Certified dog trainers in
Van Buren, AR
Hand-Picked Trainers

Learn from the best, certified trainers in

Van Buren, AR

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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Mary A Gilbreth PhD CPDT

USA

Mary A. Gilbreth, Ph.D., CPDT is a professional dog trainer and life coach. She is the owner of SMART DOGS, a dog training center located in Van Buren, Arkansas. Mary was the first trainer in the state of Arkansas to earn a CPDT and has continued to bring numerous other firsts to the people & dogs of AR. She has hosted several internationally known trainers, including Kathy Cascade (TTouch), Theresa McKeon (TAGteach International), and Kay Laurence (Learning About Dogs).

Training Philosophy
Mary is an avid clicker and positive reinforcement trainer. She is committed to education & excellence and uses force-free, fear-free, science-based reinforcement training methods. She believes in building strong, desired behavior, balanced & confident dogs, and healthy trust-based relationships.

Services
SMART DOGS offers a wide range of services, including:

  • Life With Dogs: A comprehensive small group class that teaches crucial Life Skills to both ends of the leash. This class meets once a week for 1 hour and runs 8 weeks. Current Tuition $450 includes weekly in-person sessions as well as 24/7 access to student only content in SD's Online Classroom & Private Blog (i.e, video tutorials, articles). Tuition also includes access to Mary by phone, text & email for additional coaching between our weekly in-person sessions.
  • Therapy Dog Training & Testing: SMART DOGS offers training and testing for Therapy Dog Certification.
  • Dog Sports: SMART DOGS offers training in a variety of dog sports, including Agility, Dance, Freestyle, Obedience, Parkour, Rally, Treibball, and more.
  • Behavior Modification: SMART DOGS offers behavior modification services for dogs with aggressive, anxious, fearful, or other stress-induced behavior.
  • Online Learning: SMART DOGS offers online learning resources, including reading, video tutorials, discussions, workshops, and learning groups.
  • Additional Topics & Events: SMART DOGS offers a variety of additional topics and events, including Conditioning, Body Awareness, Nutrition & Wellness, Trick Training, Seminars, Movie Nights, Field Trips, and more.

Certifications
Mary A. Gilbreth, Ph.D., CPDT is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), Certified Holistic Life & Stress Management Coach (CHLC), Fear Free Certified Professional, Dog Sport Judge, Canine Hoopers World Instructor, Level 2 TAGteach Certified, CAP-1, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and Therapy Dog Evaluator.

Specializations
Mary specializes in preventing & modifying aggressive and fearful behavior. She is well-versed in canine and human behavior, relationships, training, wellness & nutrition.

Training Methods
Mary uses force-free, fear-free, science-based reinforcement training methods. She is an avid clicker trainer.

Customer Reviews
Deborah Grodecka CPDT CDBC: As a dog training professional myself, I have first-hand experience with training centers and trainers throughout the country. Unequivocally, SMART DOGS is one of the best…Mary adds her deep appreciation and understanding of a dog's heart and soul…and I also travel a long distance myself to bring my own dogs there to train. It is worth every mile driven and dollar spent. Mary has helped me sharpen my own training skills and to “see” my dogs more clearly as the amazing individuals they are. I am extremely grateful for everything Mary has taught me, and my dogs Hannah and Jackson are equally grateful!

Kelly Kastel: Outside of the many classes and skills Mary has taught us, I am more so appreciative for the sense of community and connection provided at SMART DOGS. Mary herself has always gone above and beyond to provide information and resources that have advanced my understanding and overall care of my pets. When one of our pets was diagnosed with bone cancer, Mary was at the ready no matter what questions I had and connected us with the best lifeline we had during the process. I really cannot express how grateful I am for the life lessons and resources provided by Mary and the SMART DOGS family. She has welcomed us since day one – always making me and my pets feel confident in all she teaches us – and we are a forever loyal SMART Dog family!

Celeste Wheeler: I appreciate Mary’s instruction. Always the right mix of compassion and no nonsense. I have had dogs my entire life (almost 60 years) and was surprised to discover how little I actually understood about them before coming to SMART DOGS. I originally had two goals in mind – getting Angus to come when called and to help him build some confidence in new situations. We accomplished these goals, but more importantly the training helped us develop a stronger and happier relationship. The connection is better, the understanding is better and we all – dog and humans are having more fun!

Margaret Thiele: Working with Mary and our two 6 year old miniature schnauzers has been an unbelievable, eye opening experience. A few months ago we could not even take a walk without generalized chaos every time our girls encountered any people, or worse yet, another dog. Two days ago, 8 construction workers gathered in the street didn’t even earn a second look! We now have one very confident learner who was once a timid little thing who didn’t like to eat, until Mary, in her very subtle way, suggested a new raw diet. And her big sister, who was scared of her own shadow, is working on being a champion on the agility course. Our thanks and gratitude to Mary for making the humans realize we had so much to learn.

Meagan Price: We LOVE SMART DOGS and Mary! She is one amazing woman! I’m so thankful for her guidance and patience with me. Working with my dogs has been such an eye opening experience for me, not just in training, but in self awareness. I don’t think I ever would have learned so much about my personality, behavior and habits if it weren’t for the last few years at SMART DOGS.
I’m also most grateful for the bond she taught me to nurture with my first sweet fur baby and now, another one! I would recommend her to anyone with a dog! I think we all can learn from her program and take something special away from it. I’m looking forward to many more classes at SMART DOGS and watching my dogs excel in all that we do!!

Social Media Links
SMART DOGS has a Facebook page, YouTube channel, Vimeo channel, and WordPress blog.

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William B. Litchford

United States

Welcome to Paws Companion Dog Training, where you and your canine companion can embark on a journey to better understanding and communication. With a deep passion for dogs and their well-being, our experienced trainer offers personalized training sessions to address your dog's behavioral needs.

Through positive reinforcement techniques, we aim to cultivate a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend. Our methods prioritize patience, consistency, and mutual respect, fostering a positive learning environment for both you and your dog.

Whether you seek obedience training, puppy socialization, or behavior modification, Paws Companion Dog Training is committed to guiding you through the process and helping you achieve your training goals. Join us as we work together to unleash your dog's full potential and strengthen the bond you share.

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William Litchford

United States

At Paws Companion Dog Training, they specialize in training companion dogs in basic manners, service dogs, and addressing mild aggression cases. The owner and trainer of the company holds the CPDT-KA designation and follows a positive reinforcement training philosophy. They serve clients in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

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Mary A. Gilbreth

United States

Mary A. Gilbreth, Ph.D., is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) and Certified Holistic Life & Stress Management Coach (CHLC). She was the first trainer in Arkansas to earn a CPDT and has continued to bring numerous other firsts to the people & dogs of AR. She has hosted several internationally known trainers - Kathy Cascade (TTouch), Theresa McKeon (TAGteach International), and Kay Laurence (Learning About Dogs).

Mary is an avid clicker and positive reinforcement trainer. She promotes better behavior at both ends of the leash through education, behavior change and a whole lot of fun. She offers a practical, gentle and easy to learn method. She works with you and your dog at whatever level is appropriate.

SMART DOGS offers a variety of services, including:

  • Life Skills & Relationship Building for People, Puppies & Dogs
  • Therapy Dog Training & Testing for Therapy Dog Certification
  • Dog Sports (Agility, Dance, Freestyle, Obedience, Parkour, Rally, Treibball & More)
  • Behavior Modification (Aggressive, Anxious, Fearful, or other Stress-Induced Behavior)
  • Online Learning (Reading, Video Tutorials, Discussions)
  • Conditioning, Body Awareness, Nutrition & Wellness, Trick Training, Seminars, Movie Nights, Field Trips & More!

Certifications
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), Certified Holistic Life & Stress Management Coach (CHLC), Fear Free Certified Professional, Dog Sport Judge, Canine Hoopers World Instructor, Level 2 TAGteach Certified, CAP-1, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Therapy Dog Evaluator, Member of PPG AABP APDT

Specializations
Mary is a specialist in preventing & modifying aggressive and fearful behavior. She is well-versed in canine and human behavior, relationships, training, wellness & nutrition.

Training Methods
Mary uses force-free, fear-free, science-based reinforcement training methods. She is committed to effective, force-free, fear-free, constructional and reinforcement methods, tools, teaching & lifestyle.

Customer Reviews

Laura RickettsCharleston, AR: "I thought my relationship with my dogs was good before SMART DOGS. I am amazed at the change. The SMART DOGS' way has put the spark back into my two senior dogs' eyes. It has given two shy girls more confidence. SMART DOGS is an awesome training school and its right here in the River Valley."

Kelly Kastel, Angel Jager & Lola VBS: "...Outside of the many classes and skills Mary has taught us, I am more so appreciative for the sense of community and connection provided at SMART DOGS. Mary herself has always gone above and beyond to provide information and resources that have advanced my understanding and overall care of my pets. When one of our pets was diagnosed with bone cancer, Mary was at the ready no matter what questions I had and connected us with the best lifeline we had during the process. I really cannot express how grateful I am for the life lessons and resources provided by Mary and the SMART DOGS family. She has welcomed us since day one - always making me and my pets feel confident in all she teaches us - and we are a forever loyal SMART Dog family!"

Deborah Grodecka CPDT CDBC, Hannah P-CRO-III VIS & Jackson CRO-I: "As a dog training professional myself, I have first-hand experience with training centers and trainers throughout the country. Unequivocally, SMART DOGS is one of the best...Mary adds her deep appreciation and understanding of a dog's heart and soul...and I also travel a long distance myself to bring my own dogs there to train. It is worth every mile driven and dollar spent. Mary has helped me sharpen my own training skills and to 'see' my dogs more clearly as the amazing individuals they are. I am extremely grateful for everything Mary has taught me, and my dogs Hannah and Jackson are equally grateful! Thank you so much, Mary."

Meagan Price, Atlas CRO-I & Daisy: "★★★★★ We LOVE SMART DOGS and Mary! She is one amazing woman! I'm so thankful for her guidance and patience with me. Working with my dogs has been such an eye opening experience for me, not just in training, but in self awareness. I don't think I ever would have learned so much about my personality, behavior and habits if it weren't for the last few years at SMART DOGS.
I'm also most grateful for the bond she taught me to nurture with my first sweet fur baby and now, another one! I would recommend her to anyone with a dog! I think we all can learn from her program and take something special away from it. I'm looking forward to many more classes at SMART DOGS and watching my dogs excel in all that we do!!"

Celeste Wheeler, Lexi P-CRO-II & Angus: "I appreciate Mary's instruction. Always the right mix of compassion and no nonsense. I have had dogs my entire life (almost 60 years) and was surprised to discover how little I actually understood about them before coming to SMART DOGS. I originally had two goals in mind - getting Angus to come when called and to help him build some confidence in new situations. We accomplished these goals, but more importantly the training helped us develop a stronger and happier relationship. The connection is better, the understanding is better and we all - dog and humans are having more fun!"

Margaret Thiele: "Working with Mary and our two 6 year old miniature schnauzers has been an unbelievable, eye opening experience. A few months ago we could not even take a walk without generalized chaos every time our girls encountered any people, or worse yet, another dog. Two days ago, 8 construction workers gathered in the street didn't even earn a second look! We now have one very confident learner who was once a timid little thing who didn't like to eat, until Mary, in her very subtle way, suggested a new raw diet. And her big sister, who was scared of her own shadow, is working on being a champion on the agility course. Our thanks and gratitude to Mary for making the humans realize we had so much to learn."

Social Media Links
SMART DOGS facebook page, youtube, Vimeo, or WordPress

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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 Van Buren, AR? Finding the right trainer can make a significant difference in your dog's behavior and well-being. Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog with established habits, working with a professional can help you navigate training challenges effectively. Below, you'll find a list of experienced dog trainers in Van Buren, AR, who can provide the support and guidance you need to develop a strong, positive relationship with your canine companion.

Expert Insight

Professional dog trainers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They can provide you with valuable insights into your dog's behavior and help you understand the underlying reasons for certain actions.

Tailored Training Approaches

Each dog is unique, and professional trainers can customize their approach to suit your dog's specific needs. Whether your dog requires obedience training, socialization, or behavior modification, a professional can tailor the training to address those needs effectively.

Effective Problem-Solving

If you're facing specific behavior challenges with your dog, a professional trainer can help you identify the root causes and implement targeted solutions. From excessive barking to leash pulling, trainers can offer effective strategies to address and overcome these issues.

Consistent Support

Professional trainers offer consistent support and guidance throughout the training process. They can help you stay on track with your training goals and provide ongoing assistance as you work towards improving your dog's behavior.

Enhanced Communication

Working with a professional trainer can improve communication between you and your dog. Trainers can teach you how to effectively communicate your expectations to your dog, leading to better understanding and cooperation.

Expert Insight

Investing in professional dog training can lead to long-term benefits for both you and your dog. A well-behaved and well-trained dog can bring more joy and harmony to your household, creating a positive environment for everyone.

If you're ready to take the next step in training your dog, consider reaching out to one of the experienced dog trainers in Van Buren, AR. Professional guidance can make a world of difference in creating a strong and fulfilling bond with your canine companion.

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.

Expert Insight

Professional dog trainers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They can provide you with valuable insights into your dog's behavior and help you understand the underlying reasons for certain actions.

Tailored Training Approaches

Each dog is unique, and professional trainers can customize their approach to suit your dog's specific needs. Whether your dog requires obedience training, socialization, or behavior modification, a professional can tailor the training to address those needs effectively.

Effective Problem-Solving

If you're facing specific behavior challenges with your dog, a professional trainer can help you identify the root causes and implement targeted solutions. From excessive barking to leash pulling, trainers can offer effective strategies to address and overcome these issues.

Consistent Support

Professional trainers offer consistent support and guidance throughout the training process. They can help you stay on track with your training goals and provide ongoing assistance as you work towards improving your dog's behavior.

Enhanced Communication

Working with a professional trainer can improve communication between you and your dog. Trainers can teach you how to effectively communicate your expectations to your dog, leading to better understanding and cooperation.

Expert Insight

Investing in professional dog training can lead to long-term benefits for both you and your dog. A well-behaved and well-trained dog can bring more joy and harmony to your household, creating a positive environment for everyone.

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 key factors to consider when choosing a dog trainer in Van Buren, AR?

When selecting a dog trainer in Van Buren, AR, it's crucial to consider their experience, training methods, certifications, and client testimonials. Additionally, proximity to your location and the specific services they offer are important considerations.

What types of training methods do dog trainers in Van Buren, AR typically use?

Dog trainers in Van Buren, AR employ various training methods, including positive reinforcement, clicker training, obedience training, behavior modification, and agility training. They often tailor their methods to suit the individual needs of the dog and the owner’s preferences.

Are there specific training programs for puppies offered by dog trainers in Van Buren, AR?

Yes, many dog trainers in Van Buren, AR offer specialized training programs for puppies, focusing on socialization, basic obedience, potty training, and addressing common puppy behaviors such as chewing and mouthing.

Do dog trainers in Van Buren, AR provide in-home training sessions?

Several dog trainers in Van Buren, AR offer in-home training sessions, allowing them to address behavioral issues within the dog's natural environment. This can be particularly beneficial for addressing specific issues such as aggression or separation anxiety.

What are the usual rates for dog training services in Van Buren, AR?

Dog training rates in Van Buren, AR vary depending on the trainer's experience, the type of training, and the duration of the sessions. Generally, rates for group classes, private sessions, and specialized programs are available, offering flexibility to suit different budgets and needs.

Are there dog trainers in Van Buren, AR who specialize in training specific breeds?

Yes, some dog trainers in Van Buren, AR have expertise in training specific breeds, understanding their unique characteristics and traits. This specialized knowledge can be particularly beneficial for certain breeds with specific training requirements.

What should I expect during a consultation with a dog trainer in Van Buren, AR?

During a consultation with a dog trainer in Van Buren, AR, you can expect to discuss your dog's behavior, training goals, and the trainer's approach. This initial meeting is an opportunity for the trainer to assess your dog and create a tailored training plan.

Do dog trainers in Van Buren, AR offer training for behavioral issues such as aggression or anxiety?

Yes, many dog trainers in Van Buren, AR are experienced in addressing behavioral issues including aggression, anxiety, fearfulness, and excessive barking. They can provide specialized training programs to address and modify these behaviors.

Are there specialized training services, such as therapy dog training, available in Van Buren, AR?

Indeed, several dog trainers in Van Buren, AR offer specialized services such as therapy dog training, preparing dogs to provide comfort and support in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

How can I verify the credentials and reputation of a dog trainer in Van Buren, AR?

Before choosing a dog trainer in Van Buren, AR, it's essential to verify their credentials, including certifications and affiliations with reputable dog training organizations. Additionally, reading client testimonials and seeking recommendations can provide insight into their reputation and effectiveness.

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