Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for In home training in Chicago, IL. Based on feedback and votes from our In home training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Chicago area.
CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Chicago neighborhoods and some nearby suburbs
I am a Chicago-based trainer that believes training should be fun, sustainable, and kind. I want to help you and your pup better understand each other and use training and management solutions that work with your individual needs and lifestyle. I rely on positive reinforcement training with a focus on science-based methods.
ABCDT
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Chicago suburbs, Rockford, roscoe, rockton, south Beloit, Beloit.
I am certified through Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) and have a wealth of continued education since my certification. I specialize in Reactive/aggressive dogs. And love the Canine sports as I hope to be adding more sporting options to clients.
My training outside of Canine sports is focused more on everyday application of obedience cues and applying them to everyday manners.
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CTC with Honors from Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers, PMCT1 from Pat Miller's Certification academies, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Professional
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Northwest Suburbs of Chicago including but not limited to Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Roselle, Itasca, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Park Ridge, Edison Park, and more.
Hi! My name is Mary Thompson, I have been working with dogs for almost my entire life and have owned by own training business, Happy Hound University LLC since 2017. I got into training the way most of us get into training: because of my problem dog Regis. Regis had dog reactivity, stranger directed aggression, barrier frustration, handling issues, resource guarding... pretty much everything wo...
CBCC-KA, AKC Evaluator, Certified Canine First Aid and CPR Instructor
Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Chicago and north shore suburbs
I have been training dogs for close to 20 years. I started my career teaching all levels of basic through advanced obedience. Immediately I realized my love for working with anxious and fearful dogs, and how using positive reinforcement methods helps change the emotions behind the behavior. My goal is always to help dogs become more confident in their environment and to feel more comfortable an...
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Illinois: Park Ridge, Wilmette, Barrington, Winnetka, Inverness, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Glenview, Hawthorn Woods, Naperville, Geneva, St. Charles, Glen Ellyn, Chicago, Wisconsin: Lake Geneva
I have been dog training professionally for over 10 ten years. I am certified in dog training and behavior consulting. I also am an AKC Evaluator and have so much fun working with the AKC programs. I love creating working relationships with my clients and their pups and watching them attain their goals whether it may be becoming a therapy dog team or entering trick competitions.
CTC - Certificate of Training and (behavior) Counseling - with honors - Academy for Dog Trainers - 2000 CTDI - Certified Trick Dog Instructor CCFC - Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Chicago and Chicago-land suburbs
Debbie has worked as a professional dog trainer for over 20 years.
Her group classes are taught at For Your K9 - where she teaches Puppy, Basic, Canine Life and Social Skills/Canine Good Citizen, Tricks, and Rally Free.
Debbie is a long-time member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Pet Professional Guild.
She is one of just 70 trainers worldwide...
CPDT-KA, ABCDT, Fear Free Certified
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Belvidere, Cherry Valley, Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Poplar Grove, Caledonia, Marengo, Garden Prairie, DeKalb, Kingston, Genoa
"I have been training dogs using positive training techniques since I was a child, luring my first dog with hot dogs through an agility course made of dressers, plywood, ladders and hula hoops."
Gina is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She graduated Animal Behavior College with honors, where she earned her Animal Behavior Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT) certification. She ...
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Puppy training
Chicago
I'm one of a handful of certified behavioral consultants in Chicago and have been invested in the rescue community since 2009.
ABCDT, CPDT-KA
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Chicago
When I was younger, I was always told " you only get one more chance". Even at a young age, I felt the pressure of having to get it right by the second time. As I went through life as an adult, I noticed so many names of companies called "second chance..." and it brought me back to that feeling of defeat when I was a child. I made it my mission to give humans and dogs as many chances as it t...
LDFM-T, CPDT, CAP 2
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Chicago, Orland Park, Homewood, Tinley Park, Aurora, Oak Park, Aurora, Frankfort, Schereville
I started training professionally over 2 decades ago after adopting a Coonhound mix and soon thereafter ending up crying on the floor, surrounded by puddles of pee, not sure what to do! My commitment to learning and growing my knowledge has not stopped since then. I have multiple certifications, have completed many in-person and online courses, and have attended many learning expos and seminars...
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Chicago
I am the owner of Anything Is Pawzible Dog Training in Chicago, Illinois. I created this company 23 years ago and it has grown to the largest dog training company in Chicago. With 19 trainers on staff and 4 locations I am proud to offer so many unique classes and offerings to our clients. Anything Is Pawzible has classes ranging the entire span of a dog's lifetime from puppy classes to senior...
CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Bartlett, Batavia, Campton Hills, Downers Grove, Elgin, Geneva, Maple Park, Naperville, St. Charles, South Elgin, Streamwood, Wayne, West Chicago, Wheaton, Winfield
Julia Lane, CPDT-KA, has been a professional dog trainer specializing in agility, obedience & reactivity for over 15 years. She owns Spot On K9 Sports, LLC, a 17,500 sq. ft. dog sports training facility featuring group classes, private lessons, seminars & agility trials. She also provides in-home dog training.
Wag! Certified trainer
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Chicago area and surrounding suburbs
As a lifelong animal lover, I finally decided to take the leap and start my own training business. I am especially passionate about rescuing animals (currently I have two rescues of my own) and exploring the many benefits of the animal-human connection.
CPDT-KA
Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Glenview, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook, Northfield, Golf, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Niles, Skokie, Evanston, Highland Park, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Wheeling
Nancy Paolucci, CPDT-KA did not discover her passion for dogs and training until she adopted her first dog in her 20's. Nancy graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa with a degree in Marketing and found herself in the world of promotional products where she met her husband. They adopted their first dog, Abby an English Setter, in 2007 and Nancy never looked back. She delved into trainin...
Karen Pryor Academy-Certified Training Partner
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Chicago and the entire Chicagoland Area
I worked in special education for 30 years. I started my journey as a school social worker and ended my career as the assistant superintendent of special education. I have loved animals all my life and have been pet parent to quite a menagerie including rats, birds, dogs and cats. About 9 years ago, I became the mama of a wheaten terrier puppy who had significant anxiety and reactivity to other...
KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, Belvidere, Byron, Loves Park, Machesney Park, South Beloit, Davis Junction, Winnebago County, Boone County
Hi! I'm Yasmin Baylor, KPA-CTP and CPDT-KA. I am a Certified Training Partner and graduate of the internationally-esteemed Karen Pryor Academy, as well as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the CCPDT accreditation council.
After earning my Bachelors in Computer Science and Graphic Design, and working for years in the business world, I knew it was time to switch gears and comm...
CGC Evaluator, member of APDT
Agility training, In home training, Puppy training
Fox Vally Area
I have at the present time 2 dogs. I have trialed in both agility and herding. I have been helping people and their dogs since 2012
CPDT-KA CPT
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Chicago
I've been a full time dog trainer for 2 years and use science-based, humane training methods.
CPDT-KA, Cert. SAPT, CCDT
Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Chicago
I am a Chicago-based dog trainer focused on using science-based methods to improve the lives of dogs and their humans. I strive to provide quality training that is fun for everyone.
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
I was born in North Wales, U.K., living in a rural area and my closest companion as a child was my black labrador dog, Nellie, with whom I would spend hours a day walking in the woods.
‚ÄãAfter school, I moved to London and worked in the city for 14 years where I met my husband.
We moved to the USA, had some kids, adopted a dog, Bentley, and our family was complete. As our you...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Judit was only 17 years old when she found herself in over her head with her first dog, Puffy. Always a timid pup, at two years old he became very aggressive and reactive towards people and other dogs. Not willing to give up on her dog and not able to afford training Judit was determined to learn the art of dog training. In 2002 she launched her career as a professional dog trainer when he appl...
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
LaShaunti is a Chicago native raised in the southern suburbs. She’s loved animals ever since she was a kid, but she’s always had a special love for dogs. Her first dog was a long-haired dachshund who lived to be 12. She was a girl’s best friend and fueled her passion for animals. As a kid, LaShaunti was constantly watching Animal Planet with her dog and various other pets.
After ...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Nate grew up surrounded by dogs and cherished every opportunity he had to spend time with his family’s dogs. He was raised in Chicago and went to college at Michigan Tech, where he received a B.S. in Mathematics. During his time in college, Nate worked as a math tutor and fell in love with teaching. After completing his degree, he moved back to Chicago and began to pursue his other passion–...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Lin has always been passionate about all animals. Having grown up in a small town in Connecticut, they grew up around dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, you name it! Their passion for dogs stumbled into their life with a tiny Westie puppy their parents adopted for the family. Lin took every opportunity to learn about dogs and training after that. With this passion in their back pocket, they m...
In home training, Board and train
Lorree has been around animals all her life with dogs being the biggest part. With
a degree from Penn State with a B.S. in Environmental Education with an
emphasis on wildlife, she’s worked in education for the National Park Service, IN
State Park Service and Brookfield Zoo. She holds certifications for dog training
from Animal Behavior College (ABCDT certification) and Canine...
In home training, Board and train
Corinne started training agility when she was looking for a way to give her 1st Austrailian Shepherd, Auddi, a healthy outlet for her energy 10 years ago. Since then she has worked with her own dogs in agility, nosework, obedience, herding, dock diving, canine fitness, Canine Good Citizen, Canine Good Citizen Advance, Canine Good Citizen Urban, and is a Certified Therapy Dog Team with her dog G...
In home training, Board and train
Monica earned her B.A. in Biology from North Central College and minored in French at Iowa State University. She is a member of the National Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. She has earned multiple competitive agility titles with her Dalmatians, Hannah, and Drake.
Monica is interested in helping anyone train any type of dog. She ...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train
Bobby Brown started professionally training dogs in 2015. He earned his certification through CATCH and the Council of Professional Dog Trainers. Bobby has 2 personal dogs, Bella, a Bully Breed Mix, and Sugar, a Border Collie/Lab Mix. Together, they enjoy training and competing in Dock Diving, Flyball, Nose work, and their newest passion, Agility. In addition to dog training, Bobby has trained ...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Justyna has fostered and helped rescue several animals since her early 20s and is completing her certification with Animal Behavioral College. Jusyna has been training puppies with Anything Is Pawzible for the last two years. When not at work she likes to spend time with her three kids, her fur babies Cooper (dog) and Ziggy (cat) and her reptile babies Ocho (bearded dragon), Pearl (snake) and B...
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
As a Chicago area native, Evan grew up spending as much time with dogs as he possibly could (despite not being able to have one at home due to a sibling's allergies). As an adolescent, he spent his free time training the dogs of family members and soon realized he had a passion for working with animals. During his college years, Evan worked as a dog walker while living in Chicago and spent his ...
In home training, Board and train
Danielle has 15 plus years of agility experience. She has put MACHs, ADCHs, NATCHs, and UGRACHs on multiple dogs. Has qualified for AKC Nationals in 2010-2015, USDAA Nationals 2010-2014, and NADAC Championships 2010-2011. She has also gone to AKC World/International Team Tryouts in 2012-2014 and was a member of the AKC International team in 2013. She also actively competes in Obedience, Rally, ...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train
Pamela is a teacher and coach who specializes in helping people understand, communicate with, and train their pet dogs. Her training methodology is compassionate and science-based and focuses on rewarding desired behaviors. Pamela’s approach is also informed by her background in theatre and education. She prioritizes empathy, clear communication, and active participation from both human and c...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Andrew has been a dog walker for over seven years, serving River North, Streeterville and Gold Coast. After attending Fetch Find Academy’s training program, he became a Field Operations Manager for Chicago Pet Sitters where he trained staff members in safe-handling techniques. His passion for training and educating dog owners stems from a cynopraxic philosophy: enhancing the human-dog relatio...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
A lifelong animal lover, Alison entered the training world thanks to her two Australian Cattle Dogs, Fox and Rocket. Both Fox and Rocket participated in group classes at Anything is Pawzible when they were first adopted. Helping these two rescue pups work through various challenges and making sure they feel safe and happy in the world has been an inspirational experience and has impacted every...
Agility training, In home training, Board and train
Ari has spent the better part of the past 25 years training and studying from the greatest dog trainers in the world. His obsession began while attending the University of Kansas with a German Short Hair Pointer/Lab mix named Bo, and flourished from there. Since then Ari has dedicated himself to formulating a system that allows him to successfully teach dogs and humans how to communicate.
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Tamara Gansz has been obsessed with dogs since her earliest days. While her degree is in Art History, she started Pets-Chicago, a dog walking company, in 2003 and has been humbled and learning every day through the beauty of the animals she cares for. Leeloo, Jinx and Sevro are Tamara’s three rescue dogs and each has been a beacon for her to dive deeper and learn more. Leeloo, a therapy do...
In home training, Board and train
Heather is the owner/operator of Lucky Dog Academy. She is a Certified Dog Trainer and mentor trainer graduated with honors from Animal Behavior College, an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She has two Border Collies and has competed in UKI, USDAA, CPE, AKC and Nadac agility, and also enjoys herding, nosework, obedience and trick trai...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train
For as long as she can remember, dogs have been apart of Grace's life; from getting her first dog at 5 years old, to religiously playing Nintendogs on her DS, and eventually to training her own Service Dog in college. At Urban Pooch, Grace teaches all levels of Agility and Disc as well as puppy and LEVELS classes. Grace has 3 personal dogs: Guster (Mini Schnauzer), Rafiki (Standard Poodle) and ...
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Born and raised in Lake Bluff, IL, John has spent his entire life in the Chicagoland area and currently resides in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago. From a very early age, he’s had a fascination with nature and all of its creatures. Growing up right next to forest preserves allowed him to spend his formative years outside exploring and taking in everything he could to better unde...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Born and raised in Lake Bluff, IL, John has spent his entire life in the Chicagoland area and currently resides in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago. From a very early age, he’s had a fascination with nature and all of its creatures. Growing up right next to forest preserves allowed him to spend his formative years outside exploring and taking in everything he could to better unde...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Brooke has always had a special place in her heart for dogs! Growing up in a pet-loving family, Brooke was blessed to have several four-legged family members that made her childhood feel complete. In addition to dogs, horses have also played a significant role: she has been a riding instructor for the last 16 years and has competed for most of her life.
Driven by her childhood dream, ...
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Brooke has always had a special place in her heart for dogs! Growing up in a pet-loving family, Brooke was blessed to have several four-legged family members that made her childhood feel complete. In addition to dogs, horses have also played a significant role: she has been a riding instructor for the last 16 years and has competed for most of her life.
Driven by her childhood dream, ...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Elizabeth Jefferis grew up on a horse farm in Southeastern Pennsylvania training, competing, and hunting with her family’s hunter/jumper horses. Teaching has always been so rewarding for Elizabeth, from college sociology professor to property rehab mentor to certified yoga instructor to dog trainer. (Don’t tell anyone, but “dog training” is really “people training.”) She has been te...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
Coco grew up with a love and understanding of dogs from a young age. Family pets consisted of Golden Retrievers from her grandparents to German Shepards who were too goofy to become police dogs.Prior to working in a caregiver capacity with animals, Coco worked in the entertainment industry. From working as a Radio Engineer at Clear Channel to Promotional work at Victory Records and finally a Mo...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training
Courtney graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 2013. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from University of St. Francis in Joliet as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from American College of Education. Courtney is a teacher at West Leyden High school for students with severe and profound disabilities. She grew up around dogs and her love f...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
There hasn’t been a time where animals weren’t a part of Laura’s life. She grew up with a dog and a cat, had an amazing rabbit, and to her mother’s dismay, even some mice. Laura always wanted to surround herself with animals, so her first job, at 16, was working as a kennel assistant for her local vet. She moved to Chicago after college, and for the last 18 years, Laura has worked in th...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
I developed an interest in training when I adopted my first American Bully, Kona, in 2017. While we bonded quickly, our relationship flourished once we started training and speaking the same language. Shortly after adopting Kona, I started fostering bully breeds for various Chicago rescues. I realized how much training helped these dogs find homes and stay in those homes.
While fosteri...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
I began my career in pet care in 2004 when I moved to NYC with a degree in opera/classical voice from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA and I started walking dogs as a side hustle while I pursued a career in the performing arts.
My grandfather was a veterinarian, so growing up, our home was never short on animals with behavioral and/or medical challenges, which may explain why I qu...
In home training, Puppy training
Kate has over 20 years of experience working with a variety of dog breeds. To deepen her knowledge she chose to become certified as a dog trainer by the Animal Behavior College that provided study and hands-on training for how dogs think and learn.
When you hire Kate to train your dog, you’re assured something else. She is dedicated to empowering you with the skills needed to continu...
Puppy training, In home training
Kate has over 20 years of experience working with a variety of dog breeds. To deepen her knowledge she chose to become certified as a dog trainer by the Animal Behavior College that provided study and hands-on training for how dogs think and learn.
When you hire Kate to train your dog, you’re assured something else. She is dedicated to empowering you with the skills needed to continu...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for In home training in Chicago, IL is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For In home training, we received 1592 total votes, resulting in 75 dog trainers who focus on In home training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for In home training listed first.
Dog trainers for In home training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Margaret Fraser, who has been voted the top dog trainer for In home training in Chicago, IL. Margaret Fraser’s favorite part of their job is: Seeing people live their best lives with their best friends.
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At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Margaret Fraser, as well as the other dog trainers on this In home training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Margaret Fraser encourages owners with this dog training tip: Management is just as important (if not more!) as training.
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Every client gets a free 30-minute phone consultation/ intake. Private sessions last about 60 minutes and take place in the home and at locations around the city. Every session comes with follow-up notes and homework. Clients who purchase packages or day training also receive a training plan and support between sessions., while others like Katie Morgan adopt:
Positive reinforcement, force free with focus on the relationship centered training approach.. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.
Management is just as important (if not more!) as training.which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in Chicago.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.