This is a complete list of the top 18 dog trainers in the US & UK (2023).
So if you’re looking for:
The best dog trainers in the US.
The best dog trainers in the UK.
and
Quick training tips for beginners.
Then, you’ll LOVE this new guide.
Let’s get started.
- Top Dog Trainers in the US
- Top Dog Trainers in the UK
- What Does the Dog Trainer Do?
- What Skills Do Dog Trainers Have?
- Is a Dog Trainer Worth It?
- Can a Dog Trainer Help with Behavior Problems?
- Difference Between a Dog Trainer and Behaviorist
- Quick Dog Training Tips for Beginners
Top 11 Dog Trainers in the US
If you’re looking for the best dog trainers in the United States, look no further!
We’ve done the research and have compiled a list of the top 11 dog trainers across the country.
Each trainer is an expert in their field and has years of experience working with dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re looking for basic obedience training, help with behavioral issues, or more specialized services, these are the trainers you need to know.
Read on to learn more about the top 11 dog trainers in the United States.
1. Cesar Millan
Cesar Millan is one of the most recognizable names in dog training.
He is best known as the host of the National Geographic Channel show “The Dog Whisperer” which featured him helping dogs and their owners with behavior issues.
His approach focuses on understanding canine psychology and communication, rather than relying solely on commands and punishments.
His methods have been used successfully by professional dog trainers around the world.
Cesar Millan has become a well-known figure in the world of dog trainers and continues to spread his message of love and respect for all animals.
2. Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor is one of the most well-known and respected dog trainers in the United States.
She has been training dogs since the 1960s and has written several books, including “Don’t Shoot the Dog!” which is considered a classic in the dog training world.
Karen is known for her positive reinforcement techniques, which involve using rewards to encourage desired behavior.
Her methods are effective for a wide range of dog breeds, ages, and temperaments.
Karen also founded the Karen Pryor Academy, an online school offering certification courses for aspiring dog trainers.
With her decades of experience, Karen Pryor is one of the top dog trainers in the US.
3. Victoria Stilwell
Victoria Stilwell is one of the most renowned and respected dog trainers in the United States.
She is best known for her television show “It’s Me or the Dog,” which aired on Animal Planet, and has since become a popular figure in the world of dog training.
Stilwell is committed to positive reinforcement-based training, which focuses on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior.
She is a strong advocate for humane, science-based methods and is dedicated to helping people to understand their dogs better.
Victoria is the author of several books, including her bestseller “Train Your Dog Positively,” and is the CEO of Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training, a network of over 200 certified dog trainers across North America.
Stilwell’s philosophy and methods are widely accepted by professional dog trainers and animal behaviorists as effective and ethical tools to help owners get the best out of their canine companions.
4. Ian Dunbar
One of the most renowned dog trainers in the United States is Dr. Ian Dunbar.
Dr. Dunbar is an animal behaviorist and veterinarian who has been involved in dog training since the 1970s.
He created the popular puppy socialization classes, SIRIUS Puppy Training, and is credited with helping to revolutionize the field of dog training.
His methods are based on positive reinforcement and reward-based training and focus on building strong relationships between dogs and their owners.
Dr. Dunbar is a strong advocate for humane treatment of dogs and works to educate dog owners about proper and responsible care of their canine companions.
He regularly travels to teach classes, seminars, and workshops on dog training and behavior, making him one of the top dog trainers in the United States.
5. Pat Miller
Pat Miller is one of the top dog trainers in the United States.
She has been training dogs since 1975 and has authored several books, such as “The Power of Positive Dog Training” and “Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog.”
Miller is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) and also holds certification from The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Miller is an advocate for positive reinforcement training methods that use rewards such as treats and verbal praise.
She believes in using humane methods to train dogs and discouraging the use of corrections and harsh reprimands.
Pat also specializes in helping owners with behavior modification and teaching them how to manage their dog’s behavior using her unique training style.
Additionally, she teaches canine body language, which is a useful tool for dog trainers and pet owners alike.
6. Suzanne Clothier
Suzanne Clothier is a renowned dog trainer and animal behavior consultant based in New Jersey.
She is a veteran of the industry, having been a professional dog trainer since the 1980s.
Clothier has an impressive array of credentials, including a master’s degree in animal behavior, certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and professional membership with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Clothier has worked with thousands of dogs and their owners, ranging from novice pet owners to serious competitors.
Her methods focus on relationship-based training and building trust between owners and their dogs.
Clothier has written numerous books on animal behavior and dog training, and has appeared on multiple television shows to discuss her expertise.
She is highly sought after by dog trainers around the world, who come to learn from her wealth of experience and knowledge.
7. Jean Donaldson
Jean Donaldson is one of the most renowned dog trainers in the United States.
She is an animal behavior consultant and author, having written multiple books on the topic of canine behavior and training.
Her teachings are focused on helping people understand their canine companions, which makes her a top choice for those looking to find a professional dog trainer.
Donaldson’s main focus is on giving people the tools they need to create clear communication with their pets and build relationships that are based on trust and respect.
She also offers specific tips on how to handle situations such as aggression and fear in dogs.
With over 25 years of experience as a dog trainer, Donaldson’s expertise is highly sought-after.
She has been featured on TV shows, documentaries, and radio programs. She has also spoken at many conferences around the world on topics related to canine behavior.
If you are looking for a knowledgeable and experienced dog trainer, Jean Donaldson should be at the top of your list.
Her commitment to helping people create strong relationships with their canine companions has made her one of the top dog trainers in the United States.
8. Sophia Yin
Sophia Yin was an animal behaviorist, veterinarian, and one of the most influential dog trainers in the United States.
She developed her own humane training methods based on positive reinforcement and her experience with animals.
Her methods focus on strengthening the bond between dog and owner while eliminating any potential problems that may arise.
She advocated for the use of reward-based training techniques, rather than punitive measures.
She is widely credited as being one of the pioneers of clicker training, a technique which uses a clicking sound to reward dogs for good behavior.
Sophia Yin sadly passed away in 2014, but her work continues to be highly respected by dog trainers across the country.
9. Emily Larlham
Emily Larlham is one of the most sought-after dog trainers in the United States.
She specializes in positive reinforcement-based training and has a particular focus on shelter dogs.
Emily Larlham is best known for her work with canine behavior modification, and her mission is to help make all dogs better companions.
Emily Larlham’s approach to dog training emphasizes understanding how dogs learn and how their natural instincts and behaviors can be encouraged and shaped through positive reinforcement.
Her training methods are designed to give dog owners the tools they need to create an environment where dogs can be happy, safe, and confident.
Emily has written several books on dog behavior, including the bestselling “Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: The ABCs of Raising Your Dog” and “Understanding and Teaching the Language of Dogs: How to Communicate with Canines for Maximum Results.”
She also offers private consultations, seminars, workshops, and webinars for dog trainers and pet owners.
Emily Larlham is an excellent resource for anyone looking to work with one of the top dog trainers in the United States.
10. The Monks of New Skete
The Monks of New Skete are one of the most respected dog trainers in the United States.
Based out of Cambridge, New York, the Monks are well-known for their gentle and kind approach to dog training.
For over 30 years, they have been helping pet owners teach their dogs how to behave and become obedient and loving family members.
The Monks of New Skete offer a variety of services, including one-on-one training, group classes, and workshops.
Their primary focus is on helping pet owners create harmonious relationships between themselves and their beloved four-legged friends.
They have written numerous books and articles about dog behavior, obedience, and psychology, making them one of the leading dog trainers in the United States.
11. Pat Parelli
Pat Parelli is one of the most respected dog trainers in the United States.
He is known for his “natural horsemanship” approach to training, which focuses on the understanding and respect between the human and animal.
Pat Parelli has become an expert in applying this approach to dog training, teaching people how to establish a relationship based on trust and communication with their canine companions.
With over 30 years of experience, Pat Parelli has trained thousands of dogs and helped many more dog owners understand their pets better.
His Parelli Natural Horsemanship Program has been implemented by numerous dog trainers, who have seen the positive results of Pat’s methods.
With the help of Pat’s program, dog owners can learn how to build a strong bond with their four-legged family members and find success in obedience and behavioral training.
Top 7 Dog Trainers in the UK
Are you looking for the best dog trainers in the UK? We’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the top 7 dog trainers in the country.
From experienced professionals to young and upcoming dog trainers, these experts have the skills and knowledge to help you and your pup reach your training goals.
Read on to discover the best of the best in the UK dog training scene.
12. David Levy
David Levy is one of the top dog trainers in the UK and has a wealth of experience under his belt.
He is a certified member of The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), as well as being an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) accredited professional.
He has worked with all types of dogs, from family pets to working dogs, and believes in using modern, force-free, reward-based methods to get the best results.
His focus is on helping owners to create a happy, balanced relationship with their pet, and to equip them with the skills they need to be successful.
He offers private consultations, classes, seminars and workshops, as well as one-to-one mentoring and coaching.
Whether you’re looking for obedience training, help with behavioural problems, or just some friendly advice, David Levy is a great choice for dog trainers in the UK.
13. Martin Deeley
Martin Deeley is one of the most respected and experienced dog trainers in the UK.
He has been working in the field of canine behaviour for over 30 years, and is the author of several books on the subject.
His work has been recognised by many organisations including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
Martin has been awarded the Canine Welfare Award by the RSPCA and is a consultant for several organisations related to dog training.
His approach is to focus on developing strong relationships between owners and their dogs through positive reinforcement.
He believes in teaching owners how to better understand their dog’s needs and behaviour and to use reward-based methods for training.
Martin is also an advocate for humane and respectful treatment of dogs, encouraging owners to pay attention to their dog’s emotions, body language and reactions when introducing new behaviours.
Martin is well known for his seminars and workshops, which have been attended by thousands of dog owners from all over the world.
He also offers private consultations, webinars and telephone consultations for those who need more help with their dogs.
He has developed a range of courses for dog trainers and regularly contributes to various magazines and websites on dog behaviour topics.
With such an impressive list of credentials, it’s no wonder that Martin Deeley is considered one of the top dog trainers in the UK.
14. Terry Ryan
Terry Ryan is a renowned dog trainer based in the United Kingdom.
She has been training dogs professionally since 1982 and has earned an outstanding reputation among dog owners and fellow dog trainers alike.
As a leading professional in the field, Terry Ryan has trained hundreds of different breeds of dogs ranging from terriers to golden retrievers, and is highly experienced in dealing with various types of behavioral issues.
Her methods are firmly rooted in positive reinforcement and reward-based training, making them suitable for any age or breed of dog.
Terry Ryan is an advocate of reward-based training, as he believes that this is the most effective way to train dogs.
She also emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with your pet and building a trusting relationship between owner and dog.
Terry Ryan regularly holds seminars and workshops for both professional dog trainers and pet owners who are interested in learning about dog training.
She also offers private one-on-one sessions for those looking for personalized attention and advice.
All in all, Terry Ryan is one of the top dog trainers in the UK and is certainly worth considering if you are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable professional to help with your canine companion.
15. Emma Parson
Emma Parson is an experienced and talented dog trainer based in the UK.
She has been involved in the world of dog training for over 20 years, and her knowledge and skill have earned her a well-deserved reputation amongst her peers as one of the top dog trainers in the UK.
Emma’s approach to dog training focuses on positive reinforcement and reward-based techniques.
Her methods are not only effective, but also fun and engaging for both dogs and owners alike.
She provides comprehensive private consultations, as well as group classes for all levels of obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy training.
Emma also provides specialized sessions for scent work and dog agility.
With her patient and caring attitude, Emma has a knack for helping owners and their dogs reach their full potential.
Emma is passionate about dogs, and believes in making sure each individual dog and owner are comfortable with their progress.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned dog handler, Emma Parson’s expertise and enthusiasm make her one of the top dog trainers in the UK.
16. Kelly Gorman
Kelly Gorman is a renowned dog trainer in the UK, with over 15 years of experience working with all kinds of canines.
She specializes in agility, obedience, and behavior issues. Gorman is also certified by both the Kennel Club and APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers).
Her approach is tailored to each individual dog and she works closely with owners to help them develop a strong bond with their pup.
She uses positive reinforcement methods, which reward the behaviors she wants to see from dogs.
Gorman is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and is available for private consultations, as well as classes for groups of all sizes.
17. Sarah Fraser
Sarah Fraser is a well-respected and renowned dog trainer based in the UK.
She has been working with dogs for over 15 years, providing training and behaviour support to owners, rescues and sanctuaries.
Sarah is particularly passionate about helping owners develop a stronger bond with their canine companion, while also teaching them how to keep them safe and healthy.
She is also an advocate for positive reinforcement-based training and is certified in Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Puppy Star programs.
As a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Sarah is committed to continuing her professional development and keeping up-to-date with the latest best practices in canine care.
She offers private consultations and group classes as well as online training options for those unable to attend face-to-face sessions.
18. Stella Reid
Stella Reid is a highly-skilled and experienced dog trainer based in the UK.
She has trained a wide range of dogs, from small family pets to working and competitive show dogs.
With her broad knowledge and understanding of canine behaviour, Stella is well-versed in the needs and requirements of different breeds.
Her approach to training is holistic and tailored to each individual’s needs, helping them to reach their full potential.
Stella has completed numerous seminars and courses, including agility, clicker, tricks and scent work training.
She is a qualified member of the British Institute for Professional Dog Trainers, and is dedicated to providing the best possible service for her clients.
Whether you are looking for basic obedience training or something more complex, Stella Reid can help you and your canine companion reach new heights.
What Does the Dog Trainer Do?
Dog trainers are professionals who use positive reinforcement and behavioral modification to train dogs.
They help owners teach their pets new behaviors, modify existing ones, and resolve problem behaviors such as aggression or destructiveness.
Dog trainers also help owners develop a better understanding of their pet’s needs, so they can create a more successful relationship with their canine companion.
Dog trainers have specialized skills and knowledge in teaching dogs basic obedience commands, as well as more advanced behaviors such as agility, flyball, search and rescue, and therapy dog work.
They may also offer behavior modification services to address issues such as fear, aggression, anxiety, and other problem behaviors.
Additionally, some dog trainers provide pet education classes to teach owners how to properly care for their pets.
In short, dog trainers help people create a healthy and lasting relationship with their pet.
They use scientifically-based, force-free methods to teach owners how to interact with their canine companions in a safe and effective way, so both humans and dogs can enjoy the benefits of their partnership.
What Skills Do Dog Trainers Have?
Dog trainers are professionals who use their knowledge and expertise to help owners teach their dogs how to behave.
Dog trainers possess a variety of skills in order to effectively train canine companions.
They must have an understanding of animal behavior and psychology, as well as the ability to think critically and develop strategies for dealing with different behaviors.
Dog trainers need to be able to analyze situations and come up with creative solutions to address any issues.
They must also be able to communicate effectively with both the dog and the owner in order to ensure that their methods are understood.
Finally, dog trainers must have patience and understanding when dealing with both the dog and its owner.
They need to be able to provide clear instruction and support in order to help the dog learn new skills.
With these skills, dog trainers can effectively help owners better understand their pets and build a stronger bond between them.
Is a Dog Trainer Worth It?
Hiring a professional dog trainer can be a great investment in your pup’s future, and it can be a way to prevent potential issues from ever happening in the first place.
If your pup is having behavioral issues, or you’d like to start their training on the right foot, it can be well worth the cost to hire a professional dog trainer.
A good trainer will be able to provide guidance and structure, as well as teach your pup good habits that will last a lifetime.
Even if you don’t have any specific issues, it can still be beneficial to work with a professional dog trainer.
They can help you make sure your pup is getting all the training and attention they need, and can provide helpful advice and tips.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hire a dog trainer is up to you. However, if you’re willing to make the investment, it can be well worth it.
There are many highly-skilled and experienced dog trainers out there who can help you and your pup develop an amazing bond, and ensure that your pup grows into a healthy and happy adult dog.
Can a Dog Trainer Help with Behavior Problems?
YES, dog trainers can help with a variety of behavior problems.
Dog trainers are professionals who specialize in teaching dogs how to behave in a way that is acceptable to their owners.
They use a variety of methods, including positive reinforcement, reward-based training, and behavior modification techniques.
Dog trainers can teach basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “down,” and “stay,” as well as more complex behaviors like agility and tricks.
Dog trainers can also help owners identify and address underlying behavioral issues that may be causing unwanted behaviors.
Through careful observation, they can pinpoint problems such as fear, anxiety, aggression, and resource guarding, and provide owners with practical solutions to address them.
This may include specific exercises to work on these behaviors, guidance on proper management of the dog’s environment, and recommendations for products such as head collars and muzzles that can help in certain situations.
By working with a professional dog trainer, owners can gain the confidence and skills needed to better manage their pet’s behavior.
With consistency and commitment from the owner, a dog trainer can help create a well-behaved companion for life.
What Is the Difference Between a Dog Trainer and Behaviorist?
The primary difference between a dog trainer and behaviorist is the level of education and training required.
Dog trainers typically use positive reinforcement methods to teach commands and other desired behaviors.
A behaviorist, on the other hand, is an animal behavior expert who has a higher level of expertise in the science of behavior and its application.
They may use a combination of behavior modification techniques including reward-based training, shaping, desensitization, counter conditioning, and more to modify undesired behaviors.
Behaviorists are often consulted when a dog’s behavior problems require more than basic obedience training.
Dog trainers can provide valuable help for pet owners to understand and manage their pet’s behavior but if more serious issues arise, then a behaviorist should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Quick Dog Training Tips for Beginners
Are you a new dog parent and feeling overwhelmed with how to train your pup? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there!
Training your dog can be a fun, rewarding experience when done right.
To get you started on the right track, we’ve put together the top dog training tips for beginners.
From understanding basic commands to providing positive reinforcement, these tips will help you create a strong foundation for your pup.
Read on to learn more!
Start Early
Starting your pup off with good habits right away is essential for a successful training journey.
Dogs learn quickly, and it’s important to introduce them to basic commands and training techniques as early as possible.
The younger your pup is, the easier it will be for them to learn these behaviors.
Try to start basic training sessions as soon as you bring your pup home. This can include teaching them their name, sit, stay, and come commands.
It’s important to keep sessions short and sweet, as too much at once can be overwhelming for young pups.
Keep the sessions positive and reward your pup when they respond correctly.
With consistent practice, your pup will soon pick up these skills and become well-behaved in no time.
Be Consistent
When it comes to training your dog, consistency is key.
It’s important to be consistent when providing guidance, giving commands, and reinforcing good behavior.
This means that everyone involved in the training should be using the same language and commands. Make sure you are all on the same page so that your pup doesn’t get confused or overwhelmed.
Additionally, try to maintain a consistent routine when training. This will help your pup learn quicker, since they’ll know what to expect each time they’re in the training session.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an important tool when training your dog. It’s a great way to encourage and reward good behavior in your pet.
Positive reinforcement means praising and rewarding your dog when they do something correctly or follow a command.
It can be as simple as giving them a treat, or as complex as taking them for a walk after they’ve done something good.
You can also use verbal praise to positively reinforce your pup.
Whenever they obey a command or do something that you want them to do, make sure to tell them how proud you are of them and give them verbal affirmation.
This will help them understand that they have done something right and that they should continue doing it.
Finally, make sure you give your pup enough time to perform the task correctly. You don’t want to give them too much time to think about it, or else they may forget what they were supposed to do.
Overall, positive reinforcement is an effective way to train your pup and promote good behavior.
By consistently praising and rewarding them for good behavior, you will be able to establish a strong bond with your pup and create a more harmonious relationship with them.
Keep It Short and Sweet
When it comes to training your dog, shorter training sessions are often more successful than longer ones.
Start out by training for just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the length as your pup gets better at understanding commands.
This is especially important when you’re just starting out because you don’t want to overwhelm your pup with too much information all at once.
Keeping your training sessions short also allows you to stay focused and motivated.
If you’re finding yourself getting bored or frustrated with your pup’s progress, take a break and come back to it later.
Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, so be patient and consistent in your training efforts.
Be Patient
Patience is also key when it comes to dog training. Training a dog can take some time and you need to be patient with your pup as they learn and adjust.
Every pup is different and some may learn faster than others, but no matter what, it’s important to give them the time they need to get comfortable with the new training.
Try not to rush them or get frustrated if something isn’t sinking in right away.
Have fun with it, be encouraging and reward them for any small successes they have.
Taking the time to be patient will go a long way in making sure your pup learns properly and enjoys the process.