Jaime AlfaroDogs… we love them, but let’s be real—they can act like drama-filled toddlers with tails. My dog, for example, constantly chews up toilet paper and slippers while staring at me like it’s performance art.
That’s when I knew I needed help. Enter dog trainers, the magical humans who can turn a chaos machine into a tail-wagging angel.
If you’re in San Antonio, you’re in luck. This city is packed with top-notch dog trainers. Let’s meet the best, because your dog deserves it… and so do you.
How much do dog trainers charge in San Antonio?
Dog trainers in San Antonio charge $30–$150 per hour for private sessions or $100–$150 for group classes. Board-and-train programs range from $1,295 to $4,495.
1. All Dogs Unleashed
Address: 1150 N Loop 1604 W #108, 78248
Contact Details: +1 210-880-5597
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
All Dogs Unleashed tailors their programs to meet the unique needs of both dogs and their owners. I found their range of training options impressively diverse. They offer everything from intensive boarding programs to personalized in-home sessions.
The board-and-train program is an in-depth program that involves dogs staying with professional trainers to streamline their training in a structured environment. I was amazed by the emphasis on off-leash control, a dream for many dog owners.
The in-home training program caught my attention for its adaptability. Trainers working directly in a dog’s home environment show an understanding of context-based behavior.
I appreciated the personalized approach, although integrating some socialization opportunities could make it even more effective for dogs needing varied interactions.
While their programs excel in behavior correction, adding mental enrichment could enhance them further. Activities like puzzles or interactive games would make the training more balanced and engaging.
Very patient trainer
“I adopted our dog, Leo, in January 2025. From the very beginning, he’s been an extremely anxious dog. He was afraid of the leash so no matter what I did I was never able to take him on walks. He’s a great dog and great with the kids, but his anxiety kept him from learning simple commands, as he always seemed unsure of his surroundings. During his time at All Dogs Unleashed, he worked with the trainer, Roa. Roa was very patient with Leo and did not give up on him despite his very anxious behavior. She was willing to work with him extra time beyond the two weeks, which he needed to gain her trust. When Leo, came back it was his behavior had changed. While he still has some anxiety, he is no longer afraid to take walks. Before he would just sit there or hide in his crate. Now he and I can go to the park together for long walks. He also shows more confidence and jumps into the car on his own whereas before I always had to carry him everywhere. I am so grateful to Roa and the rest of the staff at All Dogs Unleashed for their dedication and hard work. Your pet will be in a safe and loving place here.”
– Jacqueline Bedson, Google Review
The staff is wonderful to interact with
“I feel like I won the lottery in finding ADU. Luna attended the Board and Train 2-3 week program and I don’t have enough positive feedback to give, it was such a great experience for us. The trainers treated Luna as if she was their own, understood her fears, and worked with her at her own pace during her stay. The results were amazing and noticeable, my friends and family all agree how much calmer and confident Luna is. Her obedience has improved tremendously, and she just seems happier now that we can enjoy ourselves everywhere we go without having to struggle with anxiety or reactive behavior. We still have work to do, and that’s why I am excited for their boarding program, where she will receive refresher training during her stay. I know Luna is going to jump big when she sees her ADU family again, especially Ms. Roa, our favorite trainer and friend! I recommend ADU to any dog owner who loves their pet. It was everything it promised to be, and much more. The staff is wonderful to interact with, and the communication was excellent. The entire process was so easy to navigate, and the pick up and drop off were the best!”
– Marta Francine Solis, Google Review
2. Dog Training Elite
Address: 2411 NE Interstate 410 Loop #126, 78217
Contact Details: +1 210-723-5288
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Dog Training Elite blends decades of experience with a family-oriented approach to training. Led by Whitley Cheatham, the team focuses on strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.
During my visit, I was impressed by the calm and focus in their facility, even among the dogs working in group settings.
One owner shared how their previously leash-reactive dog was completely transformed through the obedience training program, leading to enjoyable daily walks.
For new puppy owners, the Puppy Training program builds a solid foundation through key techniques like socialization and structure. Their service dog training is particularly well-regarded, especially for mobility tasks and medical alert support.
I saw firsthand how structured yet gentle methods instill confidence in service dogs. Behavioral challenges like aggression and anxiety are addressed through customized training plans tailored to each dog’s needs.
While the programs are effective, a few clients noted occasional scheduling challenges, which could be an inconvenience for busy families.
Dedication, patience, and love have shaped our dog’s life
“When we lost Luca, we weren’t sure what we would do. He was not only my service dog, but my partner and heart. I honestly didn’t know how I could move forward without him. At the time, our sweet Yara didn’t qualify as a service dog due to her past trauma, prior to us adopting her, and it felt like such an uncertain road ahead. Then life surprised us — Yara had a litter of seven beautiful, healthy standard poodle pups. We decided to keep two of the boys, and they have just completed their service dog training camp. They’re well on their way to following in Luca’s pawprints, and watching their progress has filled our hearts with so much hope. Yara herself has blossomed in ways I never imagined. From obedience training to slowly building her confidence, she’s now qualified as a service dog too. She’s done a complete 180, and it brings me to tears thinking of how far she’s come. Thank you, DTE, for everything. Your dedication, patience, and love have shaped not only our pups but our lives. We will always miss Luca deeply, but we’re forever grateful to Dog Training Elite for helping our young pups step into their new roles and for helping our beautiful princess Yara grow into the amazing dog she was meant to be. 🐩❤️”
– Diana Robles, Google Review
Excited for our future training sessions
“I recently adopted my first forever puppy and knew right away that I wanted to get him professionally trained. After some searching, I found this school and scheduled a visit. The moment I walked in and met Tammy, I was immediately impressed. There were about 7 or 8 dogs practicing the “place” command—and they were like statues! Not a single one reacted as we entered. We were able to start training that following Monday. At first, Nibbler was a bit hesitant, but by the third day, he was practically leaping into the trainers’ arms. He learned so much in such a short time, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. I’m so excited for our future training sessions!”
– Krista L, Google Review
3. Alamo City Dog Trainers
Address: 314 Sherman, 78202
Contact Details: +1 210-679-1495
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
Alamo City Dog Trainers is a veteran-owned, locally run business led by Abraham Fabela. His tailored training approach really impressed me, as it’s clear he treats each dog as an individual.
Their board and train program is the core offering, with flexible options ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. I appreciated how they target specific issues like aggression and anxiety, rather than using a generic method.
Dogs stay in climate-controlled 4’ x 6’ kennels with access to outdoors via a dog door, which shows real care for their comfort.
Trainers also regularly take dogs into public places to practice commands around distractions, which I saw firsthand and found impressive.
After training, owners get a detailed 1 to 2-hour session to learn how to maintain progress at home. This commitment to follow-through stood out to me.
The only catch is limited availability, with only 3 dogs trained at once. While this enables focused attention on each dog, it may require planning for those seeking immediate options.
Incredibly professional
“Alamo City Dog Trainers is THE BEST Trainer you could ask for and then some. My girl Tinta was pulling me all over the place, lunging at anything that moved, and was generally out of control. Abe treated my girl Tinta like she was his own from the beginning. He was kind, knowledgeable, patient (with both her and me!), and incredibly professional. After a 2 week boarding training with Abe, I can walk her and barely have to hold her leash! The commands she was trained on are easy to use. The constant picture and video updates for their “field trips” assured me she was in fantastic hands. I am forever grateful for Alamo City Dog Training and Abe for giving my girl the tools she needed to be successful and giving us the chance to enjoy the world without stress! Highly recommend them to anyone looking for training their fur baby.”
– Rita Lopez, Google Review
Best care in the world
“I took my boy Rocket for the two week training and WOW i have never been more impressed. I honestly could tell that my dog was taken care of with the best care in the world!! I’ve never been more impressed with a dog trainer before. Constant photo and video updates on Facebook and instagram and the training performed was phenomenal. Communication was perfect and the minute I got Rocket back, he was a completely different and properly trained boy. His personality is still there but his listening skills and command training are on another level. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Alamo City for your training needs. Rocket made some great dog friends and this truly helped with his separation anxiety with being away from me. I wish there was a way to give more than 5 stars. Exceptional service and training 1000%!”
– Dakota Simpson, Google Review
4. Pup Pup & Away
Address: 3701 San Pedro Ave, 78212
Contact Details: +1 210-899-1688
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Pup Pup & Away distinguishes itself by incorporating a “Pet Care with a Behavioral Edge” philosophy across their services.
Their power puppy group class is thoughtfully designed for pups between 8 weeks and 5 months, giving them the socialization and structure they need during this critical stage.
Watching a few sessions, I noticed how much the puppies benefit from that early guidance. The canine sidekick group class offers a similar focus but is tailored to more mature pups.
I saw how trainers carefully adjusted socialization based on each dog’s comfort level. This created a calm and confident environment, not the usual noisy chaos you might expect at a daycare.
They also offer specialty classes focused on specific training goals or behavioral challenges. This shows a real focus on addressing individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
For new clients, there’s a mandatory orientation fee of $210 before enrolling. While this ensures that all dogs are assessed for compatibility and safety, some potential clients may find this fee a barrier to entry.
A game-changer for my dog
“Pup Pup & Away has truly been a game-changer for my dog, Oenomaus, and me. He’s been attending their TAILored Play Program for about 8 months now (as of Oct 25). Oenomaus can be a bit of a handful (he’s got big fire energy and some frustration-based reactivity to dogs), but the staff here have met him exactly where he’s at – with patience, kindness, and expertise. He gets to socialize safely with dogs that match his vibe, and the staff treats him like one of their own. He always comes home happy and tired. Their report cards, complete with adorable photos and videos, absolutely make my day. I love that they also offer ongoing events, from Dog Prom to canine CPR and massage workshops to agility lessons and “Reactive Rover” classes — it’s clear how much they care about creating a fun, inclusive community for dogs and their people. We’ve also participated in 1-on-1 training to help address leash pulling and reactivity, and have made so much progress! I also admire Stephanie Garza (owner and certified dog trainer/behaviorist/nutritionist) and staff for their commitment to support local dog rescues. There are always a few rescue dogs “living” and/or getting training at Pup Pup, to help increase the odds of finding them a forever home. Pup Pup also supports fundraising efforts, including hosting Jordan’s Way earlier this year which helped raise needed funds for San Antonio’s Rosco’s Rescue. I trust Pup Pup & Away completely, and Oenomaus would give them 10/10 tail wags if he could. 🐾💚”
– Angelina Parker, Google Review
Professional, gentle, and friendly
“We booked services with Pup Pup and Away to take care of our dog (who was our ring bearer) during our wedding ceremony. I can’t say enough amazing things about our dog handler, Stephanie! She was punctual, professional, gentle, and so friendly. Communication was great from start to finish. She took such wonderful care of our dog before and after the ceremony so she could be part of our day without us having to worry about a thing. It was so nice knowing she was safe and well taken care of, it meant the world to us. She even helped get our pups attention to get these amazing pictures! The best part was we didn’t have to bother any of our guests to take care of her, so they could all enjoy the day! Thank you Stephanie!!”
– Chelsey Saenz, Google Review
5. Sit Means Sit Dog Training
Address: 10025 Broadway, 78217
Contact Details: +1 210-414-2788
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
I brought my energetic dog to Sit Means Sit for leash manners and behavioral quirks. The free consultation was thorough, and the trainer crafted a personalized plan.
The day training program showed noticeable results after four weekly drop-offs. I appreciated the photo updates and the option for six months of group classes to reinforce progress.
When I needed more involvement in the training, I tried their hybrid stay-and-train program, which combined weekday facility sessions with weekend homework. It was challenging but rewarding, as I got the chance to actively apply what I learned to strengthen my pup’s new behaviors.
Other owners I spoke with were happy with the results of the board & train program. Though some mentioned the 15-day structure felt long and required serious effort at home afterward.
My one issue was their use of e-collars. While effective for quick results, I prefer positive-reinforcement methods and felt this approach didn’t build long-term trust.
Every trainer treats each pups with the same affection
“We first brought our special-needs Yorkie to Sit Means Sit for one-on-one training. At just 4 pounds, she was our tiny little girl, and the team treated her with the same care and love we do. She came home a completely transformed puppy. When we added a new 4-month-old Yorkie to our family, we returned to Sit Means Sit for his initial training and will begin one-on-one sessions soon. Every trainer there treats your pups with the same affection and respect you would—they truly care for your babies like their own.”
– Shelley Pollok, Google Review
Creates a safe and respectful environment
“We couldn’t be happier with our experience! Our dog has gone from a handful to the perfect family companion, all thanks to Sit Mean Sit. Before the training, we were struggling with jumping, pulling on walks, and not listening—especially around our young kids. Now, he’s calm, obedient, and so gentle with our children. It’s like we have a completely different dog in the best way possible! The trainer was patient, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand our dog’s personality and our family’s needs. What impressed us most was the focus on positive reinforcement and creating a safe, respectful environment for our dog to learn. Our home is now more peaceful, and we can trust our dog fully around the kids—even during the chaos of playtime. Another great bonus are the group classes we love the pack walks and how we can continue reinforcement in a fun way!! Thank you Sit Mean Sit!!!”
– Sara, Google Review
