Jake FosterDenver is a city built for dog lovers. We hike the Rockies in the morning and unwind on RiNo brewery patios by afternoon, taking our dogs everywhere we go.
However, that lifestyle only works when your pup can handle the stimulation without a meltdown.
New puppies treating drywall like chew toys and rescue dogs with big feelings about other dogs make finding the best dog trainers in Denver crucial.
I’ve dug into the local scene to find the experts who actually get results, so you can get back to enjoying Colorado with your best friend!
How much does dog training cost in Denver?
Puppy socialization and basic manners usually don’t require a massive budget. Most group classes in the metro area hover between the $100 and $200 mark for a six-week course.
On the other hand, heavy behavioral issues, such as leash reactivity or aggression, move you into private training territory. For one-on-one help, you should budget anywhere from $150 to over $250 per session.
It sounds steep, but for complex issues, that individualized attention is often the only way to make real progress.
Board-and-train programs are a different beast entirely. If you want to send your dog away for a few weeks of intensive schooling, expect to view it as a significant investment, often running into the thousands.
1. Art of the Dog
Website: https://aodk9.com/denver/
Address: 1124 S. Kalamath St, Denver
Contact: 720 358 0730 / [email protected]
Availability: Open Daily, 8 AM – 9 PM
Art of the Dog uses an immersive approach to behavioral modification. Their reputation is built on an intensive three-week “Board & Train” program.
Unlike standard boarding, where training is an afterthought, this program guarantees 63 to 105 supervised sessions.
It’s designed for owners who need a hard reset on their dog’s behavior, particularly for tough cases like anxiety or aggression.
The facility is impressive, set up to mimic real-home environments rather than sterile kennels, which helps the training stick once the dog comes home.
I actually toured a similar facility recently, and the difference a “home-style” setup makes is huge for anxious dogs!
The rigorous schedule, however, demands serious dedication. The biggest downside is the commitment required.
Sending your dog away for three weeks is emotionally tough and financially significant.
Owners exhausted by behavioral issues, however, find a strong safety net in their balanced approach and lifetime support.
Customer Reviews:
Thanks, Art of the Dog
My two year old Black Lab rescue was fearful and a little aggressive to strange dogs. After his training, he has calmed down a lot, I can walk him on or off a loose leash and he stays in position, sits at every stop and will ignore squirrels and other distractions. The bed command is great to calm his excitement when people arrive. He’s a different dog and still has his puppy enthusiasm and energy. Thanks, Art of the Dog.
-Gary Finley | Google Review
An absolutely wonderful experience
Mira had an absolutely wonderful experience at AOTD! We went to all of the puppy classes and followed with the board and train! She has come back to me as the same energetic puppy she embodies with a new set of sensibilities that will now allow us to go literally EVERYWHERE in every situation! Thank you AOTD for everything and I look forward to a life long relationship of learning and support! 🚀🚀🚀
-Erik Baros | Google Review
2. Chill Out Dog Training
Website: https://chilloutdogtraining.com/locations/north-denver/
Address: 1316 29th St #101, Denver
Contact: 720 303 5486 / 303 390 1025
Availability: Open Daily, 7 AM – 6 PM
Chill Out Dog Training moves the lesson out of the classroom and onto the sidewalk.
They use a “yes/no” balanced training method designed to deliver clarity and calmness, often showing results in the very first session.
They don’t just teach tricks. They empower you to handle your dog in the actual environments where you live and walk.
This makes them a fantastic option for owners struggling with reactivity or over-excitement who need actionable tools immediately.
A friend of mine used a similar balanced method for her reactive heeler, and the change in her confidence was night and day because she finally had a clear way to communicate.
This method, however, contrasts with force-free or purely positive philosophies. Advocates of those styles might find the use of corrections to define boundaries incompatible with their preferences.
However, for those needing to stop dangerous behaviors quickly, their track record is hard to ignore.
Customer Reviews:
Instilled confidence in my dog
I came to Scott at Chill Out Dog Training to help me with a dog I rescued who had troubles interacting with other dogs, and very bad leash manners. After a few sessions with him, I don’t even recognize my dog. He is so good on the leash, and I can take him to the dog park without any stress now. Scott not only instilled confidence in my dog but also in me, giving me the tools I needed to train my dog going forward!
-Michael Peterson | Google Review
Great session with Scott
We had such a great session with Scott. Our 2 year old Berner had some reactivity issues with people coming into the house, and he taught us tools to help with those situations. We saw improvement within the first hour of the session. Would highly recommend!
-Jordan Murray | Google Review
3. Noble Beast Dog Training
Website: https://www.noblebeastdogtraining.com/
Address: 4335 Vine Street, Denver
Contact: 303 500 7988 / [email protected]
Availability:
- Mon – Thu, 6:30 AM – 9 PM
- Fri, 8 AM – 9 PM
- Sat – Sun, 8 AM – 7 PM
Noble Beast has cemented its place in the Denver dog community through a humane, science-based approach.
They place a heavy emphasis on proper dog-to-dog socialization and group play dynamics, a niche that many obedience-focused trainers overlook.
Puppy socialization classes sit alongside virtual sessions on their roster, ensuring accessibility.
Their team is large and experienced, focusing on building a long-term relationship between you and your dog rather than just fixing a single problem.
New puppies grow up confident around other dogs here. The environment is always controlled and positive.
The main drawback here is their popularity. Because they are so well-regarded for socialization, classes can fill up fast, and you might find availability limited during peak times or busy seasons.
Customer Reviews:
My dog and I have learned so much
This organization is AWESOME!!! We started with our puppy in the socialization classes, then started her in group training. They have help work through some walking on lead skills and more. Everyone we have worked with is well informed and caring. Both my dog and I have learned so much. I highly recommend Noble Beast without hesitation!
-DJ Irvin | Google Review
Extremely knowledgeable
My puppy Duke and I went to both the puppy socialization classes and Delightful Dog. I can’t believe how easy it has been to train Duke with the help of Noble Beast. Pam, our trainer, is extremely knowledgeable and can adapt her training techniques to different types of dogs (as they have their own personalities). I will gladly take Duke back for more training, and take any future fur babies there as well.
-Kimberly H. | Google Review
4. Top Paw K9 Academy
Website: https://www.toppawk9academy.com/
Address: 3280 N. Downing Street, Suite A, Denver
Contact: 720 899 8054 / [email protected]
Availability:
- Mon – Sat, 7 AM – 6 PM
- Sun, 9 AM – 4 PM
Top Paw K9 Academy roots its approach in pet psychology. Their expertise lies in their certified knowledge of animal behavior and canine first aid, ensuring that training is safe as well as effective.
Programs like “Raise N’ Train” and “Play N’ Train” provide variety beyond standard lessons. Their awards for “Best Dog Trainer” speak to their consistency and quality.
Their focus is on building a “balanced” and respectful relationship, so they are a solid middle ground for owners who want structure without harshness. They really emphasize understanding why your dog is acting out, not just correcting it.
However, much like other top-tier trainers in Denver, their high demand can be a hurdle.
The sheer variety of programs is great, but it can lead to limited slots for specific popular courses during the year.
Customer Reviews:
She came back a completely different dog!
We took our year old Labradoodle Kahlua to Jen for basic obedience training and she came back a completely different dog!! She was terrible with jumping on people to the point where we couldn’t have people over and she could not be walked on a leash without pulling or choking herself. She’s now able to be around people and sits for attention instead of knocking over guests and we’re able to take her on walks and stores with us! I can’t thank Jen or recommend her enough!!
-Madison | Google Review
I would trust them with my pup every time
Jennifer is such a pro. We brought our Malinois-mix pup into Top Paw K9 when she was about 3 months to start getting her socialized to other dogs. Through a combination of the regular day care package and some additional training days, she mastered place, heel, recall and so many other good puppy manners so quickly. Jennifer and her team always take the time to record videos of how they work on new skills, and point out specific ways I can improve my handling. I would trust them with my pup every time and have recommended them to so many others!
-Madeline White | Google Review
5. Ancillary K9
Website: https://www.ancillaryk9.com/
Address: 3773 Cherry Creek N Dr East Tower, Ste 801, Ofc 816, Denver
Contact: 720 239 2424 / [email protected]
Availability:
- Mon – Fri, 9 AM – 8 PM
- Sat – Sun, 10 AM – 8 PM
Ancillary K9 is where you go when you need to dig deep. They utilize a behavior-focused, science-based strategy that targets the root cause of the issue rather than just treating symptoms.
They specialize in the tough stuff—aggression and severe behavioral cases—and offer personalized, private training to address it. This school avoids generic obedience drills to focus on complex problem-solving.
They also include heavy owner education to ensure the bond remains strong long after the sessions end.
The results here tend to be fast and noticeable because the programs are so intensive and focused.
The downside, however, is that this level of specialization might be overkill for the average owner. Simple goals, like teaching a Golden Retriever not to jump on guests, may not require this level of behavioral modification.
Customer Reviews:
He teaches you as the owner how to be a better dog owner
Dion’s classes helped me and my dog finally get on the same level with equal amount of respect for each other. He does not just teach your dog how to sit, lay down and stay; he teaches you as the owner how to be a better dog owner and behave with your dog. Dion’s training was the best investment we made into our life together.
-Victoria Price | Google Review
Incredibly effective
After looking for a trainer for some time, I could not be happier with Dion. He takes a straightforward approach with training that is incredibly effective; equally beneficial is the education in how to train, and maintain, a well-mannered dog.
-Danilo Ottoborgo | Google Review
