Welcome to the Las Vegas, NV Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2022. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Las Vegas 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 Nevada 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 Las Vegas, NV Dog Trainers in 2022
Veronica Selco
Veronica Selco is the lead trainer at imPETus Animal Training. She is a Karen Pryor Academy Training Partner (KPA CTP), Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI), Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI) , Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) and Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM). She serves as a mentor for aspiring dog trainers enrolled in the Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy.
She is also an AKC Evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen, S.T.A.R. Puppy and Trick Dog Programs. Veronica works with dogs of all breeds and sizes and offers behavior consultation and training services for families needing help dealing with dogs with fear, anxiety and aggression. Veronica has been helping people achieve behavioral wellness for more than 20 years. Prior to working with dogs, Veronica worked as a Clinical Social Worker, serving families in distress.
Having earned a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Studies at California State University, Los Angeles in 1994 and then a Master's Degree in Social Work at Columbia University in 1997, her early training was in human behavior and counseling. Her work as a post-graduate involved helping families cope with trauma, assault, abuse and terminal illness. This challenging work prepared her for the behavior modification work she does with dogs and their families.
Veronica is a pioneer in the community and strives to elevate the dog training profession and is committed to a humane and effective, modern science-based approach when working with dogs and their people. She believes that learning is lifelong and should be fun for all learners. She is an avid and eager learner herself and participates in continuing education regularly. She hosts workshops and seminars for dog trainers and dog owners and attends conferences with leaders in the field of science-based animal behavior. She is also proud to host K9 Nose Work Odor Recognition Tests and Trials.
Veronica is a member of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), Pet Professional Guild (PPG), International Association of Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW). Veronica has also been a supporter and Board Member of Hearts Alive Village Las Vegas, a non-profit dedicated to keeping domestic companions in their homes, since its inception. She is passionate about enriching the lives of companion animals, building relationships and communication with pet parents and is committed to helping dogs displaced in rescue.
In her spare time, Veronica enjoys training her own dogs, traveling, wine tasting, crafting cocktails and photography.
Dog training certifications: MSW, KPACTP, CCUI, CBATI, CNWI
Dog training services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
imPETus offer services for dogs in all life stages. We help families prepare for the arrival of their new puppies to help them get started with a successful training plan to achieve the lifestyle they desire with their new companions - family dogs that are social dogs, therapy dogs, sport and competition dogs and more!
We support families seeking help with behavioral issues that significantly impact the quality of life for both dogs and their people. Our lead trainer, Veronica Selco, has a Master's Degree in Social Work from Columbia University and has been counseling families and helping them achieve behavioral wellness for over 20 years. She works with families with dogs with fear, anxiety and aggression.
Dog training methods:
The team at imPETus is dedicated to a modern, science based approach to training. We are certified and complete hundreds of hours of continuing education annually. We are dedicated to supporting families with their dogs by helping them build a strong foundation of life skills to enhance a lifelong relationship of trust, fun learning and clear communication.
Service area:
We offer: private, group sessions in-studio in Las Vegas, in home services in Las Vegas and Henderson, and virtual services.
Website: https://www.impetusanimaltraining.com
Megan Crow
I’m Megan, a certified professional dog trainer here in Las Vegas. In 2017, I made a choice that forever changed my life and brought home a new puppy. Murphy was a troubled dog since the first night, his behavior seemingly unexplainable. Once his seizures began, I started searching for answers.
When I realized how I could help Murphy, I knew I could do the same for others. I fell in love with behavioral science and discovered dog training was my calling. I am always continuing my education to better serve the families I work with. In addition to my dog training certification from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, I have a B.S. in Marine Biology and Environmental Science. I love volunteering locally at The Animal Foundation and I hold group training classes at Barx Parx in Henderson, Nevada.
My training programs are built with the goal of immediate relief from frustrating behavior through tried and true methods. You need to know you're choosing the right person to guide you through this journey to a better bond with a calmer dog. Using easy to understand techniques and training games, we quickly get you real results that last whether you have a new puppy or ornery adult dog.
I always use the least intrusive, minimally aversive methods to achieve the highest quality of training I can offer. This is accomplished using a science-based approach through force-free, positive reinforcement training methods. In lieu of traditional training methods that involve punishment for undesirable behaviors, I believe in teaching and reinforcing incompatible behaviors (e.g., rewarding a dog for sitting instead of jumping on guests at your front door). I will work one-on-one with you to cultivate a personalized plan intended to nurture your bond with your dog.
My main goal is to help you build a connection, foster trust, and create mutual understanding with your pet so you can conquer anything together!
Dog training certifications: AKC Evaluator, CATCH CCDT, Pet CPR and 1st Aid Certified, Fear Free Shelter Certified, APDT Member, Part of the Shock Free Coalition
Dog training services include:
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Nuisance barking, mild to moderate reactivity, leash pulling, impolite greeters, pottying inside, jumping on people, no reliable recall, etc.
Dog training methods:
I offer 5 week intensive programs where I go to the client's home 2x a week. This training is focused on results rather than the hours I spend working with the dog and owner. The process starts with a free consultation phone call, and upon booking gets lifetime access to immediate training resources like videos, a private community, and curated resources like books, podcasts, guides.
Upon our first session, the client will receive a branded canvas welcome bag with treat pouch, treats, clickers, dog bags, a correctly fitted leash and harness, treat jars for treat stations around the house, laminated door signs, and a folder with booklets on pertinent behaviors we will address, resources, training trackers, and other goodies. The client will get 24/7 call/text/email access to me for training help for 6 weeks, and then is given one follow up session to use after the program ends to ensure they are on the right track still.
Service area:
The entire Las Vegas valley
Website: https://www.themotivatedmutt.com
Eileen Koval
Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc enjoys helping people and dogs communicate more effectively. She believes the foundation of a good cross-species relationship is understanding the needs and normal behavior patterns of each dog as an individual, as he/she was bred to be. She offers private consulting for serious dog behavior issues, obedience/manners, and agility training.
Eileen developed a unique online course to help pet parents and trainers develop reliable rattlesnake avoidance behavior off-leash through positive reinforcement techniques. She speaks frequently at international conferences and media platforms on force free approaches for addressing dog behavior issues, taking into account the whole dog. She has mentored trainers both in the US and on several continents. Eileen lives on a small ranch in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and their Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes.
Dog training certifications: CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Dog training services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, separation issues, reactivity, biting, intra-household issues, chewing, destruction
Dog training methods:
I meet with clients for a two hour behavior consultation to discuss the dog's health, behavior, social, and training histories as well as the client's goals. Then we discuss prognosis and begin training/solutions. I use positive reinforcement methods. I do NOT use fear, coercion, intimidation, choke chains, shock/e-collars, prong, or other corrections in my training.
Service area:
Greater Las Vegas and Henderson areas (excluding Lake Las Vegas and Boulder City). Remote services are available worldwide.
Website: https://www.confidentcaninesdogtraining.com
Brad Norton
Brad Norton began his interest in dog training in the late 90's after meeting Dan Hosford when looking for a trainer for his out of control Labrador puppy. Dan is a highly sought after competitive gun dog trainer. He has been educating dogs and owners alike, to the highest possible levels, for some of the most difficult competitions in the K9 world for over 4o years.
"After working with Dan and his dogs for a few months I was hooked" Says Norton. Dan Hosford realized Norton had a natural relationship with the dogs and their owners, so he took Norton under his wing and taught him to work with dogs. Norton traveled the country with Hosford for the next 8 years training and competing with dog after dog, expanding his education, as he met and trained with many of the best from all over the country. In 2008 Brad moved back to Las Vegas where he soon realized gun dog training grounds were not of great abundance.
After speaking to dog owners throughout the city, Brad realized the greater population of dog owners are suffering from a simple lack of obedience training for their four legged friends. Brad spent the next few years teaching dogs and owners obedience and developing a solid program that works for every dog. Over the next few years, Brad explored detection dog training for security police. Teaching dogs to use their nose was a base of gun dog training, so this type of work fit right in. It was educational and fun but the world is saturated with detection trainers. Looking for areas where he could make a positive impact.
Norton found a need for good Service dog and Therapy dog trainers. Norton continued to develop methods to meet these needs. Today, Norton specializes in Therapy dogs, Facility Therapy dogs and Service dogs including Diabetic alert dogs and wheelchair assistance dogs.Norton now has Facility Therapy dogs in many schools throughout Las Vegas. These dogs do amazing work with the students and faculty in these schools.
Norton knows that a well-trained dog lends itself to a quiet, peaceful, stress free environment. People always say to me, "I really love my dog, BUT‚ he's jumping on everyone, he pulls me on a leash, he runs away off leash, I wouldn't dare take my dog to the park, I think he's hard headed, he's not all there" All of these things stem from a lack of obedience and leadership. Your dog does not speak English and you don't speak dog, however through a solid obedience program you can learn to communicate clearly with your dog and expand your relationship to endless bounds. Hosford use to say something all the time that really stuck with Norton over the years. "Rarely is the dog the problem. It is almost always the owner."
This has come to be so true. "I have never met a dog yet that would not or could not be trained" Says Norton. Norton has learned that the dogs will always learn if given a clear and concise program to follow. We humans like to make things a little more complex with questions and ideas of our own. Dogs are much more simple.So over time, Norton has mastered the ability to train dogs and educate owners so they may continue the training throughout the dog's life, thereby maximizing the dog / owner relationship.
Dog training services include:
- Protection/guard dog training
Website: https://nortondogtraining.com
Sniffspot Las Vegas Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions
How are Las Vegas dog trainers selected for this list?
These are the top dog trainers in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas cost?
Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas dog trainer. How can I get listed here?
As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
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 Nevada was $30,714 per year and $14.77 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.
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