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The Best Dog Trainers in Norfolk, VA of 2026

David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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

  • Sarah Connor Photo

    Sarah Connor

    IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, Graduate of CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy, Pet First Aid Certified

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, North Suffolk

    I am a 26-year old Accredited Dog Trainer with a passion for helping dogs and their humans live their best lives together.

    In September of 2018, I founded a dog walking and pet-sitting business that I dubbed "Barks and Rec." I had begun attending CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy the month before in pursuit of a dog training certification. For several months, I attended both a local univ...

  • Crystal Partain Photo

    Crystal Partain

    CPDT-KA

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Hampton Roads Virginia and Northeast North Carolina

    With almost 2 decades of hands on experience in veterinary hospitals, local shelters and rescues, Crystal has been working with pets and their people to improve their lives together in many different settings. She received a dual bachelors degrees in biology and psychology, from Old Dominion University in 2009. Clients will often joke that she is their dogs therapist during their sessions toget...

  • Karen Adams Photo

    Karen Adams

    In home training, Puppy training

    Chesapeake, VA

    After spending 30 years as a biology professor and training dogs all my life, I began teaching professionally. My experience with dogs ranges from owning a sled dog kennel in Michigan, training for the show, obedience, and Rally rings, and teaching classes for local obedience clubs.

    I specialize in changing mouthy, rambunctious puppies and out-of-control adolescent dogs into calm and w...

  • Cheryl Shomo Photo

    Cheryl Shomo

    CPDT-KA

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and surrounding Hampton Roads

    I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through CCPDT and Fear Free Certified. I've loved animals from as early as I can remember and have a long background in various dog sports. In 2009 I was exposed to the field of applied behavior analysis opening my eyes to the science of learning and gaining a deeper understanding of positive reinforcement training. I enjoy helping people and their dog...

Welcome to Norfolk’s list of top dog trainers. The Norfolk, Virginia list is based on 64 votes from the Virginia Sniffspot community. Only the Norfolk dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Sarah Connor at the top of this list with 36 votes. We also counted 1061 votes for Virginia, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Norfolk.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and Pet First Aid Certified. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.

Norfolk dog trainer services include:

  • Puppy training
  • In home training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Aggressive dog training
  • Board and train

Behind every successful Norfolk training session lies a passionate professional. Sarah Connor shares why they chose this path: Duke is the reason I decided to pursue dog training as a career. Duke was six months old when my family adopted him on December 31, 2014. Duke was terrified of everything, and despite his emaciated frame, he was so shut down that he didn't even want the hot dogs that were offered to him during the shelter visit. I promised Duke that I would do whatever it took to help him learn to love life again. This spurred my journey into studying canine psychology and behavior, and unknown to myself at the time, opened the door to a whole new career. It is because of Duke that I am where I am today. On December 16, 2020, Duke crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He began having complications with his prostate in October, and despite all the effort to save him, his health continued to decline. He's missed more than words can possibly express, but his legacy will live on forever. Because of Duke, I have dedicated my life to helping dogs just like him.. All 4 trainers on this Norfolk list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Norfolk trainer, Crystal Partain, uses the following methods: Offering Kind and Pragmatic training for the pet parents.

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

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Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

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FAQ: Meet the Top Norfolk, Virginia Dog Trainers

Who are the top-rated dog trainers in Norfolk, Virginia?

In Norfolk, Sarah Connor has earned the highest recognition for their expertise in Aggressive dog training. They, along with Crystal Partain and Karen Adams, provide personalized training services to meet the diverse needs of Norfolk dog owners.

What drives Norfolk dog trainers to excel in their services?

Sarah Connor and other leading trainers in Norfolk are motivated by a passion for helping dogs and their owners. Sarah Connor was inspired to offer their services in Norfolk because Duke is the reason I decided to pursue dog training as a career. Duke was six months old when my family adopted him on December 31, 2014. Duke was terrified of everything, and despite his emaciated frame, he was so shut down that he didn't even want the hot dogs that were offered to him during the shelter visit. I promised Duke that I would do whatever it took to help him learn to love life again. This spurred my journey into studying canine psychology and behavior, and unknown to myself at the time, opened the door to a whole new career. It is because of Duke that I am where I am today. On December 16, 2020, Duke crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He began having complications with his prostate in October, and despite all the effort to save him, his health continued to decline. He's missed more than words can possibly express, but his legacy will live on forever. Because of Duke, I have dedicated my life to helping dogs just like him..

What are the top services offered by Norfolk trainers?

The top trainers in Norfolk, such as Sarah Connor, specialize in providing Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training. They describe their services as: Basic Obedience; Behavior Modification; Puppy Training.

How can I choose the right trainer in Norfolk for my dog’s needs?

Choosing the right trainer in Norfolk involves considering their services, such as Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training and In home training, Puppy training, as well as their qualifications, including CPDT-KA, Pet First Aid Certified, IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, Graduate of CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy.

Why are certifications important for Norfolk dog trainers?

Certifications like CPDT-KA, Pet First Aid Certified, IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, Graduate of CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy are crucial for trainers in Norfolk as they ensure that each trainer has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective and positive training.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

David Adams photo
David Adams photo

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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