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The Best Dog Trainers in Akron, OH of 2026

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David Adams

Dec 2, 2025

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in Akron, OH, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

  • Jackie Pekar Photo

    Jackie Pekar

    Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Certified Veterinary Assistant

    In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training

    Akron, OH

    I'm the owner of SouthPaw Petting and have been serving the pets of Akron since 2005. I love helping clients with their puppies and dogs, it's a very rewarding experience! I'm a bit of an education junkie, and travel frequently for conferences and for my own pleasure.


  • Valarie Ross Photo

    Valarie Ross

    Certified Dog Behavior Consultant - IAABC Certified Professional Dog Trainer - CCPDT

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training

    All of northeast Ohio

    Hello! I am Valarie, the owner of Sits n Wiggles Dog Training. I started SnW in 2015 when I had the opportunity to move from dogs being just my passion but my career. I have been involved in dog and cat rescue since I was in college. In early 2015 I started taking classes with Catch Canine Trainers Academy with the intention to offer volunteer training services to shelters and rescues. However,...


  • Jane Miller Photo

    Jane Miller

    LISW, CDBC, PPG, AABP-CDBT

    Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash dog training

    Northeast Ohio Lorain County, Ohio

    Jane Miller, LISW, AABP-CDBT, Pet CPR & First Aid Certified, works in private practice as a licensed psychotherapist/clinical social worker, with a particular interest in holistic modalities of healing. She currently focuses on educating others about the legal, ethical, and practical criteria of working with Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs). Miller has lectured about PSDs in a variety of settin...


Welcome to Akron’s list of top dog trainers. The Akron, Ohio list is based on 63 votes from the Ohio Sniffspot community. Only the Akron dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Jackie Pekar at the top of this list with 36 votes. We also counted 477 votes for Ohio, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Akron.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CDBC and Fear Free Certified Professional. They also specialize in Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training amongst other training programs.

Akron dog trainer services include:

  • Reactive dog training
  • Puppy dog training
  • In home training
  • Off leash dog training
  • Aggressive dog training
  • Deaf dog training
  • Service dog training

Behind every successful Akron training session lies a passionate professional. Jackie Pekar shares why they chose this path: I’ve always been fascinated by behavior, and to be able to strengthen that human-animal bond is so fulfilling.. All 3 trainers on this Akron list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Akron trainer, Valarie Ross, uses the following methods: I use the least intrusive, minimally aversive training and behavior modification methods. I work to help you understand and read your dog, set them up for success, to reduce fear and anxiety, so we can reinforce better behavior..

Explore the top dog trainers in Akron as voted by our community:

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FAQ: Meet the Top Akron, Ohio Dog Trainers

Who are the top-rated dog trainers in Akron, Ohio?

In Akron, Jackie Pekar has earned the highest recognition for their expertise in In home training. They, along with Valarie Ross and Jane Miller, provide personalized training services to meet the diverse needs of Akron dog owners.

What drives Akron dog trainers to excel in their services?

Jackie Pekar and other leading trainers in Akron are motivated by a passion for helping dogs and their owners. Jackie Pekar was inspired to offer their services in Akron because I’ve always been fascinated by behavior, and to be able to strengthen that human-animal bond is so fulfilling..

What are the top services offered by Akron trainers?

The top trainers in Akron, such as Jackie Pekar, specialize in providing In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training. They describe their services as: Specializing in puppy foundation behaviors, separation anxiety, and behavior modification.

What is Jackie Pekar’s best piece of advice for Akron dog owners?

Jackie Pekar recommends: Work with the dog you‚Äôve got. This advice is particularly relevant for dog owners in Akron looking to improve their dog’s behavior.

How can I choose the right trainer in Akron for my dog’s needs?

Choosing the right trainer in Akron involves considering their services, such as Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training and Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash dog training, as well as their qualifications, including CDBC, Fear Free Certified Professional, PPG, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.

Why are certifications important for Akron dog trainers?

Certifications like CDBC, Fear Free Certified Professional, PPG, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner are crucial for trainers in Akron as they ensure that each trainer has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective and positive training.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

Dec 2, 2025

Dog Trainers

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