The Best Dog Trainers in Iowa of 2023

Welcome to the Iowa Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Iowa based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 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. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.

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.

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The Best Iowa Dog Trainers in 2023

Maggie Pearson

Maggie Pearson graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy for dog trainers, has her certification as a Separation Anxiety Trainer, a Certified Controlled Unleash Instructor, a Certified Family Dog Mediator, and her Fear Free Certification. She is an Accredited Dog Trainer with IAABC, a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for AKC, and an AKC CGC and Fit Dog instructor.

To Maggie, it feels like she has never not been a trainer. She's always been fascinated by training. As a child, she had Guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, salamanders, frogs, and dogs' everything under the sun. She went on to get a degree in psychology to feed her fascination with learning theory and how animals learn. Her passion never wavered, and she kept taking classes. It happened naturally that she started teaching group classes at her local kennel club.

After a few years of doing that, she decided she should get more education. This is a theme for Maggie, a lifelong learner. After Maggie got her separation anxiety credential, those cases quickly became her favorite. She has had a dog with separation anxiety and is familiar not only with the panic disorder itself but also with the stress it can put on a dog guardian. She loves helping dogs overcome their separation anxiety and giving pet parents the ability to leave their dogs without guilt and worry, hence giving the entire household some relief.

Maggie has a background in human resources, which helped her learn to advocate for people and to communicate. She is versatile and flexible in her interactions with people. She's a superb listener and works to understand where clients are coming from and what their goals are with their dogs. Then she helps them bridge that gap. She enjoys explaining dog behavior and helping people understand that often, what their dog is doing is normal. She can then help them find out an outlet for the dog to do 'dog things' in ways that better fit in their human lives.

You can see Maggie's practicality in the educational offerings she has created for local clients, including 'Office Dog' a program for business owners who want to provide their employees with the unique benefit of bringing their dogs to work and do so safely. It's one of her most popular offerings. Maggie provides her skills to her community. Along with search and rescue work with her dogs Ruger, Rlo and Arson. She does therapy work with her dog Gracie. She is active in her local kennel club. She volunteers with Almost Home Canine Rescue and her local animal shelter. Maggie Pearson is on a mission to positively impact lives, one dog at a time.

Certifications: Certified Dog Trainer, CSAT, ADT, FDM, FFCP, CCUI & B.S.

Services include:

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

More info about service provided:

Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Puppy Training
Puppy Rearing
Reactivity in Dogs
Fear full Dogs
Recall Training
Potty Training
Life Skills all dogs should know
Cooperative Care
Tricks with a purpose
Family Dog Training
Breed Selection Help

Behavioral issue focus: Separation Anxiety, Reactivity, Confinement Anxiety, Fearful Dogs and Phobias.

Training methods: We use positive reinforcement training. For behavioral training we work in partnership with your veterinarian. Firstly, we need to address if there are any underlying health issues effecting your dog's behavior. We also address if their nutritional needs are being met with your veterinarian. Then we focus on exercise, enrichment and then a behavioral modification plan.

Why I became a dog trainer: I love helping people. I used to do human resources and dog training is not any different. It is all about coaching people, creating harmony in their homes. I am on a mission to positively Impact Lives, one dog at a time.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Creating Harmony in a home. I love helping people understand their dogs behaviors and finding outlets for their dogs, to do dog things.

My #1 dog training tip: Focus on what you want a dog to do and reinforce it.

Service areas: Sioux Falls, South Dakota ( metro, includes Tea, Renner, Harrisburg, Hartford, Brandon)

Website: https://Tenaciousdogtraining.com

Marie Appel

I started training my own dogs in 4H in 1997 and started professionally training in 2016. I also run a dog swimming pool and breed and train dogs for detection work.

Services include:

• In home training
• Service dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training
• Agility training

More info about service provided: I offer group training classes in puppy and adult dog basic obedience. I also offer intro to sport classes such as rally, tricks, agility, and sniffing sports. I also offer individual plans for great foundations or problem behaviors.

Behavioral issue focus: I help new puppy and dog owners with common problems like jumping up, pulling on the leash, potty training and puppy biting.

Training methods: Group training plans focus on the AKC STAR Puppy test and CGC. Individual plans are customized to meet client needs.

Why I became a dog trainer: To help people and dogs have a great relationship with clear communication.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing clients over their challenges to have that dog they really wanted.

My #1 dog training tip: Work to build a great relationship with your dog and everything else will fall into place.

Service areas: Serving Cedar, Scott, Jackson, Jones, Linn and Benton Counties

Website: https://poseidonsk9island.webs.com

Clint Knox

I started my dog training career after graduating from Animal Behavior College in 2009. I opened Knox Canine Training in 2017 and we now have 6 employees

Certifications: Animal Behavior College Graduate

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: Knox Canine Training specializes in modern science-based training methods specifically designed to treat behavior and aggression problems in dogs of all ages and sizes. We offer group puppy and obedience classes as well as private training

Behavioral issue focus: Dog to dog reactivity, dog to human reactivity, manners, obedience, loose leash walking, puppy, rescue dogs

Training methods: We are positive reinforcement trainers utilizing clickers

Why I became a dog trainer: 2009

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love helping people understand their dogs

My #1 dog training tip: Smaller steps

Service areas: Greater Des Moines Area

Website: https://www.knoxcanine.com

Janee Wise

My name is Janee Wise-Jansen and I am a dog trainer/educator. My goal as a trainer is to create clearer communication between my clients and their dogs. I have a bachelors in Animal Science and a masters in Animal Behavior and Conservation. I also have 2 wonderful Golden Retrievers.

Certifications: Bachelors, masters, CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: I provide clients with dog training skills that can be applied to real life. I focus on basic obedience for puppies and adult dogs, as well as fearful and aggressive behavior modification

Behavioral issue focus: Fear, aggression, separation anxiety

Training methods: I provide a free phone consultation to learn about my clients needs after they have completed an intake form. I then create training plans based on their needs

Why I became a dog trainer: To teach dog guardians how to better interact with and meet their dog's needs.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: The client relationships I get to build!

My #1 dog training tip: Enjoy the time you get with your dog! And teach them how to give voluntary eye contact.

Service areas: Des Moines, IA area

Website: https://www.goldenheartdogtraining.com

Jenn Hirakawa

Certifications: CPDT, AERIE, NNCDS, IAABC, APDT

Services include:

• Board and train
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Service dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Odor Detection Dog Training, working K9 Training

Behavioral issue focus: All

Training methods: I use multiple training methods

Why I became a dog trainer: Military

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping dogs and watching them learn and grow

My #1 dog training tip: Listen to your dog

Service areas: Winterset, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa

Website: https://www.kawafarms.com

Sheila Williams

Sheila is certified and knowledge assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Sheila has 20 years of experience working with dogs in different capacities including rescue, daycare, rehabilitation, group classes, and private training.

Sheila regularly attends training seminars and conferences to stay current on the latest practices, methods, and equipment so that she can be the best possible trainer for you and your dog.

Certifications: CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

Service areas: Greater Des Moines Metro

Website: https://sheilawilliamsdogtraining.com/

Jolene Short

I'm a certified dog behavior consultant (IAABC) and trainer (CCDPT) who has been in the behavior field for over 10 years. I love working with pet guardians to help strengthen their bond with their companions so they can enjoy their lives together. I strive to continually educate myself on the most up-to-date information in relation to humane and science-based animal training and care. I am currently expanding my education to cats.

Certifications: CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT, FFCP (Trainer)

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: In home training and behavior modification: basic manners, reactivity, fear-based aggression, stranger danger, resource guarding, noise phobia, separation anxiety, workshops for daycares, vet clinics and shelter/rescues

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, stranger danger, generalized anxiety, fear-based aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding, noise sensitivity/phobia

Training methods: We offer initial behavior consultations to take a thorough history and lay foundational information. We then offer a report that recaps and provides additional resources as well as recommended behavior/training packages ranging from day training (when appropriate) to coaching virtually or in-person. We use force free and positive reinforcement methods in order to help maintain a management plan while the dog learns healthy coping mechanisms and we work to help change their emotional state to the triggering or overstimulating situations through counterconditioning and desensitization.

Why I became a dog trainer: I want to help improve the quality of lives of animals and their human counterparts so they can truly enjoy their time together.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Watching owners build relationships with their companions beyond what they were expecting was possible and getting to be their cheerleader through the process.

My #1 dog training tip: Reinforce what you want to see more of. It's so simple, but I always tell clients not to mistake simplicity for ineffectiveness.

Service areas: Des Moines, IA; Ankeny, IA; West Des Moines, IA; Madison, WI; Sun Prairie, WI

Website: https://www.homewardboundbehavior.com

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Sniffspot Iowa Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Iowa dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa?

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 Iowa 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 Iowa cost?

Iowa 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 Iowa dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Iowa 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 Iowa?

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 Iowa was $28,575 per year and $13.74 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 By City In Iowa

Davenport, IA
Des Moines, IA

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