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The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, ME of 2026

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David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, ME, 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) ...


  • 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 ...


Welcome to Portland’s list of top dog trainers. The Portland, Maine list is based on 400 votes from the Maine Sniffspot community. Only the Portland 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. We also counted 590 votes for Maine, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Portland.

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

Portland dog trainer services include:

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

Behind every successful Portland training session lies a passionate professional. 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 3 trainers on this Portland list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Portland trainer, Erin Bessey, uses the following methods: Clicker training, reward based training (food, toys).

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

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FAQ: Meet the Top Portland, Maine Dog Trainers

Who are the top-rated dog trainers in Portland, Maine?

In Portland, Sara Sokol has earned the highest recognition for their expertise in Aggressive dog training. They, along with Erin Bessey and Jenny Yasi, provide personalized training services to meet the diverse needs of Portland dog owners.

What drives Portland dog trainers to excel in their services?

Sara Sokol and other leading trainers in Portland are motivated by a passion for helping dogs and their owners. Sara Sokol was inspired to offer their services in Portland 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 are the top services offered by Portland trainers?

The top trainers in Portland, such as Sara Sokol, specialize in providing Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training. They describe their services as: My focus when working with clients is prioritizing an understanding of how our dogs, and ourselves, learn, what drives behavior, building clear and consistent communication, an understanding of canine body language so that we can listen to our dogs, and prioritizing, above all else, the relationship that we have with our dogs. I offer group classes, both virtual and in person, that range from young puppies through Advanced Obedience as well as Agility, Nose Work, Tricks, Fun and Games classes, and Dog Parkour..

What is Sara Sokol’s best piece of advice for Portland dog owners?

Sara Sokol recommends: Listen to your dog. This advice is particularly relevant for dog owners in Portland looking to improve their dog’s behavior.

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

Choosing the right trainer in Portland involves considering their services, such as Reactive dog training, Puppy training and Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training, as well as their qualifications, including CPDT-KA, CTDI, CCUI, CCPDT-ka, FFCP(trainer) AKC CGC evaluator.

Why are certifications important for Portland dog trainers?

Certifications like CPDT-KA, CTDI, CCUI, CCPDT-ka, FFCP(trainer) AKC CGC evaluator are crucial for trainers in Portland 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

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