The Best Dog Trainers in New Orleans, LA of 2023

Welcome to the New Orleans, LA Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in New Orleans 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 Louisiana 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 New Orleans, LA Dog Trainers in 2023

Cynthia Stone

Cynthia Stone, CPDT-KA has been working with dogs for 20+ years. She started with training both her and friends dogs, went on to working with various rescues, and then opened her own business. She has used her innate skills as an instructor to benefit not just the human-canine world, but also to serve as an instructor for Red Cross and PetTech, both human and canine CPR and First Aid.

Cynthia is a Certified Profession Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, a member of Pet Professional Guild, and a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She has attended numerous dog training seminars and workshops with some of the leading names in dog training, including Ian Dunbar, Sarah Kalnajs, Pat Miller, Grisha Stewart, Sue Sternburg, Michael Shikashio, and Victoria Stilwell. She takes continuing education seriously and stays on top of the current scientifically proven options by regular participation in national organizations, attendance of national conferences and the reading of professional publications. Cynthia has competed with her dogs in several areas including agility, obedience, rally, scenting and most recently ‘ratting’.

In addition to her private training business, she is also an evaluator/instructor for NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines. She was recognized by SniffSpot in the Spring of 2022 as the #1 Force Free/Fear Free/Pain Free trainer for the New Orleans area and for the state of Louisiana.

Cynthia is a certified Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) evaluator, an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator and certified instructor for PetTech (Pet First Aid and CPR). She is also a member of Dog Scouts of America (DSA), troop leader and a certified Dog Scouts Scoutmaster and an approved evaluator for several DSA badges.

Cynthia's family consists of a very understanding husband, 3 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a cat and numerous rescue dogs.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, PTI

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: Force Free * Pain Free* Fear Free

This is my commitment to you and your canine. I will use a variety and combination of science based reinforcement philosophies.... verbal cues, hand signals, treats, clickers, toys, and games to help modify behavior,
correct bad habits, and even to teach tricks. I utilize what your dog likes and desires to train a variety of skills (obedience, tricks, agility) while creating
‚Äãtrust and a lasting relationship. This can be done through private one on one sessions, group classes, or board and train. It depends upon which method works best for your dog and you.

Behavioral issue focus: I have worked with dogs with mild behavior issues (re-learning potty training) to reactive issues (ones some might call aggressive) towards environment, people or other animals,

Why I became a dog trainer: A love of animals and a desire to help the human - canine relationship be the best for both species.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Dogs

My #1 dog training tip: Patience - this is not an area where fast is best.

Service areas: Northshore of Louisiana (Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Madisonville)

Website: https://www.apcanine.com

Jio & Taylor Smart B Modern Dog Training

Smart Bitch Modern Dog Training is a force-free, rewards-based, female minority owned dog training company based in New Orleans, LA co-owned by Jiovany 'Jio' Alcaide and Taylor Barconey. Smart Bitch's mission is to help popularize force-free training methods in America and beyond by tackling all areas of dog training. Smart Bitch strives to make their training and methodology as accessible as possible, particularly online, and love addressing popular dog training topics in a quick and digestible way!

Jiovany 'Jio' Alcaide and Taylor Barconey began their dog training journey by becoming accredited dog trainers through a popular dog day care company in 2017. With an extreme appetite and ambition to become the best dog trainers they could be, Jio and Taylor quickly garnished over 300 hours of dog training experience within their first 6 months in their profession and went on to obtain their Certified Professional Dog Trainer title (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers in 2018.

They proceeded to obtain the Accredited Dog Trainer Certification (ADT) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and their Fear Free Certified Professional Animal Trainer certifications through Fear Free in 2020.
The Smart Bitches currently own 6 pets between themselves: 4 dogs, 1 cat and 1 box turtle.

Jio is the proud owner of 4-year-old Powerline, the Doberman Pincher, (respectfully named after the great celebrity Powerline feature in A Goofy Movie,) 7-year-old, Beetlejuice, a spunky Dachshund/ Jack Russell mix. Taylor is the proud owner of Patterdale Terriers: 10 year old, Suri and 8 years old, Sachi. They credit their dogs to being their biggest inspiration behind their career choice.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: Dog to Dog Aggression, Dog to People Aggression, Resource Guarding (Object Aggression), Leash Reactivity, Excessive Barking, Running Away, Destruction, Hyperactivity, Fearfulness & Anxiety, Obsessive Behavior

Behavioral issue focus: Dog to Dog Aggression, Dog to People Aggression, Resource Guarding (Object Aggression), Leash Reactivity, Excessive Barking, Running Away, Destruction, Hyperactivity, Fearfulness & Anxiety, Obsessive Behavior

Training methods: Smart B Modern Dog Training is
a force-free, rewards-based, female & minority owned dog training company based in New Orleans, LA co-owned by Jiovany 'Jio' Alcaide, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT and Taylor Barconey, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT.

Smart B's mission is to popularize rewards-based methods in America and beyond, and prides itself on tackling all areas of dog training, including advanced behavioral issues, such as aggression, and proving to their community that no matter the problem, the Smart B's can help!

Smart B strives to make their training and methodology as accessible as possible, particularly online, and love addressing popular dog training topics in a quick and digestible way!

Check our website to find out what the B stands for!

Why I became a dog trainer: To battle the forces of evil

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Having the best job in the world

My #1 dog training tip: Remembering that your dog is an ANIMAL; Successful management is the BEST way to maintain good behavior and to prevent trouble behaviors.

Service areas: New Orleans

Website: https://www.smartbitchdogtraining.com

Sniffspot New Orleans Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are New Orleans dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans cost?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

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 Louisiana was $29,009 per year and $13.95 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.

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Louisiana Cities

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

Baton Rouge, LA
Lafayette, LA
Monroe, LA

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near Louisiana

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

Arkansas
Mississippi
Texas

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