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Find a dog trainer you can trust.

Your dog is part of the family, so before you hand over the leash, you want to know how they’ll be treated. Our BarkScore™ rates trainers from 0 to 5, mostly on how they train and what their clients say. A high score is a real vote of confidence in how a trainer works with dogs, and it helps you find an approach you’ll be comfortable continuing with at home between sessions.

Also near the topCanine Ph.D. Dog Training, IncBarkScore 4.9 · DecaturClover-Pets / Dog Training & Boarding GranburyBarkScore 4.9 · GranburyCoolWagBarkScore 4.9 · Bentonville
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The directory by the numbers

5,432
listed dog trainers
2,998
cities across 50 states and DC
77%
of trainers who describe their methods report using force-free training
706
trainers who also offer online sessions

Every trainer is scored from 0 to 5 on the same four things, weighted most toward how they train and what clients say. Member recommendations and reviews appear next to the score but never change it, and trainers with a Featured listing are scored the same way as everyone else.

Read the full method
  1. 40%

    Ethics

    How they train. Force-free training, which relies on rewards rather than corrections, scores highest. We don’t list trainers whose training is built around an electronic (shock) collar.

  2. 30%

    Reputation

    What clients say: their Google star rating, weighted by how many reviews it’s based on.

  3. 25%

    Credentials

    Recognized credentials such as CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP or IAABC, as listed by the trainer. Credentials are self-reported, so it’s worth asking to see them.

  4. 5%

    Service breadth

    The range of programs they offer, from puppy classes to help for reactive dogs.

How 5,040 scored trainers are spread across the tiers

  • Platinum Certified Trainer86
  • Gold Rated Trainer536
  • Silver Rated Trainer1,369
  • Listed Trainer3,035
  • Listed with limited data14

Dog trainers in popular cities

All states
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Not sure yet? Ask a trainer first.

If you have a question about training, behavior or food, you can ask it on the forum before you book anyone. Trainers who have verified their Barklopedia listing reply with a “Verified trainer” badge, so you can see who’s answering as a professional.

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Handy tools for dog owners

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All breeds, A to Z

Border ColliePugWeimaranerCocker SpanielBoxerGerman ShepherdGolden RetrieversLabrador RetrieversFrench BulldogsDachshundsand 60 more

For dog trainers

Are you a dog trainer? Your listing may already be here.

Claiming it is free. Once you’ve verified it, you can answer forum questions with a “Verified trainer” badge, add a short note to your listing in your own words, and show your BarkScore on your website with a badge like this one. If you’re not listed yet, you can ask to be added, also for free.

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Beyond the Dog, LLC’s BarkScore badgeA real badge: Beyond the Dog, LLC’s.

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Ask trainers and other owners anything, review a trainer you’ve worked with so the next owner knows what to expect, and give your dog a profile of their own.

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