Dog Trainers in California (Programs and Prices)

In California, pricing for a 6-week group class starts at $100, while private training runs about $145 per hour and board-and-train programs are typically between $506 and $1,860 per week.

Barklen currently lists 401 dog training businesses offering 2,347 programs across 153 California cities. Of those programs, 1,168 publish pricing, which gives us a pretty good picture of what dog owners can expect to pay across the state.

San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco currently have the largest number of published businesses based on Barklen's published criteria.

Last updated: Sep 18, 2026

Marin Pet Care Pros LLC: dog training in Novato, CA
Marin Pet Care Pros LLC
Novato, CA
Score 100

Marin Pet Care Pros in Novato offers Board and Train for puppies and friendly dogs in a private home setting, with positive reinforcement-focused training and socialization.

5.0(36 Google Reviews)

Transparency

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Good Dog Happy Dog LLC
San Francisco, CA
Score 100

Specializes in reactive, fearful, and bite-history dogs through online-only sessions—coordinates with vets and behaviorists for complex cases

5.0(14 Google Reviews)

Transparency

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Private Consulation
Pawsitive K9 Solutions LLC
Long Beach, CA
Score 100

KPA-certified trainer with 22 years experience offering home-based board and train with shuttle service, plus ongoing "trainer in your pocket" support via text

4.8(53 Google Reviews)

Transparency

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Brent Cady Dog Training
Encinitas, CA
Score 100

Karen Pryor Academy certified trainer with dedicated outdoor facility, limits day school to two dogs at a time for individualized attention

5.0(1 Google Reviews)

Transparency

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K9 Optima
Antioch, CA
Score 98

Specializes in severe reactivity and aggression cases using helper dogs for controlled exposure; board-and-train dogs live in-home rather than kenneled

5.0(167 Google Reviews)

Transparency

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Dog trainer Rollin Perry & dog
Sit With Rollin
Van Nuys, CA
Score 96

In-home and virtual sessions using marker training and LIMA ethics; offers a "busy pet parent" package where trainer works with your dog while you're away

5.0(144 Google Reviews)

Transparency

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Golan Dogs: dog training in Poway, CA
Golan Dogs
Poway, CA
Score 96

Private lessons, puppy training, day training, and board-and-train programs from seven to 21 days, with a humane, tool-limited approach based in the San Diego area.

5.0(105 Google Reviews)

Transparency

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Aly's Puppy Boot Camp
Arroyo Grande, CA
Score 91

Board-and-train on a working ranch with farm animal exposure; known locally as the "Doodle Whisperer" and also sells pre-trained puppies ready for families

5.0(70 Google Reviews)

Transparency

Price transparency
0%
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Active Canine Academy: dog training in Riverside, CA
Active Canine Academy
Riverside, CA
Score 90

Board & train programs from two to five weeks, plus specialized separation anxiety and service dog training across Riverside, LA, and Orange County

5.0(55 Google Reviews)

Transparency

Price transparency
0%
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Fidelis K9: dog training in Orangevale, CA
Fidelis K9
Orangevale, CA
Score 97

Rancho Cordova dog training with drop-off School of Foundations programs, Private Lessons, Group Classes, aggression-focused Private Lessons, and advanced CGC and UCGC preparation.

5.0(51 Google Reviews)

Transparency

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Browse by city

Which California cities have dog trainers?

Every city below has at least three published businesses.

53 cities

Dog trainers in smaller California cities

These cities have fewer than three published businesses, so they do not have a separate city page yet. Each name below opens that trainer's profile.

Antioch

Bermuda Dunes

Castro Valley

Garden Valley

Hermosa Beach

La Quinta

Lakewood

Mountain View

North Highlands

Orangevale

Rancho Cordova

Rancho Palos Verdes

Rancho Santa Fe

Sun Valley

How much does dog training cost in California?

Dog training prices in California by program type

  • Group Classes

    Typical low
    $100 per course
    Typical high
    $375 per course
    Median
    $180 per course
    Samples
    298
  • Private Lessons

    Typical low
    $70 per hour
    Typical high
    $205 per hour
    Median
    $145 per hour
    Samples
    161
  • Board and Train

    Typical low
    $506 per week
    Typical high
    $1,860 per week
    Median
    $1,000 per week
    Samples
    9
  • In-Home Training

    Typical low
    $55 per session
    Typical high
    $221 per session
    Median
    $140 per session
    Samples
    60
  • Virtual Training

    Typical low
    $46 per session
    Typical high
    $198 per session
    Median
    $98 per session
    Samples
    32

For national medians, method disclosure, and certification rates, see the Dog Training Industry Report 2026 →

Do dog trainers in California need a license?

California requires dog trainers to disclose civil judgments and animal cruelty convictions under Assembly Bill 1901 (effective January 2023). Ask trainers how they meet AB 1901 disclosure requirements before you book.

Frequently asked questions about dog trainers in California

Do dog trainers in California need a license?

California does not issue a general license for dog trainers, but AB 1901 requires disclosure of certain civil judgments and animal cruelty convictions. Always ask for that disclosure in writing.

How should I compare dog trainers across California?

Compare published program types, pricing when available, certifications, and whether they accept reactive dogs. Prefer clear method language over vague promises.

Why do some California cities have more listings than others?

We only publish city pages once at least three verified programs are listed. Smaller markets are grouped under the state directory until inventory grows.