Welcome to the Florida Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2022. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Florida 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
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 compiled 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 Florida Dog Trainers in 2022
Savannah LeFors
Hello! I'm Savannah LeFors, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and I have been training dogs since 2015! I was the coordinator of Tallahassee Memorial's Animal Therapy Department and I have been screening, training, evaluating, and managing over 180 therapy animal teams that visited the Big Bend region's healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and schools for over 2 years.
I also have experience assessing and training service dogs as part of an internship. I was raised in Saint Augustine, FL, and after moving away to get my degree in Tallahassee at Florida State, I realized my heart lives here! I am excited and passionate to help the residents of the First Coast bond with their dogs and enjoy everything our amazing coast has to offer!
As a child of two Deaf parents, I am fluent in American Sign Language, so I am also thrilled to provide accessibility to dog training for all Deaf people as well! Although I have learned a lot via reading books, attending seminars, and training clients' dogs, I have learned the most about dog training from my Australian Cattle Dog, Sydney. Sydney is totally Deaf, so we do things a little differently! I specialize in dog body language and have learned to think outside of the box to work with Sydney, and can apply my knowledge, skills, and research in science-based, positive reinforcement training to help with you and your dog's needs!
Certifications: CPDT-KA, AKC Evaluator
Services include:
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
I work with reactivity very often (dogs who bark at other dogs or people), puppies and all of the good (and bad) that comes with puppyhood, deaf dogs, jumping on people at the door, fearful dogs, and more! I will work with dogs who have a bite history (either towards other dogs or people), but the bite must be less than a level 3 on the Dunbar scale. Level 3 or higher will be referred out to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist!
Training methods:
My training method is absolutely fear-free based. We use motivators that the dog enjoys and wants to work for! Using classical and operant conditioning, we can help your dog FEEL better about certain situations first, then ask them to do behaviors in those situations!
Service area:
Saint Augustine, FL
Website: https://SavvyDT.com
Laska Parrow
Laska has been training animals with positive reinforcement since a young age. Inspired as a child, she trained her cat how to walk on a leash and basic obedience skills. Finally her father agreed that she could foster and train dogs. She has been involved with training assistance dogs since 2000 and got involved in pet dog training in 2003. Helping others with their pets led Laska to spend 7 years working at her local humane society. During her time there she taught reactive and fearful dog classes, as well as in-home training for cats and other small animals.
Certifications: CCPDT-KA, ANWI, CVT
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
Website: https://www.allearstraining.com/
Michelle MeGill
Recent transplant from Philly, PA and now working in South Florida! I'm so excited to expand my business and spread the word of the R+ community. My dog daughter Jolene (the Queen) is the reason I'm a trainer now. Here in Florida my goal is to grow my business, connect and hire incredible trainers and be another bold leader of compassionate + humane training.
Certifications: VSA-CDT
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- Board and train
- In home training
- Protection/guard dog training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- Herding training
- Off leash training
Website: https://www.trainwiththunderdogz.com
Chrissy Dullano
I am a Victoria Stilwell Academy Graduate with over 10 years of experience. I want to make a positive impact on the homeless pet community. I see pets go into the shelters or being returned to the shelter for such fixable problems and I am here to help! A little bit of help from the experts can go a long ways in saving a pets life.
Certifications: VSA-CDT, CATCH mentor, AKC CGC evaluator, PPG member, IACP member, APDT member
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://www.allfurpetsjax.com
Dara Crystal
Crystal Clear Dog Training, LLC is owned and operated by Dara Crystal. Dara's passion is helping dogs fully and happily integrate into their homes and with their families. Her love for dogs stems from growing up with them and seeing how much joy they can add to our daily lives.
Motivated by her love of dogs, Dara has spent over 15 years involved in animal rescue. Her commitment to dog training is her way to help dogs have the happy lives they deserve while also helping people fully realize the joys of having dogs as family members. Dara has a great deal of dog training education and experience. She completed two levels of academic and practicum experience with Humane Domain in 2010. She also earned her certification with The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) in April 2014.
Currently, Dara does In-Home Consultations but plans to teach group classes again in the future. She is a professional member of The Pet Professional Guild - The Association for Force-Free Pet Professionals (PPG). Dara earned her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in June 2018. She continues to participate in conferences, workshops, and webinars to keep up to date with best practices. Crystal Clear Dog Training, LLC is Registered and Insured.
Certifications: CPDT-KA
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
Fear, and reactivity towards humans and/or other animals.
Training methods:
I train using force free methods. In collaboration with clients, I develop a typed behavioral modification plan to eBay set their animal(s) up for success.
Service area:
All of Pinellas County, and areas of Tampa.
Website: https://www.crystalcleardogtraining.com
Christine Geschwill
Certified professional trainer with 15+ years experience.
Certifications: CPDT-KA
Services include:
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
Basic household manners, barking, independence training, separation anxiety.
Training methods:
Force-free, fear free training customized to the clients specific needs.
Service area:
Broward County, some parts of North Dade or South Palm Beach and remote
Website: https://bluegracetraining.com
Kathryn Chalfin
I currently own 2 Labrador Retrievers -JoJo and Jagger( both are 5 years old) I feel my dogs have trained me to be a better trainer! I love sharing my 20+ years of dog training knowledge with others.
Certifications: CGC Evaluator
Services include:
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Mindy Lytle
I've set-up Complete Agility Training Instruction from Puppy and Beginners to World Team Participants in 3 cities across the United States...Including the NorthEast Maryland .and Central and South Florida. I've trained many students to be able to Instruct Agility as well as Handle their own Dog Teams.
Certifications: Own and Trained Championship Agility Dogs in ALL Clubs, Finalist in Many Agility Competitions since 1993...Have molded many Agility Handlers who have gone on to Win many Championships of their own! Work with Any and All Dog Breeds including All-Americans and Any and All types, Ages and personalities of student!!
Services include:
- Off leash training
Website: https://www.k9s247.com/
Martha Winters
Scientifically based dog training. Humane and non-violent. K9 Nose Work classes. CNWI, CPDT.
Certifications: CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer), CNWI (Certified Nose Work Instructor)
Services include:
- In home training
Website: https://www.adoggonegood.com/
Joe Souza
Joe is a professional applications engineer by trade, but he's the happy dog-father of three great Labrador Retrievers affectionately named 'Team Ripped K9'. With many years of dog training experience under his belt, he decided to embark on a study of canine conditioning and he now works exclusively in that realm.
Joe found that there are many exceptional obedience trainers, a plethora of sport-specific trainers, and a vast number of quality working dog trainers, but there are few trainers that specialize in physical conditioning, and studies show that a dog in top physical condition is less likely to suffer injuries than a weekend warrior. No matter if your dog is a working dog, excels in dog sports, or a couch potato, your dog can benefit from a custom designed training program.
On the fun side, Joe is a swimming, dock diving, and lure coursing instructor here at Courteous Canine, and he's a certified judge with the North America Diving Dogs (NADD) organization. He's also an instructor holding a 5th Degree 'Master' rank in the martial art of Tang Soo Do, a private pilot, and an avid hiker and scuba diver, oh, and let's not forget the father of two great human kids!
Certifications: Certified Canine Conditioning Specialist, Certified Dock Diving Judge ‚ North America Diving Dogs, TC3 trained (Tactical Canine Casualty Care) ‚ Veterinary Tactical Group
Services include:
- Board and train
Website: https://courteouscanine.com
Erica Siffrinn
My name is Erica and I am the owner of Revolution Dog Training. I became a professional dog trainer because of the special connection I have had with dogs since I was a child. In my teenage years I had a Siberian Husky that had behavioral issues, and witnessed first hand the challenges it placed on our family. Even more frustrating was I didn't know where to start, but I knew I wanted to learn more.
So I went to school to become a professional dog trainer to learn how to and be able to address behavioral issues. You could say that is how I found my lifelong passion. I knew how challenged I was with my dog and I wanted to be able to help families live a comfortable stress-free life with their dogs with this new knowledge.I love what I do and wake up excited to go to work. I can't believe how quickly the days fly by, it never feels like work to me. I love seeing the difference I make in every single dog and the owner's faces as they see the results.
Certifications: Professional dog trainer
Services include:
- Board and train
Website: https://bestdogtrainingtampa.com/
Catherine Harvey
I enjoy the privilege of helping open-minded and self-motivated dog owners. Those two traits are vital in the teaching of your dog.Each experience is unique to the dog and its environment. I always stress that there is no 'quick fix' and that trust, respect and patience are paramount if one wishes to be successful.
I educate people and teach dogs following these principles: Patience and more of it every day. Achieve Trust. Keeping in mind the dog's point of view by empowering yourself with the right knowledge. Work off leash when it is safe, so that the decision to obey comes from your dog. Establish a real relationship with your pet for maximum results. Use positive training methods backed up by scientific research. Relationship development training enhances your dog's confidence as he learns to trust you.
From there you can trust him to make its own decisions, on many occasion these principles can save his life.
Certifications: Associate Certified Canine Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior consultants, Certified Professional Dog Trainer with the Council of Professional Dog Trainers, AA degree majoring in psychology from Valencia College in Orlando, Instructor at the International College of Canine Studies, Author of 'From the Dog's Point of View', Member of the Pet Professional Guild, an International Organization dedicated to the collaboration of Force-Free Pet Professionals from around the world, Member of the Force Free Trainer Network of Central Florida that emphasizes a higher science-based knowledge, and an absolute commitment to the education of the animals entrusted in our care through training based on Positive, Reward-Based, Non-Aversive Techniques
Services include:
- Reactive dog training
Website: https://pawcanine.com
Sniffspot Florida Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions
How are Florida dog trainers selected for this list?
These are the top dog trainers in Florida 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 Florida 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 Florida?
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 Florida 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 Florida cost?
Florida 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 Florida dog trainer. How can I get listed here?
As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Florida 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 Florida?
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 Florida was $27,527 per year and $13.23 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.