If you want a list of the 10 best dog trainers in San Francisco, the following compilation will give you what you require.
1. Top Dog SF
Top Dog SF has been providing high-quality dog training services to pups throughout San Francisco for over 16 years. They offer a range of services including dog walking, daycare on the ranch, private training, as well as puppy training. All trainers and carers are dog behavior educated and CPR certified.
For puppies, an in-home training consultation is offered for $175. A 4-week 5-day training program is available for $2000 ($100/day), with 3-day and 4-day options also available. Private training is available too, typically in 3 x weekly sessions for 3-4 weeks. Many additional services are available – contact Top Dog SF for more details.
2. SmartyPup!
For almost three decades, SmartyPup has been offering dog training and owner resources throughout San Francisco. All trainers were mentored by certified and professional dog trainers and behavioral specialists, including Fawn Pierre (owner of SmartyPup and a professional trainer of 25+ years) and/or The Dog Trainers Academy.
Several puppy training courses are available including Puppy 1 – this covers crating, biting, handling, basic commands, impulse control, and more. One hourly class per week over five weeks costs $275. Drop-in obedience classes are also offered for $40 and can cover attention/focus, verbal commands, loose leash walking, and more. Contact SmartyPup to get started.
3. The Pooch Coach
The Pooch Coach offers assistance with any of your dog training needs. Founder Beverly has been working with dogs her whole life and is educated in animal behavior and canine obedience/training. Beverly has worked with over 3000 dogs and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers as well as the International Association of Canine Professionals.
An extensive array of training services is available, including obedience training, aggression training, training for shyness, fear, or separation anxiety, resource guarding, specific training for Pit Bulls, puppy training, and more. Contact The Pooch Coach to schedule an evaluation or book some training for your dog.
4. Lupa K9 Dog Training
Lupa K9 offers rehabilitation and training to dogs throughout the Bay Area. Regardless of the age, breed, or temperament of your dog, Lupa K9 can offer training solutions to real-world situations that will make a difference in your relationship with your dog. Trainer Caroline is a professional dog trainer/behaviorist as well as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
Training services include puppy basics, covering potty training, leash training, basic obedience, basic recall, and more. Behavior modification training is also offered and can cover aggression towards humans or other dogs, leash reactivity, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and more. Obedience training is also offered and includes verbal commands, loose leash walking, basic manners, and more. Contact Lupa K9 for more details.
5. Dan Perata
Dan Perata offers dog training for old and young pups all over San Francisco and the Bay Area. Dan is a professional dog trainer and canine behavior specialist with almost three decades of experience when it comes to training dogs (and their owners).
Dan specializes in one-on-one private training sessions to help you deal with problem behaviors your dog may be exhibiting. Each program is designed to suit the individual needs of each unique pup, meaning that prices vary based on the services requested and the needs of your dog. Puppy training and board-and-train services are also offered, just contact Dan Perata to learn more.
6. Koru K9 Dog Training and Rehabilitation
The team at Koru K9 will train dogs of any breed with any behavioral issues they may be experiencing. The wonderful, experienced trainers at Koru K9 all have impressive resumes and strong backgrounds as dog trainers and behaviorists. The team has many years of combined experience and would love the opportunity to meet and train your dog.
In-home dog training is offered and can cover human aggression, leash reactivity, territorial behaviors, aggression towards other dogs, food/resource guarding, separation anxiety, fear, obedience training, off-leash obedience, and more. Puppy training is also offered, as well as board-and-train packages. Contact Koru K9 to get started.
7. Better Nature Dog Trainer
At Better Nature Dog Trainer, your dog will learn how to be the best version of themselves. Trainer and behavior consultant Jeff is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is experienced in a wide range of canine behavioral issues.
In-home training is offered for a variety of behaviors such as aggression, reactivity, leash pulling, jumping on people, excessive barking, and separation anxiety. Puppy training is also available and can cover housebreaking, potty training, biting/chewing, digging, and more. Obedience training is also offered, covering everything from basic verbal commands to more advanced off-leash obedience. Contact Better Nature Dog Training to get started.
8. SF Puppy Prep
Despite their name, SF Puppy Prep doesn’t just offer programs for puppies – they also cater to the training needs of older dogs across San Francisco. Owner and trainer Mac graduated with honors from the Jean Donaldson Academy for Dog Trainers and has many years of training experience, particularly in puppy development and dealing with fear/aggression.
A four-week day school training is available for puppies – 3 days per week is $1470, or 5 days per week is $2150. Private in-home training is also available for basic manners, puppy issues, behavioral concerns, and socialization. For adult dogs, training classes and private lessons are also available. Contact SF Puppy Prep to learn more.
9. Refined K-9
Refined K-9 dog training and rehabilitation offers personalized training for pups, as well as behavioral rehabilitation for dogs with mild to severe behavioral problems. Trainer/behaviorist Jose Moreno has over a decade of training experience and is a graduate of Animal Behavior College and the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers.
A 2-week board-and-train program at the Refined K-9 facility covers basic behavior and obedience including verbal commands, crate training, environmental exposure, and more. Problem behaviors can also be addressed, including nipping or biting, excessive barking, jumping, non-aggressive fearful behavior, and more. Private training and puppy training are also offered – contact Refined K-9 to learn more.
10. City Pups SF
City Pups SF has been helping San Francisco pups and their owners with obedience and behavioral training for a decade. Trainer Josh is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is a graduate of the Dog Training Internship Academy.
Puppy training programs are available in the form of in-home training during the work week. A 4-week program is $1700, and a 6-week program is $2400. For dogs, specific trainings are available including leash reactivity, impulse control, and basic manners.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
