The Best Dog Training in Springfield, MA
8 minutesSpringfield, Massachusetts is located in the Western region of the state beside the Connecticut River. Its proximity to the river makes it a great place to live if you like waterfront views and activities. The seafood is delicious as well, and there are plenty of parks and trails to hike.
Springfield is also a wonderful place to live if you have a dog. Dogs can enjoy public spaces like parks and many pubs can accommodate dogs. That said, having the right training is important.
The best dog trainers in Springfield know the area and what your dog needs to know to thrive in it. Trainers will help with barking to keep your neighbors happy but also with socialization to ensure that they enjoy public spaces. As long you keep this in mind you’ll have no problem finding trainers in Springfield.
A Quick Look At the Best Dog Training in Springfield, MA
Take a quick look at some information about the top five trainers in Springfield, Massachusetts, below. We cover some information about cost and training programs.
Trainer | Price | Training Types | Online / In-Person |
Dog Academy | $49.99 – $349.99 | Obedience, Puppy Training, Psychiatric Service Dog Training | Both |
PeKing’s Paws | Consultation Required | AKC Canine Good Citizen, Service Dog Training, Deaf Dogs | In-Person |
Daragan’s Dog Training | $130 | Adult Dog Training, Puppy Training, Assessments | In-Person |
K-9 and Pets Dog Training | Free Consultation | Training Day Camp, Doggy Daycare, Personal & Family Protection | In-Person |
Petco Training | $179 – $279 | Puppy Training Levels 1 and 2, Adult Dog Training Levels 1 and 2 | Both |
Online vs. In-Person Training
The biggest factor to consider when looking into dog training is how the trainer will interact with your dog. Popular options include boarding programs, in-home training sessions, and video calls.
Each type of training is effective but how effective a trainer is depends on your dog and specific needs. For example, in-home sessions might not work because you’re too far from your local trainer.
That said, to understand the perks and benefits of these training methods it’s best to break them down by online and in-person dog training.
In-person dog training encompasses boarding, in-home training, and trainers that have you go to the park or their facility. The perks of in-person training come down to having more options because many trainers will also offer daycare, boarding, and grooming. Plus, the trainer gets physical interaction with your dog.
Online training is different when you consider the perks. What makes online dog training unique is that it’s flexible. With an online trainer, you can jump on a Zoom call or any other type of video call whenever. Also, many online trainers have additional information available on their website to help you continue your dog’s education.
Lastly, online trainers are usually more affordable and many trainers will offer free consultations.
Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Springfield
Below we list some of the perks of online and in-person training in Springfield.
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 Springfield
Springfield is home to a lot of dog trainers who know what they’re doing. While being a qualified dog trainer is a good place to start, it’s not enough to be considered the best.
Unfortunately, with so many options it gets hard to find the best choice without wasting time and money on consultations. Luckily, we’re here to help you narrow down your options by only listing the top five dog trainers in Springfield.
Learn more about each one 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
For all of your dog training needs, Dog Academy is always number one. What makes Dog Academy special is the company’s reach and flexibility. Trainers are available in all 50 states and you can choose between in-person and online trainers based on availability in your area.
All of the trainers with Dog Academy have certifications like certifications from the American Kennel Club (AKC). Aside from certifications, getting started is a breeze with Dog Academy. Classes are grouped into flexible packages that help you get all the training you need, while allowing you to study at your own pace.
Dog Academy also has hundreds of hours of online resources available to help you continue your dog’s education. Overall, Dog Academy does it all
PeKing’s Paws
- Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: AKC Canine Good Citizen, Service Dog Training, In-Home Training, Group Sessions, Public Access, Deaf Dogs
- Price Range: Consultation Required
- Link to Website: https://pekingspaws.thedogtrainer.org/new/?SiteID=1437&PageID=2227
- Address: 573 Plumtree Rd, Springfield, MA 01118
- Phone Number: 413-335-6714
Sherrie King is the lead trainer at PeKing’s Paws and takes her work seriously. King is a graduate of the Animal Behavior College and she has certifications like an ABC Certified Dog Trainer and more than 25 years of experience.
Because of her certifications, King offers tons of training courses and can even help many American Kennel Club dogs with training certifications like AKC STAR training and AKC Canine Good Citizen. Aside from these methods, Sherrie also offers traditional training options like commands, obedience, leash training, and much more.
Service dog training is also available and it’s affordable compared to other options. You’ll also find some unique classes for things like deaf dogs, which you won’t find elsewhere in Springfield.
Daragan’s Dog Care
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Adult Dog Training, Puppy Training, Assessments
- Price Range: $130
- Link to Website: https://www.daragansdogcare.com/
- Address: 77 Warehouse St, Springfield, MA 01118
- Phone Number: 417-427-3797
Daragan’s Dog Care has been around for years and offers comprehensive dog services. As a general dog care company, it offers some unique services that you can’t find with other trainers in Springfield. Some examples include grooming, daycare, boarding, and socialization solutions.
When it comes to training Daragan’s Dog Care’s philosophy comes down to personalization. The training company has experience with a lot of different dogs and people, so they know what most dogs need after the assessment. That said, one drawback we’ve noticed is that the assessment does cost money before you start training.
K-9 & Pets Dog Training
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Obedience Training, Puppy Lessons, Training Day Camp, Group Classes, Doggy Daycare, Personal & Family Protection
- Price Range: Free Consultation
- Link to Website: http://www.k9petsdogtraining.com/
- Address: 576 N Main St, East Longmeadow, MA 01028
- Phone Number: 413-271-1035
K-9 Pets Dog Training is a well-rounded trainer that offers an abundance of training options. Sergio A. Nieves is the lead trainer at K-9 Pets Dog Training and he has over 20 years of experience, beginning his training journey in 2002.
He has just about every certification possible from organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and he even has some unique certifications like first aid and trauma training.
Some other unique options you can’t find elsewhere in Springfield include family and personal protection, which can keep you safe. In total, this trainer has helped over 1,000 people train their dogs and they’re perfect for dogs of all ages and backgrounds. Plus, you can have your grooming taken care of by them as well.
Petco Training
- Online or In-Person: Online and In-Person
- Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training Level 1, Puppy Training Level 2, Adult Dog Training Level 1, Adult Dog Training Level 2
- Price Range: $179 – $279
- Link to Website: https://stores.petco.com/ma/springfield/dog-training-springfield-ma-792.html
- Address: 1694 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01129
- Phone Number: 413-543-2085
Petco Training is a large trainer and dog company based in Springfield, Massachusetts. There are plenty of trainers available and because it’s part of a large company you have access to plenty of resources.
While the training courses are simpler than some other options in Springfield, they’re affordable and flexible. For example, you can choose between in-person and online options that are organized into simple packages.
Petco Training is also well-rounded because it’s a full-service pet company. This means that you can get extra services like grooming, pet toys, and much more.
Find the Right Dog Training for You in Springfield
When you’re looking for dog training in Springfield, Massachusetts, make sure you go through your needs before working with the first trainer you’ve seen.
You’ll want to consider how you want your dog trained and if the trainer you like offers them. For example, you’ll have to shy away from online dog trainers if you need a trainer that offers in-home training or boarding services.
Also, consider how long you want to train your dog. If you want to continue your dog’s education for years to come you’ll be better off with online trainers like Dog Academy that have hundreds of hours worth of training information.
Regardless of who you choose, you can take comfort in knowing that the options we provided are the five best dog trainers in Springfield, Massachusetts.