an absolute sucker for medical/crime dramas on TV.

Certifications: KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Puppy, Adolescent Manners, and Reactive Dog group classes, as well as private training for everything from new puppies to intra-household aggression. Day Training is available for puppies, basic manners, and reactivity.

Behavioral issue focus: I love working with reactive (barky/lungey) dogs and their families, but also work with intra-household issues, resource guarding, overarousal related behaviors, fear, and general anxiety.

Training methods: I follow a LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) framework for my training, and really focus on doing my best to set the human half of the equation up for success as much as possible. All of my private clients start with an initial consultation - generally held via Zoom - so we can get down to the nitty-gritty of the trouble they're having. After a consult, clients receive a written report going over plans for management, exercise, enrichment, and a basic overview of our training goals. After each lesson, clients receive an email with instructions for the week! And yes - I encourage folks to email and text with questions, videos, brags, concerns, cute pictures, whatever. I'm always happy to hear from you!

Why I became a dog trainer: Juno, my 12 y/o pit bull, was a leash reactive adolescent - and her rescue recommended I work with a force based trainer. When her reactivity didn't improve, and more harsh corrections were 'required', I started looking elsewhere.

Helping people, and helping animals, has always been my calling - childhood career goals included sea lion trainer, animal assisted therapist, art therapist, & equine assisted therapist - so settling in to dog training was a natural progression.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing that lightbulb moment - for both dogs and humans! It's an addicting feeling! I also love the look of relief on an owner's face when I tell them they can comfort their dogs when they are scared, that we can be kind and still train effectively.

My #1 dog training tip: When in doubt, throw some cookies at it.

Service areas: Frederick & Carroll counties, as well as parts of Montgomery and Howard!

Website: https://dogearedtraining.com

Rachel Lachow

I have a degree in biology and post-graduate work in zoology. I have been a professional dog trainer for 30 years. I compete with my own dogs in agility, obedience, rally and conformation.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, AKC Good Citizen/Trick Dog Evaluator

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: I provide in-home training for all behavioral issues and for beginning sports dog training. I also offer short-term board and train as well as on-line classes and private sessions.

Behavioral issue focus: Housetraining, puppy and adult house manners, separation anxiety, aggression to dogs and humans, socialization skills and reactivity.

Training methods: I do force-free training based on scientific principles of how dogs learn. I use a clicker paired with rewards as well as real-life rewards. Clients are coached through training their dog and given extensive notes.

Why I became a dog trainer: It was a hobby that became a profession.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping people understand their dogs and create a loving partnership with them based on mutual trust and respect.

My #1 dog training tip: Reward the behaviors you love.

Service areas: Reisterstown, Finksburg, Westminster, Owings Mills, Pikesville, Towson, Baltimore City, Catonsville, Timonium, Hunt Valley

Website: https://www.positivelyobedient.com

Deborah Byloff

Deb Byloff has been blessed by dogs choosing to be in her life since she was very young. She spent her growing-up years searching for ways to help her own dogs by identifying and solving their problems and helping them enjoy life by playing games with them and teaching them behaviors. Her interest and passion have only grown since then, and she has been helping others do the same for their dogs for many years.

Through the years, Deb has made it a mission to expand her knowledge by attending as many live and virtual training seminars as possible. Among those from whom she has learned are John Rogerson and Jeannine Rash of Papillonia Dog Training Academy, and she also attended consultations by behaviorist Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws.

Deb has been professionally training dogs since 2000. From 2006 to the present, she has been instructing at Papillonia Dog Training Academy where she teaches Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizen, Rally Obedience, Tricks, and Canine Musical Freestyle. Deb has been teaching freestyle since 2003, has formed a freestyle club, and hosts annual competitions since 2003.

In 2006 she started a program at the York SPCA where she guided a team of trainers to identity and solve problems that the shelter dogs had to make them more adoptable. The SPCA dog walkers were interested in the program and joined the project. The team's primary goal was to help the shelter dogs be more stable with a secondary goal of teaching them the elements of the AKC CGC. Once the team's training card was placed on a shelter dog's cage, the canine was in demand and usually found a home before the team could CGC them. Deb also hosted monthly live seminars that were open to the public to solve dog problems and keep them in their homes. Both live programs at the SPCA ended in 2020. Deb co-hosted virtual seminars in 2021 and now co-writes bi-monthly articles for the SPCA newsletter.

Deb has honed her skills of identifying and solving dog problems, but she feels that the most important thing she has realized is that both dogs and people learn in a variety of ways. She is adept at finding individual teaching methods for people who seek her help. Because she tailors her methods for each client and each dog, Deb's students go home with practical guidelines for training their dogs in their everyday lives. Her training motto is 'I can't make any dog do anything, but I can make them want to do it'.

Deb is not a person who craves the spotlight but is honored that she must have made a difference in someone's life that they nominated her. She will return that honor by participating in this program but feels the most important aspect of the program is to put positive training in the spotlight so that people having problems with their dogs or who want to train them a skill will know where to seek help.

Services include:

• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizen, Rally Obedience, Tricks, and Canine Musical Freestyle

Behavioral issue focus: Dogs that have fear and anxiety

Training methods: Group classes and private lessons available

Why I became a dog trainer: I have been training dogs since childhood

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping the dog and owner understand each other.

My #1 dog training tip: Love and treasure the dog that you have

Service areas: Red Lion PA and surrounding areas

Jen Boyd-Morin

Jen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and obtained her Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT1) status as a top-scoring graduate of her Peaceable Paws Academies.

Jen has also completed multiple intensive Operant Conditioning Workshops led by world-renowned animal trainer Bob Bailey, where she fine-tuned her hands on skills while training chickens.

Jen is committed to training and caring for animals without fear, anxiety, stress, or pain. She is the only boarding facility owner in her area to hold a Fear Free Boarding and Daycare Certification, and she is in the process of obtaining her Fear Free Trainer Certification as well.

Prior to starting Play & Train Dog Behavior, LLC, Jen worked for The Coventry School for Dogs & Their People, Inc. and was heavily involved in working with several local organizations, including Greyhound Welfare, Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW), and Prince George's County Animal Services. When she's not training, Jen can be found working in her garden or hiking, playing, & training with her 'Kentucky mutt' Skye.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, PMCT1, FFCP

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Play & Train Dog Behavior offers services for puppies, including Puppy Explorer Camp (in-home boarding for puppies ages 10 weeks to 5 months), group classes, and play groups, with an emphasis on socialization, fear free protocols for handling and veterinary care, and enrichment. We also offer reward-based private training, behavior & aggression consultations, and group classes for adult & adolescent dogs. Our training utilizes humane and effective training methods, along with a bit of humor to help pet owners achieve their training goals. Our goal is to communicate clearly and effectively with you, as well as to teach you to communicate clearly and effectively with your dog, always through a lens of empathy and compassion. We look forward to being a part of your journey with your canine companion!

Behavioral issue focus: We offer behavior consultations for dogs exhibiting noise sensitivity, fear, anxiety, compulsive behaviors, overarousal, predatory behavior, reactivity, and aggression.

Training methods: Our Training Philosophy is...Training inspired by kindness:
Behavior change can be accomplished efficiently without the use of fear, pain, force, or intimidation. Therefore, we will never ask you to hurt or scare your dog. Instead, we coach you to: reward desirable behaviors to increase their likelihood in the future make adjustments to the environment to increase your dog's chances of making desirable choices address fear, aggression, and other behavior issues by changing your dog's associations and emotional state from negative to positive.

We also collaborate with veterinary professionals to address contributing medical factors.

Training informed by science: We are committed to using the most up-to-date, evidence-based training and behavior modification techniques. In order to stay informed, we regularly take professional courses, attend conferences & seminars, and read recently published literature.

Training designed to be fun: Training dogs (and their owners) brings us joy! We want training your dog to bring you both joy as well. Focusing on ‚'real life' skills rather than traditional obedience cues, meeting your dog's needs through play and games, and offering your dog choices when it's safe to do so will keep training enjoyable and lead to a rewarding life with your dog!

Why I became a dog trainer: I started learning about animal behavior & training when I was fostering retired racing greyhounds and just fell in love. It was a natural progression from seeking out more knowledge and using it to help the dogs I was fostering to wanting to be able to help owners with their companion dogs.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love helping people better understand their dogs and to see that much of the behavior we may find frustrating or difficult to live with is understandable when we look at it from the dog's perspective. And of course that we can also modify that behavior to make living together more enjoyable.

My #1 dog training tip: If you find yourself struggling with something your dog is doing, try to find a way to minimize the possibility that the behavior can happen, and then seek out help from a professional to modify the undesirable behavior.

Service areas: Serving Laurel, MD and surrounding areas

Website: https://www.playandtraindogs.com

Amie Glasgow

Respected by professionals in all walks of animal welfare, Amie often garners professional referrals from other trainers, veterinarians and vet staff, and animal control officers, as someone they can trust to give educated, fair, and humane advice to their friends, family, and clients.She has a special place in her heart for fearful and reactive dogs, but finds behavior fascinating and loves the 'human enrichment' she finds teaching scent games. She truly enjoys working with the wide range of issues her clients bring.

Certifications: CDBC, IAABC-ADT, FDM, CSAT, CCUI, FSG-1

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training

Website: https://oscarwinningbehavior.com/

E. Foley

FoleysDogTraining.com provides beginner-friendly instruction in agility and rally obedience.

Certifications: CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Agility training

Service areas: Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County, Silver Spring

Website: https://foleysdogtraining.com

Rachel Ash

A graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers and certified professional dog trainer, Rachel discovered her passion for working with reactive dogs while on a journey to help her fearful pup, Maya.

After being re-homed multiple times at an early age, Maya became profoundly fearful. By the time Rachel fostered her, she knew Maya would not be able to handle another re-homing. The environmental changes were too overwhelming — the once playful and relaxed puppy was now growling, lunging, and barking at both strangers and dogs.

Rachel decided to adopt Maya and embark on a journey to teach Maya to feel safe in the human world. Fear and aggression are challenging problems that require well-planned interventions by an experienced trainer. For these reasons, Rachel focused her education and practice on preventing and treating fear and aggression in our canine companions.

Rachel also worked as an instructor for the Maryland SPCA, teaching reactive rover classes, private lessons, and puppy socials. Her commitment to combating animal surrenders to shelters goes one step further by providing services to her puppy clients to prevent fear and aggression via adequate socialization and aggression-prevention exercises.

Rachel's life with Maya has given her a unique insight into the challenges that come with living day in and day out with a fearful, reactive dog. This experience has better equipped her to help her clients and their dogs live happier lives and has made her the perfect choice for a fear and reactivity trainer.

Certifications: Certified Trainer Consultant (CTC), CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: We provide simple solutions for complex behavioral challenges. We specialize in the prevention (puppies) and treating fear, aggression, and reactivity in our companion dogs using humane, force-free methods.

Behavioral issue focus: Puppy training, on-leash reactivity, aggression towards unfamiliar people, resource guarding, and fear-based challenges.

Training methods: It starts with a 120-minute online consultation followed by behavior-focused in-person sessions.

Service areas: Baltimore City and County: Perry Hall, White Marsh, Kingsville, Parkville, Overlea, Towson, Lutherville, Timonium, Cockeysville, South Bel Air.

Website: https://www.pawbehaviorsolutions.com

Beth Joy

Beth began her dog training journey over 12 years ago, apprenticing and interning for Pat Miller, eventually becoming a Pat Miller certified trainer, and leading training classes for her.
Beth's specialty is Reactive Dogs and holds reactive
dog classes as well as does in-home training for
behavior modification as well as for basic skills.
Beth continuously attends educational seminars
and workshops to broaden her scope of knowledge
in the field of dog behavior and training.

She also serves as an on-call dog trainer and
assessor for various animal rescue organizations.

At home, Beth lives with her husband, her Border Collie, Belle, Noodle the cat,
and small breed mix rescue, Leo.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, PMCT

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: In-home private training for puppies or adult dogs. Basic Good Manners. Reactive Dog Training. Training for Aggression, Fear and Anxiety. Day Training.

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, Aggression, Fear, Anxiety, Resource Guarding

Training methods: Purely Positive, Force Free Training.

Why I became a dog trainer: I love working with people and dogs. I love being able to figure out why a dog does something and how to work with it.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping people be able to have a better relationship with their dog.

My #1 dog training tip: Socialization: Take your puppy everywhere and make sure you take chicken with you to treat any time they seem worried about something. Making sure that you don't overreact when/if they overreact.

Service areas: Frederick County, Carroll County, Howard County, Baltimore County and Montgomery County, Maryland

Website: https://www.unleashedjoy.com

Amanda Fuller

I have been involved in agility for 12 years and love helping new teams get into the sport!
I also specialize in deaf/blind dogs.

Certifications: Kpa-ctp, FFCP

Services include:

• Deaf dog training
• Agility training

More info about service provided: Agility training, deaf/blind dog training

Why I became a dog trainer: Because of my deaf dog Keller. She pushed me to learn more and other ways to communicate

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping people bond with their dogs

My #1 dog training tip: Have fun with your dog!

Service areas: Baltimore, Harford, Cecil County

Susan Aceti

For 15 years, I shared my life with Molly, a black lab mix. She was my first dog and I adopted her at six months from a local animal shelter. I knew her history - that she had been locked in a basement for the first six months of her life, but I didn't know how much it would affect her. I didn't know that she would react to any new dog or person with a scary display of hostility.

You can see more of Molly's story here. I learned how to work with her to develop a calm response to the things that scared her and she lived a wonderful life with a few human and dog friends. Molly died in 2017 and I still miss her. But I decided to put off getting another dog and started a dog boarding business in 2018. Not having a dog of my own, I figured I could provide a place for owners whose challenging dogs couldn't be around other dogs.

Soon I found myself constantly turning down requests for bookings because the nature of challenging dogs inherently limited what I could do. Usually, I could only take one dog at a time (unless they already lived in the same household). Out of this came the idea for Challenging Dogs Boarding and Daycare to increase my capacity by contracting with a small pool of other sitters who would follow the same stringent guidelines I do: carefully helping fearful dogs in a positive, safe way and ensuring a comfortable safe space for them.

Services include:

• Board and train

Website: https://challengingdogs.com/

Susan Aceti

For 15 years, I shared my life with Molly, a black lab mix. She was my first dog and I adopted her at six months from a local animal shelter. I knew her history - that she had been locked in a basement for the first six months of her life, but I didn't know how much it would affect her. I didn't know that she would react to any new dog or person with a scary display of hostility.

You can see more of Molly's story here. I learned how to work with her to develop a calm response to the things that scared her and she lived a wonderful life with a few human and dog friends. Molly died in 2017 and I still miss her. But I decided to put off getting another dog and started a dog boarding business in 2018. Not having a dog of my own, I figured I could provide a place for owners whose challenging dogs couldn't be around other dogs.

Soon I found myself constantly turning down requests for bookings because the nature of challenging dogs inherently limited what I could do. Usually, I could only take one dog at a time (unless they already lived in the same household). Out of this came the idea for Challenging Dogs Boarding and Daycare to increase my capacity by contracting with a small pool of other sitters who would follow the same stringent guidelines I do: carefully helping fearful dogs in a positive, safe way and ensuring a comfortable safe space for them.

Services include:

• Board and train

Website: https://challengingdogs.com/

Clare Owings

With over 20 years experience breeding, competing and training dogs. I have competed in obedience, rally, scent work, barn hunt, and tracking. My love for learning more about the K9 and what makes them tick has taken me from coast to coast to across the pond.Continuing education in reactivity, shaping, separation anxiety, tricks and games based training. I enjoy helping pet parents bring the brilliance out in their dogs for years to come.

Services include:

• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Service dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Obedience, Rally, Scent Work Training, Puppy Training, Adolescent Dog Training, Work with Rescue Dogs, Training Classes and Private In-Home Lessons

Behavioral issue focus: Behavioral issues include - Resource Guarding, Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Reactivity

Training methods: Reinforcement based trainer, behavioral consultations, training plans for competition, adolescent, puppy and rescue dogs.

Why I became a dog trainer: To help others bring see the true potential in their dogs.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: The success stories that I hear from my students and learning new things in the K9 arena.

My #1 dog training tip: Short, fun training sessions that keep your dog wanting more.

Service areas: Harford, Cecil, Howard and Baltimore Counties

Website: https://k9cdt.com

Becky Causey

32 years training experience, competition obedience titles, professional service dog trainer

Services include:

• Board and train
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Service dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: pain free, force free, positive trainer for private in home obedience, AKC evaluator, service dog training, board and train

Behavioral issue focus: puppy training, basic and advanced obedience, leash manners, AKC CGC

Training methods: evaluations of behavior and environment and positive reinforcement training to resolve behaviors with comprehensive approach

Why I became a dog trainer: To help families and their dogs to live happily together

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love helping people understand their dogs' behavior and how to help achieve the training to create the family pet they want

My #1 dog training tip: Pay attention and reward good choices!

Service areas: Jefferson and Berkeley Co WV, Frederick, Washington and Montogomery CO MD, Winchester and Loudoun CO VA

Website: https://www.CauseyLabradorsandTraining.com

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Sniffspot Baltimore Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Baltimore dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Baltimore as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.

How can I get in touch with dog trainers?

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

Are these Baltimore dog trainers certified professionals?

Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.

What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in Baltimore?

Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.

What methods are used in the dog training sessions?

There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the Baltimore trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.

Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?

Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.

Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?

Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.

How much does dog training in Baltimore cost?

Baltimore dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

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

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Baltimore you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

How much do dog trainers make in Baltimore?

Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in Maryland was $36,973 per year and $17.78 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Maryland Cities

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

Frederick, MD
Salisbury, MD

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near Maryland

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

Pennsylvania
Virginia