The Best Dog Training in Macon, GA
Macon is found in Bibb County near the fall line of the Ocmulgee River. Its nickname is the “Heart of Georgia” because of its central location, and it’s only 85 miles away from Atlanta. Macon is also a famous city in Georgia because it’s known for its culture and history. Soul music and southern rock both got their start in Macon, and there are many historic locations to visit.
The city is generally considered pet-friendly, with plenty of pet-friendly restaurants. In fact, Lake Tobesofkee is a 1,800-acre recreational area where you can take your dog as long as you keep them on a leash.
To enjoy Macon’s pet-friendly environment, training your dog is important. Having your dog trained to walk on a leash will help you enjoy dog-friendly restaurants and make the most out of your time in public parks like Lake Tobesofkee. It’s also a good idea to socialize your dog at a young age or have bad behavior corrected to avoid any conflicts with other people and dogs in Macon.
Read on to learn about the best dog trainers in Macon below.
A Quick Look At the Best Dog Training in Macon, GA
We cover the five best dog trainers in Macon, and you can view some quick information about each dog trainer below.
Trainer | Price | Training Types | Online / In-Person |
Dog Academy | $49.99 – $349.99 | Obedience Classes, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training | Both |
Serenity K9 | $650-$5,500 | Board & Train, Day School, Behavior Rehabilitation, Puppy Training | In-Person |
Gray’s K9 Academy | $600-$6,000 | Puppy Programs, Adult Dog Programs, Boarding & Doggie Daycare, Canine Good Citizen | In-Person |
Positive Energy Dog Training | $1,900-$5,000 | Behavioral Modification, Hybrid Board & Train, Standard Board & Train | In-Person |
Online vs. In-Person Training
When it’s time to train your dog, the most important factor to consider is whether they’re trained in-person or online. Both options have unique benefits that you need to consider, but ultimately it comes down to your preferences because in-person and online dog training are both viable options. We’ll take you through some things to consider about each method to help you narrow down your options.
We’ll start with online training, an innovative method that allows trainers to interact with you and your dog through video calls. These video calls can be done one-on-one or even in groups to help with socialization. The best part about online training is that it’s more affordable than in-person options, and the scheduling is easier to manage. Many online trainers also have free educational resources on their websites.
In-person dog training also has a few benefits you won’t find with online trainers. These come down to additional services like boarding, doggie daycare, and grooming. Another benefit of in-person dog training is that trainers can interact with your dog physically, which is great for building trust. Keep an eye out for trainers that offer in-home services for even more flexibility.
Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Macon
Take a look at the perks of in-person and online dog training in the chart below.
Online Training | In-Person Training | |
Cost Effective | ✓ | X |
Flexible Schedule | ✓ | ✓ |
One-on-One Instruction | ✓ | ✓ |
Study at Your Own Pace | ✓ | ✓ |
Socializes Your Dog | X | ✓ |
The Best Dog Training in Macon
There are hundreds of trainers in Georgia and dozens in Macon. While it’s great to have options, too many options make it hard to reach a decision. Even if the consultations are free, they can still waste several hours.
The good news is that we’ve looked into all of the trainers in Macon to help you narrow down your options. Below we list the five best dog trainers in Macon.
Dog Academy
- Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
- 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 is always one of the best options for dog training in Macon and the rest of the United States. What makes Dog Academy the best is the combination of qualified trainers and affordable training packages. While the cost of training is low, trainers with Dog Academy have certifications from the American Kennel Club (AKC) and several other organizations like APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers).
Dog Academy also has a clear goal when training dogs, which is to help dogs and their humans learn through positive reinforcement. Therefore, dogs learn based on rewards in a positive in-person or online environment. Furthermore, there are hundreds of hours of educational resources available to help you continue your dog’s education.
Serenity K9
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Board & Train, Day School, Behavior Rehabilitation, Puppy Training
- Price Range: $610-$5,500
- Link to Website: http://www.serenityk9.org/
- Address: Macon, GA
- Phone Number: (478) 365-4681
Serenity K9 is one of the best trainers in Georgia for rehabilitation. The team is great at helping dogs with bad behavior turn things around. This means that they can help dogs that bark frequently calm down or dogs that are aggressive become more passive.
Most services are available through boarding and training, which helps your dog socialize with other dogs, which starts when your dog is still a puppy. Day school is also an option and provides you with the same benefits as boarding, but it costs less, and you can take your dog home.
Gray’s K9 Academy
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Puppy Programs, Adult Dog Programs, Boarding & Doggie Daycare, Canine Good Citizen
- Price Range: $600-$6,000
- Link to Website: https://www.graysk9academyllc.com/
- Address: Serves Macon
- Phone Number: (487) 420-0638
Gray’s K9 Academy has been around for over 15 years. It operates to bring families who have dogs closer together. Gray’s primary training methods focus on addressing behavior like jumping, fear, pulling, hyperactivity, and separation anxiety. This is all accomplished by bridging the communication gap between humans and dogs.
Ultimately, Gray’s K9 Academy shows you how to understand your dog. Then, you can use commands and body language to communicate effectively. Boarding and daycare are also available, which makes it a one-stop destination for all of your dog’s needs.
Positive Energy Dog Training
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Behavioral Modification, Hybrid Board & Train, Standard Board & Train
- Price Range: $1,900-$5,000
- Link to Website: https://positiveenergydogtraining.com/
- Address: Serves Macon and Nearby Areas
- Phone Number: (487) 841-2486
Positive Energy Dog Training is all about quality over quantity, which is why they only accept a few dogs at a time. Tiffani Abshire is the head trainer at Positive Energy Dog Training and has over 15 years of experience with many different dog breeds.
When it comes to training practices, their primary option is boarding. This means that most programs rely on you dropping off your dog for a few weeks. At the facility, positive reinforcement methods and socialization are used to improve your dog’s behavior. There are also special options for behavioral modification.
Find the Right Dog Training for You in Macon
Macon is home to high-quality dog trainers, and each trainer that we covered can help you train your dog. That said, it’s important to select the best dog trainer in Macon based on your needs. For example, if you’re looking for online training, it’s best to go with flexible options like Dog Academy. However, if you don’t have the time to go to weekly appointments or jump online, you’re better off with daycare options or board & train programs.
Overall, finding dog trainers in Macon doesn’t have to be a hassle as long as you know what you need. Take some time to consider your options, and don’t be afraid to try a few free consultations before you decide.