Have your kids been begging you for a puppy? Mine have… for years! When our two sweet elderly dogs passed away within a few months of each other this year, our family just wasn’t the same. After looking at many pictures of precious dogs, we chose one as a family. While our children were thinking about what toys to buy him and which dog parks they will visit first, my husband and I remembered that training a dog can actually be pretty challenging. We needed help! Fortunately, there are many certified dog trainers in the Birmingham area, and we were able to find a good fit for us. When you find yourself granting your kids their biggest wish, these tips can help you find the perfect dog trainer for you.
What do I look for in a trainer?
What is their training philosophy?
Ask what methods they use and be sure they are in line with what you agree with and would want to continue as a family. Most veterinarians and trainers recommend positive reinforcement techniques.
What is their experience and certification?
Many trainers have a gift for communicating with dogs. Dog trainers can take classes of their own and certified by organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Is it important to you what certifications the trainer holds or how long they have been training dogs?
What programs do they offer?
Most trainers offer a variety of options that could include puppy classes, group or private lessons, board and train programs, or even virtual classes.
What can I afford and how much time can I dedicate to training?
Many trainers have a wide variety of price points depending on what you want your dog to learn, how old the dog is, and how much you want to spend.
Ask questions!
This is an investment for your entire family, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about training or tell them your specific needs. If you have a particular behavioral issue you want to work on, let them know and ask if they have experience with it.
Dog Trainers Near You
Vestavia Hills
Club Canine
3190 Cahaba Heights Road
Vestavia Hills, Alabama
(205) 967-3648
[email protected]
Creative Dog Training
381 Summit Boulevard
Vestavia Hills, AL
(205) 967-2062
[email protected]
Night & Day Dog Training
Serves the Birmingham area
Holds group training classes at Wald Park
The Pawms
205.745.3933
[email protected]
Three Dimension Dog Training
(205) 563-8383
Homewood
Dog U
2706 19th Street South
Homewood, AL
(205) 573-4683
[email protected]
Hoover
PetCo
5631 Grove Blvd
Birmingham, AL
(205) 987-9623
PetSmart
3780 Riverchase Village Suite 3
Hoover, AL
(205) 682-9556
The Barking Zone
5196 Caldwell Mill Road
Hoover, AL
(205) 527-3146
Inverness
PetCo
5269 Highway 280 South, Suite B6,
Birmingham, Alabama, 35242
(205) 995-1013
PetSmart
5025 Highway 280, Suite 105
Birmingham, AL
(205) 437-0254
Trussville
Good Dog! Training and Kennels
6936 Honor Keith Road
Trussville, AL
(205) 229-7729
[email protected]
PetCo
5451 Patrick Way
Birmingham, AL
(205) 517-6989
PetSmart
5890 Trussville Crossings Blvd
Birmingham, AL
(205) 661-3181
Alabaster
PetSmart
100 South Colonial Drive, Suite 1800
Alabaster, AL
(205) 663-2389
Bessemer
Dominion Dog Training
3051 Morgan Road
Bessemer, Alabama
205-427-0723
[email protected]
Serves Bessemer, Hoover, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Cahaba Heights, Inverness, Helena, Pelham, Alabaster, McCalla, Trussville, and Gardendale
PetSmart
4925 Promenade Parkway
Bessemer, AL
(205) 428-3437
Other Trainers Serving the Birmingham Area:
A Well Behaved Dog
(770) 314-6018
[email protected]
Gentle Wolf Dog Training
(205) 569-5073
[email protected]
Love Them Train Them
[email protected]
Offers group classes in Downtown Birmingham, Pelham, Vestavia Hills, and Alabaster
Off Leash K9 Training
(205) 402-8448
Serves Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, and Homewood
