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The Best Reactive Dog Trainers in Pittsburgh, PA of 2024

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David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Reactive dog training in Pittsburgh, PA. Based on feedback and votes from our Reactive dog training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Pittsburgh area.

  • Beth McGonigal Photo

    Beth McGonigal

    Certified Behavior Consultant Canine, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear Free Professional

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Pittsburgh

    Hi there, I'm Aunt Beth! At NPAB we focus on nothing but positive reinforcement-based, fun & effective training the whole family can do. As a certified professional trainer, I offer a variety of services, including in-home dog manners training, behavior consultations and behavior modification, and group classes at our training & education facility, as well as at local veterinary offices and cou...


  • Vanessa Wheeler Photo

    Vanessa Wheeler

    Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

    Vanessa (she/her) has been involved in the dog world since 2010 with roles like volunteer dog walker, volunteer manager, staff kennel attendant, dog sitter, and foster parent. She cites her most notable experiences as: joining several of her rescue friends out of state assisting in dog fighting confiscation efforts (#367), interning at the Humane Society of the United States in their state leg...


  • Debby McMullen Photo

    Debby McMullen

    Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)

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

    Allegheny, Fayette, Butler, Beaver, Green, Washington, Mercer, Westmoreland, Indiana counties

    I am the author of the How Many Dogs? Using Positive Reinforcement Training to Manage a Multiple Dog Household, which has also been translated into German. I write as a contributor for Victoria Stilwell's Positively website as well as on my book's website.

    I began my training career in 1998 as a volunteer instructor at Animal Friends shelter in Pittsburgh. I have taught literally thou...


  • Rachel McMichael Photo

    Rachel McMichael

    CBCC-KA, CCDT, IAABC-ADT, CTDI

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

    Rachel McMichael is the owner and founder of UpSwing Canine Behavioral Services and UpSwing Total Pet Care, LLC. With nearly 20 years of experience working with dogs and an entire lifetime around them, Rachel now specializes in the most shy/fearful dogs as well as dogs with moderate behavior issues. Rachel goes beyond the basics for dogs in need and puts concentration on humane, positive and ef...


  • tena parker Photo

    tena parker

    Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Southwest PA, Allegheny County, southern butler county, Pittsburgh neighborhoods

    Tena Parker has been working with dogs for over 15 years. She earned her Master's Degree in Education and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (with a minor in Physics, just for fun) from Sarah Lawrence College and is the head trainer for and owner of Success Just Clicks Dog Training. She is a nationally Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with IAABC, a nationally Certified Professional Dog...


  • Selena Johnson Photo

    Selena Johnson

    CPDT-KA FDM

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

    Allegheny County

    I am a disabled dog trainer who specializes in basic and advanced obedience. I am hoping to also help others train their own service dog for their disabilities. I've been helping others train their dogs for a year now while training my own animals for 4. Everything from donkeys to ferrets no animal is too big or too small.


  • Vince Conrad Photo

    Vince Conrad

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

    Hi, I am Vince. As a youth in rural western Pennsylvania, I learned the special level of trust and bonding that occurs between a well-trained dog and its handler while training and working hunting dogs. When you and your dog understand each other, your relationship is able to reach new levels of confidence and joy that were previously unattainable.
    I have always loved dogs but put that inte...


  • Rebecca Hilbert Photo

    Rebecca Hilbert

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    I began my journey into dog training in 2017 when my adolescent corgi, Bunsen C. Honeydew, began to display aggressive behavior in human directed resource guarding and leash reactivity. I finally found hope in a local Pittsburgh based positive reinforcement trainer. What I experienced with the positive reinforcement trainer and training methods would change the trajectory of my life. In 2018, I...


  • Andrea Lamping Photo

    Andrea Lamping

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Andrea J Lamping is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified and Knowledge Assessed Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), as well as a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI). All these letters mean that she cares about offering the most current evidence-based methods available and is committed to learning from high caliber industry leaders, mentors, and peers.While Andrea has ...


Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Reactive dog training in Pittsburgh, PA is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Reactive dog training, we received 436 total votes, resulting in 9 dog trainers who focus on Reactive dog training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Reactive dog training listed first.

Dog trainers for Reactive dog training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Beth McGonigal, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Reactive dog training in Pittsburgh, PA. Beth McGonigal’s favorite part of their job is: The lightbulb moments from dogs and their owners.

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Beth McGonigal, as well as the other dog trainers on this Reactive dog training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Beth McGonigal encourages owners with this dog training tip: Build a healthy relationship with your dog.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Reactive Dog Training in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

How were the top Reactive dog training dog trainers in Pittsburgh selected?

We evaluated over 436 votes from local dog owners to identify the best Reactive dog training trainers in Pittsburgh. This process resulted in highlighting 6 exceptional trainers known for their expertise in Reactive dog training.

What qualifications do the leading Reactive dog trainers in Pittsburgh hold?

Top Reactive dog training trainers in Pittsburgh are recognized for their expertise through certifications such as CTDI, CBCC-KA, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), IAABC-ADT, CCDT. These credentials ensure they are equipped to address specific training needs in the region.

Who is the leading Pittsburgh dog trainer in Reactive dog training and why?

Beth McGonigal is celebrated as the top Reactive dog training trainer in Pittsburgh due to their impressive 235 votes and their proficiency in Aggressive dog training and Deaf dog training, distinguishing them as a top choice in the area.

What behavioral issues do Reactive dog trainers focus on in Pittsburgh?

In Pittsburgh, top Reactive dog training trainers like Beth McGonigal concentrate on issues such as A, D, R. Other trainers might focus on areas like R, P, I.

What are the common training techniques used by Reactive dog training trainers in Pittsburgh?

Training methods vary among top Reactive dog training trainers in Pittsburgh. while others like Vanessa Wheeler adopt: All of my lessons have a basis in science and force free methods. Many of our learners aren't familiar with concepts like thin slicing, adjusting criteria, or how to be clear and consistent. This informed the design of our weekly lessons, how they flow, and the additional resources that are provided. During orientation I ask our learners what they hope to get out of the course and adjust/adapt specific lessons as much as possible. Certain requests can be difficult to address in a group setting but I am lucky to have great assistants that can help provide additional one on one time if needed. Each group level focuses on engagement, foundation behaviors, handling/technical skills and communication basics for humans. As our class levels progress we build on proofing and fluency. Upon graduation, I assess the progress each team has made and advise our training department manager on what I think would be most beneficial for them.. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.

How should I select the best Reactive dog trainer in Pittsburgh?

To find the ideal Reactive dog training trainer in Pittsburgh, consider their certifications, such as CTDI, CBCC-KA, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), IAABC-ADT, CCDT, and their expertise in services like Puppy dog trainingand Reactive dog training. Reviewing their past results with dogs in Pittsburgh can also guide your decision.

What’s the top advice for training dogs in Pittsburgh?

When it comes to Reactive dog training training, Beth McGonigal advises: Build a healthy relationship with your dog which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in Pittsburgh.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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