Best Dog Trainers

The Best Dog Training in St. Petersburg, FL

BY DOGACADEMY PUBLISHED: April 18, 2023 UPDATED: April 28, 2023
9 minutes

St. Petersburg is home to a variety of dog training options, from basic obedience training to specialized programs for dogs with behavior issues. These training options can help dogs learn new skills and behaviors, improve their socialization, and build stronger bonds with their handlers. Additionally, training can help prevent behavior problems and make life more enjoyable for the dog and their family.

One of the most popular types of dog training in St. Petersburg is obedience training. This type of training focuses on teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, and come, as well as walking nicely on a leash and other important skills. Obedience training can help prevent behavior problems such as jumping on people, pulling on the leash, and ignoring commands. It can also improve the bond between the dog and their handler by increasing communication and trust.

In addition to obedience training, St. Petersburg also offers specialized programs for dogs with behavior issues such as aggression, fear, and anxiety. These programs may use positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs learn to be more comfortable in challenging situations or may involve more intensive behavior modification techniques. These programs can be particularly helpful for dogs that have experienced trauma or neglect or have developed problematic behaviors due to a lack of socialization.

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

St. Petersburg is a city that loves its dogs, and with a variety of training options available, it’s easy for dog owners to find the right program to meet their needs. Whether you’re looking to prevent behavior problems before they start, improve your dog’s obedience skills, or address more complex behavior issues, there’s a dog training option in St. Petersburg that can help you and your furry friend.

A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in St. Petersburg

Before we dive into a detailed review of each option, below is a summary table of the best dog training options in St. Petersburg.

Trainer Price Training Types Online / In-Person
Dog Academy $49.99 – $349.99 Obedience classes, behavioral issues, puppy training, psychiatric service dog training Both
Pet Peeves Animal Training Contact for details Obedience training, behavior modification, agility, and service dog training In-Person
No Bones About It $50-$280 Obedience, behavior modification, and agility In-Person
Dogmandu Family Dog Training Contact for details Puppy kindergarten, manners lessons, and Canine Good Citizen prep In-Person
K9-Star Contact for details Basic obedience and manners training, puppy classes, and nose work In-Person
Groovy Dogs $675-$1275 Obedience training and behavior modification In-Person
UB Haven Contact for details Obedience training Both

Online vs. In-Person Training in St. Petersburg

When it comes to dog training in St. Petersburg, there are two options to choose from: in-person and online training. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and we detail them below.

In-person training provides the benefit of one-on-one interaction with a trainer and the ability to work on specific behaviors in real-time. It can be particularly helpful for dogs with more complex behavior issues or for owners who want a more hands-on approach to training. A trainer can provide immediate feedback and adjust their training techniques as needed to achieve the desired results. Additionally, in-person training sessions can be a great way to socialize dogs with other pets and people, which can be beneficial for their overall behavior and well-being.

On the other hand, online training can be a good option for dogs that are easily distracted or anxious in new environments. It offers the convenience of training from the comfort of your own home and the flexibility to work at your own pace. Online training allows for training sessions to take place in a familiar setting, which can be less stressful for some dogs. It also provides the flexibility to work around busy schedules and can often be less expensive than in-person training.
Woman with dog, Flora Wylie beach

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in St. Petersburg

In case you’re still overwhelmed by the choices available to you, here’s a quick table outlining the benefits of each type of dog training.

Online Training In-Person Training
Study at Your Own Pace x
Socializes Your Dog x
Replays Available x
Trainer Can Come to Your Home x

The Best Dog Training in St. Petersburg

To help you find the right dog trainer in St. Petersburg, we’ve compiled a list of the best trainers in the area. Each of these trainers offers unique skills and approaches to dog training, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs and the needs of your furry friend.

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

The best place for dog training is Dog Academy. Dog Academy’s ability to stand apart results from the company’s dedication to positive training methods, a straightforward online user interface, face-to-face interaction, and educational excellence. Dog Academy provides the most cost-effective online alternative to in-person instruction if you require more flexibility or are on a restricted budget (with the results to back it up).

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

If you’re looking for in-person instruction, they provide a group of twelve qualified trainers who cover every region in the US. Dog Academy also provides some of the most cost-effective and flexible package options. These reasons should make Dog Academy a well-rounded option whenever you need local or online dog training.

Pet Peeves Animal Training

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Obedience Training, Behavior Modification, Agility, Service Dog Training
  • Price Range: Contact for details
  • Link to Website: https://petpeeves.info
  • Address: 1000 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756
  • Phone Number: (727) 548-PETS (7387)

At Pet Peeves, they adamantly oppose the harsh and antiquated method of training your dog that involves utilizing a choke chain, pinch collar, stern words, and physical force or intimidation. This old “train by force” philosophy is never a good option for moral training and is unpleasant for everyone involved especially your pet. The truth is that you shouldn’t ever have to physically or emotionally threaten your pet to train them.

At Pet Peeves Animal Training, Inc., professional dog trainers and animal behaviorists teach you how to be the dependable, sympathetic, and responsible leader your pet will willingly follow.

No Bones About It

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Obedience, Behavior Modification, Agility
  • Price Range: $50-$280
  • Link to Website: http://nobonesaboutit.biz
  • Address: 1128 24th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
  • Phone Number: (727) 459-3562

No Bones About It is owned by Phyllis Mazzarisi. She became a certified dog trainer through Jo-Thor’s Dog Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1999. She has undergone numerous workshops with dog behaviorists Ian Dunbar and Patricia McConnell, as well as shadowing Cesar Milan and Pia Silvani. The emphasis at No Bones About It is on the dog’s needs and positive training, and Phyllis has more than 15 years of experience training dogs using this method.

Dogmandu Family Dog Training

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Puppy Kindergarten, Manners Lessons, Canine Good Citizen Prep
  • Price Range: Contact for details
  • Link to Website: https://www.dogmandu.net
  • Address: 7201 Grevilla Ave S, South Pasadena, FL 33707
  • Phone Number: (610) 248-0467

Theresa Reiter is a qualified, experienced, licensed, insured, and professional dog trainer. Theresa is dedicated to learning new techniques to train dogs positively and regularly attends new classes and seminars to continue her education. Dog training that uses positive reinforcement rewards good behavior by using the things that inspire your dog. Finding your dog’s motivation is crucial; it could be food, a toy, vocal praise, your focus, or any combination. By rewarding your dog with their desired things, you can enhance desired behaviors.

K9-Star

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Basic Obedience and Manners Training, Puppy Classes, Nose Work
  • Price Range: Contact for details
  • Link to Website: https://www.k9-star.com
  • Address: 10840 61st Ave, Seminole, FL 33772
  • Phone Number: (727) 421-1146

K-9 Star prides itself on exclusively using positive reinforcement-based training and its ability to train any breed of dog. Located in Seminole, about a 30-minute drive from St. Petersburg, K-9 Star offers several different training packages, ranging from “family dog” training to more advanced things like nose work, and all packages are customizable. K-9 Star is a great option for new rescue dogs needing an obedience tune-up or for owners looking for long-term personalized training.

Groovy Dogs

  • Online or In-Person: In-Person
  • Types of Training Courses: Obedience Training and Behavior Modification
  • Price Range: $675-$1275
  • Link to Website: https://www.groovydogs.us
  • Address: 4435 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
  • Phone Number: (850) 764-3677

Groovy Dogs focuses its training on teaching their clients how to build trusting relationships with their dogs. Their trust-based training only utilizes positive reinforcement throughout weeks-long intensive training courses. Along with individual training, they also offer group classes and workshops. A free consultation with Groovy Dogs can help you figure out if they are the best fit for you and your pooch.

UBHaven

  • Online or In-Person: Both
  • Types of Training Courses: Obedience Training
  • Price Range: Contact for details
  • Link to Website: https://ubhaven.com
  • Address: 2414 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712
  • Phone Number: (727) 455-3547

UBHaven believes in having a humanitarian approach while giving ethical solutions. A wealth of scientific research supports positive reinforcement training. Their training program aims to instill confidence and trust while reducing tension and anxiety in the required day-to-day encounters. They only employ positive reinforcement-based training techniques when working with dogs and their parents.

Find the Right Dog Training for You

Choosing the right dog trainer can make all the difference in achieving your training goals and building a strong relationship with your furry friend. To find the right dog trainer in St. Petersburg, it’s important to first identify your training needs and goals. Do you want to address specific behavior issues or improve your dog’s obedience skills? Do you prefer in-person training or the convenience of online training?

Take the time to read reviews and check out each trainer’s credentials and training methods. Many trainers offer free consultations or introductory sessions, which can be a great way to get a feel for their training style and determine if it’s a good fit for you and your dog.

Remember, finding the right trainer is a process and may take some trial and error. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and be clear about your expectations. With the right trainer, you and your furry friend can achieve your training goals and build a strong and rewarding relationship.