The 7 best dog trainers in Sydney to help your furry friend shine
There’s only so much we can do by copying Cesar Millan’s dog whispering on TV. There comes a time when we have to hand over the leash and let a total pro handle everything from the basic command “sit” to more advanced skills like leash manners.
We’re talking about dog trainers who seem like they know how to speak canine.
As fellow fur parents, we know what you’re thinking: “I won’t let a mere stranger train my baby!”
Well, that’s why we’ve curated a list of the best dog trainers in Sydney based on their expertise, rave reviews, and ability to work magic on all types of dogs!
These experts are celebrated for their innovative techniques, approachable demeanor, and proven success across breeds and temperaments. You can trust them to transform your dog into a more prim and proper version of a well-mannered dinner guest.
How much does a dog trainer in Sydney cost?
Dog trainers in Sydney cost between $100 and $200 for a 4–6 week course, $80 and $150 per hour for private sessions, and $500 and $1,500 for specialized programs.
1. The Sydney Dog Trainer
Address: Home visits
Phone: +61 490 545 437
Business hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:30pm
The Sydney Dog Trainer is a standout choice for pet owners looking to transform their unruly dogs into well-mannered companions.
They offer tailored, one-on-one programs to suit each dog’s unique needs and personality. What’s more, they specialize in addressing behavioral challenges such as aggression, anxiety, and excessive barking.
The trainer begins with a comprehensive assessment of your pet, creating a plan rooted in positive reinforcement and clear communication. Their methods not only tackle immediate issues but also build long-term trust and understanding between you and your dog.
Clients often highlight the trainer’s exceptional patience, detailed explanations, and ability to achieve lasting, visible results.
Whether your dog struggles with reactivity or requires a more advanced behavioral overhaul, The Sydney Dog Trainer’s expertise ensures a happier, more harmonious relationship.
Their dedication makes them a top choice for dog owners across Sydney.
However, one potential drawback is the limited availability of group class options. This may make it challenging for some dog owners to find a suitable time for training.
Saw immediate improvements
“Mark was phenomenal! In 2.5 hours we unlearned all the incorrect training methods that were taught to us at puppy school. We saw immediate improvements in problematic behaviours that we had been experiencing. Mark has been a godsend and well worth the money. Mark is so engaging, and very friendly. Highly recommended and 5 stars from us!”
– Peter B., Google Reviews
Boundaries are set out
“What can I say but thank you Mark. We had tried other trainers and behaviorist but all that came out of it was a sad, restricted dog. Then we found Mark and my girl not only is happy and enjoying her home but also listens and understands the boundaries set out. To say that she’s happy is an understatement. Mark gave us honest information and didn’t promise anything that he couldn’t deliver. Could not recommend him enough.”.
– Karina B., Google Reviews
2. Liarne Henry
Address: Home service
Phone: +61 406 873 308
Business hours: By appointment
Liarne Henry offers a unique blend of traditional positive reinforcement techniques and holistic approaches. This includes considering the dog’s environment, lifestyle, and overall well-being.
Liarne also tailors her services to address the specific needs of each dog, though she specializes in puppy training and reactivity management. This ensures effective results for behavioral challenges like nervousness, leash pulling, or fear-based reactions.
Her compassionate, hands-on method includes exercise plans, dietary considerations, and environmental enrichment. It also focuses on strengthening the bond between pet and owner, providing dog parents with tools to continue progress at home.
Liarne’s training includes one-on-one sessions that delve into key issues, group classes for socialization, and strategies to address common challenges such as excessive barking or separation anxiety.
Her dedication to understanding and addressing the root of behavioral problems has earned her a stellar reputation among Sydney’s dog owners. Her methods not only improve behavior but also enhance dogs’ confidence and owners’ peace of mind.
However, it’s important to note that Liarne Henry doesn’t specialize in advanced agility or trick training, due to her focus on foundational obedience and behavioral correction.
For those seeking more specialized training in these areas, other trainers may be a better fit.
Already seeing vast improvements
“Liarne is incredible. She has a calm and authoritative manner (both with dogs and people). We are already seeing vast improvements in our rescue greyhound not even one week since our session. Our dog is more confident and able to go on much longer walks. You have to be prepared, as the pawrents, to put the work in yourself, as dog behaviour training is more about training humans! It’s not easy and might be out of your comfort zone, however Liarne’s methods work. Don’t be swayed by the pricing, there are definitely cheaper trainers out there, however Liarne spends as long with you and your dog in your session as you need, she observes everything even when you don’t realise, and her support is ongoing.”
– JP., Google Review
Provides expert advice and training
“I am glad I contacted Liarne prior to collecting my puppy Munchie I booked in a private session the day after and it was so worthwhile. Liarne was great and really helped settle a lot of anxiety a new puppy owner has. I then booked a 4 week puppy school with Liarne. Munchie had a great time socialising with the other pups, and Liarne provides expert advice and training. She is always available long after puppy school is finished to answer any questions, she truly cares about you and your puppy’s well being. Thank you Liarne, you really made the first couple of months less stressful and equipped me to bring up a happy puppy!”
– Tara A., Google Review
3. Eazy Dog Training
Address: 79 High St, Mascot
Phone: +61 493 933 613
Business hours: 24/7
Eazy Dog Training is a fantastic choice for pet owners seeking practical and results-driven solutions to common behavioral issues.
Their team excels in helping fur parents understand their dog’s needs, motivations, and behaviors. At the same time, they focus on equipping them with tools to foster positive habits.
This includes consistent routines, appropriate exercise, and effective communication techniques.
The training services also feature fun and engaging group classes, which are perfect for socialization. What’s more, there are private sessions designed for more focused attention on specific challenges.
These programs address issues such as leash pulling, jumping, and basic obedience, ensuring your dog becomes a more confident and well-behaved companion.
With their approachable and supportive trainers, they create an environment where dogs thrive while owners feel empowered to continue the training journey at home.
However, it’s important to note that Eazy Dog Training has a limited focus on advanced problem-solving or agility training.
Huge difference on behaviour
“We just completed a 4 week training program for our teenage dog & I have no doubt in my mind that Anniina is a dog whisperer! She educated us so thoroughly about how to read our dog & the ways in which they read & interpret us. This information & our classes have made such a huge difference to Max’s behaviour. He’s growing up to be such a well-trained pup & it’s all thanks to his Eazy Dog classes 🙂 highly recommend!”
– Boop B., Google Review
Fantastic result and experience
“Anniina did such a great job with our dog, Evie. She showed us lots of tips about practicing boundaries and training her to be less leash reactive. Also gave us lots of great info that we would have missed had we not had her help, like sometimes dog parks can actually reinforce impolite behaviours! Anniina’s training was 100% worth it and I can’t recommend Eazy Dog Training highly enough!”
– Amy J., Google Review
4. Nooch’s Pooches
Address: Monterey NSW
Phone: +61 423 706 676
Business hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00am–10:00pm
Nooch’s Pooches is a boutique dog training service that prioritizes positive reinforcement techniques. This includes rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, and toys to create a positive and enjoyable learning experience for dogs.
Their personalized in-home sessions are perfect for dogs with anxiety, reactivity, or specific behavioral issues. It’s because they allow the trainer to work closely with your pet in a familiar environment.
Additionally, their small group classes provide excellent opportunities for socialization and foundational training in a supportive setting. However, due to high demand and limited slots, availability can be limited.
We suggest booking in advance to secure a spot.
A lot of their clients say it’s worth the wait because of Nooch’s Pooches’ focus on building trust and understanding between dogs and their owners. As a result, their methods foster long-term behavioral improvements and a deeper bond.
Top-notch dog trainer
“We can’t thank Panos enough for the incredible work he has done with our working dog and educating us. It is a huge challenge for working dogs to fit in with suburban life, but Panos has shown us many ways to keep our dog stimulated and happy. His expertise in addressing behavioral issues was evident from day one. Our dog is now happier and more obedient than ever. Panos is beyond knowledgeable and truly understands the unique needs of working dogs. We highly recommend his service to anyone in need of a top-notch dog trainer!
– Georgina N., Google Review
The real deal
“Nooch’s Pooches is the real deal, Panos is passionate, knowledgeable and always developing new techniques to help me teach my doggo. He cares not just about the dogs but helping us as owners mould our best friends into happy healthy pooches! I thoroughly enjoy his sessions and his teaching style and would not go anywhere else.”
– Bryce E., Google Review
5. Bark Busters
Address: Mobile service
Phone:+61 400 987 654
Business hours: Mon to Fri: 9:00 am–5:00pm
Bark Busters is renowned for their comprehensive dog training programs, designed to suit the needs of both novice and experienced dog owners.
Their offerings include puppy boot camps that focus on socialization, potty training, and basic commands. This ensures young pups get the right start.
Meanwhile, older or more experienced dogs have advanced training sessions that go beyond basic obedience. These programs focus on refining commands, building advanced agility skills, and tackling specific behavioral challenges like resource guarding or hyperactivity.
Through incorporating techniques that stimulate both mental and physical activity, these sessions help dogs become more focused, responsive, and confident.
However, because of the specialized nature of their training, they have a higher pricing for premium services such as advanced agility training and in-home consultations.
The result was instantaneous
“Sharon is unbelievable!!! Her knowledge and delivery made for a very successful first lesson for Schnitzel. In just 2.5 hours our 3 month old puppy had overcome separation anxiety issues and allowed us to have a quiet meal or a quick shower without our little friend stressing out. The result was instantaneous. The night of the lesson was her first sleep through the night with out crying. We still have 3 lessons to go and can’t wait for the next one! Sharon’s nature made it so much fun learning how to have the best relationship possible with our dog..”
– Brendan M, Google Review
Very professional
“Totally recommend Sharon ! She helped us a lot with our dog when she was puppy and now after 3 years we were having problems with her change of behave and Sharon is back to help us ! She is very professional and a lovely person! Thank you for all the help and care!”
– Luiza M, Google Review
6. Problems On Paws
Address: Hornsby, Sydney NSW
Phone: 0406 649 633
Business Hours: Sunday – Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/problemsonpaws/
Website: https://www.problemsonpaws.com.au/
Jenny from Problems On Paws might just be one of our personal favorites on this list simply because of the free calls without commitment. Alright, kidding aside, it’s because of her great knowledge and passion for dogs! She loves her job and pooches.
Problems On Paws has a wide variety of services too, including dog training, puppy classes, puppy training, and if your pet is more introverted, there’s 1:1 dog training available!
And, speaking of our favorite puppy classes, they offer 4 group sessions held in a veterinary clinic, handouts covering main areas of concern for puppy owners and how to help, and a Facebook group to share your progress and connect with other owners.
They even give a certificate of completion for those who avail of her classes, so that’s a good start to your puppy’s young career of being a cute family member!
What we also loved about Jenny as a trainer, though, is that she brings up issues in a timely manner. If there’s anything that she senses is wrong with our pets, she just knows it, and she’ll inform us immediately without hesitation. Safety is #1 with her!
Although we recommend booking her services ahead of time as she can be unavailable due to high demand. But, she makes up for it by being the person who gives lots of tips regarding dogs–it’s like a free class but for us instead.
Plus, if you think your pooch is already trained enough, Problems On Paws offers pet sitting for when you decide to be away for a little vacation or trip somewhere for an extended period of time! Do expect updates and a good time for your dog, if ever.
Super knowledgeable and understanding
Our adopted dog came with lots of anxiety and reactive issues. Training with Jenny has really helped us to understand the best way to help her adjust to her new life and show her the world in a way that doesn’t overwhelm her. It’s been nice to be sure about the right techniques to use to train our dog, and also helped us understand what to realistically expect from our dog. She’s also gotten to a really comfortable place with Jenny which is amazing for a dog with trust issues – it is so nice to see! Jenny is super knowledgeable and understanding which really takes the pressure off our stressful situation. Thank you Jenny!
Algeria | Testimonials
Amazing and efficient
Jenny is amazing and efficient with our GSP puppy Tilly. She has a great knowledge of dogs and is so calm when training our puppy. After every session I feel huge improvement in Tilly and it is easier for me to keep doing what Jenny taught our puppy Tilly. Jenny is happy to consult any issue over the phone. She gave me some very simple tips about positive reinforcement. I can’t recommend her strongly enough. Looking forward to the next session
Lenka & Tilly | Testimonials
7. Understanding Canine
Address: N/A
Phone: N/A, but can be contacted through [email protected]
Business hours: N/A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/understandingcanine/
Website: https://www.understandingcanine.com/
Finding a dog trainer who truly understands both the science and the soul of dog behavior isn’t an easy job, but with Understanding Canine, we found just that.
From our very first session, it was clear that this isn’t your typical obedience school. Monika, the main trainer, has the approach of being deeply rooted in relationship building and mutual trust.
What impressed us the most was how the training didn’t just focus on commands, but it focused on connection! They take time to decode your dog’s unique personality and adapt the program accordingly.
Understanding Canine’s philosophy is clear: a well-behaved dog isn’t the product of punishment or dominance, but of consistency and communication. Monika uses no gimmicks and just behavioral insight to teach your furry friend.
Backed in canine psychology, Monika will tailor everything to your dog’s temperament and your lifestyle. Because of this, we can definitely say that we love her services!
More than training dogs, she also teaches us as caretakers to be empowered to lead the way when it comes to enabling good behavior for our canine pals!
Their sessions start at a reasonable $700 for 4, 1-hour private sessions, up to $1360 for 8, 1-hour private sessions. Monika also makes available online sessions, in case you’re too far!
Beyond their resources, transparency and ongoing support, Understanding Canine feels more like long-term partners than one-time trainers! If you’re seeking a deeper relationship with your pet, they’re the kind you’ll wish you found sooner.
So knowledgeable about dogs
Our initial session with Monika was excellent! She is clearly so knowledgeable about dogs, as well as about all the science behind behavioural training. She was a great listener and gave us valuable insights and advice regarding our dog’s reactivity, as well as a very detailed and thorough behaviour plan and resources for further learning. We look forward to our next session and can’t recommend Monika enough.
Lara Taylor | Google Reviews
Compassionate, calm and caring in her approach
Monika was fantastic! She came to help us out with our new foster greyhound who was having some feelings towards our resident greyhound. She was very thorough in the information she shared, answered all our questions and articulated in the most simple way so that we could relate and adapt. She is so compassionate, calm and caring in her approach towards doggos and humans. We now have a realistic and achievable training plan and can already see it working.
Kate Button | Google Reviews
8. K9 Trainer – Puppy School & Dog Training
Phone: +61 415 292 600
Business hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Friday: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM – 12 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k9trainer_liarne_henry/
Website: https://www.k9trainer.com.au/
After enrolling my pooch for a 4-week puppy school with Liarne, I can confidently say the K9 Trainer is one of the best in the business, especially around the city!
First off, she educates us, the owners, about the problem. Unlike other trainers who just go in and proceed with bonding with the dog, she makes sure we’re also aware of what’s happening–why the behavior is so and why it’s prevalent.
We love how she pays extra attention to the body language of my dog. She understands every little detail and what they actually mean. And, as she’s making progress, she always keeps in contact with us! She’s just excellent with communication.
Through private in-home training and online training being options, it just adds to the versatility of Liarne as a puppy trainer. Although we have to say that she can be difficult to book due to high demand. She’s talented and professional, so it makes sense why!
However, she makes up for it by also making the training fun for us. She makes sure you’ll also get to participate despite the actual client or student being our cute doggos. She allows us to handle things on our own until we get full control and discipline!
You get never-ending advice from her
Liarne was absolutely great. We were having issues with our dog Patch who just turned 6 and she helped us in understanding what patch was trying to tell us and Understanding situations with Patch. It’s only been two weeks since her visit and Patch has already improved less barking and actually eating from a Kong! If anyone is having issues with their dogs I recommend Liarne as you get never ending advice from her regarding your loved fur babies.
Mel Gadd | Google Reviews
Really is the best in the business
I cannot recommend Liarne highly enough! From day one, she demonstrated incredible warmth, expertise, and a genuine love for dogs. Her training sessions were so informative, effective and also fun! Liarne took the time to teach both me and my ridgeback puppy, ensuring that I felt confident reinforcing the training at home. Her straightforward, positive reinforcement methods made all the difference, and I was amazed at how quickly my dog responded. If you’re looking for an incredible, genuine, warm, knowledgeable, professional, and truly caring dog trainer, look no further. Liarne really is the best in the business!!
Christine Tarabay | Google Reviews