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The Best Puppy Trainers in Oakland, CA of 2024

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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

  • Josh Beckler Photo

    Josh Beckler

    Pending Canine Science Behaviorist Certification

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

    Northern California/Bay Area

    Hi, my name is Josh Beckler......and I am a professional dog trainer passionate about helping dogs be well-behaved and happy.I used to use punishment and force to train dogs, but now use force-free training with positive reinforcement and rewards.Dogs trained using force-free methods are more confident, happy, and willing to learn, and trainers are able to build stronger relationships and trust...


  • Ali Sutch Photo

    Ali Sutch

    KPA-CTP CCUI

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

    Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda

    Hi! I'm Ali (she/her) and I live in Oakland with my two dogs, two cats, one gecko, and one human partner. Before moving to California in 2016, I was a zookeeper. I love learning about behavior and how it's not just about dogs- the laws of behavior apply everywhere, in our interactions with everyone (human and animal alike). Making sure everyone's needs are met, and that they are set up for ...


  • Nancy Frensley Photo

    Nancy Frensley

    CPDT-KA, CAP2, CGC Evaluator, FitDog 3, AKC Scent Work Judge

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

    Nancy Frensley,CPDT-KA, CAP2, AKC Evaluator, Scent Work Judge

    Nancy is the Senior Behavior and Training Manager at Berkeley Humane. Besides developing a training program full of variety and fun for students, during her 30 years at Berkeley Humane, she is involved on many levels with shelter and adoption from intake to evaluation and training of shelter staff. She operates the organiza...


  • Sara Scott Photo

    Sara Scott

    SAPro CPDT-KA

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Worldwide

    Sara Scott has been training dogs professionally in the Bay Area since 2000 and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience that can only be gained through time and dedication to the art and science of dog behavior and training. She is deeply educated and brings her knowledge to application with great insight, grace and compassion for both species; human and dog.


  • Brian Galindo Photo

    Brian Galindo

    AS - Assistance Dog Education, CPDT-KA, AKC Evaluator

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

    Greater San Francisco Bay Area

    After a motorcycle accident left me with a spinal cord injury, I had to reinvent myself and my career. I learned about Bonnie Bergin's school (BerginU.edu) and enrolled in 2011. After graduating with an AS in Service Dog Ed, I began teaching clients and started No Limits Service Dog & Obedience. I've been working with clients ever since and love helping my community!


  • Lea Orloski Photo

    Lea Orloski

    CPDT-KA, CTBC

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

    Oakland, Richmond, Berkeley

    Lea has always had love and a natural talent with dogs growing up. She began working with dogs in 2006 as a dog handler and began observing and assisting with training dogs & classes in 2009. In 2013 she attained a certificate in training and behavior from the Dog Training Internship Academy created by Janis Bradley. A 6-month course that focused on positive reinforcement dog training, dog beha...


  • Rebekah Piedad Photo

    Rebekah Piedad

    KPA-CTP

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Located in Shasta County and serving Southern Oregon, Western Nevada, and Northern California including the Bay Area and Sacramento

    Rebekah Piedad, KPA-CTP knew she wanted to train animals since she was a small child. As a toddler, she had her heart set on training lions and tigers in local zoos, but dogs stole her heart in adulthood.

    Rebekah has owned and fostered countless dogs ranging from greyhounds to Cane Corsos. She has volunteered for greyhound rescue, pit bull rescue, and served on the Board of Directors...


  • Kristin Lucy Photo

    Kristin Lucy

    CTC

    Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Alameda \| Oakland, Rockridge \| Piedmont \| Berkeley \| El Cerrito

    Kristin is a 2020 Honors graduate of Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers.When she was without a dog of her own at home for many years, Kristin got her doggie fix by volunteering at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek, beginning in 2013. She completed ARF's Shelter U program which provided a basic background in positive reinforcement and force-free handling. She ...


  • Shane Stanis Photo

    Shane Stanis

    IAABC CDBC, CPDT-KSA

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

    In Person: Central & East Contra Costa County Hybrid: Greater Bay Area Remote: Nationally

    I have been training professionally since 2002, and have a passion for supporting both humans and dogs as they navigate challenging behavioral needs.

    I have an extra soft spot for shy & fearful dogs, and enjoy living with a pair of semi-feral dogs myself.


  • Ally Lantis Photo

    Ally Lantis

    BA

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

    Concord, Clayton, Antioch, Martinez, Brentwood, Oakley, Danville, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill

    www.tailoreddogtraining.com


  • Dani Agnew Photo

    Dani Agnew

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    My name is Dani Agnew and I am passionate about improving the connection we have with our dogs. I am a multi-certified trainer and behavior consultant with extensive education on canine movement. I strive to create a learning environment that supports all learners on their journey, no matter where they are beginning. I am committed to positive reinforcement based training methods for both dogs ...


  • Katy Becker Photo

    Katy Becker

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Katy Becker teaches a range of puppy and adult dog classes for Bravo Pup as well as providing private consults. She loves to help her human students gain the skills and confidence to get the behaviors they want from their dogs while also enjoying the unique bond they share with their canine companions.Katy is a veteran class instructor with over seven years teaching experience at Sirius Puppy a...


  • Theophainia Brassard Photo

    Theophainia Brassard

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

    I grew up on a horse farm with one of the best animal trainers I have ever known. My mother. On any given month we would have a new horse on our property that had been neglected or abused in some way. My mother devoted her life and personal safety to the training and rehabilitation of these animals. From an incredibly young age I understood that there was all too often broken understanding in t...


  • Michelle Butler Photo

    Michelle Butler

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Michelle Butler is the Creator and Master Trainer at Star K9. Since 2010, teaching Agility, all levels, Obedience, Recallers. Michelle is certified trainer for Animal Actors, Trick Trainer and Evaluator. Awarded over 10 Agility Championships, Michelle exudes success with all her K9's.


  • Lisa Caper Photo

    Lisa Caper

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

    As a licensed psychotherapist, I understand the difference between human's emotional needs and dog's emotional needs. Dogs often exhibit behavioral issues when they are treated like furry humans. I work to help dog owners understand their dogs emotional needs and build better relationships between dogs and their humans.Before studying to become a dog trainer, I worked as a Clinical Social Wor...


  • Anna Carlson Photo

    Anna Carlson

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Anna caught the training bug at the age of seven, when she discovered Sandi Thompson's puppy training classes. She attended Sandi's classes religiously twice a week (without a dog!) from age seven through eleven and continues under Sandi's mentorship. During that time she also began volunteering at local animal shelters and started a neighborhood dog walking business. Shelter dogs hold a specia...


  • Ver√≥nica Ch√°vez Photo

    Verónica Chávez

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

    More than 13 years experience as a L.I.M.A. (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) 100% positive reinforcement dog trainer.
    Veronica oversees the Spanish training classes.
    Certified positive reinforcement dog trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
    Behavioral expertise training puppies and adolescent dogs.
    Highly skilled in managing groups of ...


  • Andrea Constantin Photo

    Andrea Constantin

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Andrea Constantine is a guest trainer who integrates human psychology with dog training. She is currently completing her Animal Behavior College program and is excited to help people and dogs. Her focus is on building community and helping folks achieve balance with their dogs.


  • Maureen Coyle Photo

    Maureen Coyle

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Maureen Coyle has been training and handling dogs for over 15 years as a professional trainer, dog walker, and groomer. She specializes in private training for a wide range of obedience skills and behavioral issues including Fear, Anxiety, and Aggression.Currently, Maureen works one-on-one with BravoPup clients to help them build happy and effective relationships with their dogs. You can see he...


  • Lindsay Dellas Photo

    Lindsay Dellas

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Lindsay has a special passion for, and extensive experience in helping San Francisco dogs, puppies & their people. Lindsay is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer ‚Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Fear Free Certified Professional from Fear Free Pets, and a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild. Additionally, Lindsay holds a Certi...


  • Randi Drake Photo

    Randi Drake

    Puppy training

    Randi joined Citizen Canine as local partner and President of the company in 2014. Randi is a volunteer at the East Bay SPCA and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She lives in Piedmont with her husband and two children, along with their wheaten terriers, Dixie Lu and Maggie.


  • Jung Fitzpatrick Photo

    Jung Fitzpatrick

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

    I'm a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant based in San Francisco and Walnut Creek, CA. I work 1-on-1 with pup parents, like you, to create a harmonious lifestyle with your fur ball. My mission is to teach dog guardians how to change frustrating behaviors with effective, positive reinforcement training methods. Let me support you in bringing out the best in your pup in a responsible, r...


  • Rayel Friesen Photo

    Rayel Friesen

    Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Marin, parts of San Francisco, parts of the East bay down to north Oakland

    I've lived with dogs all of my life, but didn't realize that there was a carrier working with dogs until my early 30s when I started working at a dog boarding facility. From there I was brought into training from a trainer that worked for Sirius Puppy Training. She taught me how to work fear and aggression outside of the classroom. After apprenticing for a couple of years I was given my own cla...


  • Dezi Fulton Photo

    Dezi Fulton

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Dezi Fulton is a guest trainer who specializes in complex behavior chains. Dezi uses their special skill set to train service dogs but can also break down behaviors for pet dogs. Dezi also offers custom pet portraits and designs.


  • Stephanie Kruger Photo

    Stephanie Kruger

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

    My name is Stephanie, and I am a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner with 14 years of experience working in the veterinary field. I have a bachelor's degree in Animal Biology from the University of California, Davis, accreditations in low-stress handling, Fear Free, and more. I love to learn and go to training, veterinary, and behavior conferences to stay up to date on the most curre...


  • Sherie Lisbona Photo

    Sherie Lisbona

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Sherie Lisbona is a guest trainer and recent Animal Behavior College graduate. Sherie has been training and working with dogs for many years and always strives to learn more. Sherie independently offers training, walking, boarding, and adorable photo shoots.


  • Maddy Mathews Photo

    Maddy Mathews

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Maddy Mathews Joins the team as a trainer. Madeline Mathews was born and raised in a family with a surplus of pets and fell into the role as a dog trainer after raising her own dog and loving competitive dog sports. Teaching obedience at Petco since the pandemic of 2020, Madeline now competes in Agility, Scent Work, and Dock Diving, while taking time away to attend Dog training seminars regular...


  • Paul Miller Photo

    Paul Miller

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

    In a time when the world grapples with mountainous issues, Paul Miller, can offer you just the perfect solution you need. I am experienced and expert dog trainer and deal in dog equipment. On top of that, I also offer services as a competent business consultant.When it comes to bite training, I do possess over two decades of experience. In line with the dog rescue agencies, my extensive knowled...


  • Mark Pea Photo

    Mark Pea

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

    Through expert knowledge and genuine compassion, Mark strives to help families and their dogs find harmony in the home. He does so by teaching balanced, science-based training methods that improve both behavior and communication between canines and their humans. Mark offers a full range of companion dog training from beginning puppy essentials, and fundamental obedience, to resolving a majority...


  • Lesley Podesta Photo

    Lesley Podesta

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Lesley is a 2024 graduate of Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers.Lesley started working with dogs seriously ten years ago when she and her daughter began puppy raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind. She transitioned from the non-profit world into dog training after raising puppy #7 for GDB. Lesley has now raised nine puppies for the program, and is the local club leader, guiding and instru...


  • Jan Sanchez Photo

    Jan Sanchez

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Jan Sanchez, training with Michelle since 2017, is an Agility and Tricks instructor at Star K9. Jan also volunteers at Joybound teaching public training classes all levels Obedience and Reactive Rovers, and Beginning Agility. Certified Trick Dog Instructor and Evaluator, Animal Actor trainer and Evaluator, Susan Garrett's Recallers program.


  • Judy Shevelev Photo

    Judy Shevelev

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

    Years of international experience as a dog trainer, facilitator and educator in Spanish and English. Judy Shevelev is an accredited dog trainer and a certified personal development (life) coach. Manage canine reactivity and their own feelings of frustration and embarrassment; Deal with difficult decisions and grief as their pet nears the end of life and after they die; Understand and improve in...


  • Holden Svirsky Photo

    Holden Svirsky

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    K. Holden Svirsky is a graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers and a recipient of the 2014 Shelter & Rescue Scholarship. Over the last decade, she has worked full time at three different animal shelters, performed intake at shelters all over the state of California, and serves on the Shelter and Rescue Committee of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), as well as their Advocacy Panel. Holden is a ...


  • Aaron Teixeira Photo

    Aaron Teixeira

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

    Board-Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Professional Dog Trainer Aaron Teixeira, M.S., ACAAB has years of experience training puppies, adult dogs, and dogs with a range of problematic behaviors. Aaron's training methods are derived from years of animal behavior research and hands-on experience with top organizations like UC Berkeley, Cambridge, and the San Francisco SPCA, where Aaron's e...


  • Sandi Thompson Photo

    Sandi Thompson

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Sandi Thompson is the founder and owner of Bravo!Pup LLC, which she launched in 2008 to bring state-of-the-art dog training and socialization activities to East Bay dog lovers. BravoPup's mission is to engage dog owners in positive reinforcement training through group classes that are entertaining, effective, and taught by the most qualified team of instructors in the area.With over 25 years of...


  • Donnelly West Photo

    Donnelly West

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Flexible Pet Solutions' lead trainer, Dr. Donnelly West, has been training human-pet teams for over two decades. Though she took some time off from working with rescue groups to complete her PhD in Genetics, she stayed peripherally involved in behavior modification training and understanding reactivity in dogs. Seeing her own beloved dogs and cats advance in age led to her increased interest in...


  • Val Williams Photo

    Val Williams

    Puppy training, Agility training

    Val Williams Program Coordinator at Star K9, instructs Agility and Tricks, and is a certified Trick Dog instructor and Animal Actor Evaluator. Since 2020 Val continues training her own winning dog. Kona.


Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in Oakland, CA is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 683 total votes, resulting in 37 dog trainers who focus on Puppy training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy training listed first.

Dog trainers for Puppy training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Josh Beckler, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in Oakland, CA. Josh Beckler’s favorite part of their job is: The relief and confidence that clients obtain seeing that their can dog make better choices and throughly enjoy the process..

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Josh Beckler, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Josh Beckler encourages owners with this dog training tip: Dogs never know what the hell is going on. Maybe help them out a little. Spend the time.

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See the Best Puppy Trainers in Other Cities Near Oakland


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Sniffspot Puppy Dog Training in Oakland, California

How were the top Puppy dog training dog trainers in Oakland selected?

We evaluated over 683 votes from local dog owners to identify the best Puppy dog training trainers in Oakland. This process resulted in highlighting 11 exceptional trainers known for their expertise in Puppy dog training.

What qualifications do the leading Puppy dog trainers in Oakland hold?

Top Puppy dog training trainers in Oakland are recognized for their expertise through certifications such as CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CGC Evaluator, CTC. These credentials ensure they are equipped to address specific training needs in the region.

Who is the leading Oakland dog trainer in Puppy dog training and why?

Josh Beckler is celebrated as the top Puppy dog training trainer in Oakland due to their impressive 335 votes and their proficiency in Aggressive dog training and Reactive dog training, distinguishing them as a top choice in the area.

What behavioral issues do Puppy dog trainers focus on in Oakland?

In Oakland, top Puppy dog training trainers like Josh Beckler concentrate on issues such as A, R, P. Other trainers might focus on areas like A, R, P.

What are the common training techniques used by Puppy dog training trainers in Oakland?

Training methods vary among top Puppy dog training trainers in Oakland. For instance, Josh Beckler uses a method centered on: Utilizing all elements of motivation and rewards and staying in the vein of communication. Avoiding pain and fear as a mechanism for teaching or rehabilitation., while others like Ali Sutch adopt: We'll start with a brief phone call (~15 min) to see if I'm the right fit for you. Then we'll have an in-person consultation (~60 min) to dive into your dog's life and the needs of your household. From there, I'll write an assessment (including overviews for management and enrichment) and suggest how we might move forward - how many sessions, day training vs coaching, generally setting expectations, etc. Generally I meet with coaching clients every 2-3 weeks, and day training has a minimum of 2 sessions per week.. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.

How should I select the best Puppy dog trainer in Oakland?

To find the ideal Puppy dog training trainer in Oakland, consider their certifications, such as CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CGC Evaluator, CTC, and their expertise in services like Puppy dog trainingand Reactive dog training. Reviewing their past results with dogs in Oakland can also guide your decision.

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

When it comes to Puppy dog training training, Josh Beckler advises: Dogs never know what the hell is going on. Maybe help them out a little. Spend the time which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in Oakland.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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  • 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. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • 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 popular 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. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • 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 distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • 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, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US