Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How old should a puppy be for training?

Dog training shouldn’t wait until you’re having behavior problems. If you get a new puppy, start from the beginning with professional training to give both you and your puppy the tools you need for a healthy relationship. Dog training is as much about teaching the owner how to interact with their new dog as it is about the dog learning to behave. Puppy training can start as early as eight weeks old. Trainers who offer puppy training programs may works specifically with dogs between the ages of 8 and 18 weeks old. Trainers can teach owners about potty training and how to deal with accidents, working with separation anxiety, and training your pooch out of destructive behaviors like chewing, biting and demand barking. Puppies will start to learn to walk on-leash and other basic skills.

In addition to behavior training, socializing your puppy is an important part of dog training. Socializing your dog means they become comfortable and confident in a variety of settings and have a great foundation for becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. After your puppy has had the proper vaccinations, you can start to introduce it to a variety of different dogs and people in safe settings.

Which dog training method is best?

The best type of dog training for both you and your dog depends on the outcomes you hope to achieve. If you want your dog to learn agility training, go to someone who specializes in those techniques. Regardless of whether you want your dog to learn basic behavior or competitive-level tricks, the majority of dog training is actually about training the owner how to communicate with their dog. Most professional dog trainers agree that a model of training based on positive reinforcement breeds a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog. The alternative to positive reinforcement training is using force or aggression techniques like physical punishment or shock-collar training to get the dog to do (or not do) a behavior. While the dog may learn how to behavior as you direct, it is also learning to communicate with force and aggression, and will in turn use those behaviors on other dogs (or people) that are smaller or weaker than it is. Before signing up with a dog trainer, meet with the trainer and ask for references. Watch the trainer interact with your dog, and make sure they treat your dog with patience and firm kindness. Ask them questions about their training methods:

What type of training methods do you use?
What is your background and training, and how did you become a dog trainer?
How long do you expect that we will work together before we achieve the results I’m after?

How long does it take to train a puppy?

Dog training depends on the dog and how much homework the dog owner is willing to put in. Puppy training is similar to dog training in that the onus of the work depends on the owner learning new ways to interact with their dog. For a quick crash course, you can opt for a single, two hour smart-start puppy training consultation to teach you the ins and outs of being a new dog parent. You can learn how to manage potty training and what to do if the puppy experiences separation anxiety. As long as you’re willing to work on dog training a little bit each day, your puppy will quickly learn these new behaviors. If you’re not confident about training your puppy yourself, you can enroll in a 6- to 8-week puppy training course, with weekly lessons touching on everything from bite control to obedience. Puppies usually need to be at least three months old for group training classes. If you want more intensive one-on-one work, you can opt for private lessons. Some behavior problems can be resolved in one session if the dog owner learns and can implement new skills. In the case of more serious issues, 3 to 10 private sessions can typically correct challenges.

Shalise B.

Verified review

We have a small 14 month old terrier mix whom we have had for about 9 months now and we just adopted an 8 week old lab mix. Our main concern was aggression with our older pup and we didn't want her passing that on to our new pup. Bruce helped us to understand the root of her aggression and to see that it was actually something that could be easily worked on. He didn't come in and try to "fix" our dog like some trainers, but rather helped empower us to help her be the best dog she could be! Bruce also helped us to leash train her because she pulled on the leash a lot when walking. Within minutes, he got her walking better than we could with months of training!! Even though we called about our older dog, Bruce also helped us to get our newest pup accustomed to being on a leash and comfortable with it. He is very knowledgeable and actually listens to concerns without judgement. I would highly recommend Bruce!

Barbara W.

If you are looking for a good dog trainer, I would highly recommend Tom from K9Katelynn! We have tried in the past to have our dogs both swim and run on a treadmill. We never accomplished either until we hired Tom. Also, we were having some issues with behavior which Tom aslo helped! He had us write notes as he trained all of us and these proved to be very helpful!

Brian B.

A lot of dog trainers want to board your dog for months and return it to you fully trained. Then they transfer the training to you. All this for thousands of dollars. No thank you. Nate came to my house and worked with Charlie and me in the environment where we live and walk. He said 4 lessons would be enough and it was. Thanks Nate.

Liz S.

Elisa is one of the best dog trainers I have had. Not only is she professional towards me, but she has shown an amazing amount of love, patience, and genuine care for my rescue dog. That was the most important factor for me, and she exceeded expectations. I'm referring her to all my family and friends!

Steve S.

We brought our pit bull puppy to Andrew with the hopes he would turn out to be a great, happy family dog. Jax has been home for about 2 weeks and we've seen so many improvements. There's no doubt he will turn out to be a loving, we'll behaved part of our family thanks to his training at hunter canine. We have since then enrolled our other dog in their boot camp program confident we will see great results again.

Bernie U.

I have tried obedience classes with my exuberant, hyper maltese previously with limited success. Cat trained my eccentric little pup to sit, wait, leave it, touch and come, as well as worked on her barking with one week of daily one-on-one training. It is obvious that she is very experienced and talented. I felt safe knowing how happy my puppy would be there with her big beautiful yard and friendly demeanour. I highly recommend Cat for dog training!!

Donna M.

Prior to meeting Renee, I had dropped out of multiple training classes sponsored by other private trainers because my dog and I weren't confident about our work outside of the classroom. We successfully completed Renee's Basic Obedience class and went on to take her Class in the Park to strengthen the skills we learned with added distractions of people, bicycles, little league games etc. Her ability to lead the class in a relaxed manner and her willingness to provide support between classes was the key to our success. Her extensive experience allows her to provide alternative solutions in situations where a particular dog isn't responding to an exercise. She has knowledge of a multitude of dog breeds and knows some of the training challenges that can come up with certain breeds. One of my issues was walking my 100 lb. lab without being pulled all over the neighborhood. After using Renee's training methods, not only do I now enjoy walking my dog, but I have actually had people stop me and ask how I was able to get my dog to walk so well on a leash!

Megan T.

I love Brandy and Steve. They have paid very close attention to my two dogs, Charlie and Frankie. We came in with two hyper active working dogs that had little training but have picked up so much information in training class. I am trying to beg them to do a level 2 training class for my dogs to be in. I love how attentive they were before and after class with Frankie and Charlie. I also realized a lot of the work was to train me. They have trained me well. I spend 30 min a day with both of my dogs training them separately with all the tricks they taught me in there class. I would highly recommended this obedience class with Brandy and Steve. They are very reasonably priced as well as they answered my response to their services within minutes. They treat my dogs as there own and send out weekly emails regarding all the dogs in the class and what we need to work on. On the off hours of training Brandy answers my texts and sends me additional info regarding activities for working dogs that she thinks would be good for my babes. One week I didn’t have a second handler and she had her husband help me out. She’s a serious gem and moving forward I will only work with her. She’s passionate about what she does and understands dogs so well! Thanks Brandy!

Jacob B.

Dianne from Waggin' Tails responded to my request for a dog trainer immediately. She was very professional from the beginning and taught us a lot about our dogs. She trained us as a family and since her training our family is much happier and all 3 of our dogs are getting along wonderfully. She has tons of experience with all different breeds and can turn any situation that arises into a training exercise. I highly recommend Waggin' Tails to anyone in need of a trainer.

Julie S.

After meeting with the ladies from Home Buddies, I felt completely at ease leaving my dog and kitties in their capable hands. They went the extra mile in caring for my critters - and even watered the potted plants!! Great experience and I will use them often in the future. Because of their attentiveness, now I feel comfortable to travel more and know that my critters will be well cared for in my absence.

Amy B.

When Kristie lived in Minnesota she watched, trained, bathed, gave my dog his medications, and walked, my Great Dane for many years. She is very reliable and treats every dog like her own. Dogs are truly her passion and I would not hesitate to have her help you with yours.

Lara V.

Naseem was a godsend to me when I needed her in an emergency! She picked up and delivered my precious girl. She is very good w/ animals and my cat was quite at home and comfortable with her. I highly recommend Naseem she is also a very sweet girl.

Debbie J.

I highly recommend Brenda to help with any type of training for you and your dogs. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. But the thing that I love most about her, is that she cares about my dogs as much as I do!

Malea B.

Searching for a dog trainer is not easy, let alone if you have specific demands. This was my situation. Joyce was not quite capable of accommodating what I was requesting, but she has continued to reach out to me to try to source a solution for my specific situation. That alone, someone who didn't get my business, by no fault of her own, has repeatedly checked in seeing if she could still help some how some way speaks VOLUMES on her character. If my situation was a typical one, I can assure you I would have hired her.

Laurel C.

Anton worked with us on training our Aussie puppy Bailey. Bailey was a little crazy and we knew we needed professional help to train him. Lorenzo's was referred by our vet, along with several other trainers. After speaking with each of the companies they referred and speaking to other personal recommendations we received from friends, we went with Lorenzo's. From the first time I spoke with Anton, I felt a trust in him. He was very understanding of what we wanted and worked with us until both he and the family thought Bailey was in a good place with his training. Anton was very understanding of each of our family members and where they were personally at with Bailey's training. He took the extra time on each session to make sure we were working with Bailey and comfortable with the lessons we had previously used, as well as the new lesson for the day. He was also very accommodating to our work and school schedules, which helped us tremendously. The cost of the training and tools were more expensive than what we were originally looking to spend, we feel that the training program was totally worth the expense. We continue to work with Bailey and his training on a personal level. What is even better is that we have the option to take him to group training sessions on a regular basis with Lorenzo's for as long as we would like. I would recommend Lorenzo's very highly.

Jim K.

I booked with Samantha through DogVacay and have used her regularly. From the time she responded to my message, to the meet and greet, and all through each stay my dog has had with her she has kept us informed and happy. My dog always comes home happy and worn out! She has two fantastic dogs, they are super friendly and my dog has a blast with them. Her puppy is a ball of energy and can keep up with my crazy girl! Samantha was even available to me when I had last minute travel plans over memorial day weekend, which was awesome because I know how busy she was that weekend! I will use her every time I need to as long as she is available.

Teresa P.

Being involved with Schutzhund for the past 10 years, and more recently AKC, i have attended several seminars. But, it was not until a couple of years ago when i attended my first seminar with Uschi that everything came together. When our club was later asked who they would want to bring back for another seminar, everyone said Uschi, hands down! Since then i have traveled long distances to attend her seminars, and it is always well worth it! My relationship with my dog has improved and i am more confident as a handler. When no one else could help with training challenges with my dog, it was Uschi who took us to the next level! I am also now doing agility with my dog and Uschi has helped so much with that too! I always get compliments on my dogs performance! Uschi trains the handler and can read a dog better than anyone i have ever trained with! Not just one breed of dog, but ANY breed! Not just Schutzhund but AKC obedience and agility! I always look forward to training with Uschi!. She is patient but firm and always fun! Uschi is absolutely the best trainer i have ever worked with!

Gilbert, AZ86 In-Home Dog Trainers near you

Answer a few questions

Get quotes

Hire the right pro

Gilbert In-Home Dog Trainers