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Tacoma, Find top rated dog training
“Rita has given us great tools to help with our dog. We are not done working with her, but we already see changes that we were looking for. She communicates excellently and gives us information to help us between our sessions so that we can continue to practice on our own. She is making a huge difference for not only our dogs, but our human family members. I highly recommend her methods.”
“Harry has been fantastic. He is very calm (great for working with reactive dogs) and a clear communicator (great for working with dogs and humans!). I've been impressed with how he observes me with my dog and then provides real-time suggestions that fit where we're at --- it's not a cookie cutter approach. Petey and I have struggled for over a year with "lay down." (Other trainers haven't been able to help.) Harry watched us for a while, then suggested a few alternatives based on what he saw Petey already doing. It worked! I have been really pleased, and Petey seems more confident and engaged with each practice session. If/when Petey and I run into speedbumps, I'll reach out to Harry again.”
“Ashley is very attentive. She remembers what we talk about, and offers helpful advice and focused training. She also helped us by creating google doc with links to purchase things we talked about.”
About: I have a background in working with/training in a zoo setting with multiple species from mice to mountain lions. I have also shown dogs in the show ring and multiple of my past clients have dogs who have earned or are currently earning titles through the AKC, NASDA, Do More With Your Dog, and more.
“Nicole was wonderful! Showed up on time, sooo nice, very calm disposition, and got results from Reggie right away. She went through each of my concerns and showed me ways to work with him. I appreciate Nicole being so kind and patient with him!”
“Qilian has done an amazing job with my rescue dog, a lab mix. In just one session, he came back home happy and confident and has been following basics like not pulling on the leash, sit, leave etc. I had been struggling with these since the last 3 months of having him. Also her communication was excellent and she taught me a lot of things just over text that have been super helpful. She has won our trust and I look forward to signing more sessions with her.”
“Diva R. is exactly the trainer everyone needs. She instinctively understands what's needed- she gets Rosie, and gets us! She conveys a joy in training and working with dogs and their owners; she truly finds delight in what she does, and it comes through 100%. We can not recommend her highly enough.”
“I just had a video call consultation. Karen has great training solutions to the needs and problems me and my dog need help with. She laid out a very good plan on how we can train and achieve our goals. I'm very excited and happy to get started.”
“Alex was incredibly helpful, gave a lot of good advice, provided recommendations for toys and equipment, and was able to explain everything extremely clearly when discussing, not just how to do something, but why as well”
About: As a Fear Free certified professional and an observant trainer, I want to help you speak (and interpret) your dog's language! Have you ever asked "why on earth does my dog do that"? Or witnessed a behavior that, to you, makes no sense? I am here to help bridge the communication gap and strengthen trust between dogs and their owners.
“Jennifer is very experienced and gave her honest evaluation of my new dog’s behavioral issues on her first visit to my home. She is an excellent resource for anyone with a dog needing behavior modification.”
“Lisa has spent her life learning from and working with dogs, and she shares that wisdom with gentle confidence. She connects naturally with the dogs she handles and supports owners with the same ease. Her long experience means she leads with compassion, sets healthy boundaries, and builds thoughtful, individualized plans for every dog. You can count on Lisa for attentive care, reliable structure, and a sincere understanding of your pet. Trust your pets in her care.”
“Anji is amazing, truly wonderful! This was only our second session and we, the puppy parents, have so much to learn, but we are deeply grateful that we have Anji to work with and highly recommend her to all.”
“We had a great experience working with Xiangmin! She was patient, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand both of our dogs. Chewy has been noticeably calmer and better behaved since training, and Theo has improved a lot with walking on a leash. We’ve already seen a big difference at home and on our walks. Highly recommend Xiangmin to anyone looking for a great dog trainer!”
About: Certified dog trainer with 10+ years of experience in the service dog / guide dog industry, AKC evaluator, and puppy raiser offering science-based, compassionate training—from puppyhood to advanced obedience and working-dog skills. Coaching support for puppy raisers and temperament testing available.
About: I’ve worked professionally with dogs since 2017 and began professionally training dogs in 2021. My background includes training centers, veterinary clinics, daycares, and other animal care settings. I specialize in reactive, over excited, nervous, and high energy dogs. I tailor training to each dog and focus on practical skills that help both dogs and their owners succeed in everyday life.
“Ethan was great! He got back to us in one day and came to our house to meet us and our 'terrorist' Winston. We look f forward to working with him to help us all be more comfortable.”
“Vets recommended & go-to! Definitely 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐= 100%! Our vets of 29 years recommends Qing for advanced trainings and boarding for my 2 hyper-reactive/anxious pups after knowing she is always the GO-TO choice for the professionals working in the animal hospital, and we had a very humiliating annual visit where they were constantly barking, growling, pulling the leash, and chasing after other pets so badly in the lobby that staff had to clear a path to the exam room. Qing paid attention to our dogs' conditions being on lots of meds and prescription diet, and her certified licensed medical & behavioral expertise was a game-changer & reassurance! She handled their health needs flawlessly and showed how their medical issues fueled their anxiety in just 1 consultation and we saw real progress! We're locked into a 3-month training plan with Qing and finally feel hopeful to better guide their minds and actions!”
“Lisa definitely knows dogs. My dog Rosie was on her best behavior so she could only explain what to do. But she gave me good instructions and I watched how she interacted with her.”
About: I believe one of the most important parts of training is building a strong relationship with your pup! Dog training with me is all about helping pups explore the world safely while learning to listen and respond to their humans when needed.
“Tatiana was amazing. She is very well educated about dog training and care and did a phenomenal job with my very shy six month old puppy. She even taught him a new trick! I would absolutely hire her again.”
About: What sets me apart is a focus on the science of habit and functional reliability. Most training only reaches the "think brain", working in a quiet kitchen, but failing under distraction. I specialize in moving behaviors into the automatic habit center, creating a dog that responds naturally. I provide a professional roadmap from puppy foundations to complex reactivity. Empowering you with peace of mind and confidence.
About: I’m trained in positive reinforcement through Karen Pryor Academy, which means I focus on understanding behavior rather than forcing quick fixes. I create a calm, structured environment where dogs can build confidence and trust, leading to more reliable, long-term behavior changes.
“We were very glad to find Sasha to help us with some training for our new puppy. Sasha is so knowledgeable, patient, and kind. You can really tell she loves what she does. Sasha really took the time to listen to our questions and give thoughtful feedback as to what we could do to help our puppy learn in the important first few months of her life. We also appreciated her enthusiasm and encouraging nature. I’m sure we will use Sasha’s training services again as our puppy grows. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing any sort of dog training help! She is awesome!”
About: Kerri is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Family Dog Mediator with advanced degrees in marriage & family therapy and art therapy. She combines her knowledge of human and dog behavior to create strong, lasting bonds, helping dogs and their people feel safe, secure, and confident while improving their quality of life together.
“She has been a life saver for me and the family. She has a lot of knowledge about what to do for you and your pet.. I honestly was unsure about doing it this way, looking up just someone out of the blue but she proved me wrong.. I would highly recommend Alysia to help in training your pup! ❤️”
How to book dog training
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FAQs for Dog Training - Tacoma
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for dog training in Tacoma on Rover is $121 per session (as of November 2026). All trainers on Rover set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
The price you see before you confirm the booking is the final price you pay for the services. For more information on service fees, click here.
Trainers may recommend the first session to be in your home. Afterwards, where you and your trainer meet may change depending on your training goals.
For example, with obedience training, your trainer may start at home and then move to a park or a store. Sometimes, for specific training needs such as loose leash walking, quiet, low-traffic neighborhood routes around Tacoma can be a starting point. Ultimately, training can happen in many places, which is great for folks who want to raise a confident, social dog.
Each training session is unique and trainers can work with you and your dog's needs. As you evaluate which trainer is the best fit, you can read the "Sessions" section on their profile to get a sense of what the first class may be like.
Most trainers list where the sessions take place, the format or focus of each session, what techniques they'll use, and what materials they'll provide so that you and your dog can continue training between sessions.
If you have any additional questions about what to expect during your first session, ask the trainer during your consultation!
Reward-based training is the style of training that uses proactive management and positive outcomes, rewards, or reinforcements, such as treats, praise, or toys, to encourage dogs to choose desired behaviors. The purpose of this training method is to promote thinking, strengthen behaviors, and improve the relationship between you and your dog.
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, research shows that reward-based training with an emphasis in positive-reinforcement builds stronger human-animal bonds, reduces anxiety in dogs, and produces more reliable, lasting behavior. Rover is committed to this approach.
The type of credential you want to look for depends on the reason you're looking for a trainer. The most popular credentials on Rover include KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CCPDT, Fear-Free™, and Good Pup certification, however there are many qualifying credentials from reputable organizations and institutions that we accept.
You can find each trainer's credentials on their profile under the "More info" section. All trainers must submit their credentials and qualifying educational experience before being listed on Rover.
Every trainer on Rover goes through a multi-step approval process before they can accept bookings:
- Pass a third-party background check
- Show proof of education, credentials, or certification in dog training
- Commit to reward-based training methods
Rover does not support trainers who use aversive tools or punishment-based techniques.
Yes. Many trainers on Rover in the Tacoma area have experience with reactive dogs—including dogs who bark, lunge, or pull on leash—as well as dogs dealing with separation anxiety, fearful behavior, and reactivity in general.
Dense, high-stimulation environments can be especially challenging for reactive dogs, and working with a trainer who understands specific triggers can make a significant difference. You can filter for leash manners, reactivity, or anxiety to find trainers who specialize in addressing these behaviors.
Vaccination requirements are set by individual trainers, not by Rover. Many trainers may ask if your dog is up-to-date on core vaccines such as rabies, distemper, and bordetella.
For in-home or private outdoor sessions, requirements may be more flexible, especially for very young puppies still completing their vaccine series. Always confirm health requirements with your trainer before your first session.
We get it—sometimes plans change and you may need to cancel your dog training service. Each trainer sets their own cancellation policy and many offer a full refund if you cancel within their cancellation policy. You can find each trainer’s individual policy on their profile under their calendar availability.
Note: If your dog trainer requested to cancel this booking, then they need to cancel from their account. Please contact them via Rover Messages.
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