The Best Dog Trainers in San Francisco, CA of 2023

Welcome to the San Francisco, CA Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in San Francisco based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This list is a subset of the broader Top Trainers in California list. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.

Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, which is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with all private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches and more. Sniffspot has worked closely with dog trainers to create safe spaces for dogs and our top trainer lists are a natural extension of that relationship. You can browse Sniffspot's local dog parks here.

The Best San Francisco, CA Dog Trainers in 2023

Nancy Frensley

Nancy Frensley,CPDT-KA, CAP2, AKC Evaluator, Scent Work Judge

Nancy is the Senior Behavior and Training Manager at Berkeley Humane. Besides developing a training program full of variety and fun for students, during her 30 years at Berkeley Humane, she is involved on many levels with shelter and adoption from intake to evaluation and training of shelter staff. She operates the organization’s Behavior Advice line, helping people to live well and fully with their dogs.

Besides her work at Berkeley Humane, she participates in all sorts of dog sports including Agility, Canine Freestyle, Competition Obedience, Rally, Tracking and Scent Work and brings sport training into the program. She has operated her own dog training business Finesse Dog Training, in which she taught dog sports.

Her goals have always been to provide solid, effective training along with a variety of options and games to all human and canine students.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, CAP2, CGC Evaluator, FitDog 3, AKC Scent Work Judge

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Skills training, Puppy training, Rally sport training, Scent Work, Specialized Walk training, Canine Good Citizen, Trick training classes. private behavior consults

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity and Separation issues, Owner education for start up dogs-excitability, mouthiness and other common issues

Training methods: Primarily class training that includes written behavior and training handbooks. Online and in person consultations with a follow up individual training plan.

Why I became a dog trainer: I have had a lifelong passion for interacting and communicating with non humane creatures. It was a natural progression to become a trainer and behavior counselor

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing the results in my animal and human clients. There is a genuine joy and fascination in seeing their progress toward their objectives and teamwork.

My #1 dog training tip: Dogs want stuff. We show them how to get it.

Service areas: Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

Website: https://www.trainthebay.org

Kaajal Tiwary

Kaajal (aka 'KT') loves puppies and is dedicated to getting new puppy guardians off on the right paw and guiding her students through the tough early days of owning a dog. Her goal? Transforming each bundle of raw puppy energy into the perfect adult companion.

She also loves helping people have a well-behaved adult dog that knows how to be part of the family. She's dedicated her training career to helping her clients achieve just that.

She feels a special connection with dogs that are fearful, anxious, nervous, believe that the world is 'unsafe' and then resort to aggression to communicate.

Kaajal is a big believer in continuing education and frequently attends workshops, conferences and seminars to hone her knowledge and skill set to bring the latest scientific understanding of dog behavior and training to her work. Committed to providing the most effective, convenient solutions to her clients - dog training needs, she uses gentle, effective and fast training methods that work to develop enjoyable relationships between people in their dogs. This sets them up for a lifetime of good behavior for their people

Certifications: ABCDT

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Group Puppy & Dog Training Classes, Private Puppy & Dog Training for Manners, Board and Train, Day School for Puppies & Adult Dogs, Behavior Modification for Fear & Aggression.

Behavioral issue focus: Human Aggression, Leash Reactivity, Resource Guarding

Why I became a dog trainer: Diesel, (my soul dog and the sole inspiration behind D For Dog) is a 7.5-year old Pit bull. He's the best teacher and mentor I could ask for. Diesel came to me when he was literally 6 days old. He has come a long way from his fear of the world in general, leash reactivity, sound sensitivity, was a classic 'Dog In Need Of Space'. Today he is a better adjusted dog and absolutely loves puppies. He's helped me raise many Board & Train and Day School puppies, teaching them appropriate dog-dog communication, the concept of sharing, confidence building in different situations, besides social skills. He is a fantastic puppy teacher. Diesel loves Nose Work, Free Style, Playing with me and lots of Snuggle time.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Changing behavior, Improving lives - one dog family at a time.

My #1 dog training tip: It's very important to understand 'what our dog is communicating' at any given point in time.

Service areas: California South Bay Area, including San Jose, Willow Glen, Santa Clara, Monte Sereno, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Atherton.

Website: https://www.DForDogTraining.com

Kelli Staffieri

Cdt

Certifications: Cdt, ccc

Services include:

• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Group classes, private trainings, leash skills

Behavioral issue focus: Leash skills is my favorite to teach, dog commutation and body language education for owners

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Saving and changing lives

My #1 dog training tip: Your dog is your teammate not your opponent

Service areas: Lake county, Sonoma county, Mendocino county, Napa county

Quin Longino

Quin is both CPDT-KA, CCDT and SAPro certified and is a firm of proponent scientifically backed positive reinforcement and aversive-free training methods. She believes this training truly strengthens the bond between pet and owner.
Quin grew up with dogs, however it wasn't until she began volunteering at the San Francisco SPCA that she realized her true passion for dog training and behavior. It was also this experience that continues to drive her investment in helping shelter animals become successful in their homes.
When not working with your animals, Quin is hanging out with her own pups Airlie and Pilsner! They're quite the pair as a Golden Retriever mix and a Chihuahua mix! Quin also enjoys exploring all that the Bay Area has to offer.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, SAPro, CCDT

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: I typically do private training specializing in puppies, reactivity, basic obedience, and behavioral issues. I also teach group classes at the Humane Society of Sonoma County.

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, fear-based behaviors, handling

Training methods: I only practice positive reinforcement, force-free, science based training methods. I typically have an initial call with a client to discuss goals, etc and then meet with clients in-person for an hour each session.

Why I became a dog trainer: I fell in love with training while volunteering at the SFSPCA, and was very unfulfilled in my software sales job. So I left that industry to help shelter dogs succeed in their homes.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Working for myself. Seeing the impact on dog guardians.

My #1 dog training tip: Never leave home without treats.

Service areas: Sonoma & Marin Counties

Website: https://pupprofessor.com

Sara Scott

Sara Scott has been training dogs professionally in the Bay Area since 2000 and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience that can only be gained through time and dedication to the art and science of dog behavior and training. She is deeply educated and brings her knowledge to application with great insight, grace and compassion for both species; human and dog.

Certifications: SAPro CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Join the online coaching program and systematically work toward reaching your dog's behavior and training goals. No need to commit to a strict schedule, train when it's convenient for you and get the dog behavior support you need for lifelong success.

Behavioral issue focus:

Dealing with aggressive behaviors can be stressful for both dog and owner alike. Learn the root cause of your dog’s aggressive or reactive behavior and implement a behavior plan that is both effective, evidence-based, safe and humane. Let me guide you on a path toward healing and behavioral wellness for both you and your dog.

Dogs who experience fear and anxiety can be reactive, destructive, non-responsive and more. Helping your dog feel more comfortable in their skin is the best way to improve behavior problems so you can enjoy a peaceful life together.

Separation anxiety and other separation related behavior problems can be disruptive to everyday life. When you’re unable to leave your dog home alone, it can take a toll on both of you. Learn how to use systematic desensitization and help your dog be comfortable staying home alone.

Training methods:

The dog training field is unregulated and so you'll find lots of conflicting information about training mythologies when you start to research your options. Force free, balanced, R+, Compulsion, Relationship-Based - there are many labels trainers will use to identify themselves with a certain method, technique or school of thought. However, there is no debate when it comes to behavior science and evidence-based best practices. We know exactly what works and why, don't be fooled when someone tells you anything differently. Looking at effective evidenced-based training techniques through an ethical lens, I will strive to make training a safe and fun space for both you and your dog to learn and grow.

Start with a consultation conducted over Zoom video conferencing. The goal of the consultation is to get to the bottom of what's happening, give you a clear assessment of your dog's behavior and address management strategies for immediate relief.

Join the dog behavior coaching program, get access to your training plan, learn the logistics of how we will work together and share video, get your training gear ready and prepare yourself to get rolling for your first week.

Here comes the fun part - start training your dog! I'll use evidence-based practices to help you set attainable behavior goals with a focus on making practice a consistent habit. Show up, put in the work and be on your way to a well mannered dog.

My #1 dog training tip: Train the dog in front of you.

Service areas: Worldwide

Website: https://dogtrainingwithsara.com/

Brian Galindo

After a motorcycle accident left me with a spinal cord injury, I had to reinvent myself and my career. I learned about Bonnie Bergin's school (BerginU.edu) and enrolled in 2011. After graduating with an AS in Service Dog Ed, I began teaching clients and started No Limits Service Dog & Obedience. I've been working with clients ever since and love helping my community!

Certifications: AS - Assistance Dog Education, CPDT-KA, AKC Evaluator

Services include:

• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Service dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Service Dog mentoring/testing, group classes & clinics, private training, board & training.

Behavioral issue focus: Lots of cases of under socialization and separation anxiety lately, most likely due to COVID. But with over 10 year's experience, there isn't much I haven't seen

Training methods: Completely force-free, positive reinforcement techniques and exercises. I'm a bond-based trainer who believes a strong relationship with your dog builds trust & reliability.

Why I became a dog trainer: I've always had a lifelong love of helping animals and people.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: The results!

My #1 dog training tip: Reward your dog for his attention!

Service areas: Greater San Francisco Bay Area

Website: https://www.NoLimitsServiceDog.com

Trish King

I've been working with clients and dogs for over 35 years, and specialize in behavior problems like reactivity, resource guarding and separation anxiety. I am a speaker, and worked as Director of Behavior & Training at the Marin Humane Society for 23 years.

Certifications: CBCD, CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training

More info about service provided: Consultations

Behavioral issue focus: I work with any problem areas

Training methods: Behavior Consultations with written notes and follow ups

Why I became a dog trainer: I love dogs, and didn't like being a radio journalist much

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: My clients and their dogs

My #1 dog training tip: Watch and listen to your dog

Service areas: Marin County, CA

Website: https://www.canine-behavior-associates.com

Eden Halbert

Eden Halbert is a certified dog trainer and behavior expert with a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) credential from the renowned Academy for Dog Trainers, and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and regularly seeks out the best continuing education in her field. She started her own business working with dogs professionally in 2002 in San Francisco, and relocated to Placerville in 2007, renaming the business Sierra Dogs. Sierra Dogs currently serves Placerville and the greater Sacramento region (Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Fair Oaks, etc.) and select clients in the San Francisco Bay Area.

A former French language instructor and Human Resources Manager, Eden knows how to effectively communicate with people and make learning fun. Her teaching skills enable her to help people and dogs better understand one other. Eden is also a professional equine, western, & wildlife photographer who loves capturing animals natural personalities in pictures, you can see and purchase her work at the Sierra Luna Photography website, or in Gold Country Artists Gallery in historic downtown Placerville.

Eden shares her home with playful 6 year old siberian husky Frances, and siberian husky puppy Ivy, who joined the family in the summer of 2022. Her other beloved 12 year old husky Vesta passed away unexpectedly in the summer of 2021, and husky mix Luna passed away in 2019 after 16 years as Eden's constant companion.

Certifications: Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) credential from the renowned Academy for Dog Trainers, and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

Services include:

• Board and train
• Puppy training

Service areas: Placerville and the greater Sacramento region (Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Fair Oaks, etc.) and select clients in the San Francisco Bay Area

Sherry Al-Mufti

There are waaaay too many rules about what dog owners should and shouldn't do. You shouldn't let your dogs sleep on the bed. You shouldn't let them on your furniture. You shouldn't let them walk in front of you. My philosophy about dog rules is that there are no hard and fast rules. Instead, I encourage dog owners to create their own rules according to how they want their pets to fit into their household. After all, it's their home, their dog, their life. They should feel free to set limits that work for them.For over three decades, I have put this philosophy into practice working personally and professionally with humans and dogs as a breeder, handler and trainer. Through The Polished Pup, I have been able to turn my lifelong passion into a profession. Today, I puts my skills, knowledge and compassion to work helping dogs and their people live better lives together.

Certifications: CCPDT, Fear Free Trainer

Services include:

• Board and train
• In home training
• Reactive dog training

Service areas: East Bay in San Francisco Bay Area

Website: https://www.polishedpupeastbay.com/

Rebekah Piedad

Rebekah Piedad, KPA-CTP knew she wanted to train animals since she was a small child. As a toddler, she had her heart set on training lions and tigers in local zoos, but dogs stole her heart in adulthood.

Rebekah has owned and fostered countless dogs ranging from greyhounds to Cane Corsos. She has volunteered for greyhound rescue, pit bull rescue, and served on the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Stanislaus County. She eased into the dog profession as a pet sitter and dog walker.

In 2013, Rebekah became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She worked at a high-volume boarding, training, and daycare facility in the Central Valley of California before starting her own business in the Bay Area. Rebekah has trained dogs for commercial advertising, and she revitalized both public and shelter animal training programs at the East Bay SPCA where she worked as the Manager of Behavior and Training before moving to Shasta County where she opened her own private training facility.

Specializing in fearful and aggressive behaviors, Rebekah has worked with private clients and collaborated with rescue groups, shelters, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists. She seeks to constantly expand her knowledge and skill set by continuing her education in the behavior sciences and the most progressive animal training techniques. She believes that all training should be fun for both humans and dogs and seeks to inspire a collaborative mindset so that eac h human and dog can enjoy their companion to the fullest.

Rebekah currently lives in Shingletown, CA with her two dogs and a cat. When she is not training, she is usually hiking or backpacking through the Cascades.

Certifications: KPA-CTP

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• Board and train
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Offering board and train specializing in fear and aggression, intensive training programs, local in-person consultations and private lessons for all pet dog issues, and remote training via Zoom.

Behavioral issue focus: Fear and aggression toward people, dogs, moving objects, and novelty; separation anxiety; generalized anxiety; intra-household dog aggression; resource guarding; potty training; and general manners

Training methods: Board and trains are 4 or 8-week programs followed by 5 days of in-person training with a written training plan and Zoom followup. Consultations involve assessment with management and training plan and a followup email giving instructions and video example. Private lessons offer live demonstrations, step by step instructions, followup written training plan with videos, and opportunities for client video submissions for feedback.

Why I became a dog trainer: I became a dog trainer initially to help dogs with challenging behavior find and remain in good homes. My motivation quickly expanded to helping owners and dogs live their best lives together, increasing the human-dog bond, and enabling both dog and owner to become their best selves within their partnership.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I adore watching dog owners develop deep pride in all their dog's strengths, growth, and individuality as well as in their progress together as a team.

My #1 dog training tip: The dog does what is reinforced. Pay attention to what is reinforcing your dog's behavior so that you can understand your dog's motivations and change your behavior accordingly.

Service areas: Located in Shasta County and serving Southern Oregon, Western Nevada, and Northern California including the Bay Area and Sacramento

Website: https://yesdog.org

Peggy Mccarty

Hound Haven owner Peggy McCarty is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She earned a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers. Graduating from the Academy (considered the "Harvard for dog trainers") under the instruction of Jean Donaldson.

She also studied with Malena DeMartini, an expert in the field of Separation Anxiety. Peggy completed the intensive program to become a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT).

Peggy also attended the Karen Pryor Academy. Through KPA she furthered her skills working not only with dogs but other species. The emphasis on using clickers (marker trianing) is an intigral piece of KPA.

Peggy is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and a graduate of the DogTec Dog Walking Academy.

Certifications: CTC, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CSAT

Services include:

• Puppy training

Service areas: Santa Clara, CA, SF South Bay from Mountain View to San Jose

Website: https://www.thehoundhaven.com/

Ally Lantis

Ally Lantis' dog training journey began like many, with a very naughty dog! Working at Pet Food Express as a teenager, she got referred to an excellent positive trainer for assistance with her unruly Border Collie. Very quickly she became hooked and became his apprentice for a few years. Ally taught with him at ARF and then left for college to pursue vet school. While in Oregon studying hard, it became apparent her calling was animal behavior. She worked for various pet stores, mentored under another trainer, worked in an animal research lab, became a district trainer for a pet store chain and then started TDT in Oregon. Ally has her bachelor's degree in animal science with an emphasis on behavior. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, American Kennel Club evaluator and has titled her dogs in many dog sports (Flyball, Agility, Herding, Barn Hunt). Ally continues her education by attending cutting edge positive training seminars and workshops year round, as well as reading constantly and staying in touch with many trainers around the world, learning about complex cases. Ally has been professionally training dogs for 14 years. She has two children and three dogs.

Certifications: BA

Services include:

• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Service dog training
• Puppy training
• Agility training

More info about service provided: Group classes and private lessons

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, resource guarding, anxiety

Training methods: Behavior consult, positive reinforcement

Why I became a dog trainer: Love of helping people bring out the best in their dogs.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing lightbulb moments.

My #1 dog training tip: Consistency

Service areas: Concord, Clayton, Antioch, Martinez, Brentwood, Oakley, Danville, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill

Website: https://www.tailoreddogtraining.com

Rayel Friesen

I've lived with dogs all of my life, but didn't realize that there was a carrier working with dogs until my early 30s when I started working at a dog boarding facility. From there I was brought into training from a trainer that worked for Sirius Puppy Training. She taught me how to work fear and aggression outside of the classroom. After apprenticing for a couple of years I was given my own classes to teach. I've also had the opportunity to learn from a couple of the greatest minds in dog training like Dr. Ian Dunbar and Kelly Dunbar

Services include

• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: I do obedience training, puppy training, minor aggression, reactivity and in home training. I also do group classes through Sirius Puppy and Dog Training.

Behavioral issue focus: Reactivity, fear, and minor aggression as well as basic behavior modification.

Training methods: For in home training we start with a consult and figure out what your dog needs and take it from there. Whether it’s basic obedience, house breaking, getting to calm. We work on getting the owner and dog relationship together. The group classes through Sirius build on a curriculum.

Why I became a dog trainer: I love dogs.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Seeing the relationship between dogs and their humans grow.

My #1 dog training tip: Be patient

Service areas: Marin, parts of San Francisco, parts of the East bay down to north Oakland

Website: https://www.barkknightdogtraining.com

Sarah Wykowski

Mother of Bailey the yellow Labrador, working with dogs for 15 years, in my second year of professional training. Continued education is very important to me. I also study raw feeding and dog nutrition.

Certifications: KPA CTP

Services include:

• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Service dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Day training, foundational behaviors, potty training, recall, puppy training.

Behavioral issue focus: Pulling in leash, reactivity, barking, fear and shyness

Training methods: Behavior consultation, training plan, clicker training, enrichment plan, lots of treats!

Why I became a dog trainer: Because I love Bailey and the dogs I work with so much and the methods I was using were working and didn't feel good. I also wanted more freedom and to make a better living.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Meeting all the dogs and people where they are at, learning together, and being creative.

My #1 dog training tip: I don't give tips.

Service areas: City Limits of San Francisco

Website: https://www.thanksfurnoticing.com

Sniffspot San Francisco Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are San Francisco dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in San Francisco as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.

How can I get in touch with dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these San Francisco dog trainers certified professionals?

Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.

What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in San Francisco?

Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.

What methods are used in the dog training sessions?

There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the San Francisco trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.

Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?

Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.

Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?

Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.

How much does dog training in San Francisco cost?

San Francisco dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a San Francisco dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in San Francisco you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

How much do dog trainers make in San Francisco?

Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in California was $33,714 per year and $16.21 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other California Cities

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

Bakersfield, CA
Fresno, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Modesto, CA
Oakland, CA
Oxnard, CA
Riverside, CA
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
Stockton, CA
Vallejo, CA
Visalia, CA

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near California

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

Arizona
Nevada
Oregon

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