Welcome to the Charlotte, NC Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2022. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Charlotte based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 45,000 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 North Carolina list.
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 100% 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 Charlotte, NC Dog Trainers in 2022
Ruth Hayter
Ruth was raised with German Shepards growing up and always loved having a fur companion around. I started as a Veterinarian Assistant back in 2014, this then transitioned into my dog training career.
My first dog as an adult was a rescue named, Stark. Stark was thrown out of a car by his previous owners and had some serious trauma by the time he came to me. I went on a mission to try to rehabilitate my dog, Stark, read more of his story here.
I saw the need for more trainers that specialize in behavior problems and the disconnect. In 2017, Ruth started out dog training by going through an intensive dog training academy as a balanced trainer. After realizing that she wanted to dig deeper into behavioral issues and have a softer approach than balanced training. Ruth started A-Z DOGS LLC at the beginning of the pandemic in May 2020.
Ruth is married to her best friend, Alan Hayter, and they have three dogs together. Oakley an Akita/Heeler Mix, Zena a Husky/Pitty Mix, both five years old, and Bean a 5lb Chihuahua. Each of Ruth & Alan's personal dogs has helped shape their training programs to teach you how to become the best dog parent possible.
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Board and train
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://www.a-zdogs.com
Emily Greene
Hi! I'm Emily and I own Free Will Animal Training in Charlotte, NC. We specialize in aggression, anxiety-related concerns, and leash reactivity.
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://www.freewillanimaltraining.com
Cheryl Connolly
Cheryl is passionate about dogs and it shows when she comes to your house or holds a group class. She holds fear free and clicker trainer certifications enabling your dog or puppy to be a willing participant who is enthusiastic to learn. She is patient with both the animal and human parts of the team.
Focus is on what everyone is doing right and building behaviors from successful starting points
Certifications: Fear free, Karen Prior CTP
Services include:
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://indiantraildogtraining.com
Trish McMillan
Trish McMillan is a certified professional dog trainer (through CCPDT), certified dog behavior consultant and associate certified cat behavior consultant (through IAABC) who holds a Master's degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England. She specializes in training and behavior modification work using positive reinforcement with dogs, cats, and horses.
During her seven years with the ASPCA, Trish gained a wide variety of experience in the field of animal behavior. For three years she was the director of the animal behavior department at the ASPCA's New York City shelter, helping staff, volunteers, and adopters work with animals and make great matches. Trish has also helped assess and rehabilitate animals from cruelty, hoarding, and dogfighting cases, as well as pets rescued from natural disasters. In addition to writing for the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist and other publications, she helped create and present several very popular webinars on dog and cat behavior and handling for the ASPCA Pro website.
Trish also co-chairs the Shelter Behavior division of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and runs an online shelter behavior mentorship through IAABC twice a year.Prior to her work with the ASPCA, Trish managed dog daycares, volunteered in animal shelters, taught obedience classes, and worked with board-and-train dogs in her home. She has also trained and shown horses in various disciplines, and has been incorporating clicker training in her equine work for many years now. Trish has also worked with cats with behavior problems, and enjoys helping our feline friends have more enriched lives through clicker training as well. (Yes, cats can be trained!)
Trish presents and consults nationally and internationally on canine, feline and equine behavior as well as on sheltering topics.
Certifications: Certified Professional dog trainer (through CCPDT), Certified dog behavior consultant and Associate Certified cat behavior consultant (through IAABC) who holds a Master's degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Reactive dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
I specialize in working with ear, anxiety and aggression issues, but I also work with puppy issues, rowdy adolescents, most behavior problems.
Training methods:
In person behavior consultations here at my farm or via zoom.
Service area:
Asheville NC area - Mars Hill, Marshall, Asheville, Weaverville, Buncombe, Madison, and Yancey Counties
Website: https://trishmcmillan.com/
Gloria Schmidt
Gloria Schmidt is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Fear Free Certified Pet Professional (Level 3), and an AKC Canine Good Citizen approved evaluator. Prior to becoming a professional dog trainer, Gloria graduated with a degree in chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill.
She enjoyed her five years at the lab bench especially when contributing to drug discovery research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. While there, she helped declare a clinical candidate with the FDA and co-authored seven journal articles for various pediatric diseases. In 2017, Gloria decided she was ready to get out of the (lab) rat race. She began working as a veterinary nurse for two years while simultaneously developing her professional dog training skills.
Although she no longer actively runs chemistry experiments, she carries over that analytical thinking to each dog and owner who crosses her path. Gloria developed a strong interest in cooperative care while working as a veterinary nurse - her long term goal is to bridge the communication gap between veterinary clinics, dog trainers, and owners. She also enjoys helping owners understand 'the why' behind a dog's behavior so that everyone can be set up for success during training sessions.
When not with clients, Gloria enjoys living her best Hobbit life with her husband John, border-collie pup Jackson, and fierce cat Penny. On the average day, you will find her curled up with the pets by the fireplace, sipping a cup of coffee, and immersed in a book (most likely about dog behavior). On the more adventurous days, you will find her downhill skiing or SCUBA diving with John.
Certifications: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Fear Free Certified Pet Professional (Level 3), and an AKC Canine Good Citizen approved evaluator
Services include:
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://alldogsnc.com/
Sniffspot Charlotte Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions
How are Charlotte dog trainers selected for this list?
These are the top dog trainers in Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte?
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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte cost?
Charlotte 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 Charlotte dog trainer. How can I get listed here?
As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Charlotte 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 Charlotte?
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 North Carolina was $29,895 per year and $14.37 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.
See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near Charlotte
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
Nashville, TN
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA