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The Best Puppy Trainers in St. Louis, MO of 2026

David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy training in St. Louis, MO. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the St. Louis area.

  • Jody Epstein Photo

    Jody Epstein

    ACAAB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

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

    St. Charles County, St. Louis City, remote sessions

    I have a masters degree in behavior and am proud to be the only board certified applied animal behaviorist in the eastern half of Missouri. I also hold my Certified Behavior Consultant Canine and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (knowledge assessed) certifications, and I am a Fear Free Certified Professional dog trainer as well. I have been training professionally for 16 years. I served one y...

  • Jon Conderman Photo

    Jon Conderman

    Board and train, Puppy training

    St.Louis, St. Peters

    Jon has been training dogs for about 10 years now, but his whole life has been centered around training animals. He grew up on a farm and often showed farm animals there, as well as trained the farm dogs how to work and herd livestock.
    .
    Jon has seen all scenarios in his 10+ years of training, including shelter dogs who were on their last chance. He was able to take those dogs, train th...

  • Jonathan Young Photo

    Jonathan Young

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

    With over a decade of experience in Dog Training since September of 2010, I have honed my expertise through extensive education and practical application.During the years 2010 to 2012, I completed a rigorous 2-year hands-on training course that provided me with comprehensive knowledge in reading canine body language, dog behavior, handling, and training by working with shelter dogs. During this...

    “I have know Jonathan for over three years. My Standard Poodle and I began group classes when Murphy was a puppy. Jonathan provided a great start towards helping us raise a confident, loving pet. I appreciated his knowledge and use on only positive reinforcement during sessions. Jonathan’s genuine care for the dogs he trains is exceptional. I have referred other friends to him who all have the same glowing reviews of his training.”

    — Janet L.

    “Jonathan Young was referred to me by my daughter who has used Jonathan a lot for different dogs. Jonathan is AMAZING! I have an Australian Shepherd, Colby. Jonathan is so good about not only training your dog but the owner also. Jonathan follows up & keeps in touch to see if there is anything he can do for you & your dog re training. Colby loves Jonathan and truly responds to him. I have also boarded Colby with Jonathan & he has always been well taken care of.”

    — Diana W.

  • Mandy Zatorski Photo

    Mandy Zatorski

    In home training, Puppy training

    After working animal related fields for nearly two decades, Mandy is well known in the community for her expertise in animal behavior and rehabilitation, fighting animal cruelty and breed discrimination, educating and advocating for responsible pet ownership and her work rescuing dogs in need. Her professional experience over 20 years includes dog training, vet technician, kennel management, an...

  • Jennifer Maurer Photo

    Jennifer Maurer

    Puppy training

    My name is Jennifer Maurer, and I am the founder of PetImpact! a positive reinforcement and relationship based dog training service serving St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles and Illinois. We are committed to making an impact in the life of you and your dog!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 t...

  • Jon Wiliford Photo

    Jon Wiliford

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

    Meet Jon! He grew up in Arkansas and his family always had a pack in the house. After college, Jon spent over 10 years in the coaching profession instructing high school swimming. In 2020, Jon began participating in Disc Dogs STL with his pups and realized his passion for training and dog behavior. "My first competition was a disaster, but we improved immensely after educating myself and traini...

  • Alecia Beyers Photo

    Alecia Beyers

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

    Meet Alecia! She has worn several hats during her tenure with DTE, but now keeps the train on the tracks as our Operations Manager. "Had I been told 5 years ago I would be switching careers into dog training, I would have more than likely laughed! I didn't foresee this industry in my future having spent 15 years in the medical field. However, now I can't imagine things any other way. Helping cl...

  • Michelle Savage Photo

    Michelle Savage

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

    Meet Michelle! She has been an animal lover her whole life and was always bringing home dogs and critters. Michelle began her journey working at local boarding and daycare facilities around St. Louis. After gaining years of experience in canine behavior, she shifted to animal rescue and adoption. There she screened incoming dogs, helped train and acclimate them to their new surroundings and fac...

  • Chelsea Donaldson Photo

    Chelsea Donaldson

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

    Meet Chelsea! She hails from Illinois and her life has always revolved around a passion for helping dogs. Its quite evident as she owns 6 rescue dogs! Chelsea began her journey working in local shelters. There she assisted in screening and training the incoming dogs. "I've always been drawn to the more challenging cases. While most employees shied away from the more reactive and aggressive dogs...

  • Juan Escandon Photo

    Juan Escandon

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

    Juan is an expert in dog aggression and canine body language. Since 2012 he has been working hands-on with the most aggressive dogs around town. If your dog has been deemed too aggressive to work with by other trainers in the past, Juan would be interested in meeting you and your dog.You won't see Juan around the facility often as he usually performs in-home lessons working with our most challe...

  • Anna Wilsman Photo

    Anna Wilsman

    In home training, Puppy training, Agility training

    Anna Wilsman has been training and showing dogs for 30+ years. She has shown and titled in AKC conformation, obedience, and tracking. She is a past member, trainer, and fun match judge for MCOTC and past member and trainer for GSDCSTL. She has also trained and shown in Schutzhund and PSA.Anna is committed to providing the most effective, convenient solutions to her clients' dog training needs. ...

  • Leah Devaney Photo

    Leah Devaney

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

    Leah is a graduate of Animal Behavioral College in animal behavior. She is also a graduate of Casey Ray's STL dog trainers. She has trained therapy dogs for children with disabilities as well as hospice training and enjoys being a mentor for other trainers in animal behavior college. Leah loves to understand the psychology of dogs and figure out the what and why to problem behaviors. She is a s...

  • Kimberly Gracner Photo

    Kimberly Gracner

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

    Kimberly's interest with dogs began at an early age. As well as training her own dogs, she reached out to assist friends and family members' dogs. Kim began volunteering and participating with different organizations to help dogs in need.At this point in her life, Kim was working in the counseling field helping individuals. After her experiences with educating and improving dogs' behaviors, she...

  • Sue Canada Photo

    Sue Canada

    In home training, Puppy training

    Sue's interest in animals began at a very early age. She has taken family dogs to training classes, and then trained new pets on her own. She found she had a skill for it and has helped many friends with training solutions for their pets. Sue owned horses for many years and assisted a breeder/trainer with training young horses. She began volunteering at animal rescues in 2009 gaining experience...

  • Trent Haegle Photo

    Trent Haegle

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Puppy training

    Trent was born and raised in St. Louis. Some of his favorite things include camping, road trips, cooking, and playing soccer and volleyball in his free time. Of course the road trips and camping include his baby, 6 year old husky Luna. She is the one that really inspired Trent to do what he does today. He started by training her, and watching her grow and learn so fast. It amazed him how much s...

  • Lucy Bailey Photo

    Lucy Bailey

    Puppy training

    Lucy retired from the Saint Louis Zoo. She enjoys training her dogs and teaching Rally, Obedience, Tricks, Earthdog, Barn Hunt, Lure Coursing, Conformation, Breeding and Puppy Training. All of her volunteer activities are related to the Greater St. Louis Training Club.‚ I have had the pleasure to be part of the Greater St. Louis Training Club's transition to clicker training. I have seen the cl...

  • Frances Beezley Photo

    Frances Beezley

    Puppy training

    Fran is a retired High School math teacher. She enjoys participating with her dogs in Dog Scouts. She also enjoys training her dogs in obedience, rally obedience, scent work, and barn hunt. Fran also volunteers with the Humane Society of Missouri as a puppy foster parent. Training is essential for building a successful relationship with your dog. It should be fun and rewarding for both of you. ...

  • Bob Brasses Photo

    Bob Brasses

    Puppy training

    Bob is a professional dog trainer and Mayor of Fenton Missouri. His term ends in 2021. He is active in American Sighthound Field Association lure coursing (ASFA), Large Greyhound Racing Association (LGRA) and AKC Rally. Bob also volunteers with Greyhound Companions Of Missouri as a training consultant, St. Louis Area Sighthounds (SLASH). He has served as the Director of Gateway Buick Club. This...

  • Lisa Flaum Photo

    Lisa Flaum

    Puppy training

    Lisa is an Information Technology specialist and a dog and cat trainer at Columbia Animal Hospital in Columbia, Illinois. At the hospital she uses her Fear Free certification knowledge to help the clients and their pets feel more accepting of veterinary exams and procedures. She enjoys training her dogs tricks, just for fun. I came to training through a fear aggressive dog and have a special in...

  • Barb Kohner Photo

    Barb Kohner

    Puppy training

    Barb is a clinical child psychologist, specializing in learning and adjustment problems. She enjoys training her dogs in obedience, Canine Good Citizen skills and tricks. She enjoys walking the neighborhood, hiking on local trails, and meeting new people with her dogs. She is involved with Brittany Rescue and she trains and socializes shelter puppies at the Humane Society of Missouri. She is a ...

  • Carol Meagher Photo

    Carol Meagher

    Puppy training

    Carol works as a Special Imaging Technologist in Cardiology and Electrophysiology and is a part time Professional Dog Trainer. She enjoys doing Canine Scent Work, obedience and trick training, dabbling in field work training, taking long hikes and playing ball in a big field with her dogs. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the North American Canine Scent Wo...

  • Shawn Nordell Photo

    Shawn Nordell

    Puppy training

    Shawn is a higher education career and educational specialist, animal behavior instructor, and textbook author. She enjoys training her dogs obedience and scent work (nose work). All of her volunteer activities are related to the Greater St. Louis Training Club. I love being a trainer with the Greater St Louis Training Club because the wonderful people utilize clicker training, an evidence-base...

  • Brooke Price Photo

    Brooke Price

    Puppy training

    Although I just recently got into dog training, I have been around dogs and owned many dogs my entire life. As a dog trainer I have thoroughly enjoyed helping clients train their dogs. Having the knowledge I do about canines has transformed my life in so many ways. My focus is on creating pleasant and respectful relationships between people and the animals that enrich our lives every day.

  • Shelley Pryor Photo

    Shelley Pryor

    Puppy training

    Shelley is a professional dog trainer who specializes in puppy development and behavior. Two of her dogs help her teach K-12 classes about kind animal care, welfare and safety at the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO). She helped them earn conformation, Canine Good Citizen and Tricks titles. Each summer, Shelley and her dogs team teach 200 children dog-training skills at HSMO's 'Kids for Critter...

  • Liz Purkaple Photo

    Liz Purkaple

    Puppy training

    Liz is a full time accountant and a part time Professional Canine Fitness Trainer. She enjoys training and competing in Scent Work, Rally Obedience, Canine Freestyle, Agility, and Barn Hunt. I have been training in various dog sports since 2014. I have taken several classes and workshops with the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy since 2015 to enhance my training. I love to learn about dog training and ...

  • Alane Wolins Photo

    Alane Wolins

    Puppy training

    Alane is happily anticipating retirement, so she can spend more time with horses and dogs. When I was 13, my mom tried to convince me that I really didn't like or need horses and suggested a dog instead. It didn't work though: horses have always been top dog but dogs do run a close second. I got my start with GSLTC via Molly in puppy kindergarten in 2012 and am a trainer on Monday nights. Curre...

  • Erin King Photo

    Erin King

    Puppy training

    Owner and Trainer Erin King (She/Her) got started in the world of dog training at age ten with her first Border Collie, Finn. Together they competed in dog sports, performed in half-time shows, and moved across the country. Though no longer with us, Finn is a big part of this story, he was an excellent teacher and friend. In 2015, after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Tru...

Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in St. Louis, MO is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 55 total votes, resulting in 27 dog trainers who focus on Puppy training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy training listed first.

Dog trainers for Puppy training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Jody Epstein, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in St. Louis, MO. Jody Epstein’s favorite part of their job is: The joy on people's face when they see their dog making healthier/safer behavior choices. And the joy I see in the dog when they realize they don't have to be afraid..

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Jody Epstein, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Jody Epstein encourages owners with this dog training tip: Every interaction is a training interaction. Meaning, every time we engage with a dog, we are telling that dog how to engage with us..

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Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Training in St. Louis

How were the top Puppy training dog trainers in St. Louis selected?

We evaluated over 63 votes from local dog owners to identify the best Puppy training trainers in St. Louis. This process resulted in highlighting 31 exceptional trainers known for their expertise in Puppy training.

What qualifications do the leading Puppy dog trainers in St. Louis hold?

Top Puppy training trainers in St. Louis are recognized for their expertise through certifications such as CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, CBCC-KA, ACAAB. These credentials ensure they are equipped to address specific training needs in the region.

Who is the leading St. Louis dog trainer in Puppy training and why?

Jody Epstein is celebrated as the top Puppy training trainer in St. Louis due to their impressive 54 votes and their proficiency in Aggressive dog training and Deaf dog training, distinguishing them as a top choice in the area.

What behavioral issues do Puppy dog trainers focus on in St. Louis?

In St. Louis, top Puppy training trainers like Jody Epstein concentrate on issues such as A, D, R. Other trainers might focus on areas like A, R, A.

What are the common training techniques used by Puppy training trainers in St. Louis?

Training methods vary among top Puppy training trainers in St. Louis. For instance, Jody Epstein uses a method centered on: An initial consultation allows me to learn about the life, health, and behavior history of the dog. This also allows me to observe the dog directly. Using the information gathered during the consultation, I design a management plan to prevent the dog practicing the undesired behavior as well as a behavior and training plan to help the humans help their pups work through the behavior challenges and find a more comfortable life together. I use a variety of counter conditioning protocols to help the dog make new associations with those things that trigger their behavior outbursts. This results in a more confident and resilient dog. I do not utilize any tools or techniques that rely on fear or pain to suppress behaviors., while others like Kailey King adopt: At CARE STL we are proudly force free and positive only as much as we possibly can (given our stressful shelter environment).. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.

How should I select the best Puppy dog trainer in St. Louis?

To find the ideal Puppy training trainer in St. Louis, consider their certifications, such as CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, CBCC-KA, ACAAB, and their expertise in services like Puppy trainingand In home training. Reviewing their past results with dogs in St. Louis can also guide your decision.

What’s the top advice for training dogs in St. Louis?

When it comes to Puppy training training, Jody Epstein advises: Every interaction is a training interaction. Meaning, every time we engage with a dog, we are telling that dog how to engage with us. which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in St. Louis.

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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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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

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