The Best Dog Trainers In Phoenix, Arizona

Training Staff

Chad Hunter

Owner & Training Director

Meet Chad Hunter, renowned across the country as a distinguished dog trainer with an exceptional pedigree. Unlike many in his field, Chad's journey into dog training wasn't a career choice—it's in his blood. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the world of canine companionship, Chad's upbringing was immersed in the art of dog training and animal psychology. His mother's lifelong dedication to dogs, coupled with her expertise in horse training, laid the foundation for Chad's innate understanding of animal behavior.

From the tender age of 8, Chad was already showcasing his Border Collies in 4H competitions and mastering open-class dog agility. By 16, he was assisting in managing a local training facility, conducting group obedience and agility classes, and addressing common behavioral issues for numerous clients. By 20, Chad had honed his skills through hands-on experience with hundreds of dogs across various disciplines, including police work, personal protection, narcotics detection, service tasks, therapy assistance, and hunting.

The inception of Hunter Canine wasn't just about training dogs; it was about sharing a lifetime of experience and genuine passion. As Chad aptly states, "You Can Not Teach Experience." While many trainers invest significant time, resources, and emotion into learning their craft, Chad's unique advantage lies in his unparalleled exposure to thousands of dogs from childhood onward. His hands-on approach and tireless quest for knowledge that took him across the globe, has equipped him with invaluable insights and solutions for both canines and their human companions.

By the age of 25, Chad had amassed a wealth of experience that surpassed that of most trainers in decades. Since 2003, his training facility and team of Phoenix dog trainers have consistently delivered unmatched results, making Hunter Canine the go-to destination for families seeking transformative outcomes for their beloved pets throughout the Southwest.

Recent Accomplishments:

Over 10,000 dogs trained in private lessons, group classes (485 dogs in 2018 alone), and Board and Trains (540 dogs in 2018 alone)
3 time North American Champion (2014,2015,2017)
Breeder and trainer of multiple law enforcement, military, and sport dogs since 2009
Certified CGC evaluator
Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Training Director of French Ring Club, Copper State Ring Club
Certified NARA French Ring Level 2 Decoy
NARA International French Ring Judge (youngest judge in history of the organization)
Competed in over 100 competitions with more than 70 first place finishes with 7 different dogs
2013 NARA Western Regional Ring 3 Champion
2013 NARA Ring 3 Vice Champion
2014 Canadian Ring Championship decoy
2014 NARA Western Regional Ring 3 Champion
2014 NARA Ring 3 National Grand Champion
2015 NARA Western Regional Ring 3 Vice Champion
2016 NARA Ring 3 Western Regional Vice Champion
2016 NARA Ring 3 Cup Champion
2016 NARA Ring 3 National Grand Champion
2017 NARA Western Regional Ring 3 Vice Champion
2017 NARA Ring 3 Cup Champion
2017 NARA Ring 3 National Grand Champion
2017 NARA Ring 3 Domestic Grand Champion
2021 NARA Ring 3 Cup Champion
2022 NARA Western Regional Ring 1 Champion
2022 NARA Western Regional Ring 3 Champion
2022 NARA Ring 1 National Grand Champion
2023 NARA Ring 3 National Vice Champion
2023 NARA Ring 3 Cup Vice Champion

Arguably the most accomplished dog trainer before the age of 30, in the world. Chad’s success in the dog training industry is not only due to his day-to-day management of his business, but he takes great pride in his immaculate facility and his staff and their abilities as the best dog trainers in Phoenix. Most importantly, building long term relationships with customers has been the #1 reason for his success with a 100% referral based business. “Our facility will EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS.”

SENIOR TRAINERS

Violet

Kennel Manager

Violet is a passionate dog trainer, whose journey into dog training started at a remarkably young age. She is a testament to starting from ground zero and ascending to her current stature. With nearly four years of formal training experience, her roots in the world of dog training run even deeper—learning and observing at Hunter Canine since she could walk. Violet began actively training and working with dogs at the tender age of 8, stepping into competition at age 10. Her inspiration stems from her uncle's passion for dog training. Witnessing his dedication and love for the craft sparked a desire in her to follow in his footsteps and become a skilled trainer.

At home, Violet shares her life with two canine companions: Summit, a Labrador who loves frisbee, and MaryJane, a Malinois deeply involved in French Ring competitions.

Violet's strengths lie in effective communication with both people and dogs. Her ability to train dogs to their full potential is matched by her dedication to building up her teammates at Hunter Canine, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. She enjoys teaching a focused heel and ensuring dogs maintain their focus on the handler amidst distractions—a skill crucial in the world of canine training.

Karly

Karly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our community with a rich background in veterinary care, including six years at an equine hospital as a vet tech and support staff.

Professionally, she is particularly proud of reaching Ring 3 with her beloved Belgian Malinois, Maestro. This accomplishment reflects her commitment to excellence in training personal protection dogs.

Beyond her professional achievements, Karly finds fulfillment in her role as a mother to her one-year-old daughter, Tayton. As an avid lover of the outdoors, she enjoys spending quality time with her dogs, Maestro and Ryka, a retired French Ring German Shepherd who now serves as a demo dog.

Inspired by her passion for sport dogs and the camaraderie of high-level competition obedience, Karly discovered her calling as a dog trainer. Her favorite aspect of teaching dogs is fostering engagement and building strong relationships with her clients and their beloved pets. Her unique blend of skills and dedication enriches the lives of both dogs and their owners.

JUNIOR TRAINERS

Emily

Emily’s path to dog training is rooted in a lifelong love for animals, realizing early on that working with dogs was her calling. She enjoys teaching the heel command because it emphasizes the sense of engagement and forms a special bond between the trainer and dog. She ensures that every dog receives the care and happiness they deserve.

Emily has two German Shepherds at home that she actively trains while enjoying hiking and camping adventures together.

Charlotte

Charlotte’s journey into dog training was sparked by her need for a service dog. She has been training service dogs for the past 3 years, including her own two-year-old Golden Retriever, making her an empathetic and skilled trainer who understands the profound impact that well-trained dogs can have on the lives of their owners. Charlotte embodies enthusiasm, hard work, and a collaborative team spirit.

She also has a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois that engages in bitework and various sports. Charlotte recently became a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Her favorite command to teach a dog is “stay” because it is an essential skill beloved by owners.

Meg

Meg’s true passion is working with dogs. She has taken numerous classes at Hunter Canine and thoroughly believes in our training methods. She brings a special creativity and love for dogs. She enjoys introducing dogs to touch pads because of the versatility and applicability to a variety of future skills.

At home, Meg shares her life with Remy, an adorable Chihuahua mix, who keeps her on her toes with her agility activities and cuddles. She also enjoys crafting, cooking, graphic design, and cinematography.

SUPPORT STAFF

Kristi

Office Administrator

Kristi is a cherished member of the Hunter Canine team, whose journey from corporate finance to her dream job in the dog industry reflects her unwavering passion for animals. Originally hailing from Oklahoma, where she spent her youth on a vast farm showing animals and pursuing her education with an equine scholarship, she brings a deep understanding of animal care and training to our community.

Kristi finds immense joy in being a mother to her three grown boys, cherishing their time together and embarking on adventures. An avid outdoorswoman, she thrives on backpacking trips, paddle boarding, and training her dog Nicotine in French Ring.

With two chihuahuas, Yoshi and Willie Nelson, along with Belgian Malinois Ocho and Nicotine, Kristi fosters a diverse pack at home. Her leadership experience translates seamlessly into her role at Hunter Canine, where she oversees day-to-day operations and supports our trainers and staff.

Kristi's favorite aspect of dog training is teaching recalls, emphasizing the importance of keeping dogs safe in any situation. She finds fulfillment in witnessing the bond between dogs and their owners strengthen as they learn and grow together.

Inspired by the "aha" moments when both dog and owner understand each other better, Kristi is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of all who walk through our doors.