This is a list of the top dog trainers in Sparks, NV, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Ashley is a graduate of Animal Behavior College and has trained professionally in multiple states. She specializes in Puppy training classes and is a member of our Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Team.
Ashley is owned by 2 Chow Chows "Potato" and "Tonkies" and 2 cattle dog mixes, Kye and Molly.
Ashley is an AKC CGC evaluator and has been training professionally for over 10 years
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
With a Masters degree in Education, Sarah is a certified educator in multiple states.
She has been training animals professionally for over 20 years.
She never feels like she "knows it all" and is regularly attending continuing education and encouraging her fellow trainers to better their skills and knowledge too. Sarah gives you far more than a “dog training” class. Come by, meet S...
Service dog training, Puppy training
Camille Barrus, ABC-DTis a native Nevadan who now lives in the Reno area. In 2019, while a student at UNR, she became actively involved in raising and training several of her friends and family's puppies. During this time, she discovered the remarkable impact of positive reinforcement training from Dog Training by PJ, and her life changed directions. Camille has been working with animals ever s...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Christina has been training professionally for over a decade and is one of only 30 Nationally Certified trainers in the state.
Christina specializes in obedience and can't wait to create positive change in all the lives of pet parents and their dogs.
She is owned by Samantha, a lab mix, Confetti, a dalmatian, and a slew of chihuahuas.
Board and train, In home training
Mikayla (or “Betz” as we call her) not only brings a knack for training but perhaps the most unique animal history we have within the DGA team. In addition to showing horses in english, jumping, and 50-mile endurance races, Betz used to be a bonafide dog sled racer. Yep, you heard that right. Partnering with her dad to train, handle, and care for a pack of 10 sled dogs growing up, Betz has ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Jasmine combines a passion for coaching humans with a love of animal behavior that brings our clients fantastic results, while having some fun.
A lover of both humans and animals, Jasmine has coached gymnastics for the last 12 years, and worked as a veterinary assistant. She is Fear Free Certified, is currently studying for her Veterinary Technician License through Penn Foster College,...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Like everyone on the team, Joan values education and kindness for all species, so she uses her decades of experience in educational psychology to foster human and animal communication and well-being. Joan has years of experience in the rescue world, and is a member of the Pet Professional Guild and Paws 4 Love Reno. In between learning opportunities, you’ll often find her nose tucked into the...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Amanda recently began her journey to become a certified trainer. She has a BA in Psychology and is intrigued by the parallels in behavior between humans and canines. Her goal is to become a Certified Dog Trainer to help others with their dog issues.
Amanda is owned by Takeo, a Siberian Husky, Kaze, a crazy Border Collie and Yoda, a Chihuahua mix.
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Heather’s first love is teaching people. She’s fascinated by how each individual person learns a bit differently, and she loves to adapt how she teaches to meet their needs – and then do the same with their dog!
In addition to her endless quest for knowledge, Heather brings to the table a 15 year career of training humans all over the West coast with In-n-Out, she is a member of ...
In home training, Puppy training
Before embarking on her professional journey as a dog trainer, Wendy has nurtured a profound love for dogs since her early years. However, she faced the challenge of living in rentals where furry companions were not allowed. Despite this setback, Wendy’s affection for dogs only grew stronger. She channeled her passion by volunteering at the local humane society, devoting herself to training d...
Board and train, Puppy training
For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed working with dogs and spending time to continue growing my knowledge on how to work to solve issues within dogs. I now use my skillsets, background in Sociology and continued learning to find the best solutions for my client’s dog training needs.
I credit a large portion of my growth to hours spent training with Eileen Harnedy @ Canine Ac...
Board and train, In home training
I’m an animal enthusiast and I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping people see animals in their true, clear awesomeness.” It’s me, Malaika! I’ve been surrounded by animals my whole life. I’ve had horses, dogs, rabbits … even seagulls! Yes, I fostered a seagull back to health at a very young age. I love animals … better yet, I love helping PEOPLE understand animals. They are so...
Service dog training, Puppy training
Traci Hopkinson, CPDT-KA was born in Lake Tahoe and moved to the Reno/Sparks area when she was seven years old. She graduated TMCC in 2011 with an AAS in Graphic Communications and got her ISSA personal training certification in 2015. Traci has worked at two separate veterinary clinics and has volunteered at the humane society. Traci has trained many animals over the years and as far back as sh...
Service dog training, Puppy training, Agility training
They settled in the Reno area where they have lived ever since.
She had her first German Shepherd in 1984 and have owned the breed for more than 30 years. She currently has a German Shepherd and a Pit Bull Terrier. She had trained all her own dogs basic obedience and Agility.
When she came to Reno in 2008, she started volunteering at local animal shelters – she started out b...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Ericka’s passion for dog training is contagious – and our clients love to catch the bug! Endlessly pursuing more education, Ericka is certified as Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, is a level 1 Pat Miller Certified Trainer, a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Family Paws Parent Educator, a Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and is a member of the P...
Board and train, In home training
Mikaela has been part of the DGA pack since 2019. After working at a holistic pet store where she handled some pretty feisty snakes and other reptiles, she developed a passion for canine nutrition and further grew her existing passion for all things dogs!
When Mikaela joined the team, she was thrilled with the idea that she got to work one-on-one with dogs to help them learn new skill...
Board and train, In home training
Heather joins the DGA team all the way from a small town in Iowa called Manchester. Having grown up on a farm raising chickens, pigs, turkeys, and many other animals, she is no stranger to herding the chaos – which is exactly what makes her a valuable asset to the Dog Gone Amazing team.
Heather combines her experience as a Kennel Tech and a mobile groomer with her knack for organizat...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Sally has over 30 years of dedicated engagement in dog welfare, starting as an animal shelter volunteer at age 8. Now, a seasoned professional dog trainer, Sally received her MS in Companion Animal Behavior. While attending her studies at ACAS, Sally has participated in multiple internships, including: shadowing renowned animal behaviorist Dr. Jill Goldman in Los Angeles, attending the Karen Pr...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Joanna combines a background in human teaching with 20 years of animal training experience to bring Reno dog, cat, and bird lovers the best possible training results.
A lifelong learning junkie, Joanna holds a degree in psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, is certified as Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, is a member of the A...
Board and train, Puppy training
Born and raised in Reno NV, I’ve always had a passion for working with and caring for animals. One of my first jobs was working as a dog trainer in Reno and Sparks at a board and train facility, where I had the opportunity to train a variety of different breeds basic manners and obedience.
Later, I went on to pursue a career caring for animals. I received my Veterinary Technician L...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Monica Oesterling combines her obsession with behavioral science with her 15 years of dog training experience to bring our clients the best of her expertise.
Because she is strongly dedicated to kind, gentle, effective, and science-based methods, Monica earned her dog trainer certificate with Animal Behavior College back in 2005 and received her CPDT-KA shortly thereafter. She has now ...
Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
I'm an avid animal lover. I have literally been around and have had animals all of my life. I remember training my two dogs to sit on a step stool together at the age of 6. When one of my dogs didn't come home, I somehow knew to take the other dog with me and have her show me where her sister was. Angie was a poodle mix and her hair had gotten tangled up in some barbed wire; she had become tra...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Se habla espanol
Evey has been working with and training dogs and horses for almost a decade. Evey specializes in basic obedience training for adult dogs and is a part of our Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Team.
She has many dogs of her own, but her "ride-or-die" is Menino, a chihuahua mix full of personality and love.
Service dog training, Puppy training
PJ has been training animals since she was 11 years of age beginning with a “wild mustang.” PJ was the first trainer in Northern Nevada to earn an international Level I certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA.) in 2002. PJ is an Animal Behavior Specialist and "train-the-trainer" trainer w...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
While Sarah’s education in dog training is what qualifies her, her ability to communicate clearly and her kindness are why our clients love her. With over 6 years of experience in dog training, and 5 years of experience in the rescue world, Sarah brings her considerable problem solving skills to every client interaction.
Because of her commitment to effective, humane, and science-bas...
Welcome to Sparks’s list of top dog trainers. The Sparks, Nevada list is based on 0 votes from the Nevada Sniffspot community. Only the Sparks dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Ashley Anderson at the top of this list with 0 votes. We also counted 302 votes for Nevada, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Sparks.
Our rankings include trainers certified by and . They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Sparks dog trainer services include:
Behind every successful Sparks training session lies a passionate professional. Ashley Anderson shares why they chose this path: . All 25 trainers on this Sparks list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Sparks trainer, Sarah Anderson, uses the following methods: .
Explore the top dog trainers in Sparks as voted by our community:
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.