Professional dog training services in St. Louis, MO

Force-free dog obedience, behavior modification, and puppy socialization using proven positive reinforcement techniques. Develop well-mannered, confident dogs through personalized training programs designed for your pet's unique needs.

Who is Gentle Joe?

Gentle Joe is a seasoned dog trainer whose calm demeanor and patient approach have transformed countless canine-human relationships over the past 20 years.
Operating from his training center in St. Louis, MO, Joe's philosophy centers on understanding each dog's unique personality and working with their natural instincts rather than against them. His methods emphasize positive reinforcement and building trust, earning him the nickname "Gentle Joe" among his loyal clients.
Joe's greatest joy comes from watching the moment when both dog and owner finally "click," understanding each other in a way they never thought possible. His favorite saying, "Every bark is a conversation waiting to happen," reflects his belief that with patience and understanding, any dog can become a cherished family member.

Dog Training Services

Basic Skills & Manners
Master essential skills and proper etiquette to help your dog become a well-mannered family member, learning fundamentals like sit, stay, and walking politely on leash to prepare them for successful public interactions.
Potty Training
Establish reliable bathroom habits through proven techniques and consistent scheduling, creating a custom plan that works with your lifestyle while teaching your dog to communicate their needs and respect your home.
Life Saving Skills
Learn crucial skills and responses that could protect your dog in dangerous situations, including a rock-solid recall, emergency stops, and situational awareness that could mean the difference between safety and tragedy.

Enrichment Games
Engage your dog's mind and prevent boredom through stimulating activities and problem-solving challenges, helping them build confidence and reduce destructive behaviors while having fun.
Relationship Building
Strengthen the bond with your dog through trust exercises and positive reinforcement techniques, creating a deeper understanding between you and your pet while establishing clear communication and mutual respect.
Advanced Behavior Modification
Transform challenging behaviors like aggression, anxiety, or reactivity using scientific behavior modification methods, developing a tailored approach to address the root causes of unwanted behaviors.

Testimonials from satisfied dog training clients

Don't just take my word for it - hear directly from pet parents who have transformed their dogs' lives through one of my training programs. From anxious rescues to energetic puppies, our methods have helped countless dogs become their best selves, creating lasting positive changes that strengthen the human-canine bond.
Nico Fischer
& Maya
"Working with Joe completely transformed our rescue pit bull's resource guarding. His gentle approach helped Maya learn to share toys and food without anxiety. Now she happily lets our toddler walk by while she eats."
Marie Schmitt
& Charlie
"After trying everything to housetrain our stubborn French Bulldog puppy, we called Gentle Joe. Within two weeks, Charlie was consistently asking to go outside. Joe's structured schedule and positive methods made all the difference."
Lara Krause
& Bella
"Our German Shepherd's leash reactivity was making walks impossible. Joe taught us the skills to help Bella stay calm around other dogs. His patience and expertise turned our stressful walks into enjoyable bonding time."
Lina Keller
& Cooper
"We were at our wit's end with our Aussie's separation anxiety. Joe's behavior modification program and enrichment games gave Cooper the confidence to be alone. Now he actually settles when we leave!"
Nico Fischer
& Maya
"Working with Joe completely transformed our rescue pit bull's resource guarding. His gentle approach helped Maya learn to share toys and food without anxiety. Now she happily lets our toddler walk by while she eats."
Marie Schmitt
& Charlie
"After trying everything to housetrain our stubborn French Bulldog puppy, we called Gentle Joe. Within two weeks, Charlie was consistently asking to go outside. Joe's structured schedule and positive methods made all the difference."
Lara Krause
& Bella
"Our German Shepherd's leash reactivity was making walks impossible. Joe taught us the skills to help Bella stay calm around other dogs. His patience and expertise turned our stressful walks into enjoyable bonding time."
Lina Keller
& Cooper
"We were at our wit's end with our Aussie's separation anxiety. Joe's behavior modification program and enrichment games gave Cooper the confidence to be alone. Now he actually settles when we leave!"
Nico Fischer
& Maya
"Working with Joe completely transformed our rescue pit bull's resource guarding. His gentle approach helped Maya learn to share toys and food without anxiety. Now she happily lets our toddler walk by while she eats."
Marie Schmitt
& Charlie
"After trying everything to housetrain our stubborn French Bulldog puppy, we called Gentle Joe. Within two weeks, Charlie was consistently asking to go outside. Joe's structured schedule and positive methods made all the difference."
Lara Krause
& Bella
"Our German Shepherd's leash reactivity was making walks impossible. Joe taught us the skills to help Bella stay calm around other dogs. His patience and expertise turned our stressful walks into enjoyable bonding time."
Lina Keller
& Cooper
"We were at our wit's end with our Aussie's separation anxiety. Joe's behavior modification program and enrichment games gave Cooper the confidence to be alone. Now he actually settles when we leave!"

Dog training plans for every situation

At Gentle Joe's Dog Training, we bring professional training directly to your home through private, one-on-one lessons. Our customized training packages range from foundational obedience to behavior modification.

Basic Skills & Manners

From $75 / lesson
Ideal for puppies and clients looking to teach their pets basic skills and manners to become the perfect pet. Skills include:

Behavior Modification

From $115 / lesson
For families who need help overcoming severe unwanted behaviors such as the following:

How it works

Step 1

Call to schedule your free consultation

Meet with a trainer and let them do a full assessment of your dog and review your training goals.
Step 2

Review and select your training package

Discuss the different training packages and select the service best suited for you and your lifestyle.
Step 3

See results in as little as 3-6 weeks

Let our trainers set the foundation and then transfer the skills to you to continue at home.

Frequently asked questions

What training methods do you use?
I exclusively use positive reinforcement training techniques, focusing on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing unwanted behaviors. This science-backed approach builds confidence and creates lasting results while strengthening your bond with your dog.
Where do training sessions take place?
All training is conducted in your home where your dog is most comfortable and where many behavioral issues typically occur. This allows us to address real-world challenges in your everyday environment.
How long are training sessions and how many will we need?
Private sessions last 60 minutes. The number of sessions varies based on your goals and your dog's needs. Most basic obedience cases see significant improvement in 4-6 sessions, while behavior modification can take anywhere from a few sessions to a few dozen to see results.
Can you help with severe behavior issues like aggression?
Yes, I have extensive experience working with aggression, anxiety, and other challenging behaviors. Through careful assessment and positive training methods, we create a safe, structured plan to address these concerns.
Do you require payment for all sessions upfront?
While package pricing is available, you can pay per session. After our initial consultation, I'll recommend a training plan and you can choose the payment option that works best for you.