Best Dog Trainers in Austin, TX (2026): Top Picks, Prices & What to Expect

The best dog trainers in Austin, TX include Whitney Spence (CPDT-KA), Sit Means Sit Austin, Anything is Pawzible, Fidelio Dog Works, Precision K9 Work, Conscious Dog Training, and The Naked Dog — offering everything from puppy kindergarten and group obedience classes to board-and-train programs and reactive dog behavior modification, with prices ranging from $45 group sessions to $5,200 for intensive board-and-train.

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

Top Dog Trainers in Austin, TX (2026)

Austin’s dog-owning population has exploded over the past five years, making it one of the most dog-friendly cities in Texas. With that growth has come a strong community of certified professional dog trainers specializing in everything from basic obedience to complex behavioral issues like aggression and separation anxiety. Here are the top-rated trainers and training schools in Austin right now.

1. Whitney Spence — CPDT-KA

Whitney Spence is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) based in Austin with a specialty in aggressive and reactive dog training. Her journey into dog training began in high school when her family adopted a dog-reactive Jack Russell/Lab mix, leading her to discover the transformative power of professional training. Whitney serves Austin and surrounding areas including Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, and Leander. She offers in-home training, board-and-train, off-leash training, and service dog training.

2. Sit Means Sit Dog Training Austin

Sit Means Sit is one of Austin’s most recognized training brands, having trained over 10,000 dogs in 12 years with 300+ five-star reviews. Their Austin location offers 8 training formats: day camp (up to 4 weeks), private lessons, puppy kindergarten, puppy management, group classes, specialty behavioral classes, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification, and refresher memberships. Free consultations are available. Contact: (512) 348-7833

3. Anything is Pawzible

Led by Alex Urbanski with 25+ years of experience and certified dog trainer credentials, Anything is Pawzible uses positive reinforcement exclusively. They offer two straightforward options: 6-week group classes or private sessions, with pricing displayed openly. Behavioral consultations can be conducted in-home or virtually. Price range: $45 – $410. Contact: (773) 919-7297.

4. Fidelio Dog Works

Founded by Steve Haynes and staffed by trainer Donovan Miller (MSTC CPT), Fidelio Dog Works takes a customized approach across 7 training options. They’re strong in verbal command training (sit, stay, come, roll, drop) and behavioral issues like excessive barking, jumping, and digging. Their specialized programs address shyness, fear, and separation anxiety. They also offer pre-adoption consultations to help families choose the right dog or puppy. Contact: (512) 231-8095

5. Precision K9 Work

Precision K9 Work is led by 3+ certified trainers and focuses on strengthening the bond between owner and dog. Their three main programs cover obedience, puppy training, and protection/guard dog training — ideal for breeds like German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweilers. Free evaluations available. Board-and-train options are offered for busy owners. Contact: (512) 927-9443

6. Conscious Dog Training (Jennifer Burns, M.A., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA)

Jennifer Burns is one of only 161 Certified Professional Behavior Consultant Canine–Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) trainers in the world, making her one of Austin’s most credentialed professionals. She holds a Master’s degree, Fear Free Animal Trainer certification, and membership in the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Services include board-and-train, in-home private sessions, and puppy training in the Austin area.

7. The Naked Dog Training

The Naked Dog is run by two female trainers with a “learn to speak dog” philosophy. They offer online video courses (2-hour and 2-week series), virtual coaching with a 60-minute consultation, and board-and-train programs (2-week and 4-week) with unlimited email/phone/text support. Board-and-train is limited to just 2 dogs at a time for maximum attention. Price range: $150 – $5,200.

Dog Training Prices in Austin, TX (2026)

Austin tends to command some of the highest dog training rates in Texas due to the city’s rapid population growth and high demand for certified trainers. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Source: Trainer websites, Sniffspot, DogsAcademy.org — June 2026

Types of Dog Training Available in Austin

Austin’s training community covers virtually every method and specialty. Understanding the different approaches will help you find the best fit for your dog’s temperament and your goals.

• Positive Reinforcement: The most widely used and scientifically backed approach — rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play. Used by most CPDT-KA certified trainers in Austin.
• Clicker Training: A marker-based method using a clicker sound to precisely communicate the moment a dog does something right. Pairs well with positive reinforcement.
• Obedience Training: Covers core commands: sit, stay, come, down, heel, and off-leash recall. Ideal for dogs of any age starting from scratch.
• Reactive Dog Training: Specialized for dogs that overreact to triggers like other dogs, strangers, or sounds. Several Austin trainers specialize in this, including Whitney Spence and Rona Distenfeld.
• Aggression Rehabilitation: Advanced behavior modification for dogs showing biting, resource guarding, or fear-based aggression. Requires a certified behaviorist (CBCC-KA or equivalent).
• Service Dog Training: Training dogs for specific disability assistance tasks. Available through Whitney Spence and Maida Barbour (CPDT-KA) in Austin.
• Puppy Training: Early socialization and foundation skills for puppies 8–18 weeks. Most trainers and schools offer dedicated puppy classes.

Find certified trainers in Austin through the HeiBob dog training directory.

Group Classes vs. Private Sessions in Austin

Both formats have real advantages. The right choice depends on your dog’s temperament, your budget, and your training goals.

Group classes (typically $45–$150 per session) are great for socialization — your dog learns to focus and obey commands even with distractions. They’re more affordable and let your dog practice around other dogs and people. Sit Means Sit and Anything is Pawzible both offer structured group programs in Austin.

Private sessions ($80–$175/hour) give you undivided trainer attention and a fully customized plan. They’re especially valuable for dogs with specific behavioral issues, fearful dogs who can’t handle group settings, or owners who need to train on their own schedule. Fidelio Dog Works and Conscious Dog Training both specialize in private work.

Many Austin trainers recommend starting with a private intake session to assess your dog, then transitioning to group classes for continued socialization practice.

In-Home Dog Training in Austin

In-home training is ideal when your dog’s problem behaviors happen specifically at home — jumping on guests, counter-surfing, barking at the door, or territory-based aggression. Training in the actual environment where issues occur tends to produce faster, more durable results.

In Austin, in-home sessions typically run $100–$200 per hour. Trainers like Whitney Spence, Fidelio Dog Works, and Anything is Pawzible all offer in-home options. Some also offer virtual coaching via Zoom, which can be a cost-effective way to get expert guidance without the travel fee.

Search for in-home trainers near your neighborhood on HeiBob’s Austin dog training listings.

Board & Train Programs in Austin

Board-and-train (also called “doggy boot camp”) means your dog stays with the trainer for an extended period — typically 2 to 4 weeks — while receiving intensive daily training. Results can be dramatic, especially for dogs with entrenched behavioral issues.

In Austin, board-and-train prices range from $1,500 for two weeks up to $5,200 for a premium 4-week intensive. Key providers include:

• Sit Means Sit Austin: Day camp up to 4 weeks, group or individual focus
• Precision K9 Work: Board-and-train with daily obedience and behavior work
• The Naked Dog Training: Boutique program limited to 2 dogs at a time for maximum attention
• Whitney Spence: Board-and-train with reactive and aggressive dog specialization

Always ask for a trial day or consultation before committing to a full board-and-train. A reputable trainer will want to assess your dog and explain exactly what methods they’ll use during the stay.

How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer in Austin

Austin has no shortage of people calling themselves “dog trainers,” but credentials matter — especially for behavioral issues. Here’s what to look for:

• Look for CPDT-KA or CBCC-KA certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). These require documented training hours, client recommendations, and a knowledge exam.
• Ask about their methods: Reputable trainers using science-based methods will describe positive reinforcement and will not rely on pain, fear, or punishment to modify behavior.
• Check reviews on Google and Yelp, but also ask for references from recent clients with similar issues to yours.
• Request a consultation first: Most top Austin trainers offer a free or low-cost intake session. This lets you assess the trainer’s communication style and see how they interact with your dog.
• Match specialization to your needs: A puppy kindergarten instructor isn’t the best choice for a dog with serious aggression. Make sure the trainer has documented experience with your specific challenge.

Browse all dog trainers in Austin on HeiBob to compare options, read reviews, and contact trainers directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Training in Austin, TX

Author: Annie

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