If you’ve just adopted a little furry friend, or have one already and are experiencing some problems, a professional trainer can help with obedience and developing good behavior. Below we’ve featured 9 of the best dog trainers in Delaware for your review.
1. Dogs and Their Companions (Georgetown)
Dogs and Their Companions is owned and operated by Certified Professional Trainer Lori, who has almost two decades of dog training experience. Based in Georgetown, DE, Lori is a member of the National K-9 Dog Trainers Association and the International Association of Canine Professionals.
The Dogs and Their Companions facility is located on two acres of space, meaning there is ample space for everything from puppy socialization to agility training. Group training programs include puppy school, basic obedience, advanced/off-leash obedience, ACG Canine Good Citizen, agility/rally, and trick courses. In-home training is also offered – contact Dogs and Their Companions for more details.
2. Delaware K9 Academy (Wilmington)
Delaware K9 Academy was recently founded (2019) by Christos Philippou, who had a vision of offering affordable, quality dog training services throughout the Northern Delaware region. Based in Wilmington, Delaware K9 Academy offers private lessons or a very popular two-week bootcamp program.
The two-week bootcamp program from Delaware K9 Academy costs $2,250 and involves your dog living in a trainer’s home for the entire two-week period. Your dog is trained with the use of an e-collar, and learns to perform basic commands, even in the presence of many distractions. Once the two-week program is complete, you will undergo a session with the trainer to learn how to give commands and continue your dog’s training.
3. Sweet Paw Dog Training (Wilmington)
Sweet Paw Dog Training is a dog trainer based in Wilmington, DE, that offers group training classes at the Wilmington waterfront. Classes are available for both dogs and puppies; please note that puppies must be at least 4 months old with current vaccines.
Both online and in-person training options are available. In-person behavior modification training is offered in the form of a 6-session package for $375. This package covers basic commands, as well as behavioral issues like leash pulling, house training, nipping, and more. Training for new puppy owners (also six sessions for $375) covers handling, socialization, basic commands, crate training, and more. Contact Sweet Paw Dog Training to learn more.
4. Academy of Dog Training and Agility (Newark)
The Academy of Dog Training and Agility is located in Newark, DE, and was founded by Don Brown, a professional trainer with almost 30 years of experience. The Academy specializes in 8-week courses on a variety of topics/themes. Typically, each group session lasts around 1-hour and focuses on specific skills or issues.
Beginner courses include basic puppy training (for those aged six months or younger) and basic obedience/manners (for dogs over six months old). Once the foundations are down, many more courses are available, including trick training, therapy dog foundations, rally obedience, Canine Good Citizen, show handling, agility, and more. Contact the Academy of Dog Training and Agility to get started.
5. K-10 Dog Training (Rehoboth Beach)
K-10 Dog Training believes they are “one better”, with their dedicated team committed to going the extra mile to help train your dog. Owner and certified dog trainer Nancy LaFontaine has over a decade of professional training experience and offers everything from basic training to AKC Canine Good Citizen testing.
K-10 Dog Training offers both private and group training classes. Private training classes are offered from $150 each and are carried out in your home. These are great for addressing behavioral issues, covering basic obedience, and preparing your dog for CGC. Group classes can cover basic obedience, advanced obedience, AKC Star Puppy or CGC, working dog classes, and evaluation for your dog to become a therapy dog. Contact K-10 Dog Training for more details.
6. Off Leash K9 Training Southern Delaware (Dagsboro)
Off Leash K9 Training Southern Delaware is located in Dagsboro, DE, and serves all of southern Delaware. Off Leash K9 Training has many locations across the country, all of which are highly regarded and run by expert trainers.
Off Leash K9 Training Southern Delaware offers private lessons and behavioral consultations, and see great results with dogs of various breeds, ages, and sizes. Choose from private lessons covering basic and advanced obedience, a two-week board-and-train program, classes designed for new puppy owners, and more. Contact Off Leash K9 Training Southern Delaware to learn more about their training options.
7. Training Tails (Smyrna)
Training Tails offers both daycare and training for dogs in Smyrna, DE. Training Tails offers both basic and advanced obedience training, through group day school training courses or one-on-one sessions. A six-week course of private lessons costs $425 and will teach your dog basic obedience commands, loose leash walking, and can also address minor behavioral issues.
Day training at Training Tails involves leaving your dog at their facility for one day per week over a six-week period. This is ideal for busy dog owners, or those who feel their dog needs a little extra training time. Contact Training Tails for more details.
8. Your Mannerly Mutt (Holmes)
Your Mannerly Mutt is a dog trainer based in Holmes, DE, that specializes in behavior modification training. If your dog pulls on the leash, jumps on your guests, digs holes in your yard, chews excessively, doesn’t come when they’re called, has separation anxiety, or pretty much anything else – their team can help.
The team at Your Mannerly Mutt also offers assistance with potty training as well as complex behavioral problems. Private training plans are offered, which help cover training at your own pace and focusing on your dog’s specific problems or issues. Group classes are also offered and are perfect for puppy socialization – contact Your Mannerly Mutt to learn more about their classes.
9. Mary D’s Dog Training (Millsboro)
At Mary D’s Dog Training, you can be sure your dog is in safe hands. Mary has previously worked as an animal trainer at a zoo, holds a degree in Psychobiology, and has 15 years of professional dog training experience with a variety of breeds.
Mary D’s Dog Training uses positive reinforcement-based training methods, offers both group classes and private lessons in your home, and offers free consultations at their facility. Whether your dog is in need of basic obedience training or wants to learn some advanced skills, Mary D’s Dog Training in Millsboro, DE, can help. Contact their team for more details.
