Philadelphia is a city of history, culture, and diversity. It is also a city of dogs, who deserve the best training possible. That’s why you are looking for the best dog trainers in Philadelphia, who can help you and your dog enjoy a happy and harmonious relationship. In this page, you will find a list of the finest dog trainers in Philadelphia, who have the knowledge, experience, and passion to help you and your dog achieve your goals. Whether you want to teach your dog basic commands, socialize them with other dogs, or prepare them for advanced skills, you will find a trainer who can meet your needs and expectations. Browse through each trainer’s profile, their services, and their reviews from satisfied customers.
Best Dog Trainers in Philadelphia, PA
1. Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training
- Address: 3510 Scotts Ln #3112, Philadelphia, PA 19129
- Phone: (267) 571-1231
- Website: http://www.opbarks.com/
Opportunity Barks is a Philadelphia-based dog training company that offers a variety of services for dogs and their owners. The founder and head trainer, Leigh Siegfried, is an award-winning dog trainer and behavior consultant who has been featured on TV, radio, and magazines. She and her team of certified trainers use positive reinforcement methods to teach dogs practical skills and manners, as well as to address behavior issues such as aggression, anxiety, and reactivity.
Opportunity Barks offers private lessons for puppies and dogs of all ages and levels, either at their facility or at the client’s home. They also have a training membership program that allows graduates of their private lessons to access monthly classes and events at different locations, such as fenced acreage with creeks, city streets, and country trails. These classes and events are designed to maintain, build, and challenge the dog’s skills in different environments and situations.
Some of the classes and events that Opportunity Barks offers include:
- Puppy Socialization
- Basic Manners
- Advanced Manners
- Leash Walking
- Recall
- Agility
- Nose Work
- Tricks
- Urban Adventure
- Country Adventure
Opportunity Barks also provides boarding and daycare services for dogs that need a safe and comfortable place to stay while their owners are away. The dogs are supervised by trained staff and enjoy daily walks, playtime, enrichment activities, and training sessions.
Highlights
- Award-winning dog trainer and behavior consultant
- Positive reinforcement methods
- Private lessons for puppies and dogs
- Training membership program with monthly classes and events
- Boarding and daycare services
2. Stronghaus Dog Training Center
- Address: 12323 Wyndom Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
- Phone: (732) 997-2993
- Website: https://stronghaus.com/
Stronghaus Dog Training Center is a professional dog training company that serves the Tri-State Area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The owner and head trainer, Chris Carr, is an accomplished dog trainer and behaviorist who has over 20 years of experience in the field. He has trained hundreds of dogs and owners in various disciplines, such as obedience, protection, behavior modification, Schutzhund, and drug detection. He has also competed at national and international dog training events, produced his own video on Schutzhund helper work, and trained dogs for movies and celebrities.
Stronghaus Dog Training Center offers private one-on-one lessons at their location or a board and train program where the dog stays with the trainer for a period of time. They tailor their training methods to the individual needs and personality of each dog, using positive reinforcement with kindness, patience, and consistency. They also provide follow-up support and guidance to ensure the success of the training.
Some of the types of training that Stronghaus Dog Training Center offers include:
- Puppy and Dog Obedience Training
- Pet and Body Guard Training
- Dog Behavior Modification
- Security Dog Training
- Schutzhund Training
Stronghaus Dog Training Center also participates in community programs such as the Philadelphia Eagles TAWK Program and provides obedience training for dogs up for adoption at the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Highlights
- Professional dog trainer and behaviorist with over 20 years of experience
- Private one-on-one lessons or board and train program
- Customized training methods based on the dog’s individual needs and personality
- Various disciplines such as obedience, protection, behavior modification, Schutzhund, and drug detection
- Community involvement and social responsibility
3. Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training
- Address: 38 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Phone: (267) 571-1231
- Website: http://www.opbarks.com/
Opportunity Barks is a Philadelphia-based dog training company that offers a variety of services for dogs and their owners. The founder and head trainer, Leigh Siegfried, is an award-winning dog trainer and behavior consultant who has been featured on TV, radio, and magazines. She and her team of certified trainers use positive reinforcement methods to teach dogs practical skills and manners, as well as to address behavior issues such as aggression, anxiety, and reactivity.
Opportunity Barks has two locations in Philadelphia: one in East Falls and one in Old City. The Old City location is a cozy studio that offers private lessons for puppies and dogs of all ages and levels. The private lessons are customized to the client’s goals and needs, whether it is basic obedience, leash walking, recall, or behavior modification. The lessons are also flexible and can be scheduled at the client’s convenience.
Opportunity Barks also provides boarding and daycare services for dogs that need a safe and comfortable place to stay while their owners are away. The dogs are supervised by trained staff and enjoy daily walks, playtime, enrichment activities, and training sessions.
Highlights
- Award-winning dog trainer and behavior consultant
- Positive reinforcement methods
- Private lessons for puppies and dogs
- Cozy studio in Old City
- Boarding and daycare services
4. Penn Vet Working Dog Center
- Address: 3401 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Phone: (215) 898-2200
- Website: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-initiatives/penn-vet-working-dog-center
Penn Vet Working Dog Center is a research and development center for detection dogs that aims to advance the science and application of working dogs. The center was founded by Dr. Cynthia Otto, a veterinarian and professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The center was inspired by the search and rescue dogs that responded to the 9/11 attacks and opened on September 11, 2012.
Penn Vet Working Dog Center trains dogs to detect various substances and situations that can benefit society, such as explosives, narcotics, human remains, missing persons, cancer, diabetes, ovarian cancer, and wildlife scat. The center also conducts research on the genetics, behavior, health, and performance of working dogs. The center collaborates with other academic institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners to share knowledge and resources.
Penn Vet Working Dog Center offers educational programs for students, veterinarians, handlers, trainers, and canine enthusiasts. The center hosts tours, lectures, workshops, seminars, webinars, and conferences on various topics related to working dogs. The center also runs a canine handler academy that teaches the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional detection dog handler.
Highlights
- Research and development center for detection dogs
- Inspired by the search and rescue dogs of 9/11
- Trains dogs to detect various substances and situations
- Conducts research on the genetics, behavior, health, and performance of working dogs
- Offers educational programs for students, veterinarians, handlers, trainers, and canine enthusiasts
5. DareDevil Dog Training
- Address: 3222 Latona St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Phone: (610) 800-2372
- Website: https://www.daredevildogtraining.com/
DareDevil Dog Training is a dog training company that specializes in behavior modification and obedience training for dogs of all breeds and ages. The owner and head trainer, Alyssa Craig, is a certified professional dog trainer who has over 10 years of experience in the industry. She has trained hundreds of dogs with various issues, such as aggression, anxiety, reactivity, resource guarding, jumping, barking, digging, and more. She has also competed in the protection sport PSA with her Belgian Malinois, Dare, who is the inspiration for her company name.
DareDevil Dog Training offers private in-home lessons and board and train programs for clients who want to achieve their training goals in a fast and effective way. The private lessons are tailored to the client’s needs and schedule, and the board and train programs are conducted at the trainer’s home where the dog receives daily training, socialization, and exercise. The trainer uses a balanced approach that combines positive reinforcement with clear communication and structure to teach the dog how to behave appropriately in any situation.
DareDevil Dog Training also offers group classes for clients who want to practice their skills in a social setting with other dogs and owners. The group classes cover topics such as basic obedience, advanced obedience, leash manners, recall, tricks, and more. The group classes are held at various locations in Philadelphia, such as parks, trails, and urban areas.
Highlights
- Certified professional dog trainer with over 10 years of experience
- Behavior modification and obedience training for dogs of all breeds and ages
- Private in-home lessons and board and train programs
- Balanced approach that combines positive reinforcement with clear communication and structure
- Group classes for socialization and practice
6. The Philly Pack
- Address: 2224 Gerritt St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Phone: (215) 459-3539
- Website: http://thephillypack.com/
The Philly Pack is a dog training company that focuses on helping dog owners meet their dog’s fundamental needs through exercise and social stimulation within a pack dynamic. The owners and trainers, Krista Milito and Jeremy Burger, are experienced dog handlers who have worked with hundreds of dogs with various behavioral issues, such as aggression, fear, anxiety, and reactivity. They use a balanced approach that combines positive reinforcement with clear communication and structure to teach the dog how to behave appropriately in any situation.
The Philly Pack offers several services for dogs and their owners, such as:
- Pack Walks: A high-endurance exercise program that involves walking a group of dogs in different locations and terrains, such as parks, trails, and urban areas. The pack walks help the dogs burn off excess energy, socialize with other dogs, and learn how to follow the pack leader.
- Daycare: A safe and comfortable place for dogs to stay while their owners are away. The dogs enjoy daily pack walks, playtime, enrichment activities, and training sessions. The daycare also provides grooming, bathing, and nail trimming services.
- Boarding: A home-away-from-home for dogs that need overnight care. The dogs stay at the trainer’s home where they receive the same benefits as the daycare dogs, plus cozy beds and couches to sleep on.
- Training: Private lessons or board and train programs for dogs that need more personalized attention and guidance. The training covers topics such as basic obedience, leash manners, recall, crate training, housebreaking, and behavior modification.
The Philly Pack also has a pet shop that sells high-quality products for dogs, such as food, treats, toys, collars, leashes, harnesses, and more.
Highlights
- Experienced dog handlers who work with behavioral issues
- Exercise and social stimulation within a pack dynamic
- Pack walks in different locations and terrains
- Daycare, boarding, grooming, and bathing services
- Training for basic obedience and behavior modification
7. Lightpaws Dog Training
- Address: 348 Krams Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
- Phone: (267) 432-0978
- Website: http://www.lightpawsdogtraining.com/
Lightpaws Dog Training is a dog training company that offers expert canine behavior services for your best friend. The owner and trainer, Corrine Lightfoot, is a certified professional dog trainer who has over 10 years of experience in the industry. She has worked with hundreds of dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments, using positive reinforcement and play to teach them practical skills and manners. She also has a passion for dog sports, such as rally, agility, tricks, and more.
Lightpaws Dog Training offers several services for dogs and their owners, such as:
- Puppy Training: A program that covers the essentials of raising a well-behaved puppy, such as potty training, basic commands, leash walking, leave it, no nipping, no jumping, no excessive barking, and socialization. The program also prepares the puppy for the AKC S.T.A.R Puppy test.
- Basic Obedience: A program that teaches the dog the foundation of good behavior, such as sit, down, stay, come, heel, drop it, wait, and go to bed. The program also helps the dog overcome common issues, such as pulling on the leash, jumping on people, barking at other dogs, and chewing on furniture.
- Advanced Obedience: A program that builds on the basic obedience skills and challenges the dog to perform them in different situations and environments. The program also introduces new commands, such as place, touch, spin, roll over, and more. The program also prepares the dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
- Dog Sports: A program that introduces the dog to various fun and stimulating activities that enhance their physical and mental abilities. The program includes rally, agility, tricks, nose work, flyball, dock diving, and more.
Lightpaws Dog Training also provides in-home consultations for dogs that need more personalized attention and guidance. The trainer will assess the dog’s behavior and environment and provide a customized plan to address the specific issues and goals.
Highlights
- Certified professional dog trainer with over 10 years of experience
- Positive reinforcement and play-based methods
- Puppy training with AKC S.T.A.R Puppy test preparation
- Basic obedience with AKC Canine Good Citizen test preparation
- Advanced obedience with new commands and challenges
- Dog sports with rally, agility, tricks, nose work, flyball, dock diving, and more
8. Petco Dog Training
- Address: 3300 Aramingo Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
- Phone: (215) 423-4414
- Website: https://stores.petco.com/pa/philadelphia/dog-training-philadelphia-pa-290.html
Petco Dog Training is a dog training service that offers quality, preventive care to help ensure your pet’s health and wellness. Petco is a leading pet retailer that provides a variety of products and services for dogs, cats, and other pets. Petco has over 1,500 locations across the United States, including one in Port Richmond, Philadelphia.
Petco Dog Training offers positive dog training classes that encourage good behavior through fun and informative group or private lessons led by expert dog trainers. Petco also offers online dog training sessions that can be done in the comfort of your home. Petco’s dog training classes cover various topics, such as:
- Puppy Level 1: A 6-week introductory group class that focuses on proper socialization and teaches desired behaviors and cues to address common puppy challenges, such as potty training, chewing, teething, digging, and more. For puppies 2-4 months old.
- Puppy Level 2: A 6-week intermediate group class that expands on the behaviors and basic cues learned in Puppy Level 1, introducing the concept of establishing behaviors as routines, fun games to keep your puppy’s mind active and engaged, and more advanced training cues. For puppies 4-6 months old.
- Adult Dog Level 1: A 6-week introductory group class that is designed to help you better communicate with and train your dog. Dogs will learn behaviors and cues, such as leave it, wait, loose leash walking, and more. The class also includes additional behavioral tips to stop unwanted jumping, barking, digging, and more. For dogs over 6 months old.
- Adult Dog Level 2: A 6-week intermediate group class that expands on the behaviors and cues learned in Adult Level 1, introducing distractions, distance, duration, and more. The class also teaches new commands, such as place, touch, spin, roll over, and more. For dogs who have completed Adult Level 1 or equivalent.
- AKC Canine Good Citizen: A program that teaches the skills needed for your dog to become a well-mannered and responsible member of society. The program consists of two parts: a 6-week preparatory course that covers the 10 test items of the AKC CGC test and the actual test administered by an AKC-approved evaluator. For dogs who have completed Adult Level 2 or equivalent.
Petco Dog Training also offers value packages that combine different classes for a discounted price. Some of the value packages are:
- Puppy Essentials Package: A 2-class package covering the basics of your puppy’s educational needs. Includes Puppy Level 1, Puppy Level 2 and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
- Puppy Complete Package: A comprehensive package giving your puppy the very best in training. Includes Puppy Level 1, Puppy Level 2, one of the adult dog classes, one private lesson and the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
- Adult Dog Essentials Package: A 2-class package covering the basics of your dog’s educational needs. Includes Adult Dog Level 1 and Adult Dog Level 2.
- Adult Dog Complete Package: A comprehensive package giving your dog the very best in training. Includes Adult Dog Level 1, Adult Dog Level 2, AKC Canine Good Citizen course and test.
Highlights
- Leading pet retailer with over 1,500 locations
- Positive dog training classes led by expert dog trainers
- Online dog training sessions available
- Puppy and adult dog classes with AKC certification options
- Value packages with discounted prices
9. Petco Dog Training
- Address: 9717 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19114
- Phone: (215) 671-9601
- Website: https://stores.petco.com/pa/philadelphia/dog-training-philadelphia-pa-1768.html
Petco Dog Training is a dog training service that offers quality, preventive care to help ensure your pet’s health and wellness. Petco is a leading pet retailer that provides a variety of products and services for dogs, cats, and other pets. Petco has over 1,500 locations across the United States, including one in Northeast Philadelphia.
Petco Dog Training offers positive dog training classes that encourage good behavior through fun and informative group or private lessons led by expert dog trainers. Petco also offers online dog training sessions that can be done in the comfort of your home. Petco’s dog training classes cover various topics, such as:
- Puppy Level 1: A 6-week introductory group class that focuses on proper socialization and teaches desired behaviors and cues to address common puppy challenges, such as potty training, chewing, teething, digging, and more. For puppies 2-4 months old.
- Puppy Level 2: A 6-week intermediate group class that expands on the behaviors and basic cues learned in Puppy Level 1, introducing the concept of establishing behaviors as routines, fun games to keep your puppy’s mind active and engaged, and more advanced training cues. For puppies 4-6 months old.
- Adult Dog Level 1: A 6-week introductory group class that is designed to help you better communicate with and train your dog. Dogs will learn behaviors and cues, such as leave it, wait, loose leash walking, and more. The class also includes additional behavioral tips to stop unwanted jumping, barking, digging, and more. For dogs over 6 months old.
- Adult Dog Level 2: A 6-week intermediate group class that expands on the behaviors and cues learned in Adult Level 1, introducing distractions, distance, duration, and more. The class also teaches new commands, such as place, touch, spin, roll over, and more. For dogs who have completed Adult Level 1 or equivalent.
- AKC Canine Good Citizen: A program that teaches the skills needed for your dog to become a well-mannered and responsible member of society. The program consists of two parts: a 6-week preparatory course that covers the 10 test items of the AKC CGC test and the actual test administered by an AKC-approved evaluator. For dogs who have completed Adult Level 2 or equivalent.
Petco Dog Training also offers value packages that combine different classes for a discounted price. Some of the value packages are:
- Puppy Essentials Package: A 2-class package covering the basics of your puppy’s educational needs. Includes Puppy Level 1, Puppy Level 2 and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
- Puppy Complete Package: A comprehensive package giving your puppy the very best in training. Includes Puppy Level 1, Puppy Level 2, one of the adult dog classes, one private lesson and the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
- Adult Dog Essentials Package: A 2-class package covering the basics of your dog’s educational needs. Includes Adult Dog Level 1 and Adult Dog Level 2.
- Adult Dog Complete Package: A comprehensive package giving your dog the very best in training. Includes Adult Dog Level 1, Adult Dog Level 2, AKC Canine Good Citizen course and test.
Highlights
- Leading pet retailer with over 1,500 locations
- Positive dog training classes led by expert dog trainers
- Online dog training sessions available
- Puppy and adult dog classes with AKC certification options
- Value packages with discounted prices
10. SoozyPooch
- Address: 800 N 2nd St Suite 199, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- Phone: (717) 201-6290
- Website: http://www.soozypooch.com/
SoozyPooch is a dog training company that specializes in dog behavior and communication. The owner and trainer, Soozy Pooch, is a certified dog behaviorist and trainer who has over 20 years of experience in the industry. She has worked with thousands of dogs and owners with various issues, such as aggression, anxiety, reactivity, house soiling, jumping, barking, digging, chewing, and more. She has also appeared on TV, radio, and magazines as a dog expert.
SoozyPooch offers a fun and highly effective program that goes beyond basic obedience. SoozyPooch will help you to learn your dog’s language and in turn help you teach your dog your language. She uses a proven method of learning that involves playing games with your dog that are designed to create a better understanding of each other and cultivate a healthier and happier relationship.
SoozyPooch offers two game plans for dogs and their owners:
- The Six-Visit Game Plan: A program that consists of six visits to your home and areas of concern. You will set up goals and be shown the steps on how to accomplish them. Each visit lasts 2 hours and is filled with games chosen for you and your dog to deal with any issues or problems you are having.
- The Three-Visit Game Plan: A program that consists of three visits to your home and areas of concern. This program was created exclusively for the more experienced dog owner who is having trouble with specific issues, such as submissive urination, excessive barking, hyperactivity, digging, and chewing.
Some of the games that SoozyPooch uses include:
- Top Dog: A game that teaches you how to establish yourself as the alpha leader of the pack.
- The Tricks of Giving Commands: A game that teaches you how to give clear and consistent commands to your dog.
- Trust: A game that teaches you how to build trust and confidence with your dog.
SoozyPooch also provides video tutorials on her website that show you how to play some of the games with your dog.
Highlights
- Certified dog behaviorist and trainer with over 20 years of experience
- Dog behavior and communication specialist
- Fun and effective program that involves playing games with your dog
- Two game plans for different levels of needs
- Video tutorials on the website
