This is a list of the top dog trainers in Ohio, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
CPDT-KA, RVT
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Geauga, Lake, Cuyahoga, Ashtabula county, Chardon, Mentor, Willoughby, Eastlake, Middlefield, Painesville, Chesterland, Kirtland, Chagrin Falls, and surrounding areas
I started my career as an animal trainer in 2005 at a wildlife center. There I used clicker training to teach raccoons to patiently wait on their stations for food rather than climbing up on the keeper's legs. I became hooked on dog training when I used the clicker working with my reactive dog, Marvin, who needed me to step up my game. I am a registered veterinary technician (RVT) with over 16 ...

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Dublin, Worthington, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, Gahanna, New Albany
I first realized the power and impact of training in 2012. At the time, I was working at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, observing Wouter Stellaard, a world-renowned animal trainer, train rats to complete an obstacle course. The five rats all named after different types of cheese, took the stage together. Four scurried around a pool, while one swam across, using the shortcut to get to th...

Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, IAABC. Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer. American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
I provide in-home dog training services in the greater Cincinnati area.
I came to dog training after having the incredible experience of working in several zoos and aquariums with a variety of species including elephants, cheetahs and penguins. Learning about training through an exotic animal lens gave me an understanding and appreciation of ethology and natural history and their role in analyzing animal behavior.
I have been professionally training dogs since ...

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Certified Veterinary Assistant
Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Akron, OH
I'm the owner of SouthPaw Petting and have been serving the pets of Akron since 2005. I love helping clients with their puppies and dogs, it's a very rewarding experience! I'm a bit of an education junkie, and travel frequently for conferences and for my own pleasure.
CPDT-KA, ABCDT, FFCP
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Centerville, Ohio Bellbrook, Ohio Five Points, Ohio Miamisburg, Ohio
Helping people and their dogs connect is the absolute best part of my job. I've been working with dogs for 15 years and I've loved every second of it. I received my dog training certification in 2010 and have been focused on dogs and dog behavior ever since. I am a certified trainer through the Animal Behavior College and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. I spent 5 year...

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Columbus, Worthington, Dublin, New Albany, Westerville, Upper Arlington, Hilliard, Lewis Center
My name is Alex Eaton and I started Out of This World Dog Training to offer the people and pets of Central Ohio an exciting and effective method of training. I am a certified professional dog trainer. I received my certification through Animal Behavior College and graduated with honors. I have also helped train service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence. I have spent time volunteering ...

CDBC, CPDT-KA, FFCP, CARE-TC, FDM
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
All of northeast Ohio
Valarie Ross is the heart and soul behind Sits 'n Wiggles Dog Training. With a deep passion for helping dogs overcome behavioral challenges, Valarie has established herself as a leading expert in the field of canine behavior. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, credentials that reflect her commitment to ongoing education and ex...

Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, and an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.
Board and train, Puppy training
Northeast Ohio
As a life-long dog and cat owner, Abbe began rescue volunteering in 2006. After several years of owning and handling rescue dogs, she became a team leader, teaching volunteers how to properly and safely handle the dogs, along with teaching basic obedience commands.
In 2013 she began an internship at a local, award-winning, multi-trainer facility. She advanced quickly by conducting eva...

Certified Professional Dog Trainer and is working towards her CCPDT-KA
Reactive dog training
Cuyahoga, OH
Tracy has been an animal lover all of her life, even as a toddler, her favorite toy was a toy dog and she was always found petting any dog that was nearby. Family and friends agree, things have not changes much, she still needs to meet EVERY dog she comes across. Once Tracy began fostering, she realized that she needed the help of professional dog trainers to help her make her fosters adoptable...

Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
In-home visits: Columbus, Gahanna, Westerville, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Powell, Pataskala, New Albany, Worthington, Bexley, Delaware, Marysville
Private practice since 1993.

DVM, ABVP, KPA, LLA
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training
At One Smart Dog, we believe a well-behaved dog is a pleasure to live with and easy to love. As a veterinarian and companion animal specialist, I am intensely dedicated to the well-being of animals. As a Karen Pryor Academy - Certified Professional Trainer (KPA-CPT), I am a graduate of one of the most rigorous, skilled training programs in the United States and around the world.What can I, and ...
CPDT-KA CBCC-KA KPA-CTP CDBC CSAT
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
The greater Cincinnati area
I have been training dogs and owners for more than 10 years. I am a past chair for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and hold certifications with multiple organizations. I have a newly adopted 1 year old St. Bernard named Gordon that we brought home from the shelter this past November.

Member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a Canine Training Professional through the Pet Professional Guild and is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Board and train, In home training
Jenna StrayerOwner/Head Trainer (she, her)Jenna has nearly ten years' experience training and living with sport, working, therapy and service dogs. She is a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a Canine Training Professional through the Pet Professional Guild and is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She also regularly attends seminars and workshops to sta...

SFSPCA Dog Training Academy (Certificate in Training & Counseling-2004) and did continuing education in Stranger Aggression & Social Fear (2005), and Dog/Dog Aggression (2006) with Jean Donaldson & Janice Bradley
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training
I have worked as a full time professional trainer since 2000 specializing for the past 10 years in behavior problems. I was one of the few trainers in the Bay area in California that specialized in aggression and severe behavior problems and was referred to clients by fellow trainers in the area because of my expertise. I graduated from the SFSPCA Dog Training Academy (Certificate in Training &...

LISW, CDBC, PPG, AABP-CDBT
Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training
Northeast Ohio Lorain County, Ohio
Jane Miller, LISW, AABP-CDBT, Pet CPR & First Aid Certified, works in private practice as a licensed psychotherapist/clinical social worker, with a particular interest in holistic modalities of healing. She currently focuses on educating others about the legal, ethical, and practical criteria of working with Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs). Miller has lectured about PSDs in a variety of settin...

Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training
Alisa Gerasimov is an honor graduate of the Animal Behavior College's Dog Training Program and AKC Evaluator. Alisa avidly pursues continuing education and professional development by attending APDT seminars and keeping current on research and training in this evolving field.Alisa grew up in Ukraine, where she spent years socializing feral dogs and successfully teaching them to safely coexist a...
“Alisa Gerasimov was a godsend to us! When she arrived, our dog Ed was continually marking around the house, he was uncontrollable on the leash, he did not focus on any of my commands, he was full of anxiety, he was fearful and somewhat hostile to other dogs and generally impossible to control. And both of my pups were gobbling their food, sometimes being sick afterwards from eating so fast. Ed now is calmer, happier, very confident, does not ever mark in the house, loves other dogs (THANK YOU FLOKIE FOR BEING HIS FIRST FRIEND!) listens to my commands and does not drag me around the neighborhood! And Django is learning through him all the good habits Alisa instilled! And she also introduced me to the “snuffle mats” which have completely changed the way they eat. She also recommended the belly belts and the front-hook harnesses, which changed my life! Both pups are so much happier in so many ways. I have owned many dogs through the years, and I can truthfully say this is the first time I felt like the training was worth the time and money spent. Alisa has an absolute gift with dogs. They instinctively trust her. She quickly becomes a safe place for them. I can’t thank her enough for her help and kindness. We will miss Alisa and her wonderful dog Flokie and our training sessions, which became fun instead of work, but still managed to correct behavior. She is the BEST!!!”
— Emily S.

Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Jacey grew up around a lot of animals as her mother is a veterinarian. She spent a large portion of her childhood volunteering at veterinary hospitals and animal shelters.Jacey worked as a veterinary technician while majoring in biology in college. After college, Jacey rescued her Belgian Malinois, Akira, who at the time had some behavioral issues. Akira really set Jacey on the path of being a ...
“Jacey trained my rescue dog Boomer who was about 1.5 yr at the time. Boomer is a 55lb hound dog mix who struggled with high anxiety, high prey drive and leash pulling. After spending two weeks with Jacey, Boomer is able to walk in a heel, has perfect recall, dog neutral, down on command even in disruptive environments like public transit etc. Even after training, Jacey was quick to answer any and all questions I had for her regarding keeping up with his e-collar training. We moved from Columbus, Ohio to NYC and Boomer adapted seamlessly from the quiet suburban lifestyle to bustling life in Manhattan. He rides with me in the subway, buses etc. I could not say enough good things about Jacey and would truly recommend her to all.”
— SOWBHAGYA G.

Cleveland
Hi, I am Madison! I am a positive reinforcement based trainer. I professionally trained Service Dogs for 2.5 years at a Service Dog organization before breaking off on my own. I am in the process of getting a reactivity certification and a certification through IAABC. My passion is learning how to understand dogs at a compassionate level so that we can work with them and train in a way that mak...

Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Hello, my name is Kevin Johnson and I want to thank you for considering Dog Training Elite of Northeast Ohio. I was born in North Carolina and raised on a farm where we bred and trained hunting dogs. I've always enjoyed working with dogs to enhance the lives of their human families. I left North Carolina when I joined the Air Force where I served at the Pentagon and Andrews Air Force Base for 7...

Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Josh is a military veteran, whose dog training journey started long before he decided to become a DTE Franchisee. He began training military working dogs (MWD) in 2009 and in doing so has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with his MWD Valdo. Upon completion of his military service, he also trained dogs for the Department of State in support of diplomatic operation...

I'm the owner of SouthPaw Petting and have been serving the pets of Akron since 2005. I love helping clients with their puppies and dogs, it's a very rewarding experience! I'm a bit of an education junkie, and travel frequently for conferences and for my own pleasure.

Valarie Ross is the heart and soul behind Sits 'n Wiggles Dog Training. With a deep passion for helping dogs overcome behavioral challenges, Valarie has established herself as a leading expert in the field of canine behavior. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, credentials that reflect her commitment to ongoing education and ex...

Jane Miller, LISW, AABP-CDBT, Pet CPR & First Aid Certified, works in private practice as a licensed psychotherapist/clinical social worker, with a particular interest in holistic modalities of healing. She currently focuses on educating others about the legal, ethical, and practical criteria of working with Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs). Miller has lectured about PSDs in a variety of settin...

I came to dog training after having the incredible experience of working in several zoos and aquariums with a variety of species including elephants, cheetahs and penguins. Learning about training through an exotic animal lens gave me an understanding and appreciation of ethology and natural history and their role in analyzing animal behavior.
I have been professionally training dogs since ...
I have been training dogs and owners for more than 10 years. I am a past chair for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and hold certifications with multiple organizations. I have a newly adopted 1 year old St. Bernard named Gordon that we brought home from the shelter this past November.

I have worked as a full time professional trainer since 2000 specializing for the past 10 years in behavior problems. I was one of the few trainers in the Bay area in California that specialized in aggression and severe behavior problems and was referred to clients by fellow trainers in the area because of my expertise. I graduated from the SFSPCA Dog Training Academy (Certificate in Training &...
I started my career as an animal trainer in 2005 at a wildlife center. There I used clicker training to teach raccoons to patiently wait on their stations for food rather than climbing up on the keeper's legs. I became hooked on dog training when I used the clicker working with my reactive dog, Marvin, who needed me to step up my game. I am a registered veterinary technician (RVT) with over 16 ...

Alisa Gerasimov is an honor graduate of the Animal Behavior College's Dog Training Program and AKC Evaluator. Alisa avidly pursues continuing education and professional development by attending APDT seminars and keeping current on research and training in this evolving field.Alisa grew up in Ukraine, where she spent years socializing feral dogs and successfully teaching them to safely coexist a...

Hi, I am Madison! I am a positive reinforcement based trainer. I professionally trained Service Dogs for 2.5 years at a Service Dog organization before breaking off on my own. I am in the process of getting a reactivity certification and a certification through IAABC. My passion is learning how to understand dogs at a compassionate level so that we can work with them and train in a way that mak...

I first realized the power and impact of training in 2012. At the time, I was working at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, observing Wouter Stellaard, a world-renowned animal trainer, train rats to complete an obstacle course. The five rats all named after different types of cheese, took the stage together. Four scurried around a pool, while one swam across, using the shortcut to get to th...

Private practice since 1993.

Jacey grew up around a lot of animals as her mother is a veterinarian. She spent a large portion of her childhood volunteering at veterinary hospitals and animal shelters.Jacey worked as a veterinary technician while majoring in biology in college. After college, Jacey rescued her Belgian Malinois, Akira, who at the time had some behavioral issues. Akira really set Jacey on the path of being a ...
Helping people and their dogs connect is the absolute best part of my job. I've been working with dogs for 15 years and I've loved every second of it. I received my dog training certification in 2010 and have been focused on dogs and dog behavior ever since. I am a certified trainer through the Animal Behavior College and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. I spent 5 year...

I started my professional career many years ago as a registered dietitian working at Mercy St. Vincent specializing in nutrition for cancer patients. I went on to become a Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Yoga Instructor. I developed the Integrative Medicine Program at Mercy Cancer Centers that provided these services for cancer survivors to help ease the suffering caused by this disease.The...

Canine Karma welcomes Marsha Serio as an instructor.Serio holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Toledo. Her professional career of more than 30 years included appointments as Director of Human Resources for the City of Toledo. She retired from Bowling Green State University in 2012, where she served as Director of Employment and Employee Relations.She has been actively i...
Welcome to Ohio’s list of top dog trainers. The Ohio list is based on 477 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Ohio dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Christine Good at the top of this list with 158 votes.
Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and FFCP. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Ohio dog trainer services include:
Dog trainers in Ohio selflessly set pets up for success. Christine Good shares why they chose this path: Working in the veterinary field I realized that there was a huge need for more education and training without force. So many animals were surrendered, rehomed, or even euthanized for behavioral challenges that could have been prevented or avoided if clients had received better advice from the beginning on the relationship with their pet. I think, animal behavior is absolutely fascinating and teaches us a lot about ourselves. I love creating a stronger bond that goes both ways between dogs and their families.. All 90 trainers on this Ohio list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Ohio trainer, Sarah Dugger, uses the following methods: Begin with a consultation to assess medical history, learning history, and the conditions surrounding behaviors through a Behavior Analysis lens. Establish short term and longterm goals before creating a training plan for the individual animal. With an individualized training package, we will practice two-way communication with the animal during positive reinforcement training sessions to shape skills and cues. In addition to training, we will incorporate thoughtful environment arrangement to manage behavior problems..
Explore the top dog trainers in Ohio as voted by our community:
Working in the veterinary field I realized that there was a huge need for more education and training without force. So many animals were surrendered, rehomed, or even euthanized for behavioral challenges that could have been prevented or avoided if clients had received better advice from the beginning on the relationship with their pet. I think, animal behavior is absolutely fascinating and teaches us a lot about ourselves. I love creating a stronger bond that goes both ways between dogs and their families./. Similarly, Sarah Dugger and Hannah Burke Garbett have unique motivations, withI recognized a need in the pet owner community for ethical, positive, and skillful trainers. In my 'zoo bubble' I was surrounded by the best of the best trainers, but in our everyday society, there is an overwhelming amount of traditional and behavior-suppressing methods. I feel motivated to show people that there is a better way, and that we can get results that leave both the pet parent and the pet happier and more bonded.andI understand the struggle of raising an exuberant puppy or the stress that comes from experiencing behavior problems with an older dog. One of my goals as a trainer is not just to help humans have 'better dogs' but also to help dogs have 'better humans.' To me that means reading canine body language, knowing how to meet the needs of your individual dog and learning how to teach new skills with kindness and compassion. I love helping families understand and enjoy their dogs, building bonds and connection that lasts a lifetime.driving their passion.
I think, we could solve half our dog problems by picking dogs that fit our lifestyle better. For example -puppies may look adorable with their big eyes but they are really Velociraptors on steroids! They bite, and have accidents, and bite some more. It is also a misconception that puppies are blank slates and won't develop problems. Puberty is awful no matter the species. Dogs two and over have fully formed personalities. What you see is usually what you get - if you know how to look. Also, although we may fantasize about driving a racecar and may enjoy watching them, most of us are much better served in real life with an SUV or sedan. There are breeds out there that appear in movies or online videos showing off fantastic skills - but they are not made to be living in suburbia around families. They are not happy - and you won't be either..
Witnessing my clients have success with their pet, and
Witnessing my clients have success with their pet, respectively.
We exclusively use reward based training without physical corrections or confrontations. For behavioral challenges we always set up a plan including three layers: management of the behavior to prevent practicing 'bad' behavior, teaching specific behaviors that can be performed on cue, and behavior modification to address the dogs' underlying emotions that make them act out to begin with. We provide handouts, links, and videos as needed to support the process.. Meanwhile, Sarah Dugger says:
Begin with a consultation to assess medical history, learning history, and the conditions surrounding behaviors through a Behavior Analysis lens. Establish short term and longterm goals before creating a training plan for the individual animal. With an individualized training package, we will practice two-way communication with the animal during positive reinforcement training sessions to shape skills and cues. In addition to training, we will incorporate thoughtful environment arrangement to manage behavior problems.. As you can see, there are diverse approaches to Aggressive dog training in Ohio.


















































