Certified dog trainers in
Weaverville, NC
Hand-Picked Trainers

Learn from the best, certified trainers in

Weaverville, 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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Pia Silvani

USA

Pia Silvani

Pia Silvani has been teaching for over 30 years starting with dance, track and field, and swimming where her accomplishments and achievements were internationally recognized. But she found her true calling in coaching and teaching dogs and even cats, where she continues to receive international recognition and accolades in the many programs she has developed.

Pia recently settled into a new and rewarding position with Asheville Humane Society in NC, applying her expertise and knowledge to assist in behavioral assessments and rehab of shelter dogs and developing training programs.
Before this, Pia worked as Director of Behavioral Rehabilitation for the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center located Weaverville, NC. This groundbreaking Center focuses on helping animal victims of cruelty and neglect to overcome their feelings of fear and increase their chances of successfully finding a loving forever home. She was instrumental in getting over 400 fearful dogs adopted. The Behavioral Rehabilitation program started as a pilot funded by the ASPCA, and held on the campus of St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ,. It is featured in an award-winning documentary, "Second Chance Dogs," currently available on Netflix.
For 25 years, Pia was Vice President of Training and Behavior as well as Behavior Specialist at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ. Pia developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques, which are extremely effective in the enhancement of the bond and relationship of the dog with his/her human companion. The result was an astounding 100+ classes per week, which included 8 levels of pet training classes, and specialty courses designed for dogs with extreme behavioral problems. The very successful Feisty Fidos(TM) curriculum which she developed while working at St. Hubert's has gotten rave reviews around the world. Pia continues to train new trainers in the field and has written six training manuals, which are used nationally as a resource guide for other trainers. She offers workshops around the world on enrichment, training, and behavior modification for the shelter dog and your pet dog or cat.

Training Philosophy

Pia likes quick results and does not believe in cookbook recipes. Solving behavior problems is her speciality.

Services

Pia offers a variety of services including:

  • Private Behavior Consultations: Pia has worked privately with clients for over 30 years. A private consultation includes taking a detailed history, identifying contributing factors and explaining why your pet is exhibiting the unwanted behavior. All results include a customized program with assistance and guidance to help implement a training plan.
  • Training Mentor: Pia has been mentoring trainers around the world for over 40 years. Having a mentor and coach will make a huge difference in "doing it right" or simply "just doing."
  • One-Hour Sessions: Pia offers a variety of sessions for career counseling, selecting playmates for play groups, developing a rock solid curriculum for your pet training classes, starting your own Feisty Fido(TM) training course, and more...
  • Phone Consults: Pia offers phone consultations and has been successful helping clients around the country.

Certifications

Pia is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CCBC).

Specializations

Pia specializes in dog and cat behavior problems, including:

  • Aggression towards people or other pets
  • Fears, phobias, and anxiety
  • Resource guarding
  • Dog aggressive dogs
  • Housetraining and litter box problems
  • Excessive vocalization
  • Destruction and escape
  • Difficulty handling for restraint or grooming
  • Separation anxiety problems

Training Methods

Pia uses positive, reward-based training methods.

Customer Reviews

Carolyn Lloyd-Cohen, client
You helped me unlike anyone else to control Saksie's reactivity with other dogs. A number of people have given me advice because they have had a reactive dog themselves. But each dog is different, and what works for one is not a guarantee for another. It is your advice, good humor, willingness to experiment, encouragement, confidence and patience in guiding me to develop better teamwork and relationship that has made the difference.
As an attest, Saksie and I have been successfully competing in agility for well over a year which I thought would never happen. She would get so worked up around other dogs that I never dreamed we would be able to line up at the start line. Turns out we both love the game of it and she is really talented!
In my opinion, Saksie's reactivity is a blessing. Because of our work with you and your commitment to our success, I have learned to think for myself and gain control quickly when something gets her aroused. My wonderful Saksie and I now have a relationship that is far more fulfilling than I ever thought possible.

Roberta and Frank Graffeo, client
From the moment we first met Pia we knew we were in the right hands. We could tell that she was an extremely caring person and passionate about her profession. It was quite evident that she was very knowledgeable on how to approach and treat the problem we were experiencing with pets in our home.
We initially contacted Pia because of serious dog aggression exhibited by one of our dogs toward the other two in the household. We previously consulted with the University of Pennsylvania Animal Behavior Clinic and, after numerous sessions, they recommended an in-home trainer. Pia was highly recommended to use and was familiar with this type of aggression.
With the utmost respect and faith in Pia's capabilities, we would wholeheartedly and immediately recommend her services to all friends and families seeking to provide a home or training for a pet.
Pia is a true dog inquisitor. She is not afraid to take on the issues of any dog and you can see she really tries to understand them and not just "train" them. Her techniques and approach demonstrate how to train your dog during his or her every day routine and not just training him/her while at a class, only to have them become monsters at home.
I have fostered and adopted numerous rescue dogs and Pia's extensive knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in helping me understand and overcome issues of some of these troubled dogs. Not only that but her enthusiasm, humor and positive attitude make working with her and my dogs just plain fun!

Media Appearances

Pia has spoken at various conferences and forums nationally (in 47 states) and internationally (including Belgium, Bermuda, England, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia). She routinely gives guest appearances on television and radio and consults with various shelters to assist them in improving and expanding their programs.

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Pia Silvani

United States

Pia is an internationally recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 40 years of experience. She was instrumental in helping to change the world of dog training by becoming a charter member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Her goal has always been to combine her love and affection for dogs with her respect for people, understanding that time is precious. As a result, she develops innovative, successful programs for busy households, enriching the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.

Pia has been training trainers around the world for 25 years, focusing on behavioral rehabilitation of extremely fearful or aggressive dogs. She developed the first 'Feisty Fido's' class when living in New Jersey, which focuses on helping dogs get along with other dogs. Currently, she offers private one-on-one consultations for clients and comes highly recommended by veterinarians, behaviorists, and thousands of clients who have seen great success in her work. Don't pass up the chance to work with her!

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Jessica Ring

United States

Jessica Ring

Jessica Ring has always loved dogs and working with dogs. She trained her family’s Bearded Collie and terrier mix. As a matter of fact, dog training and grooming were some of her favorite 4-H projects. In addition to all of her wonderful client dogs (and their humans), she is continually inspired by her two lovable but shy mutts, Pippi and Gus (a tripaw).

Training Philosophy

Jessica Ring strives to provide the most effective, efficient, humane and up-to-date solutions for her clients’ dog training needs. Jessica is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant – Accredited (PCBC-A) through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board. She is an honors graduate of Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers, a rigorous program known as the Harvard of dog training, earning her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC). Jessica studied with separation anxiety specialist Julie Naismith to earn her SA Pro Training certification, as well as the SA Pro Behavior Consultant certification. She also studied under world-renowned author and trainer Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws Academy, becoming a Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT). She successfully completed Dr. Susan Friedman’s course Living and Learning with Animals: The Science and Technology of Behavior Change. As a Fear Free Certified Professional, Jessica is committed to preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety and stress in pets. Because she is devoted to continuing education and professional development, she regularly attends courses, workshops and seminars. Furthermore, Jessica has 15 years of teaching experience as a graphic design professor at the university level.

Services

Jessica Ring offers a variety of online dog training services, including:

  • Puppy Training and Socialization: Live online group puppy classes and private sessions.
  • Basics: Basic dog training skills for good manners. Live online group classes and private sessions.
  • Tricks: Tricks and enrichment for fun and mental exercise. Live online group tricks classes and private sessions.
  • Separation Anxiety: Step-by-step, customized training program to help your dog be happy home alone.
  • Problems: Training programs to overcome behavior problems and reduce stress and worry for you and your dog.
  • Behavior Consultations: Initial online behavior consultation, where Jessica will observe your dog, review the history of your dog’s behavior and discuss possible strategies. She’ll then recommend a training program and package.
  • Follow-up Sessions: Offered live online via Zoom.
  • Self-Paced Online Courses: Happy To Share: Help Prevent Resource Guarding

Prices:

  • Private Classes:
    • 3-Session Package: $255 ($85/session)
    • 5-Session Package: $415 ($83/session)
  • Private Mini Class: $55 per session
  • Group Classes: $100 for each part
  • Lunch Break Group Mini Classes: Affordable
  • Wonder Pup Puppy Kindergarten: $125 total for the 5 weeks
  • Initial Consultation: $150
  • Single Follow-up Session: $110 per session
  • Package of 4 Sessions: $380 ($95/session)
  • Package of 6 Sessions: $540 ($90/session)
  • Package of 10 Sessions: $850 ($85/session)
  • New Puppy Consultation: $100 per session
  • Separation Anxiety Packages:
    • 2-week Essentials Package: $250
    • 4-week Intensive Package: $600
    • 8-week Intensive Package: $900
  • Happy To Share: Help Prevent Resource Guarding: Self-paced online course

Certifications

Jessica Ring is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant – Accredited (PCBC-A) through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board. She is an honors graduate of Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers, a rigorous program known as the Harvard of dog training, earning her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC). Jessica studied with separation anxiety specialist Julie Naismith to earn her SA Pro Training certification, as well as the SA Pro Behavior Consultant certification. She also studied under world-renowned author and trainer Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws Academy, becoming a Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT). She successfully completed Dr. Susan Friedman’s course Living and Learning with Animals: The Science and Technology of Behavior Change. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional.

Specializations

Separation Anxiety, Behavior Problems, Puppy Training, Basic Dog Training, Tricks and Enrichment

Training Methods

Jessica Ring uses positive-reinforcement-based training, without the use of fear, intimidation, force or pain. Behaviors we want to see are reinforced so that our dogs are motivated to repeat them. In contrast, we reduce unwanted behaviors by preventing them from being reinforced. We use good stuff to help change a dog’s associations and emotions to overcome fear and aggression. We do not use or allow the use of shock, prong or choke collars.

Social Media Links

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Media Appearances

AP News: Virtual Training Can Be Good for Trainers, Owners and Dogs
The Washington Post: Dogs, too, can find the pandemic disorienting
Fear Free Pets: Taking Your Training Business Online
Reader’s Digest: 13 Puppy Training Mistakes You’ll Regret Later
Reader’s Digest: 12 Easiest Dog Tricks You Could Start Teaching Today
Reader’s Digest: Here’s How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
The Academy for Dog Trainers: A Good Trade: Online Coaching for Food and Object Guarding
Tails from the Dog House: Separation Anxiety Explained Podcast: All About Puppies with Special Guest Jessica Ring from My Fantastic Friend
Pet Professional Guild: Puppy Socialization During a Pandemic (webinar)
Fear Free Pets: Brain Games: Providing enrichment and mental stimulation when your patient is on “bed rest” (webinar)

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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?

Looking for dog trainers in Weaverville, NC? Finding the right dog trainer can make all the difference in helping your furry companion become a well-behaved and happy member of your family. Whether you're dealing with behavioral issues, want to teach your dog basic obedience, or need help with specialized training, professional dog trainers in Weaverville are here to support you and your four-legged friend.

Professional dog trainers

Professional dog trainers bring expertise and experience to address your dog's specific needs, whether it's behavioral problems, basic obedience, or specialized training.

Training sessions

Training sessions with a professional dog trainer can help build a stronger bond between you and your dog, improving communication and understanding between both of you.

Personalized training plans

Personalized training plans are tailored to the unique personality, behavior, and learning style of your dog, ensuring effective and efficient progress.

Professional dog trainers offer guidance

Professional dog trainers offer guidance and support for you as a dog owner, helping you understand your dog's behavior and providing you with the tools and knowledge to continue training at home.

Safe and controlled environment

Dog trainers can provide a safe and controlled environment for your dog to learn and practice new behaviors, reducing stress and anxiety for both you and your pet.

Professional dog trainers

Access to professional dog trainers can help prevent and address common behavior issues, ensuring a happier and more harmonious relationship between you and your dog.

Investing in professional dog training services can have a lasting and positive impact on your dog's behavior and your relationship with your pet. Whether you're dealing with an energetic puppy, a stubborn adolescent, or an older dog with ingrained habits, the expertise and guidance of a professional dog trainer can make a world of difference. So, if you're looking to address specific behavior problems, teach your dog new skills, or simply enhance your bond, consider reaching out to one of the experienced dog trainers in Weaverville, NC.

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.

Professional dog trainers

Professional dog trainers bring expertise and experience to address your dog's specific needs, whether it's behavioral problems, basic obedience, or specialized training.

Training sessions

Training sessions with a professional dog trainer can help build a stronger bond between you and your dog, improving communication and understanding between both of you.

Personalized training plans

Personalized training plans are tailored to the unique personality, behavior, and learning style of your dog, ensuring effective and efficient progress.

Professional dog trainers offer guidance

Professional dog trainers offer guidance and support for you as a dog owner, helping you understand your dog's behavior and providing you with the tools and knowledge to continue training at home.

Safe and controlled environment

Dog trainers can provide a safe and controlled environment for your dog to learn and practice new behaviors, reducing stress and anxiety for both you and your pet.

Professional dog trainers

Access to professional dog trainers can help prevent and address common behavior issues, ensuring a happier and more harmonious relationship between you and your dog.

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 services do dog trainers in Weaverville, NC offer?

Dog trainers in Weaverville, NC offer a range of services including obedience training, behavior modification, puppy training, and specialized training for specific behavioral issues.

How can I find a reputable dog trainer in Weaverville, NC?

To find a reputable dog trainer in Weaverville, NC, consider seeking recommendations from local veterinarians, pet stores, or fellow dog owners. Additionally, online reviews and testimonials can help gauge the quality of a trainer's services.

What training methods do dog trainers in Weaverville, NC typically use?

Dog trainers in Weaverville, NC use a variety of training methods including positive reinforcement, clicker training, leash training, and behavioral conditioning. The methods used may vary based on the trainer's expertise and the dog's specific needs.

Are there dog trainers in Weaverville, NC that specialize in specific breeds or sizes of dogs?

Yes, some dog trainers in Weaverville, NC specialize in working with specific breeds or sizes of dogs. Whether you have a small or large breed, or a specific breed such as a Labrador Retriever or a German Shepherd, you can find a trainer with the expertise to meet your needs.

Do dog trainers in Weaverville, NC offer in-home training sessions?

Many dog trainers in Weaverville, NC offer in-home training sessions for the convenience of pet owners. This allows the trainer to work directly with the dog in its own environment, addressing specific behavioral issues that may arise at home.

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

The cost of dog training services in Weaverville, NC varies depending on the trainer's experience, the type of training required, and the duration of the sessions. On average, group classes may range from $100 to $200, while private sessions can range from $50 to $150 per hour.

Are there dog trainers in Weaverville, NC that specialize in agility or competitive obedience training?

Yes, there are dog trainers in Weaverville, NC who specialize in agility training, competitive obedience, and preparing dogs for various dog sports. These trainers can help owners and their dogs develop the skills needed for competition.

Do dog trainers in Weaverville, NC offer training for aggressive or fearful dogs?

Yes, many dog trainers in Weaverville, NC have experience working with aggressive or fearful dogs. They can provide specialized training and behavior modification techniques to help address these issues and improve the dog's overall behavior.

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

The time it takes to see results from dog training in Weaverville, NC varies depending on the dog's temperament, the specific behaviors being addressed, and the consistency of training. In general, noticeable improvements can often be seen within a few weeks of regular training sessions.

Are there dog trainers in Weaverville, NC that offer puppy socialization classes?

Yes, many dog trainers in Weaverville, NC offer puppy socialization classes to help young dogs become well-adjusted and well-socialized. These classes focus on positive interactions with other dogs and people, setting a foundation for good behavior as the puppy grows.

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