The Best Dog Trainers in Oklahoma of 2023

Welcome to the Oklahoma Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Oklahoma 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.

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The Best Dog Trainers in Oklahoma of 2023

Zach Smiley

Born and raised in Oklahoma. Have been into training for 9 years and have been working professionally in this field for 3. I have a CTC (certification in training and counseling) from The Academy for Dog Trainers and have taken multiple other courses including the Aggression in Dogs Master Course from Mike Shikashio & Living and Learning with Animals from Dr. Susan Friedman. Continuing education and skill building will always be something important to me.

Certifications: CTC

Services include:

• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Virtual Consultations, In Home 1-on-1's, In Home Day Training - From basic to advanced manners/obedience, Fear & Frustration based reactivity

Behavioral issue focus: I work with a lot of family dogs who need basic to advanced manners, leash walking, recall etc... I also worked with a lot of fearful dogs and dogs who show fear or frustration based reactivity.

Training methods: I am a rewards based trainer following the IAABC/CCPDT Joint Standard version of LIMA which is influenced by the Humane Hierarchy. We will make sure all your dog's needs are being met and teach them skills using a clear marker system and various rewards including food, play, affection, and any other things your dog may be motivated for.

Why I became a dog trainer: To help people understand and better live with their canine companions.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing those "ah-ha!" moments with both the dogs and their handlers.

My #1 dog training tip: Dogs do what works, so make what you want them to do work for them.

Service areas: OKC, Edmond, Guthrie, Norman, Yukon, Mustang, Midwest City, Moore

Website: https://www.evolveddogtraining.com

Jessi Lane

Jessi began her career in veterinary medicine in 2007. She worked in several emergency medicine and day practice facilities. She graduated from Oklahoma State University - OKC in 2010, receiving her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. She is also a nationally and state licensed Registered Veterinary Technician.

Working in the veterinary medical field piqued her interest in human and animal behavior. She saw how anxious and fearful some of the patients were and wanted to find a way to decrease that anxiety. She noticed that while everyone loves their dogs, unwanted behavior can make it hard to connect and form solid relationships between them. She began researching the topic and found that prevention can be the key to preventing unwanted behaviors. In 2011, she started teaching Puppy Pre-K and Basic Obedience classes. To further her education, Jessi attended the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training and Behavior and graduated as a Certified Training Partner in 2014.

Jessi's passion is to encourage and strengthen the human-animal bond. She is a current member of the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians, Association of Pet Dog Trainers and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is a Certified Family Dog Mediator, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator thru AKC and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor with Do More With Your Dog. She has a certificate of completion for the Master Course Aggression in Dogs by Michael Shikashio. Jessi continues to learn and grow her knowledge base by attending continuing education classes, seminars and conferences.

Jessi enjoys competing with her dogs in Agility, Barn Hunt, Lure coursing, Dock diving, Antler Shed hunting and Trick Dog. She currently has two dogs, Colt a Doberman and Chaos her Australian Shepherd and Spryte a Heeler puppy. When not training dogs, Jessi can be found anywhere outdoors with her family - husband Jordan, son Jackson, daughter Cheyenne, and stepdaughter Izzy.

Certifications: RVT, KPA-CTP, Family Dog Mediator, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Certified CGC Evaluator, Completion of Master Dog Aggression Course

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training
• Agility training

More info about service provided: I offer group classes from Puppy Preschool to Advanced Manners, Pet Agility, Reactive Dog classes, Outdoor and around town classes. Private lessons for behavior modification and Manners. Puppy board and train,

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, Fear, confidence building, dog aggression, human agression, separation anxiety.

Training methods: I am a force free, LIMA based trainer. If there is someone who wants private lessons or needs help with behavior modification they sign up for a consult. We work on establishing the dogs needs, how to help prevent those unwanted behaviors and then how to start teaching the dog an alternative.

Why I became a dog trainer: I worked in the vet field as a Registered Veterinary Technician and saw the needs for owners to really understand their dog and their dogs behavior.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love watching the light bulb moments with owners and with dogs. And when they work together like a perfect dance.

My #1 dog training tip: Forget obedience, make sure your dog is comfortable.

Service areas: Oklahoma Metro Area, Oklahoma County, Cleveland County

Website: https://rocanimaltraining.com

Mary Green

Mary Green - Instructor/Trainer
Mary Green has been training and competing with her dogs for over 30 years. She and her dogs have earned advanced titles in obedience, rally, conformation, agility, scent work, and dock diving. She is a guest expert on The News on 6 (KOTV) noon news and writes for Tulsa Pets Magazine.
Credentials and professional affiliations:

CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) Certification Council for Dog Trainers
CDBC (Certified Dog Behavioral Counselor) International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
AKC ACT Judge
NADD (North America Diving Dogs) judge
Professional Member, APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers)

Certifications: CPDT-KA, CDBC, Fear Free Certified Trainer

Services include:

• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training
• Agility training

More info about service provided: Companion manners group classes, day-training, agility training, dock diving, private training lessons

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity and resource guarding

Training methods: Behavior consultation with a customized written plan of action.

Why I became a dog trainer: I enjoyed spending time and energy with dogs and the people who love them.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Watching my clients be successful in their efforts. And being able to help for the life of the dog.

My #1 dog training tip: Check in with your dog - what is her level of anxiety, fear or stress?

Service areas: Broken Arrow, OK and Tulsa, OK

Website: https://k9-manners.com

Sniffspot Oklahoma Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Oklahoma dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?

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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma cost?

Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?

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 Oklahoma was $33,661 per year and $16.18 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 Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK
Tulsa, OK

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