The Best Dog Training in San Francisco, CA

Finding a local dog trainer can be complicated. In San Francisco, these various dog training options cater to the diverse needs of dog owners and their dogs.

With its bustling urban environment, in-person classes and private lessons can help dogs with socialization and behavior issues, preparing them for life in the city. With its tech-savvy population, online training programs are also a popular option for owners who are looking for convenient and accessible training resources.

Additionally, San Francisco is known for its diverse and active lifestyle, which makes dog training an important aspect of life for many dog owners. Whether they are preparing for dog sports, obedience trials, or simply looking to improve their dog’s behavior, dog owners in San Francisco have access to a wide range of training options to meet their individual needs.

In-person and online, both training options can help dogs and their handlers build stronger bonds, overcome behavior problems, and live happier lives together in the city.

A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in San Francisco

The top trainers in San Francisco are listed in this overview. If there are any trainers you are interested in, make sure to read the section that follows for more detailed information.

Online Vs. In-Person Training in San Francisco

Dog training can be done both in-person and online, with each offering its own benefits.

In-person dog training provides the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with a trainer, allowing for personalized attention and immediate feedback. It also offers a hands-on approach where owners can observe and practice training techniques with their dog in real-time.

Online dog training, on the other hand, provides convenience and flexibility as owners can participate from any location and at any time. It can also be cost-effective, and many online training programs offer a wealth of resources, such as video tutorials and interactive guides.

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in San Francisco

Not sure if you’d prefer in-person training or online training? Here is a short chart contrasting the two.

The Best Dog Training in San Francisco

There are many dog training options in San Francisco, but we’ve done some research to pick out the best of the best. Here are our top picks for dog training in San Francisco.

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

One of the greatest places to go for both in-person and online instruction is Dog Academy. Numerous courses are available, including those for 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.

Trainers with more than 25 years of experience and American Kennel Club certification created all of Dog Academy’s courses. Training is enjoyable, beneficial, and non-coercive. If you have any queries about their virtual training service, it’s simple to get in touch with the trainers via phone, email, or the website’s contact form. They also have a dozen trainers who cover every American city if you’d like to learn in person.

Primepaw

• Online or In-Person: Both
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy, Adolescent Dog, Adult Dog Training, and Day School.
• Price Range: $49.95-$2880
• Link to Website: https://www.primepaw.com
• Address: 243 Alabama St. San Francisco, CA 94103
• Phone Number: (628) 222-5932

With a focus on positive reinforcement and building your relationship with your pup, Primepaw’s range of courses will take your pooch from a new member of the family to fully fledged member of society.

They concentrate on getting your dog to focus on and interact with you rather than the outside distractions of the busy city. They also offer dog walking and daycare options which can be great if you’re ever getting out of the city.

SmartyPup

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Classes, Obedience Training, Happy Leash Training, and Day School.
• Price Range: $40-$2400
• Link to Website: https://www.smartypup.com
• Address: 3119 Vicente Street, San Francisco, CA 94116
• Phone Number: (415) 730-5149

SmartyPup helps you train your puppy to have good manners around people and other dogs alike. You and your dog are both students in all of SmartyPup’s classes. As well as an intensive day school for youngsters, they also offer socials where you can get your puppy used to meeting and behaving around other dogs.

Their focus is to guide and give you the tools to begin the process of training a happy, compliant, well-mannered dog.  It’s as much about training you as it is about your pooch.

Bark Busters

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Behavioral Issues, Puppy Training and Management, and Basic Obedience.
• Price Range: Contact for Details
• Link to Website: https://www.barkbusters.com
• Address: Lower Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
• Phone Number: 1-877-500-BARK (2275)

Bark Busters experts do their one-on-one instruction in your house, so you don’t have to worry about anxiety associated with boarding your pup. When you and your dog are ready, after learning in your house, their behavioral therapist and trainer will work with you as required outside and around actual distractions.

Bark Busters Home Dog Training provides a Life of Dog Support Guarantee that is unique in the industry, meaning that you have support for as long as you need it.

SF Puppy Prep

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Day School, and Puppy Socials
• Price Range:$35-$2300
• Link to Website: https://www.outdooreducationsf.com
• Address: 251 6th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Phone Number: (415) 618-0828

The programs at SF Puppy Prep are made to help you through a crucial period in your puppy’s life while helping them reach their full potential.

First, at SF Puppy Prep, they offer a secure environment where puppies can interact with one another and learn basic doggy manners. You can then enroll your pup in Outdoor Education SF for rigorous training in the real world of mega distractions once they’re fully vaccinated.

The Pooch Coach

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Basic And Advanced Obedience Training, Temperament Evaluations, Puppy Training, and Behavior Modification
• Price Range: Contact for Details
• Link to Website: https://www.poochcoach.com
• Address: 642 28th St, San Francisco, CA 94131
• Phone Number: (415) 643-3333

Working with The Pooch Coach can help you understand your dog better, learn basic dog training methods, and receive continuous assistance. For the remainder of your dog’s life, you will learn how to speak with them clearly and simply.

Beverly, the owner of The Pooch Coach, offers customized, individualized, empathic dog training, as well as assistance with behavior issues. She has a wealth of experience with aggressive problems and assisting timid, afraid dogs. Beverly has spent her entire life dealing with dogs. She has received training in canine obedience and training as well as animal behavior.

Better Nature Dog Training

• Online or In-Person: Both
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Basic Dog Training, and Behavior Consultations
• Price Range: $95-$150
• Link to Website: https://betternaturedogtraining.com
• Address: Diamond Heights, San Francisco, CA 94131
• Phone Number: (415) 305-0672

Better Nature Dog Training focuses on positive reinforcement techniques to train your dog, whether it’s for simple commands like “sit,” or problematic behavior modification.

This science-based method directs customers toward more fulfilling, healthy relationships with their canine partners by considering each dog’s background, temperament, and living situation.

Find the Right Dog Training for You

Dog training is challenging, but having a skilled expert at your side will put you on the right track. Regardless of the trainer you select, we are confident that with time, affection, and dedication, your dog will become the ‘goodest’ boy or girl they can be.