I am looking for a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement and does not use shock collars.

Absolutely. I searched around Old Bridge / Central New Jersey and found several trainers that appear to match your requirements. I prioritized trainers who explicitly describe their methods as positive reinforcement, force-free, fear-free, or reward-based, rather than simply saying they use “positive” training.

Best nearby matches

• TLC Dog Training, LLC — Matawan, NJ
  This looks like one of the most convenient options for Old Bridge. Their approach is described as positive-reinforcement and clicker-based, with service coverage including Old Bridge and surrounding Monmouth/Middlesex communities.

• Paws for Applause — Monroe Township, NJ
  Focuses on positive reinforcement and owner education, with Central/South Jersey service coverage.

• Hometown Hounds — Freehold, NJ
  Offers one-on-one coaching and is described as using positive-reinforcement-only methods, including food rewards, clickers, harnesses and flat collars.

• Joyful Pup Dog Training — Union Beach, NJ
  Private in-home training serving Monmouth County and surrounding areas, with a force-free/positive-reinforcement philosophy.

• Dog Star Academy — Monmouth County
  Particularly worth considering if you want in-home training. Their approach emphasizes humane positive reinforcement and they work with puppies as well as anxiety, fear and behavior issues.

One particularly clear match

NJ Dog Academy explicitly states that it uses positive reinforcement based on scientific methods and does not use e-collars/shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, scare tactics, or harmful methods. They offer private in-home training and day training.

They're based in Parsippany, so they're farther from Old Bridge, but their stated philosophy is an especially strong match for what you're looking for.

One important thing to ask

When you call, I'd specifically ask:

“Do you use any aversive methods or equipment, including e-collars, shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, leash corrections, or physical corrections?”

That's worthwhile because some trainers advertise themselves as “positive” while still incorporating corrections or electronic collars. For example, one NJ company I found describes its electronic collar as part of its training program, so I would not put that type of trainer on your shortlist if you want strictly force-free training.

If you tell me your dog's age, breed, and what you're trying to train (puppy basics, leash pulling, aggression/reactivity, separation anxiety, etc.), I can narrow this down to the 3 best trainers within roughly 10–20 miles of Old Bridge and compare their credentials, reviews, prices, and service areas.

Finding a trainer who strictly uses positive reinforcement and avoids aversives like shock, prong, or choke collars is a great choice for building a trusting relationship with your dog. Because the dog training industry is largely unregulated—meaning anyone can legally call themselves a "dog trainer"—you will want to look for specific credentials and directories that hold members to humane, science-based standards.

Top Professional Directories to Search

You can find certified, force-free trainers through these reputable organizations:

• Pet Professional Guild (PPG) : A membership organization representing animal trainers and behavior consultants who are strictly force-free and do not use shock, prong, or choke collars.
• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) : Look for trainers with the CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) credential. While they follow humane guidelines, always double-check their specific tool policy during an initial chat.
• Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) : Graduates of this program (KPA CTP ) specialize in clicker training and positive, science-based reinforcement methods.
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) : Excellent for finding certified behavior consultants who focus on least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) or force-free strategies.

Questions to Ask Potential Trainers

Even with certifications, it is wise to vet a trainer directly. Ask these questions during an initial consultation:

If you share your city or zip code , I can help you look up certified positive-reinforcement or force-free trainers operating in your local area.

To find a trainer who uses strictly positive reinforcement and avoids aversive tools like shock collars, you can search professional directories dedicated to humane, science-based training methods.

Trusted Directories to Find Humane Trainers

• IAABC Consultant Locator: Search for certified members of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants , who focus on non-punitive, behavior-adjustment strategies.
• Fear Free Directory: Find professionals certified in Fear Free methods , which eliminate fear, anxiety, and stress in training.
• PPG Find a Professional: The Pet Professional Guild explicitly requires members to practice shock-free, choke-free, and prong-free training.

Key Terms to Look For (and Avoid)

• Look For: "Force-free," "positive reinforcement," "reward-based," or "humane/science-based" training.
• Avoid: "Balanced training" or "traditional training," which often integrate aversive tools like e-collars (shock collars), prong collars, or choke chains under the guise of mixed methods.

If you share your city or zip code , I can help you locate specific certified positive-reinforcement trainers or organizations near you.

• Smart Dog Juarez - Sierra del Pedregal 6271, La Cuesta, 32650 Juárez, Chih., Mexico
• REQUI DOG TRAINING - Únete a la Manada - Valle del Sol, 32409 Juárez, Chih., Mexico
• S-B Academy Dog. - 32600, infonavit, Casas Grandes, 32575 Juárez, Chih., Mexico
• Pethouse Servicios Caninos - Benito Juárez 217, María Isabel, 32560 Juárez, Chih., Mexico
• Centro Canino Contra la Contaminación S. de R.L. de C.V. - 32557 Juárez, Chih., Mexico
• Kanis Company - Frente a los campos de futbol Central Soccer (atrás del BBVA, Av. Tecnológico 1561-1, Villa Hermosa, 32510 Juárez, Chih., Mexico
• Escuela de entrenamiento canino seg-a - Viad. Díaz Ordaz 2923, Ignacio Allende, 32190 Juárez, Chih., Mexico
• Force Strength Center (cross and fitness) - Av. de los Insurgentes 3622-C, Los Nogales, 32350 Juárez, Chih., Mexico

If you're looking in Ciudad Juárez, I found a couple of promising options, but I’d distinguish between trainers who say “positive” and those who explicitly commit to force-free/no aversive tools.

• Smart Dog Juarez — a local dog trainer with strong ratings. I couldn't verify from its public information that it specifically bans shock collars, so I would ask before booking.
• REQUI DOG TRAINING - Únete a la Manada — based in Ciudad Juárez. Its trainer describes an approach centered on understanding, respect, and connection, but I also couldn't verify a specific no-shock-collar policy.
• Modest Dog — this is the clearest local lead I found. It explicitly advertises “adiestramiento canino positivo” and says its training uses positive methods and personalized coaching at home, including service in Ciudad Juárez.

What I'd ask before hiring

I'd send the trainer this very direct question:

“¿Utilizan exclusivamente refuerzo positivo? ¿Me pueden confirmar que no utilizan collar eléctrico/de choque, collar de púas, collar de ahorque ni otros métodos aversivos?” If they hesitate, say that they use an e-collar only “when necessary,” or talk about “dominance” or “being the alpha,” I'd keep looking.

If you'd like, I can dig deeper and find 3–5 trainers in Ciudad Juárez who explicitly advertise force-free/positive-reinforcement methods, including their contact information and reviews.

To find a certified positive-reinforcement dog trainer who explicitly avoids shock collars and other aversive tools, you should search through trusted professional organizations that uphold humane training standards . Because dog training is an unregulated profession, checking these official registries is the safest way to ensure a force-free approach.

Where to Find Certified Trainers

• Karen Pryor Academy : Lists professionals who specialize exclusively in positive reinforcement and clicker training.
• CCPDT Certified Dog Trainer Directory : Features Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) who must follow a strict ethical code against harsh punishment.
• IAABC Member Directory : Connects you with behavior consultants trained in low-stress, science-backed behavior modification.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1. What methods do you use? Listen for words like rewards, treats, praise, shaping, and redirection. Avoid trainers who mention "alpha," "dominance," or "corrections".
2. Do you use or recommend e-collars, prong collars, or choke chains? Get a clear, direct "no".
3. What happens if my dog makes a mistake? A positive reinforcement trainer will manage the environment or redirect the dog rather than using fear or pain.

If you share your city or zip code , I can help you look for specific positive-reinforcement training options near your location.

• Jersey Shore Dogs Dog Training - 40 Wellington Dr, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, United States
• Pawsome University - 54 Charleston Spring Rd, Millstone Township, NJ 08510, United States
• The Dog Clicker, LLC. - 33 Roselle Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, United States
• Best Friends Dog Training - 1837A Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753, United States
• Samantha Pechillo Dog Training - 1326 Bay Plaza, Wall Township, NJ 07719, United States
• 20 Paws - 61 Princeton Hightstown Rd, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550, United States
• Dog Star Academy - 1 Scenic Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732, United States
• Heavenly Hounds Dog Training - 101 NJ-31, Pennington, NJ 08534, United States
• Heavenly Hounds Dog Training - 2495 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
• Smarty Paws Dog Training - Ocean Ave, Beachwood, NJ 08722, United States
• Superior Dog Academy - 41 Griggs St, Somerset, NJ 08873, United States
• Paws On Dog Training - Princeton, NJ 08540
• Vicky Ortiz Dog Training And Pet Services - 122 Sherman Place, Jersey City, NJ 07307
• Give Paw Dog Training - South Orange, NJ 07079

I found several dog trainers in your area (Yorketown, NJ region) that advertise positive reinforcement / force-free methods and specifically avoid shock collars or other aversive tools. Here are some options to consider:

• Dog Star Academy — Monmouth County, NJ Private in-home training with a positive, reward-based approach. Good option if you want a trainer to work with your dog in your home environment.
• Jersey Shore Dogs Dog Training — Tinton Falls, NJ Offers in-home training and behavior consulting with a stated force-free, science-based approach that avoids force, fear, and intimidation methods.
• Pawsome University — Millstone Township, NJ Focuses on positive reinforcement and behavior modification, including work with fearful, anxious, or reactive dogs.
• The Dog Clicker, LLC. — Cranford, NJ Uses reward-based, force-free training for manners, puppies, and behavior challenges.
• Best Friends Dog Training — Toms River, NJ Offers positive-reinforcement classes and private training focused on communication and confidence.

A few trainers that explicitly state they do not use shock/e-collars:

• Paws First, LLC — says it uses positive, force-free training and never uses aversive methods such as shock collars or physical punishment.
• Dog Star Academy — states it uses positive reinforcement and does not use e-collars, prong collars, choke chains, or scare tactics.

When you contact a trainer, I’d suggest asking:

• “Do you use e-collars, shock collars, prong collars, leash corrections, or other aversive tools?”
• “What happens when my dog makes a mistake?”
• “Are your methods based on rewards and teaching alternative behaviors?”

If you tell me your town/ZIP code, your dog’s age/breed, and what you need help with (puppy basics, leash pulling, barking, aggression, anxiety, etc.), I can narrow this down to the closest fits.

Finding a reputable, force-free dog trainer who strictly uses positive reinforcement and avoids aversive tools (like shock, prong, or choke collars) is the best way to build a trusting relationship with your dog. Because the dog training industry is largely unregulated, anyone can call themselves a "positive" or "balanced" trainer, even if they occasionally use aversive methods.

To find a genuinely force-free professional, look for trainers certified by recognized, science-based organizations that explicitly prohibit shock collars and physical punishment.

Where to Find Certified Positive Reinforcement Trainers

• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) - Look for the CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) credential. While they represent independent testing, ensure the specific practitioner aligns with your force-free requirements.
• Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) - Graduates earn the KPA-CTP (Certified Training Partner) designation, which signifies a rigorous, purely positive, clicker-training-based education.
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) - Provides credentials for Certified Dog Behavior Consultants (CDBC) who specialize in behavior modification using evidence-based, humane methods.
• Fear Free Pets Directory - Features professionals, including certified animal trainers, who have pledged to alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in animals without aversive tactics.
• Pet Professional Guild (PPG) - An organization whose members are 100% committed to force-free, shock-free, and prong-collar-free training methods.

Questions to Ask a Potential Trainer

Even with a directory, it is smart to screen potential trainers directly. Ask these specific questions:

• What equipment or tools do you routinely use during training sessions? (Listen for a rejection of e-collars, shock collars, prong collars, and slip leads).
• How do you handle unwanted behaviors or mistakes? (They should focus on management, redirection, and teaching an alternative behavior rather than punishment).
• Are you certified by a force-free, independent organization?

If you share your city or zip code , I can help you look up local certified positive reinforcement trainers or check specific regional directories near you.

Absolutely. Since you’re in the High Point area, I found several trainers that look like good matches for positive-reinforcement / force-free training without shock collars.

My top picks

• Dog Training Pluto's Way — High Point. This is probably the first one I’d contact. Their stated approach is reward-based/positive reinforcement, and their local business information specifically describes them as using modern, humane methods.

• K-949 Training for Humans with Dogs — Serves High Point and surrounding communities. They use force-free, reward-based, science-informed methods and LIMA principles.

• A Dog's Purpose Training Academy & Pet Photography — Based around Winston-Salem and serves the Triad. Their training is explicitly positive-reinforcement based, with an emphasis on teaching the owner as well as the dog.

• Good Human Dog Training — Winston-Salem, with in-home training and behavior consulting. The business is described as force-free and particularly coaching-oriented, which could be useful if you're dealing with a specific behavior problem.

• Achieve Obedience Academy — A little farther away in Mocksville, but unusually explicit about not using electronic/shock collars, prong collars, or choke chains and following LIMA principles.

One important caution

I would not automatically choose a trainer just because they advertise “positive reinforcement.” For example, Off Leash K9 in the Triad offers a positive-reinforcement program, but its broader training methodology also includes e-collars. www.offleashk9training.com If shock collars are a firm no for you, I'd make sure the specific trainer and program you choose is completely equipment- and correction-free.

If you tell me your dog's age/breed, what you're trying to train (puppy basics, leash pulling, reactivity, aggression, recall, etc.), and roughly how far you're willing to drive from High Point, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 best matches and compare their credentials, reviews, pricing, and training methods.

Finding a genuinely force-free, positive reinforcement trainer requires looking past generic marketing terms, as some aversive or "balanced" trainers use words like "positive" or "motivation-based" while still relying on prong, choke, or shock collars.

To guarantee you are working with someone who strictly avoids shock collars and physical punishment, the most reliable approach is to search official directories run by reputable, science-based professional organizations.

• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants : Search the IAABC Consultant Directory to find credentialed behavior consultants and trainers committed to non-aversive, humane practices.
• Karen Pryor Academy : Use the Karen Pryor Academy Trainer Locator to find Certified Training Partners (KPA CTP) who specialize exclusively in positive, clicker-based training.
• Pet Professional Guild : Search the Pet Professional Guild Member Directory for a strict "no shock, no prong, no choke" international network of pet professionals.
• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers : Use the CCPDT Trainer Directory to find certified professionals, keeping in mind that you should double-check that their specific methods align with LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) or complete force-free standards.

If you share your city or ZIP code , I can help find specific force-free trainers or organizations operating in your local area.

I can help you find one. I’m assuming you mean Vernon, California (near Los Angeles). I found that the search results include trainers in the broader area, but I’d like to narrow it down because “Vernon” can refer to different places.

If you’re in Vernon, CA, here are a couple of options to investigate:

• Happy Paws Dog Training LA — listed as serving the Los Angeles area. www.bbb.org I’d recommend asking specifically whether all trainers use reward-based methods and whether they use any e-collars, prong collars, or leash corrections.
• Better Together Dog Training — states that it uses positive reinforcement and does not use prong collars, e-collars, choke chains, intimidation, or fear-based methods.

When contacting a trainer, these questions usually reveal their approach quickly:

1. “Do you use only positive reinforcement methods?”
2. “Do you ever use shock/e-collars, prong collars, choke chains, or leash corrections?”
3. “What do you do if a dog refuses a behavior?”
4. “Are you certified through organizations such as Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or Karen Pryor Academy?”

Could you tell me your city/state (or ZIP code) and whether you want private in-home training, group classes, puppy training, or behavior help (reactivity, fear, aggression, etc.)? I can narrow the list.