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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 Bark Score rates trainers from 0 to 5, mostly on how they train and what their clients say, and nobody can pay for a higher score. 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, IncBark Score 4.9 · DecaturClover-Pets / Dog Training & Boarding GranburyBark Score 4.9 · GranburyCoolWagBark Score 4.9 · Bentonville
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The directory by the numbers

5,431
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 nobody can pay for a higher score, including trainers with a Featured listing.

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 Bark Score 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 Bark Score 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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