Best Dog Trainers in San Jose, CA (Just Updated)

We looked at 11 dog training businesses across San Jose and found that pricing for a 7-week group class starts around $275. Private training starts at about $135 per hour while board-and-train programs run between $2,450 and $6,120 total (which is usually 2-3 weeks in length).

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 San Jose, the highest scoring programs are Orion Dog Training, Willow Glen Paws, and Smart Paws Private Training.

Last updated: Sep 13, 2026

Here you see left to right, Ofi the catahoula, Dallas the Heeler and Orion the Aussie mix who started it al.
Orion Dog Training
San Jose, CA
Score 90

Team of certified trainers offering puppy socials (including under-10-lb dogs), agility, nose work, and specialized support for reactive or shy dogs in a 3,000 sq ft facility

4.9(69 Google Reviews)

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Welcome to Willow Glen PawsAs a licensed family dog mediator, I am committed to educating my clients with the knowledge they need to see and understand who their dog is under that coat of fur. Dogs evolved over thousands of years to help humanity survive and thrive. We bred them for very specific functions. To herd livestock, kill rodents, protect property, find food sources and keep us warm. Now, they find themselves living as captive pets in our home and some have difficulty adjusting to our modern living arrangements. The importance of the bond between you and your dog cannot be overstated. Let’s deepen that bond and bring out the best in you and your true companion.
Helping People with their DogsDo you have a puppy or adolescent dog?They are growing and changing everyday.  As hormones start kicking in around the sixth month  there is a  huge explosion In their brain that can really test your relationship. At Willow Glen Paws we do everything we can to help dogs and their owners realize the best version of themselves. We are concerned with their total welfare. Dog Training is just one part of meeting your dog’s needs. When you have the whole picture life gets easier.
Please look at our services page and see if there is something you could benefit from. We work with new dog owners, young puppies, rescues, dogs that have developed some bad or annoying habits.
Learn MoreTraining & Behavior Round TablePlease join us for  Training & Behavior Round Table Discussion
Saturday July 18, 2026 at 10 am.

If you have a puppy, adolescent, or senior dog please come. You just might learn something. This event if free and I do it because I love helping people in my community who have given me so much support.
Space is limited!
Learn moreMeet Rebecca
Rebecca is a resident of Willow Glen helping people with their pets since 1997. She is a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Counselor. She is insured for your peace of mind.
“I am dedicated to helping dog owners with the challenges of raising a puppy so it matures into a well-mannered dog. By building a bond based on love and trust, puppies grow into happy, well-adjusted confident dogs. Using positive reinforcement, I can help you develop your dog’s willingness to focus, pay attention, and calm themselves through a series of games and exercises.”
MORE ABOUT REBECCATESTIMONIALS
 Willow Glen Paws Puppy School was just the training we needed for our little boxer. Rebecca was amazing to work with. She really listened, was supportive, and made training fun. Our puppy loved going there and we loved getting the updates and photos. We’ve definitely seen the results and highly recommend this school to others. Deanna Morris Rebecca helped us get off to right start with our new Goldendoodle puppy. I enjoyed working with Rebecca and was happy with how she helped us train and teach our family how to work with the puppy. We also used her for board and train while on vacation. She made us feel very good about leaving our puppy in very good caring hands. Audrey Garcia Highly recommend. Rebecca takes a very positive & down to earth approach to dog training. She trains in her home, so our pup Annie learned in the same kind of environment she lives in – couches & kitchen counters & so on – and she gave us plenty of support to continue the training at home. I thought I pretty much knew the basics about puppies & dogs, but I learned so much from Rebecca! Emily Bolmen “Rebecca is a godsend. She came to our house and went over everything we needed for our new puppy to make sure we started on the right paw. She is knowledgable about puppies and patient with thier owners. We are so happy we found her.” B. Zormac
Willow Glen Paws
San Jose, CA
Score 88

Licensed Family Dog Mediator using the L.E.G.S. model to address genetics, environment, and learning—not just commands. In Willow Glen since 1997.

5.0(21 Google Reviews)

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Get the right foundation for a healthy relationship with your dog.
			
				Learn About Our Classes

Founder studied veterinary science at UC Davis before focusing on behavior; partners with local rescues to rehabilitate dogs, work featured on KOFY TV 20

5.0(38 Google Reviews)

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Unlock your dog’s full potential with Smart Paws Private Training! With 18 years of experience, I specialize in tailored one-on-one sessions, conducted in the comfort of your home or out in public in and near the San Jose area. From puppies to seniors, and all breeds and sizes in between, my personalized approach ensures your furry friend reaches their training goals with confidence and skill. Experience the difference Smart Paws Private Training can make in your dog’s life today!







Dog Training



PRIVATEONE-ON-ONELESSONS



Elevate your dog’s training experience with personalized sessions in the comfort of your own home. At Smart Paws Private Training, I bring expertise and convenience right to your doorstep. I work one-on-one with you and your furry companion, crafting a tailored program to address specific needs and behaviors. I help your dog thrive in their familiar environment, fostering a stronger bond between you and your pet. Start your journey to a well-trained and happy dog today with Smart Paws Private Training.




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MEET SOME RECENT GRADS!



CERTIFYING YOUR DOG AS A CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC)



Certifying your dog as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) offers numerous benefits for both you and your furry companion. With CGC certification, your dog becomes a well-mannered and well-behaved member of the community, showcasing obedience and social skills in various situations. This certification fosters a deeper bond between you and your dog, as you work together to achieve training goals. Additionally, CGC certification opens doors to various opportunities, including therapy dog work, volunteering, and participation in advanced training programs. It also promotes responsible dog ownership and enhances your dog’s overall quality of life. Invest in your dog’s future and certify them as a Canine Good Citizen today!
Smart Paws Private Training
San Jose, CA

Private one-on-one session only, held in your home or out in public—18 years experience, AKC CGC evaluator, no group classes

5.0(9 Google Reviews)

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Dog training group outdoors in a park
Ayala K9 Dog Training
San Jose, CA

Real-world training in homes, parks, and public spaces; trainer's calm Beagle-Aussie mix works alongside reactive dogs during sessions

5.0(51 Google Reviews)

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Welcome to Bay Area Dog Training We specialize in behavior modification and problem solving. We have helped thousands of owners train their dogs into well behaved, valued family pets.

 
 
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Bay Area Dog Training
San Jose, CA

Behavior-focused training since 1980, using praise instead of treats to build off-leash reliability through a structured four-level progression

4.6(21 Google Reviews)

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图片_20250115165117_edited.jpg
ultra k9 dog training
San Jose, CA

Service dog, protection, and police dog training alongside family obedience; offers elite board & train where dogs live full-time with the trainer

5.0(3 Google Reviews)

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Dog Trainer of the Year
Full Contact K9
San Jose, CA

Specializes in European working-line German Shepherd protection dogs for family and executive security, plus private obedience with heavy owner involvement

3.7(3 Google Reviews)

Free consultation

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Jas Leverette with NBA champion Steph Curry

Founded by Netflix's Canine Intervention host, specializing in aggression and reactivity cases with a 10,000+ dog track record including law enforcement K9s

4.6(307 Google Reviews)

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Town & Country Dog Training Club
San Jose, CA

Non-profit club with 40+ years offering competition-level classes in obedience, rally, agility, scent work, barn hunt, and musical freestyle

3.3(3 Google Reviews)

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All dog trainers in San Jose

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

How much does dog training cost in San Jose, CA?

Across 8 San Jose private-lesson programs with published hourly rates, private sessions average $135 per hour, about 7% below the California median of $145.

Dog training prices in San Jose, California by program type

  • Group Classes

    Typical low
    $275 per course
    Typical high
    $435 per course
    Samples
    11
  • Private Lessons

    Typical low
    $86 per hour
    Typical high
    $265 per hour
    Samples
    8
  • Board and Train

    Typical low
    $2,450 total
    Typical high
    $6,120 total
    Samples
    7

What training methods do San Jose trainers use?

Look for clear program names, published or quoted pricing, and an honest method description when choosing a dog trainer in San Jose. Among trainers in San Jose who disclose a method, 25% use balanced methods and 75% are force-free. See our methodology for how method labels are assigned.

Where else can I find dog trainers near San Jose?

Browse all dog trainers in California

Frequently asked questions about dog trainers in San Jose

How much does dog training cost in San Jose, CA?

Across 8 San Jose private-lesson programs with published hourly rates, private sessions average about $135 per hour. 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 San Jose?

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

Which San Jose trainers accept aggressive dogs?

10 of 11 published dog trainers in San Jose, 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 San Jose 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.