Dog Trainers in California 402 Businesses Across 153 Cities

California has 402 published dog training businesses offering 2,350 programs across 153 cities, with starts at around $55 for a 6-week group course, with private sessions averaging $145 per hour, and board and train programs running $535$1,903 per week, based on 1171 programs that publish pricing. Using our published criteria, the cities with the most published businesses are San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

This guide covers dog training costs across California, how prices vary by metro, state licensing rules for dog trainers, and which programs hold verified certifications. Browse by city below, or compare programs by type.

Last updated: Sep 6, 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)

Board and Train includes Puppy Preschool, Good Manners, and Back to School, Cutie!, each with a one-week minimum and two weeks recommended. Programs cost $350 per day for week one and $280 per day for week two. A mandatory 90-minute Consultation costs $300 and may be completed by Zoom or in person, with $150 of that fee credited toward the first Board and Train week. Aggression, human or animal biting, resource guarding, and separation anxiety are not accepted for training.

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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)

Private Lessons come in two packages, both including lifetime support after the program ends. The 4-session package is $800 and works best for dogs with one main behavioral challenge. The 7-session package is $1,325 and suits dogs with multiple challenges or those with medical complexity alongside their behavior needs. These sessions complement the vet and behaviorist coordination mentioned above, giving owners structured support throughout the process.

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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)

Private Lessons run $200 per session, with packages of 4, 8, or 12 sessions priced at $800, $1,520, and $2,160 respectively—the larger packages include lifetime support. Board and Train programs span 7 to 21 days, ranging from $2,100 to $6,300, with handoff sessions included across all tiers and lifetime support in the longer stays. Group Classes cover a 12-week course at $1,500 to $7,800, also with lifetime support.

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Mission Grove K9 — dog training in Riverside, CA
Mission Grove K9
Riverside, CA
Score 100

Private lessons from $110 per session, group puppy classes at $240 for six weeks, and in-home training starting at $140. CPDT-KA certified trainer using force-free methods with all breeds.

4.7(64 Google Reviews)

Private Lessons run $110 per session or $400 for a four-session package, covering obedience and puppy training at your location. Group Classes cost $240 for a six-week puppy manners course. In-Home Training starts at $140 per session and addresses obedience and leash reactivity where problems happen. All programs include lifetime support.

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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)

Private Lessons run four weeks at $1,400 to $2,800, with follow-up sessions included to reinforce what your dog learns. In-Home Training covers the same four-week timeframe at $1,800 to $3,600, adding both follow-up and handoff sessions so owners can practice skills directly. Group Classes range from $1,200 to $4,800 for four weeks, with follow-ups included as well. All three programs vary in price depending on the specific course level or training goals you choose.

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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)

Board and Train runs 2 to 6 weeks, from $2,900 to $8,700, with boarding included throughout. Private Lessons cover both obedience and reactivity work—single reactivity sessions are $300, or $900 for a four-session package; a separate four-session obedience package runs $600. The obedience option is designed specifically for high-drive breeds like shepherds, Malinois, and bully breeds. Virtual Training is also available at $250 per session, suited for owners working through a specific behavior problem.

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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)

In-Home Training is $180 per session, with a six-session package available at $915. The Busy Pet Parent option—where the trainer works with your dog while you're away—runs $610 for a four-session commitment. Virtual Training is $150 per session and welcomes clients anywhere in the world, not just those in the local service area. A puppy-specific In-Home Training program starts as early as the day you bring your pup home, priced at the same rate.

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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)

Board and Train ranges from $1,425 for seven days to $3,975 for a 21-day advanced program. Day Training costs $980 for four days or $1,650 for eight, while Private Lessons range from $550 for four sessions to $1,400 for twelve. The eight-session Puppy Training Program is $950. Service Dog Preschool is also listed at $4,750.

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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)

Board and Train programs range from a 5-day day-training option at $1,750 to multi-week residential stays priced between $3,950 and $4,500, running 2 to 3 weeks depending on the program. Most include handoff and follow-up sessions. Private Lessons are structured as courses: a 4-session program at $1,200 or a 6-week AKC-focused bootcamp at $1,800. In-Home Training is also available, though pricing for that option isn't currently published.

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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)

Board and Train ranges from $1,990 for a two-week puppy program (ages 2-5 months) up to $4,000 for five weeks, which includes follow-up and handoff sessions. Private Lessons are $150 per session or $1,000 for ten, with lifetime support included. Group Classes run five weeks for $600. Virtual Training is $100 per session ($900 for ten) or $600 per month for separation anxiety work. Service dog training pricing is available on request.

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Browse by city

Which California cities have dog trainers?

Every city below has at least three published businesses.

How much does dog training cost in California?

Dog training prices in California by program type

  • Board and Train

    Typical low
    $99 per program
    Typical high
    $5,500 per program
    Median
    $2,723 per program
    Samples
    301
  • Private Lessons

    Typical low
    $80 per program
    Typical high
    $1,379 per program
    Median
    $213 per program
    Samples
    325
  • Group Classes

    Typical low
    $55 per program
    Typical high
    $363 per program
    Median
    $175 per program
    Samples
    419
  • In-Home Training

    Typical low
    $70 per program
    Typical high
    $1,495 per program
    Median
    $180 per program
    Samples
    126
  • Virtual Training

    Typical low
    $49 per program
    Typical high
    $600 per program
    Median
    $175 per program
    Samples
    67

For national medians, method disclosure, and certification rates, see The State of Dog Training in America 2026 report →

Which other California dog trainers can I compare?

Programs in smaller California markets (fewer than three published listings in their city), grouped by transparency score. Only listings scoring 75 or higher are shown.

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.