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Certified dog trainer
Laura Hills, BA, KPA-CTP, CCFT, CPDT-KSA, VSPDT
Laura Hills, BA, KPA-CTP, CCFT, CPDT-KSA, VSPDT

North Kansas City, MO

Laura Hills

Laura is the founder and owner of The Dogs’ Spot – Dog Training Center. Laura has been teaching people how to train their dogs since 2004.

Training Philosophy

At The Dogs’ Spot, we will show you how to help your dogs make good choices by showing you how to focus on reinforcing desirable behaviors, rather than inadvertently reinforcing undesirable ones.

Services

The Dogs’ Spot offers a wide range of group classes from Puppy Socialization, Family Manners, Canine Good Citizen®, Caring Canines Therapy Dog to Agility, Flyball, K9 Nose Work®, Reactive Dog, and so much more! They also offer private training, both in-person and online. They also have a boutique that sells training supplies, treats, toys, chews and more!

Certifications

  • BA, Karen Pryor Academy graduate and Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA)
  • Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
  • Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT)
  • Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI); Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Star Puppy, and Tricks evaluator
  • Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT)
  • NADAC Certified Agility trainer
  • Victoria Stilwell Academy Faculty Advisor and Mentor
  • Catch Trainer’s Academy Mentor and Animal Behavior College Mentor

Specializations

Behavior and Training 101, K9 Fitness, working with blind, deaf, and blind and deaf dogs

Training Methods

Positive reinforcement training

Customer Reviews

“Most dog training facilities have a trainer that’s good with dogs OR good with people. Laura is that rare trainer who is good with people and phenomenal with dogs! Check out the huge variety of classes offered to have fun with your dog.”
— Pam and Fletch

Media Appearances

Check out “The Dog Blog”

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

Want to train your dog independently?

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