Welcome to the Missouri Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2022. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Missouri 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 Missouri Dog Trainers in 2022
Chris White
I am the owner of Dog Obedience Group. We have a team of certified trainers that can help with almost all your training needs.
Certifications: KPA-CTP, CCPDT-KA
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Website: https://www.dogwizard.com
Laura Hills
Laura is the founder and owner of The Dogs' Spot -Dog Training Center and Boutique, a 15,000 square foot facility in North Kansas City, Missouri, established in 2006. The Dogs' Spot's mission is to provide the premiere spot for Kansas City's community of dog lovers who want to employ the art and science of positive reinforcement, find that unique connection with their dog, and make new friends along the way.
She and her staff offer a wide array of group classes and private training for puppies, adolescent and adult dogs, including basic manners, Canine Good Citizen‚ Agility, K9 Nose Work, Flyball, Reactive Dog, and much more. Laura partners with the local rescue community by participating in, and sponsoring, many dog events throughout the city, providing educational resources, professional services, and speaking on topics related to canine training and behavior.
In addition, Laura is affiliated with three dog training organizations: the Victoria Stilwell Academy, Catch Trainer's Academy, and Animal Behavior College. She is a mentor for all three and a faculty advisor for the Victoria Stilwell Academy. She recently coauthored a book called Your Puppy and You - a Step by Step Guide to Raising a Freak'n Awesome Dog. Laura lives with four dogs: Guinness, Fiona, Poppet and Hamish and a very supportive husband, Kirby.
Certifications: KPA-CTP, CPDT-KSA, CCFT, CTDI, VSPDT, Certified Fear Free Trainer
Services include:
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
We help families with common behavioral issues like barking, digging, fear/anxiety, reactivity, and resource guarding.
Training methods:
We employ the use of management help prevent dogs from making mistakes and use positive reinforcement to reinforce dogs when they are successful. All of our private training is tailored for the issues needing to be addressed, taking into account the needs of the family and the dog. We meet with the family remotely first to obtain information on what the problems are and when they occur. This information is used to create a training plan, which is implemented in subsequent sessions.
Service area:
We offer in-facility and in-home training for those in the Kansas City metropolitan area, as well as remote training options for families both inside and outside our service area.
Website: https://www.TheDogsSpot.com
Natalie McManus
Natalie (Certified Nose Work Instructor) grew up with dogs - and other animals - and has been working with them professionally for 12 years. She is also Certified Search Designer and Judge for United States Canine Scent Sports, a Judge for AKC Scent Work, and a Judge for PUSH Treibball.
She has been active in K9 Nose Work for 13 years and teaching classes for 9 years.She has titled an Australian Shepherd mix (5th mixed breed dog to achieve an NW1), Pomeranian (1st Pomeranian to achieve an NW1 title), Border Collie (2nd Border Collie to achieve an NW3 title), a Belgian Malinois, and another Border Collie. Natalie is currently working on Elite Champion with her Border Collie and Elite 1 with her Malinois.Natalie is also a K9 Nose Work Camp instructor, and has taught at GA camp, CO camp, and PA camp. She was also a presenter at the 2021 Virtual Nose Work Camp.
Certifications: Certified Nose Work Instructor, USCSS CSD, USCSS Judge, AKC Scent Work Judge, Push Treibball Judge
Services include:
- Aggressive dog training
Behavioral issue focus:
Dogs who need a job.
Training methods:
K9 Nose Work focuses on utilizing the dog's instincts to create an outlet for their natural and necessary hunting behavior. In practical obedience and treibball we create effective communication and understanding between dog and handler which helps them work through issues and live together more harmoniously.
Service area:
Troy, MO and virtual
Website: https://www.readysitgo.com/
Barbara Miller
Established Brookside Pet in 2004. Certified positive trainer in 2009 through Karen Pryor Academy. I specialize in young puppy and family pet training using clicker training. This year I became the first NACSW Certified Nose Work Instructor in the KC area.
Certifications: CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, CNWI, Elite Fear Free Certified Trainer, CGC Evaluator
Services include:
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
Behavioral issue focus:
Leash reactivity, separation anxiety, health handling fears, resource guarding.
Training methods:
Clients are started with an initial consultation where the problem behaviors are assessed, and a specific training plan is agreed upon. We work in conjunction with your vet for more advanced behavioral issues. We are force free, positive trainers, certified-knowledge assessed in dog training, clicker training, and K9 nose work.
Service area:
Our facility is in the Brookside neighborhood, just south of the Plaza. We offer in-home training throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Website: https://brooksidepet.com
Jennifer Maurer
Dog Train With LOVE!My name is Jennifer Maurer, and I am the founder of PetImpact! a positive reinforcement and relationship based dog training service in St. Louis, Missouri committed to making a positive impact in your dog's life! I am a dog trainer that coaches you on how to create a strong bond with your dog based on mutual love, trust and respect.
From there, you will learn how to open up communication lines teaching them a wide range of basic to advanced cues including 'Leave It', 'Come' and 'Loose Leash Walking'. I address behavior issues including barking, jumping and leash aggression. The result is a well-balanced, well-mannered and well-loved family member. My dog training programs start at the very beginning with puppy preparation, puppy, beginner, intermediate, advanced and trick programs. I also develop customized programs to fit your specific needs. Each session is re-capped in writing and homework is assigned.
I am available 24/7 to my clients so that I am able to address any questions or concerns.As an accredited dog trainer, I have coached 2,000+ pet parents with proven results every time. Not only am I committed to making an impact in your dog's life, I am committed to making an impact in the local pet community. Because of this, a percentage of my profits go to non-profit organizations in the St. Louis metropolitan area every month.PetImpact! is committed to making an impact in you and your dog's life!
Certifications: AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Services include:
- In home training
- Deaf dog training
Website: https://petimpact.com
Sniffspot Missouri Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions
How are Missouri dog trainers selected for this list?
These are the top dog trainers in Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri 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 Missouri cost?
Missouri 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 Missouri dog trainer. How can I get listed here?
As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Missouri 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri was $32,030 per year and $15.40 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.