Best Dog Trainers

The Best Dog Training in Minneapolis, MN

BY DOGACADEMY PUBLISHED: February 11, 2023 UPDATED: April 24, 2023
7 minutes

Minneapolis is one of the most populous cities in Minnesota. It’s part of the Twin Cities and has a lot of foot traffic from people who live and travel there. Minneapolis is also one of the largest cities with the biggest urban layout in Minnesota. For these reasons, there are some unique aspects of dog training that dog owners in Minneapolis must consider.

One of the first things to consider is the weather. Dog owners must be prepared for cold winters and winter storms. In fact, the area gets several feet of snow per year (on average). Therefore, it’s important to have a dog that can handle the snow without issues. Dogs that can’t handle the snow may panic, get lost, or even freeze during winter storms.

Minneapolis is also full of people and other animals. So, dog owners need to socialize their dogs at a young age to avoid any issues. Apartment sizes in Minneapolis also vary, so having dogs that adapt to small spaces is always a positive.

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The good news is that many dog trainers in Minneapolis are equipped to handle dog training in the city. Several dog trainers will teach your dog to adapt to the urban environment, the cold, and the behavior of other people and animals.

Below we take you through the best dog trainers in Minneapolis. Refer to the chart for a summary of their services.

Trainer Price Training Types Online / In-Person
Dog Academy $49.99 – $349.99 Obedience Classes, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training Both
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club $115/session Puppy Classes, Obedience Classes, Agility Class In-person
The Canine Coach $145/season Boot Camp, FIT dogs, Mini Courses Both
Go Anywhere Dog $169/class E-Course, Puppy Training, Adult Dog Training Both
K9SF Dog Training Free Quote Obedience, Behavior Modification, Boarding and Training In-Person

Online vs. In-Person Training

There are a few types of dog training options available in Minneapolis. Pet owners may choose from online training, in-person training, and a combination of in-person and online training. There are also training methods that include boarding your dog or in-home visits. Depending on your needs, there are benefits and drawbacks to in-person and online dog training.

We’ll begin with in-person dog training. In-person dog training is the most popular option because it’s an evidence-based method that has centuries of refinement. The benefits of in-person dog training include physical touch, the ability to board your dog, and a better bond between trainer and dog owner. Grooming is also a benefit that some in-person dog trainers offer. It’s so important to note that most show dogs and sports dogs benefit more from in-person training compared to online training.

On the other hand, online dog training continues to rise in popularity. Online dog training is on the rise because it’s an effective way to train dogs for pet owners who have busy schedules. Courses are available at more convenient times and video calls make it easy for trainers to connect with dogs. Online dog training is also more affordable and pet owners can learn at their own pace.

The drawbacks of in-person dog training are that it costs more and lacks flexibility. Also, you’ll need to drop off your dog or provide a space for dogs to train. Online dog training also has drawbacks and suffers from a lack of physical interaction. While video calls are good, they’re not the same as in-person interactions.
three dogs doing tricks

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Minneapolis

Online Training In-Person Training
Cost Effective X
Flexible Schedule X
One-on-One Instruction
Study at Your Own Pace
Socializes Your Dog
Teaches Tricks and Sports X

The Best Dog Training in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is home to dozens of premium dog trainers. That said, some options are better than others. It’s important to find dog trainers that connect with your dog to prevent any issues. To help you narrow down your options we’ve compiled a list of the five best dog trainers in Minneapolis.

1). Dog Academy

dog tag saying dog academy #1 pick

  • 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 the best in the business when it comes to dog training in Minneapolis. There are online and in-person training options, even with some hybrid training sessions. All trainers with Dog Academy have a professional background and all online trainers have certifications from the AKC. Training at the Dog Academy is available for puppies and dogs of all ages. Ultimately, you can get the training you need whenever you need it.

Schedule a Free Dog
Training Consult Today!
No credit card required. Free means free.

2). Twin Cities Obedience Training Club

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Puppy Classes, Obedience Classes, Agility Class
  • Price Range: $115/session
  • Link to Website: https://www.tcotc.com/
  • Address: 2101 Broadway St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
  • Phone Number: 612-379-1332

Twin Cities Obedience Club is a dog training organization that focuses on training with positive reinforcement. Dogs are never punished but only rewarded for their good behavior. Some of the training methods include behavior modification, learning new commands, and respecting dog owners. There are also some unique classes at Twin Cities Obedience Club. These courses include things like agility training, which helps dogs get involved with sports and tricks for show dog events. Furthermore, this training group is not for profit and is run entirely by qualified volunteers.

3). The Canine Coach

  • Online or In-Person: In-person and Online
  • Types of Training Courses: Group Classes, In-Home Training, Boot Camp, FIT dogs, Mini Courses
  • Price Range: $145/session
  • Link to Website: https://www.thek9coach.com/
  • Address: 5405 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
  • Phone Number: 612-202-4732

The Canine Coach is one of the best places to take your dog if you want different packages. There are training packages for dogs that need help being physically fit, behavioral packages, and even training for sports and shows. The Canine Coach also knows how to prepare dogs for the harsh Minnesota winters to keep them safe from snow and ice. Furthermore, there are individual sessions to choose from that are good for puppies, adult dogs, and even senior dogs.

4). Go Anywhere Dog

  • Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: E-Course, Puppy Training, Adult Dog Training, In-Home Training
  • Price Range: $169/class
  • Link to Website: https://www.goanywheredog.com/
  • Address: 6315 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55423
  • Phone Number: 651-686-9059

Go Anywhere Dog is one of the most accredited dog training options in the state of Minnesota. It maintains support from the Association of Professional Dog Training, Canine Good Citizen, the Pet Industry Network, and much more. Dog trainers with Go Anywhere Dog are also well-trained and come from professional backgrounds with years of experience. What’s more, Go Anywhere Dog is one of the few hybrid courses available for dogs. When you enroll in an in-person program you’ll gain access to their e-course. Therefore, you get a lot of great value.

5). K9SF Dog Training

  • Online or In-Person: In-erson
  • Types of Training Courses: Basic Obedience, Behavior Modification, Advanced Obedience, Boarding and Training
  • Price Range: Free Quote
  • Link to Website: https://k9sf.us/
  • Address: 1034 3rd Ave NE Suite 1, Minneapolis, MN 55413
  • Phone Number: 612-223-8647

K9SF Dog Training offers individualized training for your dog. Trainers focus on understanding your dog’s unique needs and creating courses that help them evolve their behavior. Training can be done in group classes, individual classes, or even through board and train. We’re also big fans of K9SF because they offer free consultations for dog training. All pricing information is provided before you pay for your first session, so there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to cost. Trainers also come from professional backgrounds with experience in puppy, adult, and senior dog training.

Find the Right Dog Training for You in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is one of the best places to settle down with your dog. There are countless winter adventures you can go on and plenty of urban locations to visit. That said, you’ll have to train your dog if you want to make the most out of Minneapolis and other areas in Minnesota. The good news is that there are several great trainers in the area and picking any trainer from our list will help you train your dog the right way.

Still, it’s important to choose a dog trainer that fits your needs. Always evaluate how they interact with your dog and how your dog behaves with them. It’s also important to look for trainers that maintain professional backgrounds in dog training. Otherwise, you may not like the result.

Overall, we always recommend Dog Academy when you need training in Minneapolis. Every trainer is certified and comes from a professional background, so you never have to worry.