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Best Dog Trainers in Florida

By Cody ChamberlainUpdated October 30, 202617 min read
Best dog trainers in Florida header with a German Shepherd lying on grass
In this article

Five dog clubs share this Florida list with 25 other trainers, and together the 30 cover 23 cities from Gulf Breeze on the Panhandle to Miami. Volunteers run the Jacksonville and St. Petersburg clubs. The list is ranked live by each trainer's Google Maps rating, with the Yelp rating shown beside it. We checked every listing on October 30, 2026.

Quick picks

  1. 1. InSyncK9

    Protection and scent tracking

    View profile
  2. 2. K-9 Obedience Club of Jacksonville

    Puppy classes and dog sports

    View profile
  3. 3. Sit Happens Dog Training Jacksonville

    In home lessons, puppies

    View profile

How we picked these 30 dog trainers

Our Florida records hold 200 listings drawn from public professional directories, federal licensing records and trainers' own websites. We removed theme parks and animal exhibitors, as well as service dog groups that train only their own dogs and one trainer who isn't taking clients right now. Then we kept no more than four trainers from one city and opened each trainer's website to check what they offer today.

The best dog trainers in Florida, ranked

The order changes as new ratings come in, so check it again before you call.

Rank 1

InSyncK9

Jacksonville, FL

Protection and scent tracking

Specialties: Dog trainers serving Jacksonville and St. Augustine with obedience, puppy training, group classes, agility, behavior modification and protection training.

InSyncK9 trains dogs in Jacksonville and Saint Augustine. Basic obedience comes first, with advanced obedience after that. You can book private training in your home or join a group class. Behavior work covers aggression, anxiety and excessive barking. Less common services include protection training and scent tracking, and InSyncK9 trains service dogs too. The site also lists boarding with training. It calls the trainers certified but doesn't name a certifying group, so that's a fair question for your first call.

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Rank 2

K-9 Obedience Club of Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL

Puppy classes and dog sports

Specialties: Nonprofit dog training club teaching STAR Puppy, family dog and dog sport classes.

The K-9 Obedience Club of Jacksonville was founded in 1951, and volunteers run it. It's an AKC licensed club with three regulation size rings for trials, and classes use positive reinforcement. Puppies start in STAR Puppy or Sport Puppy Foundations. Family Dog classes are built for dogs with behavior problems. Sport classes cover rally, nose work, trick dog and AKC Fetch. Obedience runs from Novice through Utility, and the club holds trials, seminars and workshops during the year for members and students.

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Rank 3

Sit Happens Dog Training Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL

In home lessons, puppies

Specialties: Dog trainer offering puppy, obedience, leash, potty, socialization and behavior training, including small group sessions.

Sit Happens Dog Training has served Jacksonville since 2011, and its trainers come to your home. Dave Stellato and Alex Abreu, a retired Navy veteran, are on the team. Lessons cover puppy training, obedience, leash manners and potty training. Socialization and behavior work are on the list too. Methods are positive reinforcement, which the site calls evidence based and humane. Private group sessions can include all of your dogs together. Each trainer completes a 90 day certification course, and the team adds continuing education every year.

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Rank 4

Dorman Pantfoeder

Jacksonville Beach, FL

Board and train programs

Specialties: Jacksonville Beach dog trainer offering board and train programs, obedience and puppy training, and refresher courses.

Dorman Pantfoeder founded Good Dogs Training Camp in Jacksonville Beach, and visits are by appointment only. The business centers on board and train. You can choose The Good Dog program or a Premium Board and Train, and graduates can come back for a Refresher Course. The Good Pup Start Up is the puppy program. Dogs practice around people and other pets in what the camp calls a Simulated Homelife course. The service area runs from Ponte Vedra and Nocatee to Amelia Island.

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Rank 5

Leby Gonzalez

North Miami Beach, FL

Condo dogs, force free help

Credentials: CPDTKA and in progress at the Academy for Dog Trainers

Specialties: Private Training, Group Training, Behavior Consulting; Separation Anxiety, Aggression and Reactivity

Leby Gonzalez trains for Rocco's Pack in North Miami Beach. Our records list Leby as a CPDT-KA working through the Academy for Dog Trainers, and as a Pet Professional Guild member. Rocco's Pack has offered force free training since 2011, using positive reinforcement and applied behavior analysis. Group classes run under the name City Dog, and a Condo Dweller Program serves dogs in dog friendly buildings. Private training and behavior consulting are also listed, with separation anxiety and reactivity as focus areas.

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Rank 6

Trusted Paws Academy

Doral, FL

Puppy lessons and group classes

Specialties: Positive reinforcement training; puppy lessons; advanced obedience; group training

Trusted Paws Academy trains dogs in Doral, and Joel Silverman is its head trainer. He has more than 40 years of animal training behind him, by the academy's count, and he hosted Good Dog U on Animal Planet. The academy offers individual and group training, as well as puppy lessons and advanced obedience. Rewards are treats and praise. Individual training is listed on their site as $1,500 to $2,000, and group training costs less. The company also sells franchises, so confirm who will train your dog.

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Rank 7

Susan Claire

Weston, FL

Fearful and reactive dogs

Credentials: CPDT-KA, FFCP, Certified Puppy Behavior Consultant

Specialties: Private Training, Group Training, Behavior Consulting

Susan Claire runs PlayTrain Positive Dog Training in Broward County. Our records list her as a CPDT-KA and a Certified Puppy Behavior Consultant, and as a Pet Professional Guild member. Her lessons mix play with positive reinforcement, and she avoids methods or tools that cause pain or fear. Puppy training covers potty training and socialization. She also works with fearful and reactive dogs and teaches group classes. Private training and behavior consulting appear in her listing too. A free consultation is offered.

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Rank 8

Off Leash K9 Training Miami, FL

Miami, FL

Board and train, therapy prep

Specialties: franchise dog training (Off Leash K9)

Off Leash K9 Training Miami is a mobile franchise location, and its trainers come to your home anywhere in Miami-Dade, from Brickell to Homestead. It has served South Florida since 2014. A two week board and train is listed on their site from $2,900. Obedience runs as four to eight private lessons. Puppy training takes pups from 8 weeks to 5 months, and an eight lesson course prepares therapy dogs. Training uses marker words and praise with the company's electronic collar.

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Rank 9

Martha C Bernal

Tampa, FL

Reactive dogs, service scent work

Credentials: CCPDT-KA

Specialties: Private Training, Behavior Consulting; Aggression and Reactivity

Martha C. Bernal runs Wet Nose University in Tampa. Our records list her as a CCPDT certified trainer with the CPDT-KA and as a Pet Professional Guild member. Her site describes force free training and behavior modification. It also mentions Canine Good Citizen work and scent training for service dogs. Private training and behavior consulting are in her listing, with aggression and reactivity named as focus areas. The site posts no schedule or prices, so check where lessons happen and what a first session costs.

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Rank 10

Ben Vernon

Tampa, FL

Aggression and three week stays

Specialties: Veteran-owned Tampa dog training business offering obedience, private lessons, board and train, puppy and aggressive dog training.

Ben Vernon founded Vernon Dog Training in Tampa in January 2021, and the business is veteran owned. He works across Tampa Bay, from Clearwater and Wesley Chapel south to Sarasota. Private lessons happen one on one in your home. The board and train program lasts three weeks, with your dog living in the trainer's home. Puppy training covers potty training and chewing. Behavior work takes on aggression, leash reactivity and severe anxiety. Vernon calls his methods balanced but doesn't name tools.

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Rank 11

Ashley Parker

Tampa, FL

Separation anxiety, new parents

Specialties: Tampa dog trainer offering puppy preparation, aggression rehabilitation, separation anxiety training and dog sitting.

Ashley Parker owns Bayshore Dog Training and works as its head trainer across greater Tampa. She says she has well over a decade of experience with dogs. Training happens in your home through a private package, and she also runs group classes and a puppy program. Behavior work covers aggression and separation anxiety, as well as fights between dogs in the same house. Her training is reward based, with desensitization and safe exposure. A program called Cribs and Canines gets dogs ready for a new baby.

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Rank 12

Dog Training Club of Tampa

Tampa, FL

Dog sports and therapy dogs

Specialties: Nonprofit dog training club teaching agility, obedience, rally, scent work, therapy dog, trick dog and puppy classes.

The Dog Training Club of Tampa is a nonprofit club with its own training site in Tampa. Its class catalog is one of the widest on this list. Classes cover obedience, rally, agility and flyball. Scent work and barn hunt run too, and so do trick dog and conformation. A therapy dog class and an Animal Actors class round it out, and a puppy class is offered. The club hosts AKC trials and Canine Good Citizen testing, and registration is online.

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Rank 13

Orlando Dog Training Club

Orlando, FL

Obedience and conformation classes

Specialties: Puppy, beginner, CGC, obedience, rally, therapy dog and scent work classes

Orlando Dog Training Club is a member club, and a banner on its site marks 2026 as its 75th anniversary. Classes teach you to train your own dog, with obedience and conformation at the core. Its directory listing adds puppy and Canine Good Citizen classes, as well as therapy dog and scent work. The club holds matches and trials and encourages students to try events such as rally. The next session starts in January 2027, with registration opening in mid November.

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Rank 14

Every Dog Has Its Day

Orlando, FL

Force free in home training

Specialties: training and behavior help for dogs plus cats, parrots and rabbits (biting, screaming, feather destructive behavior, litter training)

Amanda is the head trainer at Every Dog Has Its Day in Orlando. The site says the business is CPDT-KA certified, and it backs the Shock Free Coalition. Training is force free and built on positive reinforcement. Private lessons happen one on one in your home, and the Board N Train bootcamp has your dog living with the trainer. Behavior work focuses on aggressive and fearful dogs. Its listing adds help for cats and parrots. The service area includes Maitland and Winter Park.

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Rank 15

Lisa Lovell

Winter Park, FL

Dogs and cats, behavior help

Credentials: AKC Approved CGC Evaluator (all levels) & Fit Dog; APDT C.L.A.S.S. Evaluator; APDT Professional Member; IAABC Professional Member; Animal Behavior College (ABC) Mentor Trainer

Specialties: Private Training, Group Training, Behavior Consulting; Separation Anxiety, Aggression and Reactivity, Assistance Animal Training

Lisa Lovell runs Pet Academy LLC in Winter Park and works with both dogs and cats. Our records list her as an AKC approved Canine Good Citizen evaluator at all levels and an APDT C.L.A.S.S. evaluator. She's also a mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College and a professional member of the APDT and the IAABC. Her listing names private and group training, and behavior consulting. Focus areas include separation anxiety and reactivity. Her website didn't load when we checked, so this entry sticks to our records.

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Rank 16

Laurent Gabriel

Sanford, FL

Boot camp and daycare training

Specialties: Sanford dog training facility offering boot camp, train and play, private lessons, daycare, boarding and grooming.

Laurent Gabriel owns Elite Professional Dog Training in Sanford and has trained dogs since 1990. It serves Lake Mary and Orlando too. Boot Camp is a four to six week obedience program where your dog stays at the facility. Train and Play pairs daycare with obedience work, and private lessons are one on one. Behavior help covers leash pulling and jumping. Separation anxiety and reactivity are on the list as well. A consultation is listed on their site at $150, credited toward a package.

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Rank 17

Adam Campbell

The Villages, FL

Board and train, puppies

Specialties: Board and train, obedience school, private lessons and puppy sessions

Adam and Susanna Campbell run Campbells Canine Training from The Villages and serve North Central and Central Florida. They bring more than 30 years of training experience, including 25 years running a business in the Washington, D.C. area. Services include board and train and an obedience school. Private lessons and puppy sessions are offered too. Their site talks about earning each dog's trust, and the couple works with all breeds. Visits are by appointment, and a free phone consultation comes first.

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Rank 18

Animal House Academy Dog Training

St. Petersburg, FL

Reactive dogs, virtual lessons

Specialties: Dog trainers offering puppy foundations, manners and reactive dog training through private, virtual and group classes and workshops.

Sandy Garcia trains for Animal House Academy Dog Training. The business serves St. Petersburg and Seminole, as well as Largo and Clearwater. Lessons happen in your home or over video, and virtual sessions reach owners outside the area. Programs include puppy foundations and manners training, and it runs a reactive dog program. Group classes and workshops run beside the private work. Methods are force free and science based. An in home consultation is listed on their site at $75, credited toward a plan.

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Rank 19

Dog Training Club of St Petersburg

St Petersburg, FL

Puppy classes and flyball

Specialties: Dog training club offering puppy, obedience, competition obedience, agility, rally, flyball, scent work, tricks and therapy dog classes.

The Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg was founded in 1955, and volunteers run it. Puppies can start in a puppy class or the STAR Puppy program, then move to Puppy Too. Obedience and manners classes run all the way to Utility. Sport classes include agility, rally, flyball and scent work. The club also trains therapy dogs. Classes use positive methods, and you can stop by Monday through Wednesday evenings or Tuesday mornings to watch one before you sign up for a session.

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Rank 20

Tallahassee Dog Obedience Club

Tallahassee, FL

Group obedience classes

Specialties: Dog club whose main mission is teaching obedience classes to the public, plus barn hunt trials.

The Tallahassee Dog Obedience Club is an AKC licensed club founded in 1960, and one of its primary missions is teaching obedience classes to the public. Choices include STAR Puppy, Basic Manners and Trick Dog. Manners and More prepares dogs for the Canine Good Citizen test, and competition classes cover obedience and rally. A six week session is listed on their site at $175. Registration opens November 9 for the session that starts January 6, 2027 at the North Florida Fair.

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Rank 21

Nanette Troche'

Port Saint Lucie, FL

Private lessons, reactive dogs

Credentials: ABCDT

Specialties: Private Training, Behavior Consulting; Aggression and Reactivity

Nanette Troche runs Jazzy Pawz-n-Wagz Dog Training in Port St. Lucie and works only in private lessons. She's an Animal Behavior College certified trainer and an APDT member. Basic Manners runs six or seven weeks. Next Level adds off leash work and recall around bigger distractions. Behavior adjustment covers reactivity, separation distress, fear and resource guarding. She uses clicker training and positive reinforcement. She has eight years of training experience, including work at a board and train facility. The first consultation is free.

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Rank 22

Crystle Barrs

Cape Coral, FL

Therapy teams, service dogs

Credentials: ABCDT

K9 Enrichment Center trains dogs in Cape Coral. Our records list Crystle Barrs as an Animal Behavior College certified trainer and a Pet Professional Guild member. Services include obedience and advanced obedience. Therapy team training is offered, and psychiatric service dog training runs online. The center describes force free training built on positive reinforcement. Logos on its site point to AKC Canine Good Citizen and Urban CGC evaluation, and to ties with the IAABC. Ask which trainer will work with you.

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Rank 23

Melanie Phillpot

Gainesville, FL

K9 Nose Work classes

Specialties: Dog trainer teaching K9 Nose Work classes and hosting odor recognition test events.

Melanie Phillpot runs Eager Pup in Gainesville, and her focus is K9 Nose Work. She's a Certified Nose Work Instructor and a CPDT-KA, and she has been involved with the sport since 2011. Classes teach dogs to search for target odors using positive reinforcement. Eager Pup serves Gainesville and towns across North Central Florida. It also hosts Odor Recognition Test events, with one set for January 10, 2027 in Gainesville. Puppy classes and private lessons aren't mentioned on her site.

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Rank 24

Christie Mendoza

Gulf Breeze, FL

Group classes, force free

Credentials: CPDT-KA

Specialties: Private Training, Group Training; Aggression and Reactivity

East Bay Dog Spot is a training center in Gulf Breeze. Our records list Christie Mendoza as its trainer, with the CPDT-KA and a Pet Professional Guild membership. The center calls itself force free and all positive reinforcement. It runs group classes and private training for new puppies and adult dogs, covering jumping, separation anxiety and reactivity. Clients get lifetime access to an online video library and free monthly pack walks. The center also serves Navarre, Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.

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Rank 25

K9 Korral

Sarasota, FL

Group classes plus daycare

Specialties: Group obedience classes, CGC preparation, private lessons and puppy training

K9 Korral in Sarasota pairs training with daycare and boarding, and it has a dog wash. Group obedience classes are offered, along with puppy training and Canine Good Citizen prep. Private lessons are listed in our records too. Training uses positive reinforcement. Daycare is free for dogs who board there, and the store sells food, treats and toys. The latest class announcement on the site is dated January 2022, so call to confirm the current class schedule before you plan around it.

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Rank 26

Marti Hohmann

Lake Worth, FL

Day training and service dogs

Specialties: Palm Beach County dog training business with group classes, Canine Good Citizen, nose work, rat hunting, private lessons and service dog training.

Marti Hohmann runs West Palm Dog with Benjamin Probst from Lake Worth and Wellington, and they serve West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach too. Private lessons and group classes are both offered. Day training and daycare run in small play groups. Board and train is an overnight program for puppies and adolescent dogs, with boarding at the trainers' home. Less common offerings include dog swimming lessons and rat hunting, also called barn hunt. Scent work and a service dog program are listed too.

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Rank 27

Christine Scott

Palm Bay, FL

Leash walking and group classes

Christine Scott owns Great Scott Dog Training in Brevard County. She holds the CPDT-KSA and is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Diana Short, an Animal Behavior College graduate, spent seven years raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Private lessons run Monday through Saturday, and group classes follow a posted schedule. Walk and Learn sessions with Tonya Napoli focus on leash walking. Pinch and choke collars aren't allowed. The area runs from Palm Bay to Satellite Beach.

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Rank 28

Madeline Friedman

Delray Beach, FL

Aggression cases, snowbird owners

Credentials: State Certified Educator Since 1992. Studied Animal Science.

Specialties: Private Training, Behavior Consulting; Separation Anxiety, Aggression and Reactivity, Assistance Animal Training

Madeline Friedman runs Innovative Reality Dog Training and Behavior Consulting from Delray Beach. Our records list her as a state certified educator since 1992 who studied animal science. She describes her training as cooperative, not coercive. She offers hourly lessons and in home training, and she takes aggression cases. A snowbird program serves owners who split the year, and her service area also includes Manhattan and New Jersey. Separation anxiety and assistance animal training appear in her listing too, and she also works with rescue groups.

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Rank 29

Dog Academy LLC

Lynn Haven, FL

Day school and snake aversion

Specialties: day school, board and train, private lessons, group classes, aggression training, snake aversion, boarding and daycare

Andrea Mullins runs Dog Academy LLC in Lynn Haven, near Panama City. Day School is one of its main programs, and board and train is an immersion program in a home setting. Private lessons happen at your home or in public places, and group classes meet Sunday evenings. The academy takes aggression cases and offers snake aversion. On Wednesdays, training moves to Port St. Joe. A 10 percent training discount is listed for seniors 65 and older, military members and teachers.

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Rank 30

Dillon Mitchell

Boca Raton, FL

Long board and train, gun dogs

Specialties: Boca Raton dog training company offering board and train, obedience, gun dog training, raise and train, private lessons and day training.

Dillon Mitchell founded Full Potential K9 in Boca Raton in 2019, and its licensed facility is attached to a veterinary clinic. Board and train runs three to five weeks and is listed on their site from $6,000. Private lessons are listed at $250 at the facility and $350 in your home within 30 minutes. The company also offers day training and general obedience, as well as gun dog and raise and train programs. Its approach is rewards based and balanced, and every dog gets a behavior assessment first.

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Compare Florida dog trainers side by side

The table lines up services and credentials for all 30 trainers.

Compare trainers

1. InSyncK9

City
Jacksonville
Best for
Protection and scent tracking
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

2. K-9 Obedience Club of Jacksonville

City
Jacksonville
Best for
Puppy classes and dog sports
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

3. Sit Happens Dog Training Jacksonville

City
Jacksonville
Best for
In home lessons, puppies
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

4. Dorman Pantfoeder

City
Jacksonville Beach
Best for
Board and train programs
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

5. Leby Gonzalez

City
North Miami Beach
Best for
Condo dogs, force free help
Credentials
CPDTKA and in progress at the Academy for Dog Trainers
Reviews
Be the first to review

6. Trusted Paws Academy

City
Doral
Best for
Puppy lessons and group classes
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

7. Susan Claire

City
Weston
Best for
Fearful and reactive dogs
Credentials
CPDT-KA, FFCP, Certified Puppy Behavior Consultant
Reviews
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8. Off Leash K9 Training Miami, FL

City
Miami
Best for
Board and train, therapy prep
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

9. Martha C Bernal

City
Tampa
Best for
Reactive dogs, service scent work
Credentials
CCPDT-KA
Reviews
Be the first to review

10. Ben Vernon

City
Tampa
Best for
Aggression and three week stays
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

11. Ashley Parker

City
Tampa
Best for
Separation anxiety, new parents
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
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12. Dog Training Club of Tampa

City
Tampa
Best for
Dog sports and therapy dogs
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
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13. Orlando Dog Training Club

City
Orlando
Best for
Obedience and conformation classes
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
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14. Every Dog Has Its Day

City
Orlando
Best for
Force free in home training
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
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15. Lisa Lovell

City
Winter Park
Best for
Dogs and cats, behavior help
Credentials
AKC Approved CGC Evaluator (all levels) & Fit Dog; APDT C.L.A.S.S. Evaluator; APDT Professional Member; IAABC Professional Member; Animal Behavior College (ABC) Mentor Trainer
Reviews
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16. Laurent Gabriel

City
Sanford
Best for
Boot camp and daycare training
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

17. Adam Campbell

City
The Villages
Best for
Board and train, puppies
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

18. Animal House Academy Dog Training

City
St. Petersburg
Best for
Reactive dogs, virtual lessons
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

19. Dog Training Club of St Petersburg

City
St Petersburg
Best for
Puppy classes and flyball
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
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20. Tallahassee Dog Obedience Club

City
Tallahassee
Best for
Group obedience classes
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
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21. Nanette Troche'

City
Port Saint Lucie
Best for
Private lessons, reactive dogs
Credentials
ABCDT
Reviews
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22. Crystle Barrs

City
Cape Coral
Best for
Therapy teams, service dogs
Credentials
ABCDT
Reviews
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23. Melanie Phillpot

City
Gainesville
Best for
K9 Nose Work classes
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

24. Christie Mendoza

City
Gulf Breeze
Best for
Group classes, force free
Credentials
CPDT-KA
Reviews
Be the first to review

25. K9 Korral

City
Sarasota
Best for
Group classes plus daycare
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

26. Marti Hohmann

City
Lake Worth
Best for
Day training and service dogs
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

27. Christine Scott

City
Palm Bay
Best for
Leash walking and group classes
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
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28. Madeline Friedman

City
Delray Beach
Best for
Aggression cases, snowbird owners
Credentials
State Certified Educator Since 1992. Studied Animal Science.
Reviews
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29. Dog Academy LLC

City
Lynn Haven
Best for
Day school and snake aversion
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
Be the first to review

30. Dillon Mitchell

City
Boca Raton
Best for
Long board and train, gun dogs
Credentials
Not listed
Reviews
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What dog training in Florida looks like

Group classes are the easiest thing to find. At least 18 of the 30 trainers run them, and five are dog clubs in cities from Tallahassee down to St. Petersburg.

Ten trainers list board and train, from two weeks at Off Leash K9 Training Miami to four to six weeks at Elite Professional Dog Training. At least ten will come to your home. Virtual help is thin. Animal House Academy offers video lessons, and K9 Enrichment Center runs psychiatric service dog training online.

Behavior help is spread unevenly. Fourteen of the 30 trainers take reactive or aggressive dogs, and seven name separation anxiety. Seven hold a CCPDT certification in our records or on their own sites. Dog Academy is the only one with snake aversion. Most trainers here describe positive reinforcement or force free training. Vernon Dog Training and Full Potential K9 describe a balanced approach, and Off Leash K9 Training Miami uses an electronic collar.

How to choose a dog trainer in Florida

The CCPDT says dog training is unregulated with no licensing requirements, and the AKC calls it an unregulated industry. Hillsborough County is a local exception. Its Truth in Training Ordinance says every dog training business that trains in the county must hold a county license, so Tampa owners can ask a trainer for proof.

Three trainers on this list describe balanced or electronic collar methods, so ask about tools on the first call. The AVSAB position statement recommends only reward based methods for all dog training, and its 2025 board statement says electronic collars and prong collars should not be used under any circumstances. The AKC suggests asking for references and watching a class first. The CCPDT warns about trainers who talk about dominance or rely mainly on punishment.

Dog rules in Florida worth knowing

Florida law says dogs and cats 4 months or older, along with ferrets, must get a rabies vaccine from a licensed veterinarian. Your dog needs a second shot 12 months later, and counties can add their own rules. Miami-Dade requires a license for every dog over 4 months, renewed each year by the date of the dog's last rabies shot. Hillsborough County calls its pet registration tag a legal requirement for dogs 4 months and older.

Beach rules vary by city. Jacksonville Beach requires a leash on the beach at all times, and from April 1 through September 30 dogs can't be on the beach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city also runs Paws Park, a fenced off leash dog park.

Gear to pack for a Florida training class

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The product links in this section go to Amazon.

Ask your trainer what to bring before you buy anything, since a club class in Tallahassee and a home visit in Tampa won't need the same gear. Nanette Troche of Jazzy Pawz-n-Wagz uses clicker training, so ask whether a class like hers needs your own clicker.

  • A treat pouch clips to your waist so rewards stay in reach during a lesson.
  • A clicker marks the moment your dog does the right thing in clicker based classes.
  • A front clip harness is worth asking your trainer about if your dog pulls on walks.
  • A 30 foot long line lets you practice recall at a distance while your dog stays attached to you.

Pick two or three trainers near you who match what your dog needs now, whether that's a STAR Puppy class or help for a dog who lunges on walks. Open their AnimalTrainerPro profiles and book a first call with each one. Ask each trainer the same questions so you can compare the answers.

Trainer choices depend on your dog’s needs and your goals.

Questions and answers

How much does dog training cost in Florida?

Most trainers here don't post prices. The Tallahassee Dog Obedience Club lists a six week class at $175. Off Leash K9 Training Miami lists its two week board and train from $2,900, and Full Potential K9 lists private lessons at $250 at its Boca Raton facility. Get the full package price before you book.

How long does dog training take?

It depends on the program. Jazzy Pawz-n-Wagz runs Basic Manners over six or seven weeks, and the Tallahassee club runs six week sessions. Board and train lasts two weeks at Off Leash K9 Training Miami and three weeks at Vernon Dog Training. Elite Professional Dog Training runs four to six weeks.

Should I choose private lessons or a group class?

Group classes teach your dog to focus around other dogs. Private lessons suit one specific problem, or a dog who isn't ready to be near other dogs. At least ten trainers here will come to your home.

How old does my puppy need to be to start training?

Earlier than you might think. Off Leash K9 Training Miami takes puppies from 8 weeks, and several clubs run STAR Puppy classes. Florida law requires a rabies shot at 4 months, and Miami-Dade requires a dog license from that age.

Who helps with reactive or aggressive dogs in Florida?

Fourteen of the 30 trainers on this list take reactive or aggressive dogs. Animal House Academy runs a reactive dog program, and Jazzy Pawz-n-Wagz runs a five week behavior program. Vernon Dog Training and Bayshore Dog Training both take aggression cases in Tampa.

Do dog trainers need a license in Florida?

The CCPDT and the AKC both describe dog training as unregulated. Hillsborough County is different. Its Truth in Training Ordinance requires every dog training business working in the county to hold a county license.

Sources