Best Dog Trainers

The Best Dog Training in Oakland, CA

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

In Oakland, where there are many dog-friendly parks, restaurants, and events, having a well-trained and well-socialized dog can be particularly important. Dog training can help prevent unwanted behavior, such as excessive barking or aggressive behavior, leading to conflicts in public spaces.

Additionally, having a well-trained dog can help owners take advantage of all the dog-friendly opportunities that Oakland has to offer, such as off-leash dog parks or outdoor dining with dogs. Therefore, investing in dog training can be a valuable investment for dog owners, both for their dog’s well-being and their own enjoyment of the city.

Several types of dog training options are available in Oakland, including obedience, behavioral, agility, and socialization training. Obedience training is designed to teach dogs basic commands such as sit, stay, and come, as well as leash manners and other essential skills. Behavioral training addresses specific behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, fear, aggression, and excessive barking. Agility training involves teaching dogs how to navigate obstacles and complete courses, while socialization training is aimed at helping dogs become more comfortable around other dogs and people. The benefits of these different types of dog training are numerous.

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A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in Oakland

Before delving deeper into each trainer, here is a quick glance at the best dog training options in Oakland.

Trainer Price Training Types Online / In-Person
Dog Academy $49.99 – $349.99 Obedience classes, puppy training, psychiatric service dog training Both
Mutts Have Fun $33-$150 Walk and train sessions, basic manners, puppy training Both
The Dog Squad Dog Training Contact for details Puppy training, behavior modification, dog training for new parents Both
Positive Energy Dog Training $25-$4800 Puppy training, socialization, and obedience In-Person
Citizen Canine Contact for details Basic manners university, puppy kindergarten, good canine citizen program In-Person
Oaktown Paws $135-$500 Puppy and adolescent training, behavior modification, and trail manners In-Person
Positive Outcomes Pet Training $125-$150 Foundation behavior lessons, manners training, problem behaviors In-Person
Bravo!Pup $39.99-$1600 Puppy training, obedience classes, behavior modification, trick lessons Both

Online Vs. In-Person Training in Oakland

When it comes to dog training in Oakland, pet owners have the option of choosing between in-person or online training sessions. In-person training involves working with a dog trainer face-to-face, either in group or private sessions.

Online training, on the other hand, involves working with a trainer remotely, usually through video conferencing or pre-recorded videos. While both options have advantages and disadvantages, the decision ultimately depends on the owner’s preferences and the dog’s specific training needs.
family walking dog near fountain

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Oakland

Here’s a useful chart outlining the perks of online and in-person dog training, so you can easily compare the two and make a better-informed decision.

Online Training In-Person Training
Ask Questions
Flexible Schedule x
One-on-One Instruction x
Study at Your Own Pace x
Socializes Your Dog x

The Best Dog Training in Oakland

Oakland is home to many skilled and knowledgeable dog trainers, each with their own unique approach and expertise. Here are the best dog trainers in Oakland and a brief overview of their training philosophies and specialties.

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

One of the greatest locations to go for both in-person and online instruction is Dog Academy. Many courses are available, including crate training, basic obedience, psychiatric service dog training, emotional support dog training, leash etiquette, and tricks.

There are also programs to assist with problematic habits like barking and reactivity, as well as significant behavioral concerns like separation anxiety. Dog Academy even offers a course if you wish to bring your dog to work with you.

Dog Academy’s courses were created by American Kennel Club-certified trainers with over 25 years of combined training experience. Training is enjoyable, beneficial, and non-coercive. If you have any queries about their virtual training service, it’s simple to contact the trainers via phone, email, or the website’s contact form.

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

2). Mutts Have Fun

  • Online or In-Person: Both
  • Types of Training Courses: Walk and train sessions, basic manners, and puppy training
  • Price Range: $33-$150
  • Link to Website: https://www.muttshavefun.com
  • Address: Oakland, CA
  • Phone Number: (646) 734-8679

Mutts Have Fun trains dogs and their human caregivers using science-based, force-free methods. They teach you to observe your dogs closely, so you may learn what might cause fear, excitement, or stress and what rewards and entertains them.

Mutts Have Fun’s training program teaches you to “fill your dog’s emotional cup.” Instead of coercion or nagging, the Mutts Have Fun method teaches your dog the behaviors you want and rewards him for giving them voluntarily.

3). The Dog Squad Dog Training

  • Online or In-Person: Both
  • Types of Training Courses: Puppy training, behavior modification, dog training for new parents, and group classes
  • Price Range: Contact for details
  • Link to Website: https://www.dogsquaddogtraining.com
  • Address: Oakland, CA
  • Phone Number: (510) 646-9657

The Dog Squad Dog Training will work with all breeds, ages, temperaments, and behavioral issues. Their trainers are professionally certified and trained by Canine Trade Group.

The Dog Squad Dog Training offers a reward-based, in-home dog training program completely customized to you and your dog. Your dog will receive an initial in-home evaluation, an individualized training plan, and one-on-one training and attention until they fully meet the training goals.

4). Positive Energy Dog Training

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Puppy training, socialization, and obedience
  • Price Range: $25-$4800
  • Link to Website: https://www.pedogtraining.com
  • Address: 113 S Linden Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080
  • Phone Number: (925) 338-9808

Positive Energy Dog Training is a group of diverse trainers who believe in relationship-based, nature-based training. They consider one of the most effective techniques to be training based on kindness and trust.

You may help your dog succeed by rewarding actions you wish to continue. Every interaction is seen as a learning opportunity at Positive Energy Dog Training.

5). Citizen Canine

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Basic manners university, puppy kindergarten, and good canine citizen program
  • Price Range: Contact for details
  • Link to Website: https://www.citizencanine.net
  • Address: 420 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA 94621
  • Phone Number: (510) 562-1750

According to Citizen Canine, living with your dog or puppy should be enjoyable, not frustrating. They provide positive reinforcement-based training that teaches socialization, basic canine obedience, and puppy foundations.

Their Puppy Kindergarten and Woof University for adult dogs at Citizen Canine Academy provide the ideal blend of training and daycare. Throughout the day, various sessions make up the training. Together with controlled social playtime and relaxation periods, there is training time.

6). Oaktown Paws

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Puppy and adolescent training, behavior modification, and trail manners
  • Price Range: $135-$500
  • Link to Website: https://www.oaktownpaws.com
  • Address: Contact for details
  • Phone Number: (510) 926-5692

Oaktown Paws uses only modern, evidence-based, humane training techniques. Trainer Dani Agnew doesn’t use prong, choke, or shock collars; she bases her training on a philosophy that people and dogs must be treated with care and respect.

Even when not actively training, dogs are always learning new things. Because of this, Oaktown Paws’ mission is to provide dog owners with the knowledge and resources they need to better understand their dogs’ needs and behavior.

7). Positive Outcomes Pet Training

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Foundation behavior lessons, manners training, and trouble shooting problem behaviors
  • Price Range: $125-$150
  • Link to Website: https://www.positiveoutcomepets.com
  • Address: Contact for details
  • Phone Number: (831) 227-4091

Positive Results Pet training employs positive reinforcement, which entails teaching dogs the behaviors the trainer wants to see more of and rewarding those behaviors with treats as they happen.

Positive Results Pet Training makes use of clicker training, which involves using the sound of a clicker to signal the precise instant the desired behavior occurs. This lets pups know which behavior is being rewarded.

8). Bravo!Pup

  • Online or In-Person: Both
  • Types of Training Courses: Puppy training, obedience classes, behavior modification, and trick lessons
  • Price Range: $39.99-$1600
  • Link to Website: https://bravopup.com
  • Address: 4382 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
  • Phone Number: (510) 621-3630

Bravo!Pup uses positive training methods to make learning exciting, enjoyable, and motivating for both you and your dog. They provide engaging, family-friendly, interactive sessions so you can pinpoint exactly how your dog learns.

There is a deep belief at Bravo!Pup that play is crucial for happiness no matter what species you are. Their trainers demonstrate how to make almost anything into a game in order to get your dog interested in learning!

Find the Right Dog Training for You

Deciding on the right dog trainer in Oakland can be difficult, but it’s essential to ensure your dog receives the appropriate training and care they need. When searching for a dog trainer, it’s important to consider your individual needs, including your dog’s breed, age, and behavior. It’s also important to consider your own training goals, such as whether you want your dog to learn basic obedience commands or more advanced skills like agility training.

For example, obedience training can help dogs become better behaved and more manageable, improving their quality of life and strengthening the bond between the dog and their owner. Behavioral training can address problematic behavior and reduce the risk of the dog causing harm to themselves or others. Agility training can provide mental and physical stimulation, which can help to prevent boredom and reduce the risk of destructive behavior. Socialization can help dogs become more confident and comfortable in social situations, improving their overall well-being.

One way to find the right dog trainer in Oakland is to research and read reviews from other pet owners. It’s important to look for trainers with experience working with dogs similar to yours and with a track record of success in their training methods. It’s also helpful to ask for recommendations from other pet owners or your veterinarian.

Finally, it’s a good idea to meet with a potential trainer beforehand to discuss your training goals and to see if their training philosophy aligns with your own. By finding the right dog trainer, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible training and care in Oakland.