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The Best Dog Trainers in Mississippi of 2023

Merlin Noble photo

Merlin Noble

April 26, 2023

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Mississippi Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Mississippi based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.

Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.

This list is compiled by Sniffspot, which is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with 100% private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches and more. Sniffspot has worked closely with dog trainers to create safe spaces for dogs and our top trainer lists are a natural extension of that relationship. You can browse Sniffspot's local dog parks here.

The Best Mississippi Dog Trainers in 2023

Frances Dauster

I believe it is vital to keep current with the most modern aspects of dog training and behavior; therefore I am active every day on discussion lists with Professional Dog Trainers, Veterinarians, Certified Pet Behavior Counselors, and other canine professionals worldwide!

Online webinars, seminars etc. are also on my weekly to-do list!

Certifications: NADOI certified, SF/SPCA certification, IAABD Accredited Dog Trainer

Services include:

  • Deaf dog training
  • Puppy training
  • Agility training

More info about service provided: Puppy & Adult Obedience classes, Agility for Fun classes, individual lessons, Home-style dog boarding

Behavioral issue focus: Specializing in early doghood education - new puppies, and new-to-the-family older dogs!

Training methods: I do not use prong collars, e-collars, choke chains or other forms of punitive methods!

Why I became a dog trainer: When I see the "lightbulb" go off in both dogs' and owners' minds... incredible. Now I'm doing that for my career ;-)

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Connecting owner and dog to form a bonded, friendly relationship.

My #1 dog training tip: training is like a wonderful dance - both have to be happy doing it!

Service areas: Mobile, Fairhope, Daphne, Theodore, Grand Bay, Irvington, Malbis, Spanish Fort

Website: https://www.sunpaws.com


Cynthia Stone

Cynthia Stone, CPDT-KA has been working with dogs for 20+ years. She started with training both her and friends dogs, went on to working with various rescues, and then opened her own business. She has used her innate skills as an instructor to benefit not just the human-canine world, but also to serve as an instructor for Red Cross and PetTech, both human and canine CPR and First Aid.

Cynthia is a Certified Profession Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, a member of Pet Professional Guild, and a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She has attended numerous dog training seminars and workshops with some of the leading names in dog training, including Ian Dunbar, Sarah Kalnajs, Pat Miller, Grisha Stewart, Sue Sternburg, Michael Shikashio, and Victoria Stilwell.

She takes continuing education seriously and stays on top of the current scientifically proven options by regular participation in national organizations, attendance of national conferences and the reading of professional publications. Cynthia has competed with her dogs in several areas including agility, obedience, rally, scenting and most recently 'ratting'.

In addition to her private training business, she is also an evaluator/instructor for NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines. She was recognized by SniffSpot in the Spring of 2022 as the #1 Force Free/Fear Free/Pain Free trainer for the New Orleans area and for the state of Louisiana.

Cynthia is a certified Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) evaluator, an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator and certified instructor for PetTech (Pet First Aid and CPR). She is also a member of Dog Scouts of America (DSA), troop leader and a certified Dog Scouts Scoutmaster and an approved evaluator for several DSA badges.

Cynthia's family consists of a very understanding husband, 3 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a cat and numerous rescue dogs.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, PTI

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: Force Free * Pain Free* Fear Free

This is my commitment to you and your canine. I will use a variety and combination of science based reinforcement philosophies.... verbal cues, hand signals, treats, clickers, toys, and games to help modify behavior,
correct bad habits, and even to teach tricks. I utilize what your dog likes and desires to train a variety of skills (obedience, tricks, agility) while creating
'trust and a lasting relationship. This can be done through private one on one sessions, group classes, or board and train. It depends upon which method works best for your dog and you.

Behavioral issue focus: I have worked with dogs with mild behavior issues (re-learning potty training) to reactive issues (ones some might call aggressive) towards environment, people or other animals,

Why I became a dog trainer: A love of animals and a desire to help the human - canine relationship be the best for both species.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Dogs

My #1 dog training tip: Patience - this is not an area where fast is best.

Service areas: Northshore of Louisiana (Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Madisonville)

Website: https://www.apcanine.com


Lauren Tsao

Lauren Tsao founded Faithfully Yours Dog Training, LLC in March 2014 to help dog owners live stress-free lives with their faithful companions.

Lauren is one of Mississippi's only professional dog trainers certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the nation's largest certification board for dog trainers and Mississippi's only Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Lauren is also a Certified Trick Dog Instructor through Kyra Sundance's Do More With Your Dog. In 2022, Lauren was voted Mississippi's #1 Positive Dog Trainer on SniffSpot's Top Dog Trainer List.

Lauren has an Associate of Arts with a concentration in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She also recently completed her Master's degree in Agricultural and Life Sciences with a concentration in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare at Virginia Tech, where she learned from some of the most outstanding animal behaviorists and researchers in the world. Her Master's thesis focused on dog activity levels and animal shelter policy.

Her expert opinion and advice has been featured by Honest Kitchen, 4Knines, SuperTalk MS radio show, and WLBT/FOX40. Lauren is also available to serve as an expert witness for dog bite and dog aggression legal cases.

Certifications: MS in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CTDI

Services include:

  • Aggressive dog training
  • Deaf dog training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Puppy training

More info about service provided: 1-on-1 behavior modification services for fearful, hyperactive, aggressive, and reactive animals, 1-on-1 basic manners training for adults and puppies, animal enrichment services, animal trainer continuing education, in-person workshops and seminars, and virtual group classes, webinars, & 1-on-1 training services

Behavioral issue focus: Aggression, reactivity, hyperactive, fearfulness, separation anxiety/distress, phobias, resource guarding, and other undesirable behaviors

Training methods: We use positive reinforcement based training methods for all of our cases. Most cases start with a behavior consultation with the owner which we use to develop a personalized training plan for them to follow.

Why I became a dog trainer: To help people and their animals live stress-free lives together through deepening education on animal behavior and welfare.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Getting to see the owner's happy faces when the dog has an "Ah-ha!" moment or breakthrough!

My #1 dog training tip: Meet your dog's basic needs and the rest will all start falling into place easily afterward.

Service areas: Jackson, MS Metro and remote online services

Website: https://fydogtraining.com/


AnnMarie Easton

AnnMarie Easton is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA), a Pat Miller Certified Trainer 4 (PMCT4), and a Certified Fear Free Trainer with a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and is uniquely skilled at applying scientific principles to dog training.

She continually sharpens her dog training skills through continuing education and professional development by regularly attending workshops, classes, seminars, and conferences offered by leaders in the dog training and behavior fields.

Certifications: CPDT-KSA, PMCT4, FFCT, Ph.D.

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: Specializing in private in your home training for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs including good manners training and behavior modification

Behavioral issue focus: behavioral issues include undesirable behavior towards people or dogs seen on leash, guarding resources, dog-dog behavior in the home, fear-based behavior and undesirable behavior towards visitors to the home

Training methods: Training methods are primarily positive reinforcement based. Will not use any technique or equipment that leads to fear, stress, anxiety or pain. For behavior consultations, an initial session is scheduled to discuss your dog and the issue(s). After you receive the behavior report, private sessions are scheduled to work on exercises designed to improve your dog's behavior.

Why I became a dog trainer:

I was a volunteer dog walker at the Humane Society when first I met Bailey. Unfortunately, he hadn't been properly socialized as a puppy, so his adopters returned him to the shelter complaining he was fearful.

Bailey clearly deserved a stable, permanent home where he'd be appreciated and happy. But I knew that without effective training, his chances of finding one were slim - so I began working with him. It was not long before I adopted Bailey. Within a month of joining my family, he was diagnosed with epilepsy. Taking care of Bailey gave me firsthand experience, and a very personal perspective, on living with a dog who has issues, whether behavioral or medical.

This led to my desire to help others with dogs who not only would benefit from basic manners training, but some who desperately needed behavior modification to learn how to better cope with stressful situations.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing clients faces when their dog succeeds in training or are better able to cope with situations that previously stressed them.

My #1 dog training tip: Learn dog body language so you are better able to understand what your dog is trying to tell you

Service areas: Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Southaven, Horn Lake, Hernando, Shelby County, DeSoto County

Website: https://www.pawscompanion.com


Sniffspot Mississippi Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Mississippi dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Mississippi as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.

How can I get in touch with dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these Mississippi dog trainers certified professionals?

Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.

What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in Mississippi?

Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.

What methods are used in the dog training sessions?

There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the Mississippi trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.

Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?

Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.

Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?

Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.

How much does dog training in Mississippi cost?

Mississippi dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a Mississippi dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Mississippi you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

How much do dog trainers make in Mississippi?

Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in Mississippi was $27,064 per year and $13.01 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.


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See The Best Dog Trainers By City In Mississippi

Gulfport, MS
Jackson, MS


See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near Mississippi

Alabama
Arkansas
Louisiana
Tennessee

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Merlin Noble photo

Merlin Noble

April 26, 2023

Dog Trainers

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