Big Friendly Dog Training – Oklahoma City’s Trusted In-Home Dog Trainer

Welcome to Big Friendly Dog Training, the go-to choice for professional dog training in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. We specialize in in-home dog training, puppy training, obedience training, and behavior modification for dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments.

If you’re searching for a dog trainer in Oklahoma City who gets real results, you’re in the right place. Our customized programs are designed to fix behavior issues at the source and build calm, confident, well-mannered dogs — right in your home and real-world environments.

Professional Dog Training in Oklahoma City That Actually Works

At Big Friendly Dog Training, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter classes. Every dog and every family is different. That’s why we offer private dog training in Oklahoma City, tailored specifically to your dog’s behavior, your lifestyle, and your goals. We work with puppies that need structure and early training, adult dogs that need obedience training, dogs with aggression, reactivity, anxiety, or fear, high-energy dogs with impulse control issues, families that want reliable off-leash obedience.

Our programs are built around real-life dog training, not just commands in a quiet room.

dog training in okc

Why Choose Big Friendly Dog Training?

✔ Experienced Oklahoma City dog trainer
✔ In-home and real-world training
✔ Results-driven programs
✔ All breeds and ages welcome
✔ Specialization in aggression and behavior issues
✔ Serving Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Yukon, and surrounding areas

We don’t just train dogs — we train owners. You’ll learn how to communicate clearly with your canine, enforce rules fairly, and maintain results long after training is complete.

Meet the Team at Big Friendly

JP Carter

 Owner/Head Trainer

JP Carter is a leading dog behavior trainer serving the OKC and surrounding areas. His pet experience includes a Raccoon, a couple of Russian Tortoises, and multiple cats and dogs. JP’s love of dogs started at 4 years old, when a very responsible German Shepherd walked him home daily from Montessori school. JP is a proud Eagle Scout, father of an Eagle, and member of the Tribe of Mic-o-say. With 30 years of business experience, he is a skilled corporate trainer, change manager, and effective decision facilitator.

Their first “child” was a 200 LB Great Dane named Baby Blue. But when JP’s human daughter brought a 4 pound Chihuahua into their home, he soon realized how different these small dogs are to manage. How can such a small dog be so much harder to train than his Great Danes? After doing his research, he contacted one of the top dog trainers in the country John Van Olden. As the owner of Canine Trade Group, John Van Olden’s training protocols are the most effective dog training methods ever developed. Not only did Mr. Van Olden’s system solve JP’s dog training issues, but once John saw JP’s training skills and experience, JP was asked to take on the very successful Big Friendly Dog Training.

Ginger Reece

Professional Dog Trainer & Boarding Manager 

Ginger is from Lawton OK, she’s a true country girl who grew up on a farm with horses, cows, dogs…even pet turtles, and lizards. She spent a lot of quality time with her dad, and became involved in the competitive world of sporting dogs. She trained German Shorthaired Pointers who enjoyed field trialing even more than she did, especially her Pointer, Cal. Ginger and Cal learned to work together and successfully built a relationship based on reliable communication and trust.

While earning her B.S. in Health Science’s from the University of Central Oklahoma as well as her EMT certificate Ginger noticed that her part time work as a dog handler was quickly becoming the most rewarding part of her day. Fortunately for Big Friendly Dog Training, Ginger decided to pivot and successfully completed her Better Decisions Dog Training Certification.

Today she helps challenged dogs reach their full potential through private in home, board and train and group training sessions that include playgroups for awkward dogs.

Hailie Parton

Professional Dog Trainer & Groomer Extraordinare

Hailie has always had a deep love for animals—especially dogs. At any given time, you’ll find her surrounded by her beloved pack: a sassy young pit bull, a laid-back English bulldog, and a sweet-as-can-be standard poodle. Even her husband has come to accept that three dogs is just the right number in their home!

Hailie takes pride in helping each unique dog—and each unique owner—find the harmony that works best for them. Watching that bond grow and seeing the “aha” moments click into place is what drives her every day. With her deep breed knowledge and years of hands-on experience, she’s passionate about helping every furry friend and their family thrive.

She can’t wait to meet you and your pup and work together toward your goals—for a tail-wagging good time! Reach out today to schedule your consultation with Hailie.

dog training in okc

Gavin Varva

Professional Dog Trainer & Boarding Manager in Topeka

Gavin Vavra is one of the top dog trainers in the country, having been fully certified in “Decisions Not Dominance” calming protocols taught through the Canine Trade Group certification course. Before becoming a dog trainer, Gavin spent ten years as a professional youth mentor, helping teenagers navigate the transition to adulthood. Still, he always found time to assist foster dogs by helping them learn basic and advanced obedience skills.

Now, he’s joined forces with JP and Big Friendly Dog Training. Whether you are dealing with aggression, anxiety, hyperactivity, disobedience, or you’re having difficulty house training, Gavin will walk you through effective training protocols to help you achieve a happier, healthier, more balanced canine companion.

Working with Gavin will provide you, your family, and your dog(s) with the foundations to manage nervous energy, eliminate anxiety and aggressive behaviors, and live a happier, calmer life.

Our Oklahoma City Dog Training Services

Interested in learning more about our dog training sessions and training philosophy? Read all about it below.

dog trainer in okc

In-Home Dog Training in Oklahoma City

Get professional help where it matters most — your home. In-home training allows us to fix unwanted behaviors such as jumping, barking, leash pulling, counter surfing, anxiety, and aggression where they actually happen. Our training techniques have been proven to work for over four decades.

real world dog training

Dog Obedience Training

We build reliable obedience that works in the real world, not just in the living room. Sit, down, stay, recall, leash manners, place command, and off-leash control are all taught with clarity and consistency in our private lessons.

reward based training

Cynopraxic Training Philosophy

Cynopraxic training focuses on clear communication, structure, and teaching dogs practical behaviors that work in everyday life. The result is a calmer, more responsive dog and a stronger relationship with their owner.

puppy training in okc

Puppy Training in Oklahoma City

Start your puppy off right with early structure and guidance. Our puppy programs focus on potty training, crate training, biting and chewing prevention, socialization, and basic obedience, helping prevent serious behavior problems later in life.

aggressive dog training in okc

Dog Behavior Modification

We specialize in solving serious behavior problems including aggression, reactivity, fear, anxiety, resource guarding, and separation issues. Each case begins with a full evaluation and a personalized training plan.

dog training in okc

Separation Anxiety

Big Friendly Dog Training builds your dog’s confidence on multiple levels so they feel safe and secure when left alone. Whether you have a dog or puppy, we’ll help you train your dog to be happy and well-behaved when you are gone. 

service dog training

Service Dog Training

Big Friendly Dog Training is excited to offer service dog training for psychiatric and mobility assistance needs.

board and train programs

Board and Train Programs

For busy owners or intensive cases, we also offer board and train dog training near Oklahoma City, where your dog lives with a professional trainer and receives structured daily training using our proven training methods.

okc dog training

Dog Training Built Around Your Training Goals

Every program starts with a two hour behavior consultation to understand:

  • Your dog’s behavior challenges
  • Your home environment
  • Your goals for training
  • Your schedule and lifestyle

From there, we build a customized plan designed to deliver fast, lasting improvement. Whether you need puppy training in Oklahoma City, help with a reactive dog, or advanced obedience training, you’ll get a program built specifically for you.

Can Big Friendly Dog Traning provide in-home dog training near me?

We do NOT provide therapy dog training. 

Proudly Serving Oklahoma City and Nearby Areas

We provide dog training throughout:

  • Arcadia
  • Bethany
  • Del City
  • Oklahoma City

  • Edmond

  • Norman

  • Nichols Hills
  • Moore

  • Yukon

  • Midwest City

  • Shawnee
  • Spencer
  • Valley Brook
  • Surrounding communities

If you’re searching for “dog training near me”, “dog trainer Oklahoma City”, or “in-home dog training OKC,” Big Friendly Dog Training is here to help you meet your training needs with our effective dog training programs.

Schedule Your Dog Training Consultation with the Best Dog Trainer in OKC!

If you’re ready to stop struggling and start enjoying your pup, we’re ready to help dog owners in OKC. Contact Big Friendly Dog Training today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a calmer, happier, better-behaved dog.

Professional dog training in Oklahoma City starts here!