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The Best Dog Trainers in Akron, OH of 2026

David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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

  • Jackie Pekar Photo

    Jackie Pekar

    Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Certified Veterinary Assistant

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

    Akron, OH

    I'm the owner of SouthPaw Petting and have been serving the pets of Akron since 2005. I love helping clients with their puppies and dogs, it's a very rewarding experience! I'm a bit of an education junkie, and travel frequently for conferences and for my own pleasure.

  • Valarie Ross Photo

    Valarie Ross

    CDBC, CPDT-KA, FFCP, CARE-TC, FDM

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

    All of northeast Ohio

    Valarie Ross is the heart and soul behind Sits 'n Wiggles Dog Training. With a deep passion for helping dogs overcome behavioral challenges, Valarie has established herself as a leading expert in the field of canine behavior. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, credentials that reflect her commitment to ongoing education and ex...

  • Jane Miller Photo

    Jane Miller

    LISW, CDBC, PPG, AABP-CDBT

    Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training

    Northeast Ohio Lorain County, Ohio

    Jane Miller, LISW, AABP-CDBT, Pet CPR & First Aid Certified, works in private practice as a licensed psychotherapist/clinical social worker, with a particular interest in holistic modalities of healing. She currently focuses on educating others about the legal, ethical, and practical criteria of working with Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs). Miller has lectured about PSDs in a variety of settin...

Welcome to Akron’s list of top dog trainers. The Akron, Ohio list is based on 63 votes from the Ohio Sniffspot community. Only the Akron dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Jackie Pekar at the top of this list with 36 votes. We also counted 477 votes for Ohio, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Akron.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CDBC and Fear Free Certified Professional. They also specialize in Puppy training, Reactive dog training amongst other training programs.

Akron dog trainer services include:

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

Behind every successful Akron training session lies a passionate professional. Jackie Pekar shares why they chose this path: I've always been fascinated by behavior, and to be able to strengthen that human-animal bond is so fulfilling.. All 3 trainers on this Akron list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Akron trainer, Valarie Ross, uses the following methods: I use the least intrusive, minimally aversive training and behavior modification methods. I work to help you understand and read your dog, set them up for success, to reduce fear and anxiety, so we can reinforce better behavior..

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

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near Akron

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

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FAQ: Meet the Top Akron, Ohio Dog Trainers

Who are the top-rated dog trainers in Akron, Ohio?

In Akron, Jackie Pekar has earned the highest recognition for their expertise in Reactive dog training. They, along with Valarie Ross and Jane Miller, provide personalized training services to meet the diverse needs of Akron dog owners.

What drives Akron dog trainers to excel in their services?

Jackie Pekar and other leading trainers in Akron are motivated by a passion for helping dogs and their owners. Jackie Pekar was inspired to offer their services in Akron because I've always been fascinated by behavior, and to be able to strengthen that human-animal bond is so fulfilling..

What are the top services offered by Akron trainers?

The top trainers in Akron, such as Jackie Pekar, specialize in providing Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training. They describe their services as: Specializing in puppy foundation behaviors, separation anxiety, and behavior modification.

What is Jackie Pekar’s best piece of advice for Akron dog owners?

Jackie Pekar recommends: Work with the dog you've got. This advice is particularly relevant for dog owners in Akron looking to improve their dog’s behavior.

How can I choose the right trainer in Akron for my dog’s needs?

Choosing the right trainer in Akron involves considering their services, such as Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training and Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training, as well as their qualifications, including CDBC, Fear Free Certified Professional, PPG, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.

Why are certifications important for Akron dog trainers?

Certifications like CDBC, Fear Free Certified Professional, PPG, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner are crucial for trainers in Akron as they ensure that each trainer has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective and positive training.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

David Adams photo
David Adams photo

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

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Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals