Private Lessons in Modesto, CA 4 Businesses

4 trainers offer private lessons in Modesto, California. 0 travel to your home and 4 work with reactive or aggressive dogs. Published hourly pricing is still limited among local private trainers.

Last updated: Sep 5, 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)

Private Lessons come in two formats: a 4-week tune-up at $280 or a 6-week beginner obedience course at $420. Group Classes run 4 to 6 weeks and range from $180 to $270, covering puppy kindergarten, young dog essentials, essential skills, rally obedience with CGC prep, and nose work—the nose work course specifically welcomes dog-reactive dogs. Virtual Training is also offered as a 4-week online course for $60, making it an accessible starting point.

View More
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)

Board and Train runs 30 days and includes handoff sessions, though pricing isn't published yet. Private Lessons cover several focus areas—general obedience, problem solving, and Schutzhund training—but rates aren't listed, so you'll need to contact them directly. Group Classes include both adult obedience and a puppy socialization program; pricing for these is also available on request. All programs require reaching out for current pricing details.

View More
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

Board and Train programs start at 2 weeks, with a puppy-specific option designed for dogs 8 weeks to 6 months that includes handoff sessions, follow-up sessions, and lifetime support. Private Lessons are available in packages ranging from 4 to 8 sessions, all including lifetime support; the 8-session puppy program can serve as a pathway into off-leash training. Pricing for all Board and Train and Private Lessons programs is available on request.

View More
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

Board and Train programs run 2 to 3 weeks, with both traditional full-week stays and a Tuesday–Saturday format that returns your dog on weekends for practice between sessions. All Board and Train options include handoff sessions to help you maintain the training at home. Pricing for Board and Train isn't published yet. Private Lessons and Group Classes are also available, though pricing for those programs is on request as well.

View More

What do private dog trainers charge in Modesto, CA?

Private lesson rates in Modesto usually track experience and credentials. Certified trainers and behavior consultants often charge more than generalist obedience coaches.

Private lesson pricing context in Modesto
Trainer typeLocal lowLocal high
Published private lessons
Certified trainers (count)1 of 4Ask for credentials
Reactive-dog cases4 accept / case-by-caseConfirm fit before booking

How many private sessions will you need?

Most pet goals take a short package rather than a single lesson: puppy foundations often need 4–6 sessions, leash manners 3–8, and aggression or anxiety work longer under a behavior plan. Ask for a written session estimate tied to your goal, not an open-ended retainer.

Typical private-lesson package lengths by goal
GoalCommon packageNotes
Puppy foundations4–6 sessionsHomework between visits
Leash manners3–8 sessionsDepends on rehearsal places
Reactive / aggression8+ sessionsNeeds a clear behavior plan

When are private lessons better than group classes?

Choose private lessons when your dog cannot focus around other dogs, you need custom homework for your home, or you are working through reactivity. Group classes are better for socialization and affordable practice once your dog can learn in a busy room.

Private Lessons near Modesto

Also compare private lessons in Elk Grove, Morgan Hill, and Pleasanton.

All dog trainers in Modesto · Browse California

Frequently asked questions about private lessons in Modesto

How much does private lessons cost in Modesto, CA?

Published pricing is still limited — request quotes. Compare the listings above for Modesto private lessons options.

How many private lessons providers are in Modesto?

4 published businesses in Modesto, CA offer private lessons.

Are these private lessons listings verified?

Verified badges appear when confirmation checks are complete. Always confirm current availability and policies directly with the trainer.