The Best Dog Training in Tampa, FL

Like any big city, there’s a lot to do in and around Tampa, Florida. You’d be surprised that many of these activities are dog-friendly. You can take your dog to different parks and hiking trails, to the beach, to certain breweries and pet-friendly restaurants or cafes, and even to Hyde Park Village for some shopping.

However, if your pup isn’t well-behaved, outings are often more headache than fun. If you want to be able to enjoy Tampa with your dog, then trainers in the area can help.

There are many experienced trainers who can fix problem behaviors, teach manners, and improve your communication with your dog. In this article, we’ll be sharing with you the best trainers in Tampa who can help with any and all of your dog training needs. Keep reading to learn more!

A Quick Look at the Best Dog Training in Tampa

Here, we’ve created a table that provides an overview of the best trainers in Tampa. We have included more in-depth information on each trainer later in the article.

Online Vs. In-Person Training in Tampa

In recent years, online dog training has become a lot more prevalent. It’s just as viable as in-person training, and it’s very convenient as you can study from anywhere with an internet connection. Online training also tends to be the most affordable.

However, in-person training has its perks, too. It can be a great way to socialize your dog (and yourself), especially if you decide to take a group class. You and your dog will be able to make new friends. Since both online and in-person training are efficient, neither is necessarily better than the other. Which one you choose to utilize is up to your preference.

Perks of Online and In-Person Training in Tampa

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

The Best Dog Training in Tampa

There are numerous trainers servicing the Tampa area, and it can be difficult to sort through them all. Luckily, we’ve already researched them for you and have put together a list of training options that we think are the best the city has to offer. Take a look!

1). 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 is one of the best places to go for dog training as they have a large catalog of classes and they provide different modes of training. You can train with Dog Academy in person via private one-on-one lessons or group classes, or take an online course. Dog Academy has a dozen trainers servicing every city in the United States, including Tampa!

Available online courses include puppy training, basic obedience, psychiatric service dog training, emotional support dog training, leash manners, tricks, crate training, and more. There are even classes meant to address problem behaviors like barking and reactivity.

Not only does Dog Academy help you train your dog, but they help you train yourself! You can take a class to learn how to groom your dog at home or learn lifesaving techniques like first aid application and CPR administration.

All of Dog Academy’s courses are designed by AKC-certified trainers who have over 25 years of experience.  When working with Dog Academy online, you can easily contact trainers via phone, email, or the contact form on Dog Academy’s website should you have any questions.

2). Florida Dog Training School

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Behavior Modification
• Price Range: Contact for details
• Link to Website: https://www.fl-k9.com/
• Phone Number: (813) 951-4480

Florida Dog Training School is owned and operated by Helene Scott, a dog trainer with more than 15 years of experience. Her training technique uses positive reinforcement, love, and praise. Helene offers a number of different training options including puppy kindergarten, basic obedience, advanced obedience, and behavior modification.

She is able to provide solutions to problem behaviors such as barking, dog-to-dog aggression, chewing, destructive behavior, jumping, escaping, car sickness, separation anxiety, and more. Training is done in the comfort of your own home, so you do not have to travel.

3). Courteous Canine

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Aggression, Separation Anxiety, Reactivity, Behavior Modification, Agility, Scent Games, Manners, Obedience, Tricks, Parkour, Therapy Dog Training, Puppy Training, Dock Jumping
• Price Range: $35 – $175 for group classes, $65 – $612 for private training
• Link to Website: https://www.courteouscanine.com/
• Address: 3414 Melissa Country Way Lutz, FL 33559
• Phone Number: (813) 949-1465

Courteous Canine believes in using humane techniques that do not mentally or physically harm dogs. They specialize in treating aggressive behaviors, fear-based behaviors, separation anxiety, and barking. Though these may be their specialties, Courteous Canine offers a wide range of training options.

Not only do they help with basic, everyday issues such as bad manners, but they also offer a variety of dog sports classes. Based on your needs, you can choose to attend private, one-on-one training sessions at their facility or in your home or you can join a group class. Boarding-and-training is also available.

Group classes offered include agility, scent games, dog lure coursing, manners and trick training, parkour, therapy dog training, puppy training, dock jumping, and even a group class that helps expose reactive dogs to others in a safe environment. Courteous Canine also offers doggy daycare and pet sitting services.

4). Dogmatics LLC

• Online or In-Person: Both
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Behavior Modification, Obedience and Manners, Service Dog Training
• Price Range: Contact for details
• Link to Website: https://dogmaticsllc.com/
• Phone Number: (813)544-3886

Dogmatics LLC can help with just about any of your dog training needs. They offer custom training that can address a variety of behavior problems such as leash-pulling, jumping, barking, shyness, reactivity, and more.

They also provide puppy training which covers housetraining, good manners, and prevention practices to inhibit the development of bad habits. Dogmatics LLC even offers service dog training, which you may be able to get for free if you are a veteran.

You can receive training in the comfort of your own home or attend virtual training sessions via Zoom. If you don’t have a lot of time to spare to train your dog, Dogmatics also offers day training. A trainer will come to your house and work with your dog either while you’re away or busy with other tasks.

5). South Tampa Dog Training

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Obedience and Manners, Behavior Modification, Reactivity
• Price Range: $75/hour or $205 for 3 sessions
• Link to Website: https://www.southtampadogtraining.com/
• Phone Number: (917) 488-3757

South Tampa Dog Training is owned and operated by Alison Alfandre. Alison believes in a fun, positive approach to training that does not use harmful tools like prong collars or choke chains. She can help train dogs of any age and can address many different issues and needs.

South Tampa Dog Training can help you with problems such as chewing, barking, jumping, puppy nipping, pulling, reactivity, guarding, house training, and more. All training takes place as a one-on-one session in the privacy of your own home, so you do not have to travel.

6). The Dog Training Club of Tampa

• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Types of Training Courses: Puppy Training, Obedience, Agility, Barn Hunt, Conformation, Flyball, Scent Work, Tricks, Therapy Dog Training
• Price Range: $128 for Structured Instructional Classes, $22 for Instructional Drop-In Classes, $78 for Mini and Transition Classes
• Link to Website: https://thedogtrainingcluboftampa.org/
• Address: 6620 Garsh Loop, Tampa, FL 33614
• Phone Number: (813)931-7387

As the name suggests, the Dog Training Club of Tampa is a club for dog lovers who enjoy training their dogs. The club is non-profit and is run by its own members, with those who are especially knowledgeable providing training lessons to others.

Group classes are the main mode of training offered by The Dog Training Club of Tampa, Classes offered include puppy training, obedience, agility, barn hunt, conformation, flyball, scent work, tricks, and even therapy dog training. Though the club does offer a membership, you do not have to become a member in order to take a class.

The club offers different types of classes as well–structured instructional classes lasting 7 weeks and drop-in classes that are not ongoing. The club also hosts trials and events and many of the classes offered are designed for those who wish to compete with their dogs in such events.

Find the Right Dog Training for You

With so many options, it can be difficult to choose the best dog trainer for your needs. If you’re on a budget, we would recommend Dog Academy or The Dog Training Club of Tampa as the most affordable options. The latter is also a great choice if you’re interested in dog sports or competitions.

If your dog has a serious behavioral issue like aggression or separation anxiety, you’ll want to contact Courteous Canine or Florida Dog Training School. For less serious but still unwanted behaviors, try South Tampa Dog Training or Dogmatics. Dogmatics also offers service dog training for those with disabilities who feel a service dog may benefit them, and they offer this training for free to veterans who qualify.

No matter which trainer you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a lot of success as long as you train with love, patience, and consistency. Good luck and remember that dog training should be fun!