Positive reinforcement dog trainer

Since Jul 5Updated Oct 25, 2026Based on 46 AI responsesReviewed by

How we measure

Which brands AI mentions

#BrandMentioned in
#1Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers50%
#1International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)39%
#1Pet Professional Guild39%
#4Karen Pryor Academy30%
#4Fear Free28%
Mentioned in on each AI engine, by brand
Mentioned inChatGPTChatGPTGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers9%91%
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)0%78%
Pet Professional Guild0%78%
Karen Pryor Academy4%57%
Fear Free4%52%

Questions and answers

  • ChatGPTOct 15, 2026

    1. 1Crossbones Dog Academy
    2. 2For the Love of Dogs
    3. 3Dogs Got Class Dog Training
    4. 4Modern Dog Training RI LLC

    I found several dog trainers in the Providence, Rhode Island area who explicitly advertise positive-reinforcement or force-free training, without shock collars. I'd start with trainers who clearly state their equipment and training philosophy on their own websites, rather than relying on directory listings alone.

    Dog trainers I'd recommend checking first

    • Every Interaction is a Training Session — Good Dog & Co. | Professional Pet Training

    1. Dogs Got Class® Dog Training

    Providence, RI · Private training

    A strong match if you want reward-based training using treats, clickers, and humane equipment. The trainer explicitly states that she uses positive reinforcement only, with no e-collars, choke collars, or prong collars. Offers private lessons and day training.

    Website:

    Phone: 617-838-0693

    • Pet Service Prices in Miami | Square

    2. Crossbones Dog Academy

    189 Swan St, Providence, RI

    A good option for basic obedience, puppy training, reactivity, and behavior concerns. Its published policy explicitly rules out electronic shock collars, prong collars, and citronella spray collars. It also offers behavior consulting and private lessons.

    Website:

    Phone: 401-330-5892

    • Modern Dog Training RI

    3. Modern Dog Training RI

    East Greenwich, RI · Private and small-group lessons

    Particularly worth considering for anxiety, reactivity, or behavior challenges. The trainer describes her approach as fear-free and force-free, and explicitly rejects e-collars, prong collars, choke collars, and punishment-based methods. The lead trainer holds CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA credentials.

    Website:

    Phone: 401-404-5366

    • AKC Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog Testing - Crossbones Dog Academy

    4. For the Love of Dogs

    Cumberland, RI · Manners and obedience

    Another excellent match based on its published methods. Head trainer Casey is CPDT-KA certified and a Fear Free Professional. The business explicitly rules out shock collars, choke chains, prong collars, leash corrections, and other aversive methods.

    Website:

    See where they are

    Before you book

    I'd recommend asking each trainer these two questions:

    • “Do you exclusively use positive reinforcement, with no shock or e-collars, including tools described as vibration or stimulation collars?”
    • “Will you teach me how to continue the training at home?”

    One question so I can narrow this down for you: What do you most need help training your dog with?

    1. What's your main training goal?

    Puppy training

    Basic obedience and manners

    Leash pulling or recall

    Fear, anxiety, or reactivity

    Aggression or resource guarding

    2. What type of training do you prefer?

    In-home training

    Group classes

    Either private or group

    3. How far can you travel?

    Providence and nearby towns

    Anywhere in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts

    [Find my best matches]

    Sources cited in this answer7

    Google AI ModeOct 15, 2026

    1. 1Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
    2. 2IAABC Finder
    3. 3Karen Pryor Academy
    4. 4Fear Free

    Finding a force-free, positive reinforcement trainer who explicitly avoids aversive tools like shock, prong, or choke collars is the best way to ensure a trusting, humane relationship with your dog.

    To help you find a verified professional in your area, you can search these reputable, humane-certified directories:

    • CCPDT Trainer Directory – The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers lists nationally certified individuals who adhere to a strict humane code of ethics.
    • IAABC Finder – The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants features certified behavior consultants and trainers specializing in positive, science-based methods.
    • Karen Pryor Academy Finder – Search for KPA Certified Training Partners (KPA CTP) who are rigorously trained in clicker and positive reinforcement mechanics.
    • Fear Free Directory – Find professionals certified in preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.
    • Force-Free Dog Training Directory – A dedicated registry of verified, non-aversive trainers across various regions.

    If you share your city or postal code , I can help you look up certified force-free trainers near your specific location.

    Sources cited in this answer6

  • Google AI ModeOct 25, 2026

    1. 1Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
    2. 2CPDT-KA
    3. 3Pet Professional Guild
    4. 4Karen Pryor Academy
    5. 5Victoria Stilwell Positive Dog Training
    6. 6International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

    Yes, absolutely! There is a large and well-established community of force-free, positive reinforcement-only dog trainers who strictly prohibit the use of shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, and other aversive or fear-based methods.

    Because the dog training industry is largely unregulated, trainers who use positive reinforcement have organized under strict codes of ethics and professional credentialing organizations.

    Where to Find Verified Positive-Reinforcement Trainers

    You can search dedicated directories where professionals pledge to use humane, science-based, and reward-based methods:

    • US Force-Free Dog Training Directory : A dedicated registry of verified force-free professionals across multiple states offering private training and behavior modification.
    • Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) : Search for professionals holding credentials like CPDT-KA or CBCC-KA, who adhere to a humane code of ethics.
    • Pet Professional Guild (PPG) : An international membership organization representing force-free trainers and behavior consultants who do not use shock, prong, or choke equipment.
    • Victoria Stilwell Positively Trainer Network (VSPDT) : A vetted network of trainers personally endorsed and trained under the philosophy of star positive-reinforcement trainer Victoria Stilwell.[1]

    What to Look For

    When evaluating a trainer's website or speaking with them, look for terminology and green flags such as:

    • LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) or R+ (Reward-Based) frameworks.
    • Explicit statements that they are shock-free and pain-free.
    • Credentials like CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner), or IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants).

    If you share your city or zip code , I can help you find specific force-free directories or certified trainers operating near you.

    Sources cited in this answer3

    ChatGPTOct 25, 2026

    1. 1Andrea Arden
    2. 2Top Dog Training NY
    3. 3Calling All Dogs
    4. 4PJH Dog Training
    5. 5Wag The Dog NYC

    Yes! There are dog trainers who use 100% positive reinforcement and never use shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, or other aversive training methods. They may describe their approach as force-free, fear-free, or reward-based training.

    When choosing a trainer, I’d look for someone who explicitly commits to reward-based methods for all training, including leash reactivity, barking, recall, and aggression—not just basic obedience.

    Assuming you're looking in New York City, I found several promising options whose published training philosophies explicitly rule out shock collars.

    Dog trainers to contact

    • Andrea Arden Dog Training Session | jfa | Bid Now - ☑ $333 ...

    1. Andrea Arden Dog Training

    (No shock collars)

    Offers private in-home lessons and group classes. Its website explicitly states that it does not use shock collars and relies on food, toys, praise, and reward-based methods.

    Manhattan · Private lessons and classes

    Website and contact information

    • Is Hiring a Dog Trainer Worth It? - Disco Paws

    2. Top Dog Training NY

    (Positive reinforcement only)

    Explicitly says it never uses shock collars, prong collars, or harsh punishment. Offers puppy training, obedience, behavior modification, and board-and-train programs.

    Corona, Queens · Phone: 646-991-0333

    topdogtrainingny.com

    Visit website

    • Homeschool Service | Dog Obedience Training In New York — Paws for Thought Dog Training

    3. Calling All Dogs NY

    (Force-free training)

    Their FAQ explicitly rules out shock collars, prong collars, and choke chains. A good option to investigate for everyday manners and more challenging behavior concerns.

    Visit website and ask about availability

    • In-Home Dog Training NYC | Certified Private Sessions

    4. PJH Dog Training

    Explicitly advertises force-free training with no shock collars, prong collars, or choke chains. Specializes in behavior concerns including fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression, with in-home and virtual sessions.

    Behavior training and contact information

    • Affordable Dog Training NYC | Private, In-Home & Group Training

    5. Wag The Dog NYC

    A force-free, reward-based training and behavior service covering much of NYC, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and parts of Queens. Virtual coaching is also available.

    Brooklyn-based · Private training and behavior support

    Visit website

    These are candidates whose stated methods match your requirements; you'll still want to confirm current availability and that every trainer handling your dog follows the same policy.

    Let me narrow it down for you

    What part of the area are you in? I can find options that are closer to you and better suited to your dog's needs.

    1. Preferred area

    Manhattan

    Brooklyn

    Queens

    The Bronx

    Jersey City / nearby New Jersey

    Anywhere in NYC

    Outside NYC

    2. What do you need help with?

    Puppy training

    Basic obedience and manners

    Leash pulling, barking, or reactivity toward dogs or people

    Fear, anxiety, or aggression

    Separation anxiety

    General training / something else

    3. Preferred training format

    In-home, one-on-one

    Group classes

    Board-and-train

    Any format

    4. Budget per session (optional)

    Under $150

    $150–$250

    Over $250

    Flexible / package pricing

    [Find the best matches]

    Sources cited in this answer7

Also asked as

  • Can you help me find a dog trainer that relies on positive reinforcement and strictly avoids shock collars?