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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I provide the information and expertise to get the best results from your canine. I have over 20-years of experience training dogs and helping people with extreme cases. I love canines and believe that they are a perfect example of mindfulness. I volunteer as a foster for the Humane Society - when they have a difficult case. I also volunteer for MOGS and am on their training team.
Overview
Hired 85 times
Serves Kearney, MO
Background checked
3 employees
7 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Venmo.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Services offered
Dog training package
Dog size
Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)
Small (16 - 25 lbs)
Medium (26 - 40 lbs)
Large (41 - 70 lbs)
Dog training type
Private lessons
Board and train
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, work quality, and professionalism.
Great 4.8
53 reviews
5
89%
4
9%
3
0%
2
0%
1
2%
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Read reviews that mention:
Marissa K.
May 26, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
James is an absolutely excellent dogtrainer! We brought our dog Hank to him for a 5 week leadership training and even by the end of the first visit we already could tell an immense change in our dogs behavior. James is extremely knowledgeable about all canines, and provides an easy to follow and step wise process to training that is guaranteed to be successful. Each week we learned new skills for Hank to gain back our control and confidence as pet owners. Hank is a completely new dog after completing his training. I was amazed at how fast he transformed with the feedback and skills James bestowed upon us. We worked with Hank every day outside of our weekly training sessions, and watched him flourish and become so much happier. I could tell we gained back his respect. We as pet owners have gotten back our piece of mind, which i cannot express into words how valuable that is. James' training program is absolutely worth every penny, and I would say he is the best price on the market after doing our research. I would highly recommend this company to anyone needing training of any level for their dog. James lives for his work, and it shows in his professionalism and work ethic. We are very pleased!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Biting • Destructive behavior • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Cari H.
Apr 13, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
My husband and I had recently brought home our very first dog. We were so excited but soon became frustrated with our dogs extreme anxiety and lack of socialization. This wasn’t how we pictured us getting a dog going. To be honest, even contemplated if we were a good fit for him. After only one session with James we came back home amazed. It was almost like we had a different dog! Can’t wait to see what the rest of training has in store for us. Thank you so much, James!
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • House training • Digging • Destructive behavior • Crate training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Jeanne A.
Jun 28, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
James did a truly awesome job of teaching us to work with our dogs. We felt he really went above and beyond to make sure that each lesson was tailored to the individual issues we were trying to work on with each of our two dogs - age 2 and 5.
We appreciated that he made that sure we understood and were able to master the training on our own after each class so that we could continue to work with the dogs on our own between classes.
He was one of the few trainers we spoke with that really seemed interested in making sure our little family “pack” would function for all of us so that we would have harmony in our home. We were impressed both with our dogs and our own progress after each lesson!
We may return for the off leash training down the road when we have mastered what we have learned in this first round of classes.
We feel confident and feel like we are now in control instead of the dogs ruling the roost!
His prices were reasonable which was another plus! James was also always responsive and returned our messages and calls quickly. We highly recommend Midas Touch for training your dogs of any age.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • I'm flexible • Aggressive behavior modification • Barking • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Larissa S.
Jul 14, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
I found James on thumbtack I was desperate and searching for a solution for my untrainable pup. I watched thousands of trainings videos and nothing I ever did worked. My pup is an 8 month of Rottweiler, who is 85 pounds. I wanted a solution now while he was small enough for me to handle him. I expressed a fear to James that when he was an adult dog I wouldn’t be able to control him, because these dogs can be massive (thick) dogs. He suggested we do the 5 week leadership program, and after 1 lesson I noticed a huge improvement. He no longer walked me, I could walk him. I will be honest it’s not magic you have to be dedicated and get rid of your old habits. If their isn’t an improvement it’s because you’re not putting in the effort needed. James told me several times my baby is spoiled which is absolutely true, I had to break bad habits. You can do that and still love your dog and dog will still love you, I promise! Even my “untrainable” pup who was causing chaos could be trained!
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • House training • Destructive behavior • Biting • Leash pulling • Crate training • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Deb B.
Jul 14, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Very helpful with training when I was struggling with some bad habits and explained everything so I’d understand what to do and how to correct my FurBaby. 👍🏻
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
James Stokes
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Group rates are available. Sessions held at Oak Grove park are at a discounted rate.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Leadership Based Training - Meet customer, listen to their needs, wants and concerns. Provide information on training steps. Meet their canine.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
The man who trained me, trained canines in the United States Army for 20 years. He also worked for the New York City Police department training canines for 10 years.
