11 of the Best Dog Trainers in Philadelphia

If you’re looking for a selection of the best dog trainers in Philadelphia, below we’ve featured 15 providers of dog training services.

1. Philly Unleashed

This premier dog training facility provides a fun environment where your pet can have a great time while learning. The trainers at Philly Unleashed have over 35 years of experience combined and help pets learn through results-oriented, positive reinforcement techniques. The facility is currently rated “Best of Philadelphia” by the Philadelphia Magazine.

Philly Unleashed is owned and operated by Nicole Larocco-Skeehan, CPDT-KA. Nicole started her career as an animal trainer in college where she taught horseback riding. In 2008, she joined the Pennsylvania SPCA as the Director of Animal Behavior and Training. She has created numerous animal behavior programs and worked with pets of all breeds and sizes including those suffering from neglect and cruelty.

Nicole is also a board member for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She works alongside highly-qualified and experienced trainers who are passionate about pets staying in their forever homes.

Some of the training services available at Philly Unleashed include group classes such as puppy club, therapy dog prep course, and shy dog class. The trainers also facilitate private lessons covering basic obedience, puppy jumpstart, and behavior modification.

Dogs can also enjoy day training and board and train options at Farmcamp which include positive reinforcement training for basic, intermediate, and advanced obedience, reactivity and aggression, agility, rally obedience, competitive obedience, and classes to work through fear or anxiety.

All pets attending classes at Philly Unleashed must be up to date on their vaccinations.

2. HD Dog Training

HD Dog Training is a local, disabled veteran-owned facility founded by Robert McLaughlin on March 9, 2016. Robert graduated from Service Dog Training School where he completed an in-depth one-year course.

HD Dog Training works alongside non-profits and rescue shelters to help out neglected pets whenever they can. The company is currently collaborating with Mr. Rodney Wyatt, the CEO and founder of Salute 2 Service, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless veterans.

Robert and his wife welcome pets of all breeds and sizes to train at HD Dog Training. Whether your pet has temperament issues or behavioral problems, the dog-loving duo has a solution. The training is fun but strict and precise just like Robert’s training in the military.

Some of their training options include group training and personalized private training plans. The training plans cover obedience training, therapy dog training, puppy training, behavior modification, reactivity, separation anxiety, aggression resolution, weight management, socialization, day training, and more.

Reach out to Robert to inquire about his competitive rates as you make an appointment. All pets must have proof of current vaccinations.

3. At Attention Dog Training

This dog training facility promotes healthy learning through positive reinforcement. The trainers at AADT are experts at communicating with your canine companion and helping you understand your dog.

The facility was founded by Dave Shade, a U.S. Army veteran. Dave served for 4 years as a paratrooper and even received The Purple Heart. After his time in the army, he went on to graduate as a dog trainer from the Catch Canine University. Dave is also a member of the Pet Professionals Guild and a Fear-Free certified trainer.

Some of the training programs available at this facility include puppy training, basic obedience, advanced obedience, manners training, loose-leash walking, and behavior modification. Dave also offers solutions for pets displaying fear, anxiety, phobia, aggression, jumping, reactivity, mouthing, biting, and excessive barking among others.

At Attention Dog Training also offers video coaching, day training, and special classes such as the reactive rover seminar and loose-leash walking seminars among others. All pets must be up to date on their vaccinations. Get in touch with Dave and his team to make inquiries about his rates and make an appointment.

4. Opportunity Barks

Investing in your dog’s training is investing in peace and happiness. Opportunity Barks offers dog training services in Old City, East Falls, and Quakertown. The facility welcomes pets of all breeds and sizes. From newly adopted pups to adult dogs, each training program is developed with your pet in mind.

Leigh Siegfried, the founder of OP, is an intuitive animal lover who loves her canine trainees and their parents fiercely. Leigh has also spoken at animal welfare conferences such as the Humane Society of the United States.

Opportunity Barks offers a variety of training options such as the new puppy classes for puppies under 6 months. The class includes puppy socials, puppy starter class, puppy private lessons, and puppy day school. Dogs over 6 months can join the dog starter class, board and train programs, or get private lessons tailored to their specific needs.

Leigh also offers day training, behavioral training, and Farm Dog Adventures, an off-site day training program that uses real-world experiences to train your pooch. You will be required to bring proof of vaccination. Get in touch with Opportunity Barks to ask about their training rates and make an appointment.

5. Philly Dog Training

Philly Dog Training is renowned for its dog-friendly techniques, patience, kindness, and dedication to your pet’s success. The modern pet training facility features a wide array of tools and open-minded trainers who find solutions where others may have failed.

The facility was founded by Marisa Sam, popularly known as Scully, a certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist. She is certified through the CPDT and frequently collaborates with nationally acclaimed dog trainers. Marisa is also dedicated to staying updated on industry trends and regularly attends pet training conferences and seminars.

Some of the training programs available at Philly Dog Training include private lessons, puppy training, basic manners, off-leash training, basic to advanced obedience, reactive dog training, behavior modification, socialization, problem-resolution, housebreaking, potty training, and all-breed training among others.

Marisa works alongside Perry Dewitt and Melissa Hays, who are both certified Dog Trainers and Behavior Modification specialists. All pets must be up to date on their vaccinations before joining any class at Philly Dog Training.

6. Stronghaus Training Center

Stronghaus Training Center treats each of its trainees like family. The trainers take pride in their  integrity and devotion to helping your pet succeed. The facility was started by Chris Carr, an accomplished professional dog trainer and behaviorist.

Chris teaches his fellow industry professionals and is still an active trainer who regularly performs at Local, National, and International Dog Training functions. Chris works alongside several highly-experienced dog trainers.

Some of the training services offered at Stronghaus Training Center include puppy and dog obedience training, dog behavior modification, security dog training, pet and bodyguard training, drug detection services, and Schutzhund training. Chris and his team also offer private, one-on-one lessons as well as board and train options.

All pets must have current vaccination records. Get in touch with Chris and his team at Stronghaus Training Center to get an accurate quote and book your initial assessment.

7. Philadelphia Dog Training Club

This is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1938. The club is also a member of the PA Federation of Dog Clubs and the American Kennel Club. The PDTC has successfully trained dogs of all breeds and sizes including mixed breeds.

Philadelphia Dog Training Club is currently headed by Barbara Doering, the director. Barbara is a member of the Association of Dog Obedience and a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. She is also an approved judge for AKC Obedience. Barbara works alongside a team of professionals who are experts in varying disciplines including puppy kindergarten, beginner’s classes, companion training, and competition.

Barbara and her team offer various training programs including puppy training, beginner to advanced companion training, Rally obedience, CGC, behavior modification, and manners among others. Prices start from $135 to $180.

All pets must be fully vaccinated. Get in touch with Barbara and her team at Philadelphia Dog Training Club to make an appointment.

8. The Towne Barker

Don Allen, the founder of The Towne Barker, strives to build a canine community that is committed to quality training. He is a Philadelphia native who spent his early years in Los Angeles where he honed his training and handling expertise while working with high profile clientele.

Don is a full member of The Association of Pet Dog Dog Trainers. He is also certified in pet first aid and CPR by the Red Cross. Don founded The Towne Barker on the belief that giving your canine companion the care and training they need is a necessity.

This award-winning pet training facility offers various training programs including obedience training and puppy socialization starting from $65 for private sessions and $240 for four private sessions.

Don also offers day training and board and train options. All pets must be up to date on their vaccinations for their safety and that of other trainees. Get in touch with Don and his team at the Town Barker to find out more about his training options as you make an appointment.

9. Penn Vet University of Pennsylvania

Get your rambunctious pet in line with regular training at the Penn Vet University of Pennsylvania. The facility welcomes pets of all breeds and sizes to train with them and takes in puppies as young as eight weeks old.

Penn Vet is made up of a diverse community that includes faculty, students, clinicians, donors, researchers, patients, administration and friends. The facility was founded in 1884 and is a long-standing global leader in research, veterinary medicine, and clinical care. The School of Veterinary Medicine was founded on compassionate clinical expertise.

The team at Penn Vet is currently headed by Dean Andrew M. Hoffman, DVM, DVSC, DACVIM. Dean Andrew works alongside a team of board-certified veterinarians spanning over 35 specialized services.

The school doubles up as a pet training facility offering various classes including puppy training, foundation training, agility, fitness, drive, impulse control, obedience, and law enforcement training. Penn Vet also offers a foundation in scent work for pets who go on to work in explosives, medical, or drug detection.

You will be required to provide your pet’s proof of vaccination. Get in touch with the friendly team at Penn Vet to make inquiries about their rates and make an appointment.

10. Y2K9s

This dog training facility is located just north of Philadelphia in a modern industrial building. The facility also has plenty of parking for pet parents who would like to join their fur babies during the classes.

Y2K9s, founded in 1994, has grown into a premier pet training academy offering excellent results and comprehensive canine sports training. The facility uses reward-based training to bring out the desired traits in your canine companion.

The trainers take on a limited number of dogs at a time to ensure each pet gets the individualized attention they deserve. Pets are trained with an emphasis on practical obedience and solid recall skills.

Y2K9s offers several training classes including puppy preschool, agile pups, puppy S.T.A.R.S., canine manners, agility classes, obedience, rally obedience, Flyball, nose work, therapy dog training, and flyball among others.

All pets must be up to date on their vaccinations. Get in touch with the trainers at this facility to make inquiries about their training rates and apply for membership.

11. Sit Means Sit

Sit Means Sit is one of Philadelphia’s best dog training facilities. The pet training company offers professional training in Philadelphia Main Line as well as the surrounding areas. Sit Means Sit helps pets and their parents build confidence and positivity so they can enjoy a happy, healthy relationship.

The Philadelphia franchise is owned and operated by Salvatore Devivo. Salvatore has always been passionate about animals. He started his career by training Romeo, his first rescue. Salvatore learned dog training on the job at Sit Means Sit in Florida where he worked closely with Paul Pollock, the franchise owner, and Jim Yuhas, the training manager.

He later went on to complete several classes including dog psychology, handling aggressive dogs, customer service while simultaneously dealing with a difficult mutt, and pet first aid and CPR.

Some of Salvatore’s training programs include day training, private lessons, group classes, board and train options, and puppy management classes. These classes are designed to fine-tune obedience, socialization, confidence, aggression issues, and resolve distraction issues among others.

All pets must have proof of current vaccination. Get in touch with Salvatore at Sit Means Sit in Philadelphia to make inquiries about their rates and book your pooch their first training session.