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The Best Dog Trainers in Maine of 2024

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in Maine, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

  • Sara Sokol Photo

    Sara Sokol

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training

    Midcoast Maine for in person and global for virtual

    Hello! My name is Sara Sokol. I got into the business of dogs when I was a teenager, pet sitting and dog walking for family friends and neighbors. In 2004, I started Follow My Lead, a full service dog walking/running and pet sitting business in Pasadena, California. Follow My Lead. serviced seven different cities throughout the Pasadena area, employed 6 part time employees and held a client bas...


  • Erin Bessey Photo

    Erin Bessey

    CCPDT-ka

    Reactive dog training, Puppy training

    Lincoln and Kennebec counties primarily

    I own and operate Bessey's Positive Paws in Maine. I have been training for nearly 20 years. I became a CPDT-ka in 2011. I have a BS in Zoology. I worked a veterinary clinic for the last 15 years and still work there part time. I have raised dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind as well as did a 6 week internship with them.
    I live with my husband, two daughters and two labradors, Henry (11) ...


  • Nancy Freedman-smith Photo

    Nancy Freedman-smith

    CDBC, CBATI

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    28 years as a professional dog trainer. Prior to that I worked with horses.


  • Breanna Norris Photo

    Breanna Norris

    KPA CTP

    Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Central Maine

    Teacher, educator and trainer that tries to make the science of training fun and functional for all.


  • Jenny Yasi Photo

    Jenny Yasi

    CPDT-KA, CCUI, CTDI, FFCP(trainer) AKC CGC evaluator

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Portland, Freeport, Cumberland, Yarmouth, Falmouth

    cWhole Dog Camp in Freeport Maineat Bliss Woods Farm in Freeport, MaineMENU AND WIDGETSAbout UsYouTubeHow Jenny became a dog trainer:Jenny Ruth Yasi, BFA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, CTDI is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and she is also a Fear-Free Certified Professional animal trainer. She's certified as a Trick Dog Instructor through Do More With Your Dogs, an ...


  • Nyssa Gatcombe Photo

    Nyssa Gatcombe

    Professional dog trainer and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainer

    Puppy training

    North Yarmouth, ME

    Nyssa is a professional dog trainer and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Committed to providing her clients with full peace of mind, she keeps her pet first aid certification up to date and regularly seeks continuing education and professional development opportunities. Nyssa prides herself on running a business that is committed to taking the best care of both human an...


The Best Portland, ME Dog Trainers In 2024

  • Sara Sokol Photo

    Sara Sokol

    Hello! My name is Sara Sokol. I got into the business of dogs when I was a teenager, pet sitting and dog walking for family friends and neighbors. In 2004, I started Follow My Lead, a full service dog walking/running and pet sitting business in Pasadena, California. Follow My Lead. serviced seven different cities throughout the Pasadena area, employed 6 part time employees and held a client bas...

    View profile

  • Erin Bessey Photo

    Erin Bessey

    I own and operate Bessey's Positive Paws in Maine. I have been training for nearly 20 years. I became a CPDT-ka in 2011. I have a BS in Zoology. I worked a veterinary clinic for the last 15 years and still work there part time. I have raised dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind as well as did a 6 week internship with them.
    I live with my husband, two daughters and two labradors, Henry (11) ...

    View profile

  • Jenny Yasi Photo

    Jenny Yasi

    cWhole Dog Camp in Freeport Maineat Bliss Woods Farm in Freeport, MaineMENU AND WIDGETSAbout UsYouTubeHow Jenny became a dog trainer:Jenny Ruth Yasi, BFA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, CTDI is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and she is also a Fear-Free Certified Professional animal trainer. She's certified as a Trick Dog Instructor through Do More With Your Dogs, an ...

    View profile


Welcome to Maine’s list of top dog trainers. The Maine list is based on 590 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Maine dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Sara Sokol at the top of this list with 199 votes.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CTDI. They also specialize in Puppy training, Reactive dog training amongst other training programs.

Maine dog trainer services include:

  • Puppy training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Aggressive dog training
  • In home training
  • Agility training
  • Off leash training
  • Board and train
  • Service dog training
  • Deaf dog training

Dog trainers in Maine selflessly set pets up for success. Sara Sokol shares why they chose this path: I wanted to provide people with a safe and fun way to make their lives and relationships with their dogs the most amazing that they can be.. All 6 trainers on this Maine list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Maine trainer, Erin Bessey, uses the following methods: Clicker training, reward based training (food, toys).

Explore the top dog trainers in Maine as voted by our community:

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FAQ: Top Puppy dog training Dog Trainers in Maine

How did Sniffspot determine the best dog trainers in Maine?

After collecting 590 votes, we compiled a list of the top trainers in Maine. These experts have proven their skills in Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, and more with Sara Sokol leading the pack.

What sets Sara Sokol apart in Maine?

With certifications like , Sara Sokol offers a well-rounded approach to Aggressive dog training and Deaf dog training. They focus on Aggressive dog training, ensuring that each training session addresses specific behavior challenges.

What motivates Maine dog trainers?

Sara Sokol began their journey into dog training because I wanted to provide people with a safe and fun way to make their lives and relationships with their dogs the most amazing that they can be..

What’s the top training advice from Sara Sokol?

According to Sara Sokol, the key to successful Aggressive dog training training is Listen to your dog.

What do other trainers recommend in Maine?

Erin Bessey suggests focusing on Let go of stereotypes or comparisons to other dogs and train the dog in front of you., Nancy Freedman-smith emphasizes Training should be part of life with animals. People should really see it as a priority..

What qualifications do these Maine trainers have?

All of the trainers on our list hold certifications like Aggressive dog training, reflecting their expertise and commitment to professional development. Many also volunteer with Maine rescue organizations.

Why are these qualifications important?

These certifications ensure that the trainers are well-versed in the latest Aggressive dog training and Deaf dog training training techniques, providing your Maine dog with the best possible care.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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