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The Best Protection/Guard Dog Trainers in Charlotte, NC of 2026

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Protection/guard dog training in Charlotte, NC. Based on feedback and votes from our Protection/guard dog training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Charlotte area.

Clinton Valentine
Agility training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Originally from the city of Orange, New Jersey, Clinton's early years were spent exploring the woods of the Poconos Mountains, which sparked an interest and love for animals and nature. Clinton has over eight years of professional animal care experience, working with a wide array animals in various settings, ranging from big cats and wild canids, to other exotics such as non-venomous and venomo...

Katrina Kensington
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Hey there, I'm Katrina Kensington and I love training dogs and the humans who own them. Training dogs isn't just about teaching them to sit, place and come when called, to me it is so much more. It is about developing a relationship that will be valued and enjoyed life long with your furry friend. It is about being a leader, a coach, an advocate and a bestie for your dog. I want to teach you ho...

Phillip Kensington
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
I didn't grow up with dogs but I have always loved animals and found a unique connection with dogs more than people in many ways. I always found comfort in being around dogs and still do to this day. Katrina introduced me to canine training in 2014. We always believed in helping people and living life to the fullest so we started KeenDog to reflect those principles and passions. I grew up aroun...

Jenna Rabel
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Jenna started her training journey like most trainers. She added a dog to her family and wanted to set him up for success so she reached out to KeenDog for help. She did not grow up around dogs and wanted to ensure she was doing everything right to live life to the fullest with her canine companion. She ended up falling in love with dog training. A few years later she decided to leave her offic...

Lilly Staudt
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Lilly's love for animals started at a very young age. When her family hired a professional dog trainer to come to their house weekly to train their puppy when she was 12, she ran with the information presented to her and started exercising her new found love for dog training. She began volunteering at rescues- fostering dogs, dog walking, and pet sitting. After receiving her BS in Exercise Scie...

Nicole Sudol
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Hi there! My name is Nicole and my story started like many other trainers. I remember feeling a little bored when I was sitting in my college orientation and, with my love for knowledge, I knew something was up and I wasn't on the right path. I decided to take on my dream of working with animals, dogs in particular (of course!), and join an online program to become a trainer.Then came Sage, my ...

Drew Thomason
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Trainer Drew turned his lifelong obsession with dogs into a training career in 2012. Since then he has coached countless owners towards reaching their dog's full potential. He thrives on finding that 'lightbulb momen' for both dog and owner in every training session, hoping to spread the joy in learning and building behaviors.He has three dogs: Luna, the mutt that started it all, Ginger, an Air...

Molly Kuekes
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Hi! My name is Molly and I'm so excited to be a part of the KeenDog Training team!My passion for dog training started when I was in undergrad. I completed two internships with different police department canine units in North Carolina , Mooresville PD and Raleigh PD ‚ to complete my degree in Criminology and Sociology. My intent was to become a police canine handler. I ultimately didn't go down...

Connor Phillips
Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Hi! My name is Connor Phillips. I have been training with Through The Leash for over 2 years and had been handling dogs for several years prior to joining the team. I've had a love and passion about caring for animals for my entire life, but after training dogs these last 2 years I know this is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. After joining the team in Charlotte, I have been able...

Maureen Link
Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
My interest lies in helping people understand how dogs learn, what communicates safety and respect to a dog and what could accidentally create fear or anxiety for a dog. After many years of fostering countless dogs. it frequently seemed to be a misunderstanding on the humans part about why the dog was behaving the way they do. I started my journey with dog training to advance my own knowledge b...

Kelly Jordan
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training
Originally from Albemarle, NC, Kelly grew up with dogs and had her first 'adult pet' in college. Now she has two Brittanys with endless energy and big personalities.Kelly was introduced to Highland Canine when she was looking for some help with basic obedience for her oldest pup, Bene. He went through their three week Board and Train program and she immediately saw amazing results.A year later ...

Emma Italiano
Agility training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Emma was born and raised in North Carolina and has had a passion for animals since she was a young girl. She grew up around dogs, cats, horses, and goats, and always knew that she wanted to work with animals.

Emma has over a decade of experience working with dogs. She has worked with local breeders and raised puppies for service work as well as assisting in service dog training. She ...

Morgan Listebarger
Agility training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Morgan is our Social Media Coordinator and is also known as the 'Pup-arazzi'. She is responsible for our filming, photography, and editing. She makes sure your pup looks great on camera! Morgan got her start in media relations while pursuing a degree in mass media communications at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While working towards her degree, she managed social media account...

Travis Burch
Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Spending his childhood romping through the woods with his golden retriever, Tubbs, Travis found 2 of his greatest passions: Animals and the Outdoors. Entrepreneurial at heart, Travis earned his MBA from Gardner Webb University, specializing in Tourism and Hospitality. Spurred on by 2 years at a guest ranch in Montana, Travis loves helping people disconnect from their stress-filled lives and rec...

Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Protection/guard dog training in Charlotte, NC is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Protection/guard dog training, we received 0 total votes, resulting in 14 dog trainers who focus on Protection/guard dog training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Protection/guard dog training listed first.

Dog trainers for Protection/guard dog training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Clinton Valentine, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Protection/guard dog training in Charlotte, NC.

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Clinton Valentine, as well as the other dog trainers on this Protection/guard dog training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See the Best Protection/Guard Dog Trainers in Other Cities Near Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

See the Best Dog Trainers by Type in Charlotte

Frequently Asked Questions About Protection/Guard Dog Training in Charlotte

How were the leading Protection/guard dog training trainers in Charlotte determined?

The best Protection/guard dog training trainers in Charlotte were identified based on 0 from local residents, highlighting those who excel in their field and are highly rated by dog owners in the area.

What are the key services offered by top Protection/guard dog trainers in Charlotte?

In Charlotte, prominent trainers like Travis Burch offer a variety of specialized services tailored to address specific behavioral issues. Their services are designed to meet the diverse needs of dogs in the region.

What qualifications do top Protection/guard dog trainers in Charlotte possess?

Leading trainers in Charlotte for Protection/guard dog training hold certifications such as , showcasing their dedication to maintaining high standards in professional dog training.

How do trainers in Charlotte keep their skills current?

Charlotte trainers stay updated by participating in ongoing education and certification programs, such as . They also engage with local shelters and community events to refine their skills.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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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About Sniffspot

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.

The Best Protection/Guard Dog Trainers in Charlotte, NC of 2026

Clinton Valentine

Katrina Kensington

Phillip Kensington

Jenna Rabel

Lilly Staudt

Nicole Sudol

Drew Thomason

Molly Kuekes

Connor Phillips

Maureen Link

Kelly Jordan

Emma Italiano

Morgan Listebarger

Travis Burch

See the Best Protection/Guard Dog Trainers in Other Cities Near Charlotte

See the Best Dog Trainers by Type in Charlotte

Frequently Asked Questions About Protection/Guard Dog Training in Charlotte

How were the leading Protection/guard dog training trainers in Charlotte determined?

What are the key services offered by top Protection/guard dog trainers in Charlotte?

What qualifications do top Protection/guard dog trainers in Charlotte possess?

How do trainers in Charlotte keep their skills current?

David Adams

About Sniffspot

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