Certified dog trainers in
Asheville, NC
Hand-Picked Trainers

Learn from the best, certified trainers in

Asheville, NC

Discover skilled and certified trainers with a heart for dogs and a proven track record, ready to help enhance the bond between you and your pet.

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Local & Skilled

Learn & grow with local Trainers

All of our Trainers are certified to have proficiency in all basic, intermediate or advanced skills, are educated in animal behavior and canine communication, and are suited for most pet training tasks.

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Positive Training

Positive Vibes, Positive Training

Meet trainers who believe in kind, positive reinforcement methods, making training a joy for both you and your dog.

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Top trainers

John James

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Amanda Peet

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Julia Styles

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Jess Rollins

USA

Jess Rollins

Jess has been in the dog training world for over 20 years. She has a BA in biology and a Dog Trainer Counseling Certificate from the SF-SPCA Dog Training Academy. She is also the founder of PetExpertise.com with 100's of articles authored and a book there. She has also been a groomer, worked in a boarding facility, ran a retail dog supply store, volunteered for Guide Dogs of the Blind and fostered dozens of dogs as well as competing in agility and dabbling in scent work! In addition, she is a long time student of personal growth and psychology.

Training Philosophy

Jess uses reward-based / force-free techniques and kindness for BOTH ends of the leash.

Services

Private, personalized sessions in your home or virtually at a time that fits your schedule and tailored to your needs. Jess will coach you and your family so that your dog or puppy behaves better and thrives.

Private Dog Training for Puppies & Dogs of All Ages:

  • Manners & More for Puppies and Adult Dogs:
    • Personalized instruction in your home or virtually using kind and effective techniques. Just 15 minutes per day of fun exercises to a reliable and well-mannered dog! Learn more about Hybrid programs which use both Zoom and in-home sessions.
    • Your dog will learn: Sit, down, wait or stay, come, leave it, drop it, leash walking and more. A free e-book written by Jess and a training clicker are included!
    • Problems solved!: Jumping, nipping, potty training, pulling, barking and more.
    • Prevent aggression and fear and learn what to do if it develops.
    • Ongoing support via email or text follow up (up to once per week) for one year!
    • Satisfaction guarantee: Jess will work with you to make sure you are happy!
    • Sessions: Recommended 6 to 8, 45 min to 1 hour sessions (eight is best for puppies!). You can choose all in-home or hybrid programs using Zoom. Weekend, days and evening times are currently available!
  • Problem Solving Program:
    • Includes all of the features of the Manners & More, plus:
    • Solve problems such as aggression, barking, separation anxiety, severe leash pulling, fears, shyness, guarding.
    • Recommended eight to ten one-hour sessions (ten is best for puppies).
  • Advanced Manners Program:
    • Includes all of the features of the Manners & More, plus:
    • Teach your dog or puppy advanced manners so that your dog will respond no matter what is going on. Includes outings so your dog can learn to behave in different settings like the park, pet store, friend's house, etc.
    • Recommended eight to ten 45 min to 1 hour sessions (ten is best for puppies).
  • Kid-Friendly Program for Puppies and Dogs:
    • Includes all of the features of the Manners & More, plus:
    • Instruction just for your kids: Safety around dogs, how to tell what their dog is “saying”, fun trick training and games to play with their dog and how to participate in dog care like feeding and brushing.
    • Recommended 6, 45 min to 1 hour sessions.

Certifications

Dog Trainer Counseling Certificate from the SF-SPCA Dog Training Academy

Specializations

Puppy training, obedience training, leash reactivity, aggression, barking, separation anxiety, fear, shyness, guarding

Training Methods

Reward-based / force-free techniques

Customer Reviews

Malena Demartini, (Master Dog Trainer) - I have known Jess for many years and seen her excellent training skills. I have had her pet sit my own dogs too, which says a lot since I am extremely picky about who can watch my girls. I highly recommend Jess for all of your dog needs. She is not only an extremely skilled professional, but she is kind and compassionate to both dogs and humans.
Stacey W - Over the last year, our pup has been experiencing increasing anxiety/reactivity with neighbors in our apartment. Before working with Jess, we tried working with another dog trainer but struggled. I had resigned myself to a stressful next few years. Enter Jess: after one session, our pup's anxiety around neighbors has significantly improved. Jess walked us through helping our dog feel less anxious. It is life changing to have the tools to create a peaceful walk with our pup. We are excited to continue working with Jess!
Candace G - We loved working with Jess from our first session. With our last dog we watched a ton of YouTube videos. There's something you can't get from a video though which is interaction and feedback to your specific needs. Jess is highly trained in her field and knows her stuff. She's patient and offers solutions that work for your family. I implemented her ideas for jumping and it worked within 5 tries. Definitely need to continue reinforcing it but I was impressed! I would highly recommend her and her services!

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Kim L. Brophey

United States

Kim Brophey, the owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center, is an academically educated applied ethologist and a member of The International Society for Applied Ethology. She has been an awarded member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers since 2000, receiving the Outstanding Trainer of the Year 2009 accolade.

Additionally, she is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants since 2006, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) since 2002. Kim is an established and well-respected leader in the dog training and behavior field, having spoken locally and nationally at universities and conferences for 20 years.

She has authored the groundbreaking book 'MEET YOUR DOG,' aimed at translating comprehensive canine science to the public. Kim has also developed a trademarked model of dog welfare and behavior known as Dog L.E.G.S., and delivered a popular TED talk titled 'The Problem With Treating Your Dog Like a Pet.'

Kim's unique background and commitment to the whole picture of behavioral health from the integrated applied ethology perspective of dog behavior and welfare have positioned her as Asheville's most trusted, veterinarian-referred, shelter and professional field-active individual. She has served on the board of directors for the Asheville Humane Society and the IAABC.

Kim has been awarded 'Best of WNC Dog Trainer' for 6 years. Specializing in complex problems such as fear, aggression, and anxiety, Kim is consistently reviewed by clients as an invaluable, compassionate, and effective resource for understanding and solving serious behavior challenges that traditional dog training has failed to address.

For those seeking assistance with basic puppy training, manners, and therapy and service dog training, Kim continues to provide expert counsel and services to meet those goals.

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Rhonda G Turpin

United States

At Sit Stay Bark and Play, private training is offered for everyday life, including addressing behavioral problems and providing pet sitting services.

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Dana Motyka

United States

Dana Motyka

Dana has a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs. She started as a Puppy Start Right Preschool Instructor and graduated from the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior. She is the lead dog trainer and founder of PosiPup.

Training Philosophy

Dana's training approach is reward-based and all about positive reinforcement. She believes in force-free, science-based training methods that make learning a fun and enjoyable experience for both the dog and the owner.

Services

PosiPup offers a variety of dog training services, including:

  • Puppy Start Right Preschool: A private program for puppies not yet ready for public spaces, offered in virtual, in-person, or hybrid formats.
  • Private Training: Tailored sessions for basic manners, behavior problems, and more, available in single sessions, 4-week packages, and 6-week packages.
  • Prep For Your Pup: A 1.5-hour session to prepare new dog owners for bringing a puppy home.
  • Behavior Modification: A case-by-case approach to help dogs with fear-based reactivity and behavior.
  • Additional Services: Train, Play, Walk, Pet Sitting

Certifications

VSA-Certified Dog Trainer

Specializations

Puppy training, basic obedience, behavior problems, fear-based reactivity, behavior modification

Training Methods

Positive reinforcement, force-free methods, marker/clicker training

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Stacy Small

United States

The Puppy Practice focuses on providing puppies with a positive head start in life. They also offer Basic Manners classes for dogs aged 4 months and older, as well as a Walk and Train program.

Their certifications include being a Certified Dog Walker by dogtec. Their training equipment includes clickers, long lines, kongs, appropriate high-value treats, and toys. Their training philosophy revolves around using only positive, gentle, and effective methods to achieve training goals.

They focus on rewarding desirable behaviors and ignoring or redirecting undesirable or dangerous behaviors. The Puppy Practice serves Asheville, North Carolina, and most of Buncombe County. They emphasize the importance of understanding how puppies learn and how to communicate with them.

Their goal is to help individuals develop a rewarding, respectful, and lifelong relationship with their dogs through positive reinforcement.

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Heather M. Polechio

United States

Heather Polechio, CPDT-KA, CTC, the owner and operator of Asheville Mindful Mutz Training & Behavior Consulting, is recognized as a leading, professionally referred resource in the community, providing comprehensive and effective solutions for dog training and behavior.

The services offered include on-site or in-home training, incorporating practical, proven methods and strategies. The techniques used are free from force and intimidation, focusing on customizing strategies and training recommendations to suit the individual needs and motivations of each dog, as well as the client’s lifestyle and goals.

The belief at Asheville Mindful Mutz is that respect and understanding are crucial in achieving training goals. The emphasis is on teaching the importance of structure, boundaries, and effective communication in fostering a healthy and balanced relationship with dogs.

Clients are guided on how to integrate the training tools gained into their daily lives with their dogs. The services offered range from early puppy foundation courses to advanced problem behavior assistance, including issues related to anxiety and aggression.

Heather Polechio is a 2009 Honors Graduate of the San Francisco-based Academy for Dog Trainers & Behavior Counselors. She is also nationally certified with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is a Professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

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Laura Rogers

United States

Soul Mutt Training has been providing professional dog training since 2001. The trainer is a Certified KPA-CTP and also holds the title of Certified Service Dog Trainer at Atlas Assistance Dogs.

As an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, the trainer specializes in preparing dogs for pet therapy and service work. Additionally, they serve as a Team Facilitator for Atlas Assistance Dogs. Certifications include AKC CGC and KPA-CTP, with the designation of Certified, KPA-CTP.

The trainer's philosophy revolves around using all positive reinforcement techniques. They emphasize that dogs exhibit good behavior 90% of the time and focus on teaching owners how to mark those behaviors with a sound or word, followed by a reward. The emphasis is on the fact that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated.

Soul Mutt Training operates in Asheville, NC, and its surrounding areas.

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Jessie Moon Marks

United States

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Jennifer E. White

United States

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Sydney Bartson Queen

United States

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Margaret Tristan Rehner-Fleurant

United States

As a dog trainer, Pet Behavior Aid operates as a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the stability of household pets in Western North Carolina.

This is achieved through the facilitation of educational and training programs for pet owners, shelter and rescue personnel, as well as the broader community.

These efforts are dedicated to supporting the retention of dogs and cats within their homes.

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Gretchen M. Decker

United States

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Jessica Kathleen Bristow

United States

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Zoe Hawkins-Wells

United States

Zoe Hawkins-Wells is a certified professional dog trainer and teacher, care provider, and dog adventure enthusiast. She has a deep passion for animals and art, and grew up with a cat named Rooney. She has a B.A. in Dance/Drama with a Minor in Biology and worked as a choreographer. She also worked in veterinary hospitals as an assistant and technician.

In 2006, she founded P.S. Pet Sit in Philadelphia, a pet care company that offered pet sitting, dog walking, boarding, overnight care, and training assistance. The company won Best Pet Care Company in Philadelphia for three years and Best Business Plan by The Women's Opportunity Resource Center in 2009. After owning P.S. Pet Sit for two years, she rescued her first dog, Pippin, a field golden. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work, which expands her knowledge in psychology, mental illnesses, communication techniques, therapeutic techniques, and how genetics and the environment influence human and canine behavior.

Training Philosophy

Zoe views dog training as a beautiful blend of art, therapy, and science. Her multi-faceted approach focuses on therapeutic experiences, the pursuit of mastering the art of communication, and by employing methods that are supported by empirical data. She believes that domesticated dogs work in groups/packs/families, and the individuals that gain the most access to resources or can be viewed as "leaders" are the dogs that form the most alliances, i.e. are the friendliest. Her training methods stem from the work of Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson, Pat Miller, Ian Dunbar, and Karen Pryor. She is certified as a professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) by the Council for Certified Professional Dog Trainer's exam. She believes that by specifying each dog's sense of motivation and discovering what they find rewarding, she can apply operant and classical conditioning to reach your dog's full potential while fostering a deeper connection between people and their animal family members.

Services

Zoe offers a variety of services, including:

  • Private Dog Training Sessions: In-home sessions designed to build trust and cooperation between you and your dog. Learn how to read your dog's body language and tune into how he learns, how he feels, and thinks. By using positive reinforcement methods, Zoe shows you how to earn your dog's focus, cultivate his motivations, and calm his emotions.
  • Puppy, Adult & Rescue Dog Training: Zoe works with dogs of all ages and breeds, including those who have missed puppy classes or have been rescued. She helps dogs learn new tricks and overcome behavioral issues.
  • Off-Leash Group Hikes: Zoe leads off-leash group hikes several days a week in the Asheville, Blue Ridge, and Marshall areas. Each adventure is led by Zoe who practices ongoing reinforcement of recall training while exploring.
  • Dog Day Care: Zoe offers dog day care services, where dogs can socialize and play with other dogs.
  • Dog Walking: Zoe offers personalized dog walking services, where a caregiver comes to your home while you are away or your dog can stay in Zoe's home.
  • Boarding: Zoe offers boarding services in her home, which includes partaking in daily adventure care activities.
  • Pet Sitting: Zoe offers pet sitting services for cats and other pets.
  • Training Philosophy: Zoe believes that dogs are emotional beings with their own needs, and that training should be based on positive reinforcement and understanding the dog's individual personality and motivations.
  • Gratitude Discounts: All dogs recently rescued from a local animal shelter earn one FREE 20-minute phone consultation.

Certifications

Zoe is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).

Specializations

Zoe specializes in positive reinforcement training, puppy training, adult dog training, rescue dog training, and off-leash group hikes.

Training Methods

Zoe uses positive reinforcement training methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviors. She also incorporates classical and operant conditioning techniques.

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Peter Joshua Barinski

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Jechyl James

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Sandra Verbitski

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Lauren McKentire

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Guy Pearce

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Wesley Jachson

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Dingi Bells

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Mushita Babilon

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What’s essential in choosing a Dog Trainer?

Are you looking for professional dog trainers in Asheville, NC? Look no further. We've compiled a list of experienced trainers who can help you and your furry friend build a strong, healthy relationship. Whether you're dealing with behavioral issues or simply want to enhance your dog's obedience, these trainers are equipped to guide you through the process. With their expertise, you can achieve a well-behaved and happy companion.

Gain Expert Guidance

Professional dog trainers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to address various behavioral challenges and training needs.

Tailored Training Programs

Trainers customize lessons to suit your dog's unique personality, ensuring a personalized approach to their development and behavior modification.

Establish Effective Communication

Learn to effectively communicate with your dog through proven training techniques, enhancing your bond and understanding.

Address Behavioral Problems

Trainers are equipped to identify and address behavioral issues, helping your dog overcome challenges such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking.

Consistent, Reliable Results

With professional guidance, you can establish consistent habits and routines, leading to long-term positive behavioral changes in your dog.

Gain Expert Guidance

Trainers provide ongoing support and encouragement, empowering both you and your dog to work through challenges and celebrate successes together.

By enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer in Asheville, NC, you can set your furry friend on the path to becoming a well-mannered and happy companion. Embrace the opportunity to work alongside these skilled trainers and witness the positive transformation in your dog's behavior.

Unleash the full potential of your canine companion with expert dog trainers in Austin. These seasoned professionals bring years of experience and a deep understanding of canine behavior to every training session. No matter the breed or age, we tailor our approach to suit the unique needs of your furry friend.

Gain Expert Guidance

Professional dog trainers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to address various behavioral challenges and training needs.

Tailored Training Programs

Trainers customize lessons to suit your dog's unique personality, ensuring a personalized approach to their development and behavior modification.

Establish Effective Communication

Learn to effectively communicate with your dog through proven training techniques, enhancing your bond and understanding.

Address Behavioral Problems

Trainers are equipped to identify and address behavioral issues, helping your dog overcome challenges such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking.

Consistent, Reliable Results

With professional guidance, you can establish consistent habits and routines, leading to long-term positive behavioral changes in your dog.

Gain Expert Guidance

Trainers provide ongoing support and encouragement, empowering both you and your dog to work through challenges and celebrate successes together.

Ready to embark on a transformative journey with your dog? Contact trainers today to schedule your first session. Our team is here to support you and your canine companion every step of the way.

We've got the answers for your questions

What are the qualifications I should look for in a dog trainer in Asheville, NC?

When searching for a dog trainer in Asheville, NC, it's important to seek qualifications such as certification from reputable organizations, experience in handling various breeds, and a strong understanding of positive reinforcement training methods.

What training methods are commonly used by dog trainers in Asheville, NC?

Dog trainers in Asheville, NC often employ positive reinforcement techniques, utilizing rewards and praise to encourage desired behaviors. They also focus on building a strong bond between the owner and their dog.

How do I know if a dog trainer in Asheville, NC is right for my dog's specific needs?

Before committing to a dog trainer in Asheville, NC, it's essential to discuss your dog's specific behavioral issues or training goals. Look for a trainer who has experience addressing similar concerns and can tailor their approach to suit your dog's individual needs.

What is the average cost of dog training services in Asheville, NC?

The cost of dog training services in Asheville, NC varies depending on factors such as the trainer's experience, the type of training required, and the duration of the program. It's advisable to obtain quotes from different trainers to compare prices.

Are there specialized training programs available for specific dog breeds in Asheville, NC?

In Asheville, NC, many dog trainers offer specialized training programs tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of specific dog breeds. Whether you have a large or small breed, you can find trainers who understand the nuances of your dog's breed.

What are some popular training facilities and parks for dog training in Asheville, NC?

Asheville, NC boasts several popular training facilities and dog-friendly parks where trainers conduct classes and private sessions. These locations often provide a conducive environment for both socialization and training.

Do dog trainers in Asheville, NC provide in-home training sessions?

Many dog trainers in Asheville, NC offer in-home training sessions, allowing them to observe and address your dog's behavior within their familiar environment. This personalized approach can be beneficial for certain dogs and their owners.

How can I ensure that a dog trainer in Asheville, NC follows ethical and humane training practices?

To ensure that a dog trainer in Asheville, NC follows ethical and humane practices, inquire about their training philosophy, observe a session if possible, and ask for references from previous clients to gauge their approach and results.

What are the most common behavioral issues addressed by dog trainers in Asheville, NC?

Dog trainers in Asheville, NC commonly address behavioral issues such as leash pulling, aggression, separation anxiety, excessive barking, and socialization challenges. They work to modify these behaviors through positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques.

How long does it typically take to see results from dog training in Asheville, NC?

The timeframe for seeing results from dog training in Asheville, NC varies depending on the dog's temperament, the specific issues being addressed, and the consistency of training. Trainers often provide an estimated timeline based on the individual dog's progress.

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