The Best Dog Training in Birmingham, AL
7 minutesOwning a dog is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. They’re a companion that loves you unconditionally as long as you handle them with care.
While most dogs are friendly and social, training your dog can prevent bad behavior, fix bad behavior, and teach your dog to be friendly. Ultimately, proper training is the key to success when you have a dog. This is especially true in Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham Alabama is one of the best places to live and raise a dog. There are plenty of parks and outdoor activities you can partake in with your dog. Examples include restaurants with outdoor dining, outdoor bars, breweries, and coffee shops.
While these are things you can enjoy, your dog will need to be trained first. Moreover, your dog needs to avoid wildlife and the heat to survive in Birmingham.
For these reasons, it’s always important to consider a professional trainer. Trainers are available in-person and online and offer a wide range of services.
In Birmingham, you also want to make sure the trainer is familiar with the area. Having a trainer that’s familiar with the city helps your dog learn to behave according to your surroundings. This is more important than many pet owners think.
Below we take you through a quick overview of the best dog trainers in Birmingham, Alabama.
Trainer | Price | Training Types | Online / In-Person |
Dog Academy | $49.99-$349.99 | Obedience Classes, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training | Both |
The Complete K9 | $100-$3,000 | Aggression and Anxiety Management, Puppy Classes, Scent Work | In-Person |
Love Them Train Them LLC | $35-$1,000 | Impulse Control, Therapy Prep, Nose Work | Both |
Dog U Birmingham | $100-$2,875 | Grad Programs, Group Classes, Private Lessons | Both |
We Talk Dog | $320-$3,500 | General Training, Boarding and Training, Grooming | Both |
Online vs. In-Person Training
Dog training is available in several ways but the most popular options are in-person and online dog training.
In-person dog training has been around for centuries and online dog training is relatively new. While they achieve many of the same goals, they approach training in different ways. Plus, your dog may respond to some methods better than others. We’ll take you through what to expect below.
First and foremost, we’ll start with in-person training. Dog training that takes place in person is more hands-on for your dog. Trainers will meet with your dog and physically interact with them. In-person dog trainers also offer some unique options you can’t always find online. For example, in-person trainers may offer services like grooming, boarding, or scent training.
On the other hand, you have online dog training. What online training lacks in physical interaction it makes up for in cost and flexibility. Trainers have more flexible schedules and classes are more affordable (on average). Online dog training also comes with many of the same benefits as in-person trainers.
Depending on your needs, budget, and schedule, both options are viable in Birmingham, Alabama.
Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Birmingham
Online and In-person dog training have different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider them before choosing. We provide these in the chart below.
Online Training | In-Person Training | |
Cost Effective | ✓ | X |
Flexible Schedule | ✓ | X |
One-on-One Instruction | X | ✓ |
Study at Your Own Pace | ✓ | ✓ |
Socializes Your Dog | X | ✓ |
The Best Dog Training in Birmingham
There are dozens of dog training options in Birmingham. You’ll find online trainers, places you drop your dog off for several weeks, and in-home trainers. All of these are suitable options but only when you work with the best dog trainers. To help you narrow your options we list the best dog trainers in Birmingham, Alabama, below.
Dog Academy
- Online or In-Person: Both
- Types of Training Courses: Obedience Classes, Behavioral Issues, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training, Emotional Support Animal Training, Specialty Classes (e.g. Canine Confidence, Separation Anxiety)
- Price Range: $49.99-$349.99
- Link to Website: Dog Academy Basic Obedience Training Program
- Phone Number: 605-223-1971
Dog Academy offers premium dog training services across the United States. In Alabama, dog trainers are ready to help your dog remain calm when facing wildlife, cool down in the summer months, and become social around people.
Dog Academy offers several services to accomplish this online and in-person through carefully crafted packages. Each package allows you to train your dog at your own pace with a trainer that’s certified by the American Kennel Club. In fact, many trainers with Dog Academy are certified by several agencies based on the state they’re from.
Depending on availability, you may find in-person dog trainers from Dog Academy as well.
The Complete K9
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Obedience Training, Aggression and Anxiety Management, Puppy Classes, Scent Work, Direction Work, K9 Nutrition, First Aid, CPR, Boarding
- Price Range: $100-$3,000
- Link to Website: https://www.thecompletek9.com/birmingham/
- Address: 295 W Valley Ave, Homewood, AL 35209
- Phone Number: 205-538-3647
The Complete K9 offers a comprehensive dog training program for people in Birmingham, Alabama. There are several training options for people from all backgrounds. Examples include courses for tracking, helping dogs find scents and much more.
The team is also one of the best. Every member has a background in dog training and several certifications. Moreover, the team is big. It’s not just a one-person operation, so you don’t have to worry about limited spots for your dog. Whether you need boarding or advanced training, The Complete K9 has you covered.
Love Them Train Them LLC
- Online or In-Person: Both
- Types of Training Courses: Beginner Obedience, Impulse Control, Therapy Prep, Nose Work, Agility, Tricks, Game Night
- Price Range: $35-$1,000
- Link to Website: https://www.lovethemtrainthem.com/
- Address: Serves Birmingham
- Email: rebecca@lovethemtrainthem.com
Love Them Train Them LLC is a unique dog trainer in Birmingham, Alabama. What makes this organization unique is that it partners with several dog-focused organizations in the state. For this reason, group classes are held all over the state of Alabama and in Birmingham.
This makes it easy to get your dog to in-person training whenever you need to. That said, you’re also getting top-tier training from some of the best trainers in the industry.
Dog U
- Online or In-Person: Both
- Types of Training Courses: Grad Programs, Group Classes, Private Lessons
- Price Range: $100-$2,875
- Link to Website: https://www.dogubham.com/
- Address: 3190 Cahaba Heights Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
- Phone Number: 205-967-3648
Dog U is exactly as the name suggests. It’s a university for dogs in Birmingham, Alabama. Programs are comprehensive and can begin as soon as you get a puppy.
One of the most popular options is the Grad Program, which allows you to drop off your dog for an extended period. This gives you flexibility to continue with your life, while your puppy goes off to training classes. Plus, when they come back you’ll have a well-trained dog.
If you have an older dog to train or if boarding isn’t for you, Dog U offers traditional courses as well.
We Talk Dog
- Online or In-Person: Both
- Types of Training Courses: General Training, Boarding, Boarding and Training, Grooming
- Price Range: $320-$3,500
- Link to Website: https://www.wetalkdog.com/
- Address: 1555 Cooper Hill Rd, Birmingham, AL 35210
- Phone Number: 205-588-4709
We Talk Dog has a big team of people who are passionate about dogs. From trainers like Ellyn Smith who have been with the company for over a decade to groomers like Trillion, We Talk Dog has it all. Several staff members handle intake and training, so you never have to stress about availability.
Dog trainers also come from professional backgrounds, so you never have to worry about the quality of dog training from We Talk Dog.
Find the Right Dog Training for You in Birmingham
Finding the best dog trainer in Birmingham requires patience, time, and some understanding of dog training techniques. Therefore, we always recommend brushing up on some of the popular dog training methods and the differences between in-person and online dog trainers.
Once you know what to look for you can find trainers that will train your dog properly, tailored to the unique environment that Alabama is known for.
That said, always make sure you choose the best dog trainer for your needs. We always recommend Dog Academy for in-person and online services because of the value you get. Not only are training classes affordable but the quality is also second-to-none. Still, always do your due diligence and contact a few dog trainers to find the perfect fit for your dog.