The Best Dog Training in Salem, OR

Vineyards, parks, arboretums, tulip farms, hiking, and even a Bob Ross Painting class — these are all places you can visit with your dog in Salem, Oregon. Though these activities are dog-friendly, some of them will expect your dog to be well-behaved.

Though others, like hiking trails, don’t have any such rules, you may struggle to have a good time with your dog if they are unruly, reactive, or aggressive. If you want to be able to enjoy life outside of your household with your dog, then it is worthwhile to look into dog training.

We’ve put together a list of the top six dog trainers in Salem. These dog trainers can help rehabilitate dogs that are anxious, reactive, or aggressive. They can also help with basic manners and even off-leash obedience. Finally, if you need your dog to be more than just a pet, some trainers are even offering service dog training.  Keep reading to find out more about these awesome dog trainers in Salem!

A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in Salem

Here’s a quick overview of the best dog trainers in Salem. We’ll be sharing more in-depth information on each trainer later in the article, so keep reading.

Online Vs. In-Person Training in Salem

Many people think that online dog training isn’t as effective as in-person dog training, but this simply isn’t true. Believe it or not, dog training is more about teaching humans than teaching dogs, so whether or not online dog training works for you is more so up to what type of learner you are and the ways in which you prefer to learn.

There are some pros and cons to both online and in-person training. Online training tends to be the most affordable and the most convenient; you can learn from anywhere with an internet connection. However, it isn’t great for those who aren’t tech-savvy or for those who enjoy a group setting.

In-person training is great for your dog’s socialization and your own as both you and your dog can make new friends by taking a group class. However, if your dog is especially reactive toward strangers, in-person training can be a bit overwhelming.

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Salem

Here’s a quick chart outlining the perks of online vs in-person training.

The Best Dog Training in Salem

There are so many dog trainers in Salem, it can be hard to sort through them all. Therefore, we’ve gone ahead and found the six best dog training options in the city. If you’re looking for a dog trainer in Salem, then check out the list below!

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 offers both online and in-person training. We have a dozen trainers servicing every city in the United States, including Salem. Our experienced trainers can come to your home for a private session or you can attend a group class.

If you’re more interested in virtual dog training, then check out Dog Academy’s extensive catalog of online courses. You can find puppy training, basic obedience, psychiatric service dog training, emotional support dog training, leash manners, trick training, crate training, and more classes on Dog Academy’s website. There are even courses addressing problem behaviors such as barking, separation anxiety, and reactivity.

Don’t just train your dog, train yourself! At Dog Academy, you can learn how to groom your pup at home or take a class on canine CPR and first aid. All of Dog Academy’s online courses have been designed by American Kennel Club-certified trainers with over 25 years of experience. If you’re taking an online class and ever need to get in touch with a trainer, you can do so via phone, email, or the contact form on Dog Academy’s website.

Smart Dog Pet Training

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Obedience, Manners, Behavior Rehabilitation (Including Aggression), Puppy Training (including AKC S.T.A.R.), Canine Good Citizen Training
• Price Range: $185 for 4 weeks; $285 for 6 weeks; Private Training – $60/hour
• Link to Website: https://smartdogpettraining.com/
• Phone Number: (503) 930-9601

Smart Dog Pet Training provides force-free dog training for puppies and adult dogs.  All of their training is private, in your home (or at a public location of your choosing), and on your schedule. They even offer a free phone consultation to get you started.

Smart Dog Pet Training has many different training programs and options available. You can purchase private sessions separately or in packages. Types of training available include puppy basics, advanced puppy, AKC S.T.A.R. puppy, adult dog life skills, distraction training, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training, AKC Community Canine training, AKC Urban CGC, and behavioral rehabilitation.

Behavior rehabilitation is great for dogs that are fearful or reactive. Smart Pet Dog Training can help rehabilitate aggressive dogs, too.

Symbiont Dog Training

• Online or In-Person: Both
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Obedience, Behavior Modification (Including Aggression), Service Dogs
• Price Range: Behavior Modification – $310-$770; Obedience – $260-$650
• Link to Website: https://symbionttraining.com/
• Phone Number: (360) 632-9030

Symbiont Dog Training uses a positive training method. This includes rewards for success and non-painful corrections such as verbal indicators, resets (putting the dog back in the proper place or position), or time-outs.

Symbiont offers puppy training, adult obedience, behavior modification, and service dog training. Training takes place privately in your home or in public places where your dog needs practice. Behavior issues Symbiont can help with include barking, jumping, chasing, nipping, reactivity, unresponsiveness, dog-to-dog aggression, dog-to-human aggression, and other nuisance behaviors.

Part of Symbiont’s training includes owner education. They teach dog owners the methods and philosophies behind dog training so owners can gain a better understanding of dog behavior. This helps owners be better equipped to train their dogs.

Find the Right Dog Training for You

Finding the right dog trainer can be tough; you want to make the right decision for both your dog and your wallet. To help narrow things down, consider factors like how much you’re willing to spend, whether or not you’re willing to travel, how involved you want to be, and what goals you hope to achieve.

If you’re hoping to train from the comfort of your own home, check out Dog Academy or Smart Dog Pet Training. If you aren’t able to be involved in your dog’s training, we’d recommend Integrity Dog Training’s board and train program.

If your dog struggles with behavior issues such as aggression, definitely try Symbiont Dog Training dog training. Finally, if you’re interested in training your dog for service work, then you’ll want to consider Dog Academy or Symbiont Dog Training.

Whichever trainer you choose, we know that with a little patience, love, and consistency, you’ll be able to meet your dog training goals.