Dog Training in Oakland

Find a private trainer to build new skills and address behaviors.

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Every trainer passes a background check and provides dog training credentials.

Popular Oakland dog trainers

Prices are estimates per training session for 1 dog. Pricing may vary based on your search and includes a booking fee of 11%.

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Trainer Profile Image: Michael B.
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Michael B.
$116
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
158 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
4 years of experience
Richmond, CA, 94805

Michael is fantastic! He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. He spent extra time answering all our questions, reassuring us about what we’re already doing well, and helping us identify areas for improvement. Our dog really enjoyed him and was naturally responsive to his guidance. We learned so much and will definitely be booking with him again!

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Ines T.
Trainer Profile Image: Madeleine B.
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Madeleine B.
$106
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
2 years of experience
SF, CA, 94502

We’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Madeline for the past two months as our puppy trainer for our Cavapoo, Ginger. Simply put, Madeline has been incredible. When we started, Ginger was quite anxious, she was scared of new environments, unfamiliar sounds, and other dogs. We were also pretty unsure of how to help her build confidence. Madeline changed all of that. She not only transformed Ginger’s confidence, but she also gave us the tools and the confidence we needed as pet parents. She’s been warm, supportive, and always there to check in. She’d text us regularly with tips, recommendations, and encouragement, which made a world of difference. Thanks to Madeline, Ginger now feels safe and happy both with us and out in the world. We’ve seen huge improvements in her leash walking, her basic commands, her potty training, and just her overall comfort level. Ginger absolutely adores her, and we do too. We’re excited to keep working with Madeline and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a dedicated, compassionate, and incredibly effective puppy trainer. Thanks, Madeline, for everything you’ve done for our little family!

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Eden A.
Trainer Profile Image: Athena C.
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Athena C.
$94
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
2 years of experience
Oakland, CA, 94607

Athena has been so dedicated to understanding the behaviors and dynamics of our 2 dogs, and we are so grateful she took us on. We are already seeing improvements in our pups (less leash pulling, reactivity, more attentiveness, calm, and focus), and look forward to future sessions with her.

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Josh R.
Trainer Profile Image: Maxine B.
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Maxine B.
$125
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
3 years of experience
SF, CA, 94110

Maxine is such a great trainer. Even though our session was an hour long, she stayed for more than 2 hours. My husband and I are huge softies and she gave us just the right amount of tough love training that we needed to start training the right behaviors for our pup. It’s only been a day but we can already see some of the super practical, helpful tricks and tips beginning to pay off. Highly recommend working with Maxine!

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Tanay W.
Trainer Profile Image: Ruby M.
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Ruby M.
$75
total per session
4.9 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
3 years of experience
Oakland, CA, 94610

When we adopted our puppy from the shelter she was a little helion. She had no human social skills and would try to bite us if we tried to pick her up or take something she wanted. Ruby helped us immensely, giving us exercises that I think most of all helped us build a bond with our new puppy and teach her to trust us. She went from being basically feral to responsive and interested in working with us. Before Ruby I was seriously debating sending her back to the shelter. I am so glad I didn’t!

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Susanne B.
Trainer Profile Image: Coralie D.
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Coralie D.
$100
total per session
4.9 out of 5 stars
142 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
10 years of experience
Milpitas, CA, 95035

Super knowledgeable and so helpful in providing info for us during our consult. Would definitely hire again for training help if needed!

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Emily D.
Trainer Profile Image: Isaac S.
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Isaac S.
$69
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
5 years of experience
Benicia, CA, 94510

Issac was very thorough and gave us a well thought out plan going forward. She helped us with a couple of behaviors that we will work on before our next session.

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John O.
Trainer Profile Image: Zosha A.
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Zosha A.
$135
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
2 years of experience
Emeryville, CA, 94608

About: I have a long background in training my own dogs using positive reinforcement & am currently in a program that teaches science-backed training methods. I have trained dogs of all sizes & breeds ranging from puppy to disabled seniors & have worked with a similarly diverse group of owners. I have volunteered with Guide Dogs for the Blind for 5 yrs helping train puppies for guide school. I specialize in teaching leash walking & early socialization skills, as well as public access for service dogs. While I walk & teach obedience to aggressive dogs, I do not offer training for aggression.

Trainer Profile Image: Lauri M.
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Lauri M.
$208
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
4 years of experience
Richmond, CA, 94803

This was a wonderful informative session, we learned a lot. Lauri is a very skillful and experienced trainer. We will now switch over to puppy group lessons for a few months, so puppy can have early socialization. Thanks again!

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Julia K.
Trainer Profile Image: Nick R.
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Nick R.
$110
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
8 years of experience
San Francisco, CA, 94122

Nick is an incredible, versatile trainer with experience working with dogs of all needs. He has volunteered with rescues, fostered dogs, and handled everything from basic manners to complex behaviors like reactivity. He takes a thoughtful, holistic approach, considering behavioral, environmental, and medical factors. I’ve seen him go above and beyond to help reactive dogs not only cope, but thrive in challenging urban settings. He is knowledgeable, compassionate, dedicated, and gives 100% to every case. I can’t recommend him enough.

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Megan H.
Trainer Profile Image: Perry L.
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Perry L.
$115
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
3 years of experience
Daly City, CA, 94015

My wife and I were completely overwhelmed with our new Golden Retriever puppy. The biting and potty accidents had us questioning if we were 'dog people' at all. Perry was a calm port in the storm. His positive reinforcement methods clicked instantly with Luna (and us!). The focus on engagement and boundaries rather than just 'sit/stay' made all the difference. We now have a confident, well-adjusted puppy and—more importantly—a clear roadmap for her future.

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Ben A.
Trainer Profile Image: Jordyn F.
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Jordyn F.
$150
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
4 years of experience
Walnut Creek, CA, 94597

About: I don’t believe the training session ends when we put the treats away. Dogs learn best by practicing skills in the environments they’ll actually experience, so I incorporate neighborhood walks, parks, community outings, and adventure-based learning whenever appropriate. Rather than focusing only on obedience, I teach dogs how to make good choices, regulate their emotions, and build confidence through positive reinforcement and LIMA principles.

Trainer Profile Image: Laura S.
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Laura S.
$125
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
1 year of experience
San Francisco, CA, 94114

Our dog requires special handling as a reactive dog and a personality that needs a firm and loving handler. Laura helped reinforce the 'heel' training in addition to managing our dog's high energy needs. Laura is also excellent with managing reactivity in our dog to specific objects which is where the training along with the rest of the basic commands needs to be on point. Laura's ability to care for a high energy, reactive dog and provide a structured yet loving home is par excellence. Highly recommend!

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Kunaal P.
Trainer Profile Image: Sofia L.
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Sofia L.
$106
total per session
6 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
7 years of experience
Vallejo, CA, 94590

About: Bilingual dog training! I am also CPR & fear-free certified, this helps ensure every pet under my care is safe and happy😊 Using positive reinforcement creates a fun environment that encourages your pup to keep progressing while strengthening your bond🐾

Trainer Profile Image: Finnegan J.
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Finnegan J.
$81
total per session
1 review
Positive-reinforcement trainer
1 year of experience
Clayton, CA, 94517

Finn is responsible, knowledgable and passionate about the training he does. I appreciate his mix of professional and personal experience in assessing animal behaviors and recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer who truly cares about and loves what they are doing.

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Tori L.
Trainer Profile Image: Angelina & Xavior P.
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Angelina & Xavior P.
$145
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
5 years of experience
El Cerrito, CA, 94530

Angelina was on time for our consultation. She listened, observed & was very attentive during the session with my rescue dog. I'm looking forward to getting a plan for next steps.

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Sherri R.
Trainer Profile Image: Chiara F.
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Chiara F.
$100
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
28 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
6 years of experience
San Francisco, CA, 94116

Chiara was a great trainer, immediately engaged with our dog, gave us so many tips on how to improve the things we wanted to address, and she was amazing. I really recommend her.

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Alessandro C.
Trainer Profile Image: Shannon W.
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Shannon W.
$94
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
89 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
2 years of experience
Los Altos Hills, CA, 94024

Shannon was super helpful during our initial consultation for training. She took time to understand our goals and current state before jumping into solutions, and made sure to share a write up of everything we discussed. Thank you, Shannon! Looking forward to our next session

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Chetan G.
Trainer Profile Image: Paul K.
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Paul K.
$219
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
13 years of experience
Alameda, CA, 94501

About: Over more than 15 years, I have worked with more than 5,000 dogs and their people across private training, dog care, and animal welfare. I spent nearly a decade owning and operating a comprehensive dog care and training business with a storefront in downtown Oakland, and most recently served as Behavior and Training Program Manager at one of the nation’s leading animal welfare organizations. That range of experience allows me to meet clients where they are, whether they need help with everyday manners and life skills or more challenging behavioral concerns.

Trainer Profile Image: Nima N.
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Nima N.
$250
total per session
5.0 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Positive-reinforcement trainer
20 years of experience
Corte Madera, CA, 94925

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Nima work with dogs, and it’s clear he has a natural gift for understanding and connecting with them. His calm, patient energy puts even the most anxious dogs at ease, and his use of positive reinforcement makes training both effective and enjoyable. Nima takes the time to tailor his approach to each dog’s personality and helps pet parents feel confident and supported throughout the process. His passion for helping dogs and their people build strong, lasting bonds truly sets him apart. Any pup would be lucky to learn from him!

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Dina T.
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How dog training on Rover works

  1. 1. Search

    Read verified reviews and choose a trainer who’s a great match for you and your dog.
  2. 2. Chat with your trainer

    Talk about your training goals and find a time that works for you.
  3. 3. Book training sessions

    All payments use Rover’s secured platform and bookings are backed by 24/7 support.

Dog Training FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Rover

Trainers listing on Rover must be credentialed dog trainers, commit to reward-based training methods, and pass a background check to offer dog training in Oakland.

Reward-based training encourages dogs to offer desired behaviors by reinforcing the behavior with something the dog likes; treats, play, or toys. Reward-based training prioritizes using the least intrusive intervention; it promotes thinking rather than punishing mistakes.

When rewards are used, the likelihood the behavior is repeated increases. The positive connection to the reward results in making learning enjoyable, strengthens the human animal bond and over time leads to consistent desired behaviors.

Training can happen many places — your home, a park, a store, or anywhere else that you and your trainer decide is best for the training you are doing! Many trainers will recommend training in your home. This allows them to observe your dog in their natural environment so they can effectively assess and best help reach your training goals.

Trainers will often mention on their profile where they typically hold training sessions, but you can always contact a trainer to learn more!

If you’re searching for a dog trainer in Oakland for the first time, visit the trainer’s profile and select the Contact button.

If you have an active request or have booked a service with a trainer before, learn more about how to do this in the Rover app or on your computer.

Rover makes it easy to find Oakland dog trainers to provide loving care from their own home. The background-checked, 5-star trainers you can find on Rover will work with you and your dog to build new skills and address behaviors. Dog trainers can work on:

  • Puppy training, adult dog training, agility training, clicker training and advanced training.
  • Behaviors such as barking, leash manners, leash reactivity, house manners, jumping, fearful behavior, anxious behavior, separation distress, recall, biting, chewing, mouthiness, potty training and resource guarding.

Of course! Having a trainer that is the right fit for both you and your pup is an important step to reaching your training goals. We recommend reaching out to any trainer that interests you. Your initial request is not final until both you and the trainer decide you want to move forward with booking.

Also, trainers may offer or require consultations. Make sure to ask trainers so you can make the best decision for you and your pet.

Many trainers on Rover indicate experience in a wide range of behaviors, from puppy training to more advanced behaviors and training types.

Review a trainer’s profile to see if their experience aligns with your needs, and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact them to ensure they’re the right trainer for you and your pet.

We get it—sometimes plans change and you may need to cancel your dog training service. You can cancel an upcoming booking directly from the Rover app or your computer, in accordance with your trainer’s cancellation policy.

Note: If your dog trainer requested to cancel this booking, then they need to cancel from their account. Please contact them via Rover Messages.