Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA (2026): Top Picks, Prices & Training Guide

5 Jul 2026 9 min read No comments Dog Training
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Los Angeles has hundreds of dog trainers — but the best ones deliver calm, obedient dogs using proven, science-backed methods. Whether you need basic puppy obedience, off-leash reliability on busy LA streets, or intensive board-and-train for a reactive dog, this guide covers the top-rated trainers in the city, 2026 pricing, and exactly what to look for before you book.

This guide is for informational purposes. Always contact providers directly for current pricing and availability.

In This Guide:

  1. Top 6 Dog Trainers in Los Angeles
  2. 2026 Dog Training Prices in LA
  3. Types of Dog Training Available
  4. Neighborhood Guide
  5. How to Choose a Dog Trainer
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

Top 6 Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA (2026)

These trainers have been selected based on verified reviews, training methodology, certifications, and service variety across the greater Los Angeles area.

1. Zoom Room Dog Training — Culver City

  • Location: 11836 Teale Street, Culver City, CA 90230
  • Phone: (310) 636-4606
  • Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⭐
  • In business since: 2007

One of LA’s most highly-rated training facilities, Zoom Room uses 100% positive reinforcement across all programs. Their small group format keeps class sizes manageable — ideal for anxious dogs or first-time owners. Classes run across agility, obedience, puppy preschool, therapy dog certification, tricks, and AKC Canine Good Citizen testing. They also offer private gym rentals and playgroups for socialisation.

Best for: Puppy socialisation, agility, group obedience classes, AKC CGC certification.

Pricing highlights: Group playgroup $30/session; 30-min private session $99; 12-class group course $2,377; Diamond VIP annual membership $1,877.

2. Karma Dog Training Los Angeles — West Hollywood & Citywide

  • Service area: Los Angeles County (in-home and facility)
  • Phone: (323) 533-9394
  • Rating: 4.9/5.0 ⭐
  • In business since: 2004

Founded by Jeffrey Liebowitz, Karma Dog Training uses training methods endorsed by the ASPCA, HSUS, SPCA, and AHA. With nearly 100 instructors across the US and around 50 classes per week in LA, they cover puppy kindergarten, Canine Good Citizen, behaviour modification, leash reactivity, aggression, board and train (including cage-free, camping, and reverse board-and-train), service dog training, and virtual sessions. Free 10-minute consultation available.

Best for: Behaviour modification, board and train, reactive or anxious dogs, open-enrollment group classes.

3. Tully’s Training — Los Angeles & Surrounding Areas

  • Service area: Los Angeles and surrounding areas (in-home and virtual)
  • Phone: (925) 603-3647
  • Rating: 4.9/5.0 ⭐
  • In business since: 2013

Owned and operated by Mary Tully, whose background spans exotic animals, marine mammals, and domestic pets across facilities nationwide. Tully’s offers highly customised programs built around each dog’s individual needs. A thorough consultation and behavioural evaluation precedes all new client intake. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available, with a strong focus on potty training, confidence building, and practical life skills.

Best for: Custom training programs, first-time dog owners, virtual training, anxious or rescue dogs.

Pricing: 6-week adult dog class $360; 6-week puppy class $360. Free consultation available.

Group dog obedience training class Los Angeles 2026

4. Elevated Canine Academy — Los Angeles

  • Service area: Greater Los Angeles area
  • Phone: (909) 536-1664
  • In business: 10+ years

Elevated Canine Academy specialises in board and train, private lessons, and advanced obedience, with additional programs covering sport and working dogs, service dog training, and boarding. Their balanced approach addresses dogs of every breed, age, and behavior profile. Programs start with a real evaluation — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum — which sets them apart for owners dealing with serious behaviour challenges like reactivity, aggression, or escape behaviour.

Best for: Board and train, advanced obedience, reactive dogs, sport/working breeds.

Pricing: Group classes $150–$350/6-week course; private lessons $100–$200/hr; day training $80–$150/day; board and train $2,500–$6,000 for 2–4 weeks.

5. Dog Training Elite Los Angeles

  • Service area: Los Angeles (in-home and in-facility)
  • Phone: (424) 484-1915

Dog Training Elite offers structured tiered packages — Silver, Gold, and Platinum — for obedience, as well as puppy training, service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support animal programs. All packages include one-on-one sessions and group classes, with the Platinum level adding unlimited group classes, elite testing, and lifetime support. Their in-home format brings training to your specific environment, which is especially useful for location-specific issues like door-dashing, visitor reactivity, or leash problems on your neighbourhood streets.

Best for: Structured obedience packages, service dog training, therapy dog certification, in-home training.

Pricing: Call for current package pricing; limited-time intro private session from $100.

6. Pawsitive K9 Solutions — Los Angeles

  • Service area: Los Angeles (in-person and virtual)
  • Website: pawsitivek9solution.com

Pawsitive K9 Solutions offers private in-person sessions starting at $95, with a focus on building positive relationships between owners and their dogs. They cover basic obedience through to complex behaviour issues, with specialised approaches for leash reactivity, resource guarding, and anxiety. In-home sessions ensure training transfers directly to the environment where your dog lives.

Best for: Private in-home sessions, budget-conscious owners, leash reactivity, separation anxiety.

Pricing: In-person sessions from $95; packages of sessions available.

2026 Dog Training Prices in Los Angeles

Prices in Los Angeles run higher than the national average, reflecting the city’s cost of living. Here’s what to expect across all major formats:

Training Format Typical LA Price (2026) Best For
Group class (per session) $25–$60 Puppies, socialisation, basic obedience
Group course (6–12 weeks) $150–$360 Structured foundation training
Private session (1 hr) $95–$200 Targeted issues, behaviour problems
Day training (per day) $80–$150 Busy owners, foundation work
Board and train (2–4 weeks) $2,500–$6,000 Serious behaviour issues, fast results
Virtual/online session $50–$120/session Remote training, follow-up sessions

Prices sourced from trainer websites and Elevated Canine Academy, Tully’s Training, Zoom Room, and Pawsitive K9 Solutions listings — July 2026.

Types of Dog Training Available in Los Angeles

Puppy Training (8–20 weeks)

The first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life are critical for socialisation and behaviour shaping. LA trainers offering dedicated puppy programs cover name recognition, bite inhibition, crate training, basic commands (sit, down, come, stay), and safe socialisation with people and other dogs before vaccinations are complete. Look for programs that meet AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy standards.

Private In-Home and Facility Sessions

One-on-one sessions allow the trainer to focus entirely on your dog’s specific issues. In-home training is particularly effective for location-specific problems — a dog that guards the front door, jumps on delivery drivers, or reacts to neighbours on your particular street. Facility sessions work well when a controlled, distraction-managed environment is needed for early skill building.

Group Obedience Classes

Group classes build foundation skills alongside controlled socialisation. They’re lower cost, but can’t address individual behaviour problems. Best used as complementary training alongside private sessions, or for puppies and well-adjusted adult dogs who need structure.

Board and Train

Your dog lives with the trainer for 2–4 weeks of intensive daily work. Most effective for dogs with serious issues — severe reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, or zero foundation skills. Expect a thorough handover session teaching you how to maintain what the trainer built. Without owner follow-through, results fade.

Puppy training session outdoors Los Angeles CA 2026

Los Angeles Neighbourhood Training Guide

Training needs and trainer availability vary significantly across the city. Here’s a quick overview by area:

Neighbourhood Common Training Challenges Best Training Format
Silver Lake / Los Feliz Leash reactivity on busy streets, cafe socialisation Private in-home, urban manners
West Hollywood / Beverly Hills Small dog syndrome, off-leash parks, reactive around cyclists Group classes, private sessions
Culver City / Mar Vista Dense foot traffic, dog park manners, recall Group classes (Zoom Room nearby)
Echo Park / Highland Park Leash pulling, recall near busy intersections Private in-home, virtual follow-up
Downtown LA / Arts District Urban noise desensitisation, elevator manners, loose leash Private sessions, day training
San Fernando Valley Suburban off-leash yard issues, visitor reactivity In-home private, board and train

How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer in Los Angeles

With California’s dog training industry unregulated — no state licence required — vetting your trainer carefully matters. Here’s what to check before committing:

  • Certifications count: Look for CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge Assessed), CDBC, KPA CTP, or CCFT credentials. AAHA or Fear Free endorsements add weight.
  • Ask for verifiable results: Request video of dogs they’ve trained with similar issues, or references from past clients whose dogs had comparable problems.
  • Methodology transparency: A credible trainer explains why a technique works, not just what to do. Modern science supports reward-based methods for most dogs.
  • Red flags to avoid: Trainers who guarantee “100% results,” refuse to let you observe a session, apply a one-size-fits-all program, or pressure you into a long contract before meeting your dog.
  • Fit matters: You’re working closely with this person for weeks. If the consultation feels off, trust that instinct.

Browse verified pet care providers near you on HeiBob’s dog training listings or find options in your specific neighbourhood at dog trainers in Los Angeles.

How much does dog training cost in Los Angeles in 2026?

Dog training in Los Angeles costs $25–$60 per group class session, $95–$200 per private one-hour session, and $2,500–$6,000 for a 2–4 week board and train program. Six-week group courses typically run $150–$360. LA prices are generally 20–30% higher than the national average due to the city’s cost of living.

What is the best dog training method for dogs in Los Angeles?

Positive reinforcement (reward-based) training is the most widely endorsed method by veterinary and animal welfare organisations including the ASPCA and HSUS. It’s effective for the vast majority of dogs. For dogs with serious aggression or reactivity, a balanced approach under a qualified trainer may be appropriate — look for a CPDT-KA or CDBC credentialed professional.

Are dog trainers in California licensed?

No — California does not license dog trainers. Anyone can legally call themselves a dog trainer. This makes vetting credentials and references especially important. Look for CPDT-KA, CDBC, or KPA CTP certifications, which require demonstrated competency and ongoing education to maintain.

How long does it take to train a dog in Los Angeles?

Basic obedience typically takes 6–8 weeks of consistent training. Behaviour issues like reactivity or leash aggression may require 3–6 months. Board and train programs compress the initial transformation into 2–4 weeks, but owner follow-through is required to maintain results. Puppies started early (8–16 weeks) often progress faster than adult dogs with established habits.

What’s the difference between board and train and private lessons in LA?

Board and train means your dog lives with the trainer for intensive daily sessions over 2–4 weeks — ideal for serious behaviour issues or owners with limited time. Private lessons are weekly one-on-one sessions where you attend and learn alongside your dog — better for ongoing management of specific problems. Private lessons keep you involved in the process, which typically leads to better long-term results.

Where can I find dog trainers in my LA neighbourhood?

Zoom Room Dog Training in Culver City serves the Westside, Karma Dog Training and Dog Training Elite operate citywide with in-home sessions, and Elevated Canine Academy covers the greater LA area. Use HeiBob’s directory at /listing/dog-training/us/los-angeles/ to find verified local trainers with reviews near your specific neighbourhood.

📖 More Pet Care Guides

Ready to find the right trainer for your dog? Browse all dog training services in Los Angeles on HeiBob, or explore our full dog training directory for top-rated trainers across the US.

Annie
Author: Annie

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