If you live in Connecticut and need a dog trainer for your furry friend, this article will help you. Below we’ve featured 15 of the best dog trainers in Connecticut.
1. No Big Woof
A dog can only communicate like a dog. Wendy Lien, the trainer at No Big Woof in Bridgeport, understands that her job is to learn the dog language and teach it to their parents. She has spent time learning from top dog trainers and behaviorists in the country.
Wendy welcomes pets of all breeds and sizes and has worked with pets as young as nine weeks old. She believes it’s never too early to start learning. Wendy is an IACP Certified trainer who remains committed to continuous learning.
Some of the training services offered at No Big Woof include leadership exercises, communication systems, engagement exercises, leash-control, recall, obedience, aggression, defensive handling, socialization, and more.
Wendy also offers in-home training and is happy to work around your schedule. Get in touch with No Big Woof to find out about their rates and book your pooch a slot. All pets training with Wendy must be fully up to date on their vaccinations.
2. Wag Central
Wag Central in Stratford is run by a team of animal-lovers with decades of experience. The team has a background in a variety of disciplines and includes veterinary technicians, dog daycarers, trainers, walkers, and more.
Wag University uses a positive approach to teach pets and their parents how to embark on a life together. The unique training style takes into account the size, breed, and age of your dog to make the class enjoyable and educational.
Training classes are divided into Canine Good Citizen, Wag pupsters, basic Wag, manners and leash skills, beyond the basics, nose work, and agility classes. Prices start from $200 for a six-week course and go up to $300 for nose work classes. Wag Central also accommodates drop-in classes for graduates of the basic Wag and Wag pupster classes at $60 an hour.
All pets must be fully vaccinated for Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper, Leptospirosis, and Canine Influenza. Pets must also have a negative fecal test done within six months of joining the class. Get in touch with the Wag Central family to make your pooch an early reservation.
3. Bark Busters
Bark Busters in New Haven is owned and operated by Micheal DiStassio, an expert dog trainer. The dog training facility services Ansonia, Bethany, Cheshire, Milford, New Haven, West Haven, and other areas.
Micheal helps pets that have a variety of behavioral issues including aggression, door rushing, barking, nipping, biting, chewing, obsessive-compulsive disorders, sibling rivalry, leash reactivity, housebreaking, and anxiety among others.
Bark Busters uses a customized approach to accommodate your pet’s individual needs. As a dog lover, Micheal has a deep understanding of dogs and is passionate about training. He is also a certified trainer and behavioral therapist.
Training options at Bark Busters include behavioral issues, puppy management training, and basic obedience. Training is done at your home where the pet is most comfortable. In-home training also allows Michael and his trainers to assess the household dynamics and how they affect your pet. The trainers can then make recommendations and adjustments to help pet parents train their dogs.
Get in touch with Michael and his team to find out more about their rates and book a session for you and your pet. All pets must be fully up to date on their vaccinations.
4. Planet Bark
Planet Bark in Hartford is a premier dog training facility run by experts who understand dog behavior. The state-of-the-art facility coordinates each aspect of your pet’s training to accommodate their emotional and physical needs.
Training is conducted by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. The trainer understands that pets are a part of your family and they need to communicate effectively. Training is held at the spacious facility. The trainer believes successful training depends on consistency and repetition and is committed to ensuring your pet gets the best results.
The facility helps pets that display aggression, obedience, anxiety, jumping, overprotective behavior, chewing, and socialization issues. All pets must be fully vaccinated for DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies, and Canine Influenza.
5. Sit Means Sit
This is one of Connecticut’s favorite dog training facilities. Sit Means Sit is a favorite for many pets and their parents. The pet training facility offers in-home, real-life, and facility training services to the residents of Westchester and Fairfield counties.
Neil Cohen, the owner and lead trainer at this facility, loves dogs and is a certified professional dog trainer. Neil is dedicated to his craft and spends over 80 hours each year on continuing his education.
Training programs include AKC Puppy Star, group class, potty training, and the transformation academy. The transformation academy is designed for pets with few behavioral challenges and parents who would like to be more involved with their pet’s development. The class teaches obedience for parents in a three-day, intensive, one-on-one session.
Dogs with severe anxiety, aggression, or specific training requirements can take the transformation academy Masters program. Get in touch with Neil to find out more about his training requirements and his rates.
6. Dog Gone Smart
This dog training facility in Fairfield is run by professional dog-lovers who treat your pet like family. Dog Gone Smart offers training to pets of all breeds and sizes displaying behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, biting, chewing, and more.
The facility was founded in 1993 by Chris Onthank. Chris is an expert in dog behavior and understands how to keep them happy, safe, and healthy. Chris and his team have spent many years studying and training dogs.
The successful training programs at this facility are designed with a deep understanding of dogs. The training programs include group classes, therapy dog training, socialization, agility, daycare training, behavior modification, puppy training, and more.
Neil and his team also offer private lessons and in-home, stay and train options as well as Skype lessons. All pets must be fully vaccinated against Distemper, Bordetella, Rabies, and Canine flu. Pets must also have a clear fecal performed by a local vet.
Reach out to the friendly team at Dog Gone Smart to make a reservation and inquire about their training rates.
7. Obedience Dog Training Club of Waterbury
The ODTCW was founded in 1946. The facility offers a great environment where pets and their parents can train for fun or competition. This training club in Waterbury offers behavioral training as well as training for obedient competitors.
At this facility, pets and parents can benefit from all phases of training from beginner and utility to advanced agility training. The trainers at ODTCW are highly experienced obedience and agility competitors who are dedicated to learning the latest, innovative training methods.
Training classes at this club include AKC star puppy, family manners, foundations for hunting, advanced agility, competition obedience, and rally. Classes run for six weeks for an hour per session at $130. The club also offers drop-in intermediate and advanced obedience classes for $15.
Get in touch with the team at Obedience Dog Training Club of Waterbury to book your pooch a session with the expert trainers. All pets must be fully vaccinated before they join any class at this facility.
8. Smart Dog
This dog training facility serves pets and parents from all over Connecticut. Smart Dog is located in Cheshire and offers solutions for a variety of behavioral issues. The trainers at this facility help pets of all breeds and sizes with issues such as aggression, anxiety, obedience, and more.
Training classes at Smart Dog include aggression, recreational agility, therapy dog, dancing with dogs, trick training, 5C communication, canine aggression, kayaking, nose work, and carting among others.
The classes are divided into two sections for puppies under five months and dogs over five months. The facility also offers in-home consultations and flex training programs. The flex training classes start at $125 for six activity passes and go up to $215 for 15 activity passes. The flex program is designed for pets who have completed a basic obedience course.
All pets must be fully vaccinated before they start training at Smarty Dog. Get in touch with the highly experienced professionals at this facility to book your pooch a spot.
9. Northstar Dog Training
Peter Green the trainer at this facility is a graduate from the Connecticut K9 Education Center. He completed his professional Dog Trainers Course at an accredited school and thereafter started his training facility.
Northstar offers puppy kindergarten, basic intermediate, and advanced training classes. All the methods used are customized to each pet’s individual needs. The methods used are designed to keep the handler comfortable and confident.
Training starts with behavioral consultation which is an in-depth analysis of the pet’s health and behavior. Classes include puppy education and obedience training among others. All pets attending classes at this facility must be fully vaccinated.
Find out more about the classes and rates at the Northstar Dog Training facility through their contact page.
10. The Exceptional Pet
This pet training facility offers private behavioral consultations and training for pets in Fairfield and neighboring areas. The facility also offers obedience classes for puppies, beginners, and other advanced classes.
The facility is owned by Abby Hill who was one of the first people in Connecticut to get certification in professional dog training through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
Training programs at the Exceptional Pet include pup preschool, gifted program, the Ivy League program, private lessons, and group classes. This facility also offers puppy kindergarten classes for pets under 5 months.
Get in touch with Abby and her team to find out more about her rates and schedule. All pets attending training at this facility must be fully vaccinated.
11. Camelot Dog Training
Camelot offers comprehensive and effective training programs for pets with behavioral issues. If you have been told your pet is beyond help, the professionals at Camelot are ready to help. The facility serves all of Connecticut and neighboring towns.
Tom Porier is the highly skilled trainer at Camelot. He has worked with pets of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. Tom’s customized programs are reward-based and designed to help your pet become a reliable companion in all situations.
Training programs include in-home training, puppy training, aggressive dog training, and behavior modification. The training programs are commitment-based to ensure parents have an active role. Tom also offers real-world training.
Classes start with an in-home consultation where Tom can observe your pet in their element. The in-home consultation also helps the trainer understand what may be the cause of your pet’s behavioral issues.
Get in touch with Tom and his team to find out more about his rates. All pets must be fully vaccinated before attending classes at Camelot Dog Training.
12. Ledr Dog Training
This dog training facility serves Central and Northern Connecticut. The facility specializes in setting up your pet for a lifetime of training success. All training methods used at Ledr are grounded in positive reinforcement.
The trainers use advanced tools and methods to solve behavioral problems. They also believe in keeping training fun and empowering to make it effective. The highly experienced trainers include Casey Jones the pet dog and puppy trainer, Bronagh Daly the adult and puppy trainer, and Laura Demaio Roy an online puppy and service dog trainer.
Training programs include puppy foundation, all-star puppy program, jump start puppy program, adult dog program, all-star dog, jump start for adult dogs, online training programs, and board and train programs. The trainers also offer service dog training.
All pets must be fully vaccinated before joining classes at Ledr. Get in touch with the highly trained team of professionals at this facility to make a reservation.
13. One Smart Dog
This dog training service offers pets and parents of Southern Connecticut premium services in a state-of-the-art, 2,000 square foot facility. One Smart Dog was founded by Dawn Lowery, a certified Professional Dog Trainer. Dawn graduated from the Animal Behavior College and is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
One Smart Dog serves Shelton, Orange, Stratford, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield, and Trumbull as well as some areas in New Haven and Fairfield counties.
Dawn offers in-home dog training, puppy training, behavior modification, and group dog training. These classes are designed for dogs that get over-excited, pull on the leash, chew and bite, jump, bark, and show aggression or anxiety.
