The Best Dog Trainers in Scottsdale, AZ of 2023

Welcome to the Scottsdale, AZ Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Scottsdale 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 Arizona 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.

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The Best Scottsdale, AZ Dog Trainers in 2023

Kennedi Travis

Hello! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kennedi and I am a dog trainer that works in the community of Fountain Hills, AZ, and the surrounding areas. I am CPDT-KA Certified, a Fear Free Certified Professional, an AKC CGC Certified Evaluator, a Certified Bite Prevention Educator, and a Be A Tree Presenter through Doggone Safe.

I am very passionate about my work and care deeply for animals, large or small, especially dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. I have four dogs, Beau, Bailie, Jack, and Annie. I also have a wonderful cat named Oliver.

I grew up in South Dakota and Alaska, and have been surrounded by a variety of animals, wild and domestic. I have a deep appreciation for living things and believe in respecting and caring for them. I have had a host of pets including dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, turtles, and bucket calves. I have also had a hand in rescuing dogs, cats, baby birds, and raccoons.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology in 2016. I have been a Senior Dog Trainer and Mentor for Petco for 3 years and have a vast amount of experience working with dogs of all sizes and breeds. I have been training independently for 3 years, serving Fountain Hills and the surrounding area.

Certifications: CPDT-KA
Fear Free
AKC Certified Evaluator
Be a Tree Presenter
Dog Bite Prevention Educator

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: I provide custom private in-home classes that fit the needs of you and your dog from basic obedience to behavioral issues. I help educate my clients on canine enrichment as well.

Behavioral issue focus: I work with dogs that have social anxiety, separation anxiety, and reactive dogs.

Training methods: I use a positive, force-free reinforcement approach starting with an evaluation that allows me to create a custom training plan that fits the needs of you and your dog.

Why I became a dog trainer: I became a dog trainer to improve the lives of the dog's and people in their lives. So many dog's end up in shelters because of preventable behavior problems that training can solve.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: My favorite part about being a dog trainer is meeting and working with a variety of dogs and people.

My #1 dog training tip: My #1 dog training tip is to provide enrichment activities for your dog. A little enrichment goes a long way!

Service areas: Fountain Hills

Website: https://www.pawsitivedogtrainingaz.com/

Mary Price

My name is Mary Price, the owner of MP Dog Training Academy. I have ten years of dog training experience with puppy training, dog obedience, behavior modification, and introduction to agility and rally. In my journey to become a certified dog trainer, through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), I have taken a variety of classes to reinforce and build upon my skills to resolve unwanted behaviors, to teach obedience, and dog sports to help dog owners develop a better connection with their dog to enrich their lives.

As a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) I am committed to becoming a better trainer through continued education as I strive to continually improve my experience and qualifications. With a tireless dedication to educating dog owners to discover the benefits of basic obedience training, I am paving the way for the owner and dog to build a working relationship that helps them learn new activities or sports as they move from basic obedience to sporting actives.

Certifications: CPDT-KA

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: As a certified dog trainer, I train through positive reinforcement using treats, attention, and toys to reach your dog training needs. A variety of classes are offered throughout the week. Classes include Puppy Obedience, Obedience, Obedience Through Games, Tricks, Rally, Agility For Fun, Triebball, Tricks, Working K9, and Task classes.

Private lessons are available for those who have pets with behavioral issues, aggression, reactivity, and those seeking some one-on-one training. Boarding as well as board and train options are available along with day training, and daycare.

Behavioral issue focus: Often, I work with dogs experiencing fear, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and impulse control.

Training methods: By training through positive reinforcement, I am able to help you establish a stronger bond with your pup. I offer group classes and private lessons to help you reach your training goals. I do not offer a one size fits all training plan. In an effort to help you reach your training goals, I create a training plan that fits your needs.

Why I became a dog trainer: I became a dog trainer to enable be to provide a friendly atmosphere with the best dog training service available. I want to ensure my clients and their pets receive dog training services that exceed their expectations. As a dog trainer, I can make a positive difference in the lives of my customers and their dogs while doing what I love, working with dogs. My unconditional love for dogs and desire to help owners establish a bond through positive reinforcement training.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: My favorite part of being a dog trainer is watching the bond strengthen between clients and their dogs.

My #1 dog training tip: My #1 dog training tip is to use Clear Consistent Communication.

Service areas: Phoenix Metropolitan and Surrounding Areas

Website: https://mpdogtraining.com/

Kristi May

Kristi Kay May is the owner and founder of Legend Acres Dog and and Horse Solutions and Legend's Heroes Service Dog Training Program.

Originally from Port Home, Michigan, a place where the dairy cows outnumber people. Kristi got her first horse around the age of six. She grew up in the world of horse shows and competitions.

After joining the Army, Kristi put her passion for horses on hold until she was able to purchase a farm outside o Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

While living here, Kristi saw a need in the local community for affordable dog boarding, this is where Legend Acres Boarding was Born. With her life long passion for animals and a unique need to find an income source that fit into her post military life she new this was a perfect choice. From this, Kristi launched Legend Acres Dog and Horse Solutions as well as Legend's Heroes Service Dog Training Program.

Certifications:

MS, CVPM, LVMT, BSA, AHT, ABCDT, CHA Cert Riding Lesson Instructor, CHA
EFM, Cert Equine Nutrition, Cert Animal Cognitive Behavior, AKC Evaluator, AKC Fit Instructor, Pet Partners Therapy Evaluator and Instructor, PPG Professional Canine Instructor

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: Legend Acres Dog and Horse Solutions is an Award-Winning Unique Veteran Owned business offering Affordable Kind-Evidence Based Professional Training and Lesson Services in packages to fit any budget! Legend Acres offers Private In-Home, Group, and Board and Train Dog Training, Behavior Modification, Trick Classes, Therapy Dog, and Service Dog Training across the United States in our online live interactive sessions and in person with one of our many assistant instructors.

Legend Acres offers training for all ages and breeds. Registration is open for Online and In person Group Classes! Now offering Board and Train! Learn more and schedule your free behavior consult at https://www.legend-acres.com/links or 931-516-3064 (text or call) Legend Acres for all your pet training needs!!!!

Behavioral issue focus: All Breeds, Leash Reactivity, Barking, Anxious Dogs, Puppy's, all ages, Adult dogs, Dog reactivity, Therapy Dog Training and Certification, Service Dog Training and Public Access Testing, AKC Testing

Training methods: Free Behavior Consults, Fundamentals, Intermediate, Advanced, Urban, Pet Therapy Prep Course, Puppy Socialization Class, Public Access Test, Novice Trick Classes and Workshops, Scent Workshops, AKC Fit Workshops and Classes, Agility Workshops and Classes, Rally Classes, Behavior Modification Classes and Workshops. Force Free, Fear Free, Positive Reinforcement

Why I became a dog trainer: Lack of Resources in our area in the Veterinary World

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Facilitating the Animal-Human Bond

My #1 dog training tip: It is never too late to start training!!!!

Service areas: Valley wide Phoenix, Clarksville TN, Remote World Wide

Website: https://www.Legend-Acres.com

Victoria T

Dog trainer and boarder

Services include:

• Board and train
• In home training
• Service dog training
• Puppy training
• Agility training

More info about service provided: Potty training

Sara Miles

Sara has spent the last 15 years of her life devoted to helping animals professionally. After studying dog training under the mentorship of Jessica Wheatcraft and completing her initial certification through Animal Behavior College, Sara was hired into the Behavior & Training department at the San Diego Humane Society. Initially responsible for all training class programming at the humane society, Sara guided class participants through puppy socialization, basic obedience skills, and Canine Good Citizen tests. As Behavior Center Coordinator, Sara managed a team of volunteers who worked tirelessly implementing training and behavior modification plans with the most challenging cats and dogs in the shelter system.

After moving to Phoenix in 2016, Sara started her own private training company, Smiles Dog Training. Focused on in-home private training, Sara continues to work through a wide variety of behavior concerns with her clients. Sara maintains active certification through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers and membership with the Pet Professional Guild, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and Association of Professional Dog Trainers. In 2018, she became a licensed educator for Family Paws Parent Education, a Pet Dog Ambassador Instructor/Assessor, and a Fear-Free certified trainer. She also served as Co-Chair of the Education Committee for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers in 2019.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, Fear Free professional, Family Paws licensed educator, Pet CPR

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: Smiles Dog Training offers fear-free humane training techniques for dogs and cats. We specialize in a wide range of behavior issues and shelter/rescue animals. Services include puppy training, puppy preparation, day training, behavior consultations and programs, private training, & rescue/shelter dog and cat support.

Behavioral issue focus: Aggression, fear, reactivity, resource guarding, and multi-dog households.

Training methods: All clients start with a virtual consultation, receive immediate recommendations and a custom training plan, then move into the most appropriate training program for their needs.

Why I became a dog trainer: 2006

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping families maximize their relationships with their dogs so everyone gets their needs met.

My #1 dog training tip: Reinforce what you love and it will happen more!

Service areas: North Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Happy Valley, Cave Creek

Website: https://www.smilesdogtraining.net

Sniffspot Scottsdale Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Scottsdale dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale?

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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale cost?

Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

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

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 Arizona was $30,275 per year and $14.56 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 Arizona Cities

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

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near Arizona

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

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Nevada
New Mexico

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