The Best Dog Trainers in West Virginia of 2023

Welcome to the West Virginia Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in West Virginia 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 West Virginia Dog Trainers in 2023

Katie Carman

I started my career in the pet industry in 2011 where I worked as a daycare attendant at a doggy daycare, boarding and training facility called The Dog Spot. In the first year at The Dog Spot, I started assisting in dog training classes and soon realized that is where my passion lay. In 2012, I got my CCS certification in dog training and behavior through the Northwest School of Canine Studies. From there, I started teaching classes such as puppy classes, tricks and advanced manners.

In 2016, I took my career down another path and started working in animal welfare. I went back to school and achieved my Applied Animal Behavior certification from the University of Washington. I also started my job rehabilitating homeless dogs and cats in the behavior program at Seattle Humane. During this time, I focused my training on behavior modification such as fear, aggression and reactivity.

Certifications: CCS, UW-AAB

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: We specialize in fear and aggression but also work on basic manners. We offer a variety of services such as private training/behavior consulting, walk and trains, trail etiquette training, puppy socialization and puppy board and trains.

Behavioral issue focus: The majority of dogs I work with are reactive dogs. As well as shy and fearful and need help working on confidence building.

Training methods: My training process includes behavior consultations, written training plans and training videos.

Why I became a dog trainer: I had fearful, reactive dogs myself. I wanted to learn how to help them and how to help other dog owners who may have felt as lost as I did when it came to building confidence and relieving anxiety in their dogs.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping dog parents fall in love with their pups all over again. I also love to see dogs with behavioral issues start to gain confidence in themselves and their handlers.

My #1 dog training tip: Reinforce behaviors that you like and ignore behaviors you don't like.

Service areas: Everett, WA and Snohomish County

Website: https://www.katiesclevercanines.com

Kris Snider

My passion for animals started before I could walk. My first dog was a Husky/Shepherd mix, Kilo, who was a few years old when I was born. We were inseparable and he was the first to teach me that a dogs bond is powerful. He was likely the reason I wanted to become a Veterinarian. Through my childhood and teen years there were many influential cats, dogs, and horses that I was fortunate enough to bond with, and learn invaluable lessons from. The most significant ones where CC (a Quarter Horse) and Chaz (a Boxer). They both taught me that our relationship was based on building a strong foundation of trust through communication.

I got my first real job at a veterinary clinic and that set the course for me finding my first career as a Veterinary Technician. I received my Associates Degree in Applied Science and soon after became a Registered Veterinary Technician. As a Technician I was able to make a difference in other peoples companions through medicine.

I was there for when they first got that cute 8 week old fluff ball, and guiding them through the tough adolescent years, watching them mature, and then helping their owners say their last goodbyes. As time would have it, I found that my patients mental well being was just as important as their physical well being. This revelation came shortly before a clinic switch and meeting Andrew Nelson. Andrew began to shape me into a Technician and Trainer that could encourage and nurture a bond based off of the dog gaining confidence and having tools to figure things out, and then be reinforced positively for doing so.

Since becoming an Associate Trainer for the Clever Canine in 2015, I have worked with over 600+ clients in both in-home and group class settings. I am now Elite Fear Free Certified, CPDT - KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) Certified and am an AKC S.T.A.R Puppy, Tricks and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. I have become passionate about helping others build a strong bond with their dog through ethical ways of training.

Certifications:

CPDT-KA
Fear Free Elite
RVT

Services include:

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

More info about service provided:

Group Classes
Individual Lessons
Puppies, Adolescents, Adults, and Seniors Dogs
Basic Manners

Behavioral issue focus:

Reactivity (Dogs and Humans)
Resource Guarding
Separation Anxiety
Fear
Anxiety

Training methods:

Positive Reinforcement based trainer
Individualized Plans

Why I became a dog trainer: To apply my knowledge of dogs from my years as Registered Veterinary Technician and help them live better lives with their owners at home.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Making a difference in a dogs life for the better.

My #1 dog training tip: Work with the dog that is in front of you.

What I mean by this is that you have to train at level of comprehension of the dog you are working with. Take in consideration of what they know and if they are able to apply that in the situation you are asking them to.

Service areas: Morgantown

Website: https://www.theclevercaninewv.com/

Debby McMullen

I am the author of the How Many Dogs? Using Positive Reinforcement Training to Manage a Multiple Dog Household, which has also been translated into German. I write as a contributor for Victoria Stilwell's Positively website as well as on my book's website.

I began my training career in 1998 as a volunteer instructor at Animal Friends shelter in Pittsburgh. I have taught literally thousands of classes both through the shelter and at other locations. I started as a dog walker and developed a keen interest in behavior and was asked to join the behavior program.

I also ran my own Doberman rescue for nearly 15 years before taking a less active role in the rescue world.

Certifications: Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: In home behavior consulting for fear/aggression/reactivity as well as in-home and remote consultations for multiple dog household issues, remote and in home consultations for Caucasian Ovcharka owners and related breeds behavior concerns, and getting your puppy started off on the right paw.

Behavioral issue focus: Fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, and multiple dog household conflicts. Also, puppies getting started off on the right paw.

Training methods: My methods are modern rewards-based science supported dog and human friendly designed specifically for each individual dog.

Why I became a dog trainer: Because I had a challenging dog that I needed to learn how to effectively help make better choices.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Client happiness at improving the relationship and understanding between themselves and their dogs.

My #1 dog training tip: Show your dog what you want them to do instead of correcting what you don't want them to do.

Service areas: Allegheny, Fayette, Butler, Beaver, Green, Washington, Mercer, Westmoreland, Indiana counties

Website: https://www.pawsitivereactions.com

Colleen Bragg

I’ve always had a love for dogs. When I was 13 years old I began volunteering at my local animal shelter. You could find me there almost every day during the summers and most weekends during the school year. This is where I developed compassion and empathy for dogs and their various needs.

Certifications: Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, Fear Free Certified Professional

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training
• Agility training

More info about service provided: Group Classes (Puppy, Manners, Rally, Disc, Agility), Private Lessons (Reactivity, Nervous Dogs, Aggression, Husbandry/Cooperative Care training), Puppy Hikes, Canine Fitness

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, veterinarian exam desensitization

Training methods: Fear free, reward-based training. Training and Fitness Plans

Why I became a dog trainer: I want people to be able to enjoy their dogs and I want dogs to have a more enriched life by getting to go places with their people.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing the relationship between dog and owner grow stronger and when a dog over comes something tough, for that dog.

My #1 dog training tip: Never train an unfocused dog. Learn how to make your dog want to automatically engage with you in all environments.

Service areas: Huntington-Charleston, WV

Website: https://endlesspaws.net

Becky Causey

32 years training experience, competition obedience titles, professional service dog trainer

Services include:

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

More info about service provided: pain free, force free, positive trainer for private in home obedience, AKC evaluator, service dog training, board and train

Behavioral issue focus: puppy training, basic and advanced obedience, leash manners, AKC CGC

Training methods: evaluations of behavior and environment and positive reinforcement training to resolve behaviors with comprehensive approach

Why I became a dog trainer: To help families and their dogs to live happily together

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I love helping people understand their dogs' behavior and how to help achieve the training to create the family pet they want

My #1 dog training tip: Pay attention and reward good choices!

Service areas: Jefferson and Berkeley Co WV, Frederick, Washington and Montogomery CO MD, Winchester and Loudoun CO VA

Website: https://www.CauseyLabradorsandTraining.com

Sniffspot West Virginia Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are West Virginia dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia cost?

West Virginia 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 West Virginia dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

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

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 West Virginia was $31,309 per year and $15.05 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.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Explore spots near me