Best Dog Trainers in Modesto, CA (Just Updated)

We looked at 4 dog training businesses across Modesto and found that pricing for a 6-week group class starts around $180.

Barklen developed and uses our own published criteria, which basically tells you how we score businesses and the methods we use to rank them.

In Modesto, the highest scoring programs are Good Dog Dog Training, Big Basin Dog Training & Boarding, and K9 Courage Dog Training Modesto.

Last updated: Sep 13, 2026

Good DogDog Training				
				
				
				
					Enjoy Your Dog!				
				
				
				
									Are you having fun with your dog?
 
Your dog should bring joy to your life. He should be a pleasure to you and to those around you. Is your relationship with your dog what it should be? 
 
You will learn how to train and manage your dog with an emphasis on positive training methods. Food rewards are used in the introductory phases of training. However, we will transition your dog to Real Life Rewards. Your dog will not require constant treats for maintaining basic skills. 
 
Our aim is for your dog to become a happy, willing training partner. Learn more about our team of trainers.								
				
					
		
					
		
				
						
					
			
						
				
																														
				
				
				
					Consultations				
				
				
				
									One hour visit to address specific problems, or concerns, such as house-training, aggression, shyness, new baby, etc.								
				
					
		
				
			
						
				
																														
				
				
				
					Private Lessons				
				
				
				
									Covers basic good manners, including leash walking, sit and down stay, coming when called, and anything particular to your needs.								
				
					
		
				
			
						
				
																														
				
				
				
					Group Classes				
				
				
				
									A range of classes to help your dog be a happy member of your household, starting from Puppy Kindergarten to Competition Obedience. Many “fun” classed are also offered, such as Rally Obedience, K9 Nose Work and Tricks to keep your active dog learning.								
				
					
		
					
		
				
						
					
			
						
				
							
			
						
		
						
				
					
		
					
		
				
						
					
			
						
				
																														
				
					
		
				
			
						
				
							
							"A few years ago you worked with my dog, Coors, and I for private lessons. We were living in Modesto at the time.  He was a yellow lab and was probably around 7 years old when you worked with us.  It was very helpful.  In fact, I always meant to get in touch with you to let you know that shortly after our work together he went from being an outdoor only dog to an indoor dog. What a difference that made for all of us!  He was always a great dog, but by being included in the "pack" he really began to thrive.  We lost him in August of 2008 at the old age of fourteen.  We were lucky to have him for so long."
			
						
				
					
										
														Elise D.
																						Dog owner
													
									
			
					
						
				
					
		
					
		
				
						
					
			
						
				
							
			
		
						
				
				
				
					Meet the Team				
				
					
		
					
		
				
						
					
			
						
				
																														
				
					
		
				
			
						
				
					Donna Soderstrom				
				
				
				
					Owner, Head Instructor				
				
				
				
									Donna is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, a STAR Puppy Evaluator, a Certified Nose Work Instructor, AKC Scent Work Judge, a former Board member of the Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers, and an active member of several dog breed clubs.She has titled her dogs in AKC conformation, Obedience, Rally, herding, Draft, AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests, AKC Scent Work, and K9 Nose Work.  She has done therapy dog visits and is a former Delta Pet Partner. She has been training dogs since 1995.In the area of problem behaviors, Donna has a special interest in shy or fearful dogs and resource guarding (e.g. aggression around food or toys).								
				
					
		
					
		
				
						
					
			
						
				
																														
				
					
		
				
			
						
				
					Sarah Johnson				
				
				
				
					Instructor				
				
				
				
									Sarah has been instructing group dog classes since 1993, and puppy classes since 1995. With over three decades of instructing she has acquired a vast amount of training knowledge and experience. She attends dog training seminars every year from various Dog Trainers and Behaviorists from around the world. Sarah then uses these training techniques and strategies to better assist her clients in helping their dogs become well-mannered members of the family. She also competes with her award-winning dogs in obedience, agility, and conformation. Sarah is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and Tricks Evaluator.Sarah shares her valley home with a Border Collie, a Miniature Schnauzer, a Great Dane, a Belgian Malinois, and a myriad of ranch animals.With a lifelong love of animals, Sarah attended Fresno State and earned a B.S. in Animal Science. Growing up around livestock as well as dogs gives Sarah insight to animal behavior.
Good Dog Dog Training
Modesto, CA

Certified trainer with 30 years' experience specializing in shy, fearful, and resource-guarding dogs, plus nose work classes designed for reactive dogs

4.3(22 Google Reviews)

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Dog Trainer Gary Park of Big Basin Dog Training & Boarding

Schutzhund competitors since the 1970s with national-level titles, now offering board-and-train on a 15-acre property that accepts aggressive dogs

4.5(72 Google Reviews)

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Daniel from K9 Courage Dog Training working with German Shepherd | serving Modesto CA dog owners

Board & train dogs live in trainers' home, not a kennel, with daily photo and video updates and real-world practice in parks and neighborhoods

Free consultation

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Comforting Children's Books About Losing a Pet

Sit Means Sit franchise owned by former MLB player; board-and-train packages include lifetime group class access across Modesto, South Bay, and East Bay locations

4.8(279 Google Reviews)

Free consultation

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All dog trainers in Modesto

Every published trainer in Modesto, including listings beyond the first page of cards.

How much does dog training cost in Modesto, CA?

Dog training prices in Modesto, California by program type

  • Group Classes

    Typical low
    $180 per course
    Typical high
    $246 per course
    Samples
    5

What training methods do Modesto trainers use?

Look for clear program names, published or quoted pricing, and an honest method description when choosing a dog trainer in Modesto. Among trainers in Modesto who disclose a method, 100% use balanced methods and 0% are force-free. See our methodology for how method labels are assigned.

Where else can I find dog trainers near Modesto?

Browse all dog trainers in California

Frequently asked questions about dog trainers in Modesto

How much does dog training cost in Modesto, CA?

Published group courses in Modesto typically start around $180 per course. Within each program type, typical prices fall between the 10th and 90th percentile of like-for-like published amounts. Group classes are usually the lowest-cost option, while board and train programs cost more because they include lodging and daily training.

How do I choose a dog trainer in Modesto?

Compare program types, published prices when available, training methods, certifications, and whether the trainer accepts reactive or aggression cases in Modesto. Prefer listings with clear program details over vague promises.

Which Modesto trainers accept aggressive dogs?

4 of 4 published dog trainers in Modesto, CA accept reactive or aggression cases (yes or case-by-case). Filter the directory for “Takes reactive dogs” to see them.

Are these dog trainers in Modesto verified?

Yes. Every listing on this page was reviewed against the business's public materials and published by Barklen. That is not a license, insurance, or certification check. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.