Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Dog Trainers in Iowa of 2024

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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

  • Marie Appel Photo

    Marie Appel

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

    Serving Cedar, Scott, Jackson, Jones, Linn and Benton Counties

    I started training my own dogs in 4H in 1997 and started professionally training in 2016. I also run a dog swimming pool and breed and train dogs for detection work.


  • Clint Knox Photo

    Clint Knox

    Animal Behavior College Graduate

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

    Greater Des Moines Area

    I started my dog training career after graduating from Animal Behavior College in 2009. I opened Knox Canine Training in 2017 and we now have 6 employees


  • Janee Wise Photo

    Janee Wise

    Bachelors, masters, CPDT-KA

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

    Des Moines, IA area

    My name is Janee Wise-Jansen and I am a dog trainer/educator. My goal as a trainer is to create clearer communication between my clients and their dogs. I have a bachelors in Animal Science and a masters in Animal Behavior and Conservation. I also have 2 wonderful Golden Retrievers.


  • Jenn Hirakawa Photo

    Jenn Hirakawa

    CPDT, AERIE, NNCDS, IAABC, APDT

    Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog training

    Winterset, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa

    N/A


  • Sheila Williams Photo

    Sheila Williams

    CPDT-KA

    Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training

    Greater Des Moines Metro

    Sheila is certified and knowledge assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

    Sheila has 20 years of experience working with dogs in different capacities including rescue, daycare, rehabilitation, group classes, and private training.

    Sheila regularly attends training seminars and conferences to stay current on the latest practices, methods, and e...


  • Laura Amick Photo

    Laura Amick

    Agility training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    An avid equestrian in her youth, Laura competed in the dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines through college. Her knowledge of equine body language & solid training techniques helped in starting young horses from the racetrack under saddle for pleasure riding. After an automobile accident left her horse training passions by the wayside, she was introduced to the Great Dane; a horse among dogs!...


  • Ankeny Avenue Photo

    Ankeny Avenue

    In home training

    Ankeny Bark Avenue, Bark Avenue West, and Waukee Bark Avenue are resort-style vacation facilities for dogs, providing dog boarding and dog daycare and combining homelike amenities with recreational, safe activity. Our inviting facilities feature clean, secure, and fun-filled environments exceeding pet care industry standards. Our well trained and dog-loving staff provide the highest levels of c...


  • Emily Blythe Photo

    Emily Blythe

    Aggressive dog training, Herding training

    Homeward Bound Behavior and Training, LLC is owned by Emily Blythe. Emily has over 15 years of experience helping families and pets in need. She got her start in Nebraska, moved to Iowa, and now her journey has brought her to Wisconsin!

    She has extensive experience working in animal shelters and veterinary clinics. She specializes in feline, canine, and avian behavior and implements ...


  • Nick Bochner Photo

    Nick Bochner

    Puppy training, In home training

    Nick Bochner has always loved dogs. He began his dog training career in 2019 when he started working as a dog trainer’s apprentice at a local training facility.

    Nick’s favorite part of training is helping families integrate dog’s into their lifestyle. He loves to work with puppies and help their owners set them up for success! From potty training and crate training to socializati...


  • Natalie Caldwell Photo

    Natalie Caldwell

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

    Natalie Caldwell has been a part of the Knox Canine Training since the Fall 2018.

    Natalie adopted her boy, Rogue, a German Shorthair Pointer, in June 2015. Soon she had a mess with inconsistent handling, trainers wanting to utilize training techniques Natalie was not comfortable with using. When Clint Knox began Knox Canine Training, Natalie was one of the first in line. It wasn’t l...


  • Kimberly Cameron Photo

    Kimberly Cameron

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

    I have always had a passion for animals and have groomed dogs since 2007. I became passionate about dog training while actually training my own dog to be a service dog. Since then I have gone to dog training school through catch academy and received my certification. I hold a certification as a CCDT and am working towards my IACP certification. I am attending the master aggression course with w...


  • Leah Carlson Photo

    Leah Carlson

    Agility training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    I spent years immersed in the world of dogs, initially through roles in boarding/daycare facilities and grooming salons. Working closely with these animals ignited a deep passion within me. However, it was a chance encounter with a female boxer mix named Genie, found wandering the streets of my neighborhood, that truly propelled me towards becoming a trainer.

    Taking Genie into my care,...


  • Christine Fox Photo

    Christine Fox

    Puppy training

    Christine Fox, CPDT-KA, began her career in dog training in 1989, researching both dog behavior and canine communication with professional behaviorists from all over the world. Throughout her career, she has helped thousands of dogs and pet parents as well as met some of the industry leaders including, Patricia McConnell, Kyra Sundance, Victoria Stilwell of It’s Me or The Dog, and Dr. Ian Dun...


  • Cannady Fritzjunker Photo

    Cannady Fritzjunker

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

    Cannady has worked as a social worker for 25 years serving the families of Des Moines, focusing her work on people with disabilities, community support programs, counseling, and managing teams. She earned a BS in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Iowa State. She has a passion for service-based programs and has realized the impact a service dog can have on someone needing to re-engage in his o...


  • Janis Gandy Photo

    Janis Gandy

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

    Janis joined Knox Canine Training in July 2020. She is on the board at Iowa Weimaraner Rescue and has been a big supporter of Knox Canine Training since the beginning. Accounting is her full time day job but her home life is dogs. Janis currently has 3 resident Weims and 2 fosters. They have fostered about 30 Weims through IWR. All ages, all personality types. Janis works hard to have good pack...


  • Michelle Hoile Photo

    Michelle Hoile

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

    Michelle began her dog training passion in 2013 after adopting two bully mix dogs, Joe and Nina, from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. She is a graduate of Iowa State University and was an educator for many years, but became even more passionate about learning all she could about science driven learning for dogs and their human companions. Beginning in 2014, she began teaching dog and puppy c...


  • Clint Knox Photo

    Clint Knox

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

    Clint Knox began his dog training career in 2006 after getting two American Bulldog puppies, Vega and Cash. A graduate of Animal Behavior College and an ABC Certified Dog Trainer, Clint has taught both private and group training classes using positive reinforcement training to help thousands of dogs and owners solve their behavioral problems. In 2017, Clint launched Knox Canine Training to focu...


  • Holly Leas Photo

    Holly Leas

    Agility training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    A Guinness World Record title holder, Holly, has trained and shown dogs in 40 countries on 5 continents for 37 years. Leas is an Expert trainer, Behaviorist, and Professional Handler who specializes training All Breeds of Dogs in Obedience, Conformation, Therapy, Service, & Canine Good Citizen curriculums with the family business, All Breed Dog Obedience, for over 70 years.

    Holly Leas ...


  • Sharon Leas Photo

    Sharon Leas

    Agility training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Sharon has trained dogs as part of All Breed Dog Obedience for over fifty years. Her husband Neal D. Leas originated program and she has been an integral part of the Leas lineage, Lutzhaus Kennels. She has owned and shown German Shepherds on 4 continents with F.C.I. International 4 Continent 10 Champion Clayfield's Mon Ami, who was inducted into the Guinness World Record Book in 1988 as “Grea...


  • Em Muench Photo

    Em Muench

    Puppy training, In home training

    Em Muench is a dog lover who began her dog training journey in 2019. She fell in love with learning how to understand and better communicate with dogs while training service dogs for a local nonprofit.

    Em’s passion lies in helping owners enjoy life with their dog. She finds it extremely rewarding to see the transformation that takes place not only with the dog, but with the owner, as...


The Best Davenport, IA Dog Trainers In 2024

  • Marie Appel Photo

    Marie Appel

    I started training my own dogs in 4H in 1997 and started professionally training in 2016. I also run a dog swimming pool and breed and train dogs for detection work.

    View profile

The Best Des Moines, IA Dog Trainers In 2024

  • Clint Knox Photo

    Clint Knox

    I started my dog training career after graduating from Animal Behavior College in 2009. I opened Knox Canine Training in 2017 and we now have 6 employees

    View profile

  • Sheila Williams Photo

    Sheila Williams

    Sheila is certified and knowledge assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

    Sheila has 20 years of experience working with dogs in different capacities including rescue, daycare, rehabilitation, group classes, and private training.

    Sheila regularly attends training seminars and conferences to stay current on the latest practices, methods, and e...

    View profile

  • Laura Amick Photo

    Laura Amick

    An avid equestrian in her youth, Laura competed in the dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines through college. Her knowledge of equine body language & solid training techniques helped in starting young horses from the racetrack under saddle for pleasure riding. After an automobile accident left her horse training passions by the wayside, she was introduced to the Great Dane; a horse among dogs!...

    View profile


Welcome to Iowa’s list of top dog trainers. The Iowa list is based on 90 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Iowa dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Marie Appel at the top of this list with 36 votes.

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

Iowa dog trainer services include:

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

Dog trainers in Iowa selflessly set pets up for success. Marie Appel shares why they chose this path: To help people and dogs have a great relationship with clear communication.. All 25 trainers on this Iowa list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Iowa trainer, Clint Knox, uses the following methods: We are positive reinforcement trainers utilizing clickers.

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

Sniffspot Dog running on field

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

See The Best Dog Trainers By City In Iowa


FAQ: Meet the Top Puppy dog training Dog Trainers in Iowa

Who are the top Puppy dog training dog trainers in Iowa?

Our top-rated trainer, Marie Appel, has earned 36 votes for their outstanding work in Service dog training. Alongside them, Clint Knox and Janee Wise have also made a significant impact amongst Iowa pets.

What motivates Iowa dog trainers?

Marie Appel became a dog trainer because To help people and dogs have a great relationship with clear communication./. Similarly, Clint Knox and Janee Wise have unique motivations, with 2009 andTo teach dog guardians how to better interact with and meet their dog's needs. driving their passion.

What is Marie Appel biggest tip?

For Marie Appel, the best tip is to: Work to build a great relationship with your dog and everything else will fall into place..

What do Iowa trainers love most about their work?

Marie Appel finds the greatest joy in Seeing clients over their challenges to have that dog they really wanted., while Clint Knox and Janee Wise cherish I love helping people understand their dogs, and I love helping people understand their dogs, respectively.

How do you become a certified trainer in Iowa?

All the top trainers in Iowa have earned certifications like , demonstrating their expertise in Puppy dog training, 3295, Reactive dog training, 2480, In home dog training, 1728, Off leash dog training, 981, Aggressive dog training, 836, Deaf dog training, 510, Service dog training, 256, Board and train dog training, 185, Agility dog training, 144 and beyond.

Why are these certifications crucial in Iowa?

Qualifications like CPDT-KA ensure that each trainer is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address a wide range of behavioral issues, from Service dog training to Aggressive dog training.

How do their methods differ?

Iowa’s Marie Appel describes their method as: Group training plans focus on the AKC STAR Puppy test and CGC. Individual plans are customized to meet client needs.. Meanwhile, Clint Knox says: We are positive reinforcement trainers utilizing clickers. As you can see, there are diverse approaches to Service dog training in Iowa.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks thumbnailThe Best San Diego, California Dog Parks
Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnailBikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started
Explore the Miniature Poodle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Miniature Poodle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks thumbnailThe Best San Diego, California Dog Parks
The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best San Diego, California Dog Parks

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnailBikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started
Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnail

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started

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

Explore the Miniature Poodle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Meet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners thumbnailMeet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners
Meet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners thumbnail

Meet the Jack Russell Terrier: Advice from Real Owners

Explore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners thumbnailExplore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners
Explore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners thumbnail

Explore the Dalmatian: Genuine Tips from Real-World Owners

Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners thumbnailMeet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners
Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners thumbnail

Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

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

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

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

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.

  • 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 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.

  • 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 breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.

  • 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, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.