How to Find the Best Dog Trainers in Austin

There's no love like the unconditional love of a dog, but you need to pay that love back in kind. It's not loving to let a dog run amuck--tearing up things, relieving himself any old place, chasing cats, barking at kids and running into the street. You need to get your dog trained. If your name is not Cesar Milan or Barbara Woodhouse, you probably need to hire someone to train your dog for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. If you're interested in getting your dog trained for shows or just household obedience, check out Austin Canine Central. You can get dog grooming, dog food, treats and costumes, or sign you and your dog up for twelve obedience/training classes, three rally training courses, two conformation courses, two freestyle courses or three special courses. If you need a place for your dog to pass the time while you're at work, drop him off at Doggie Day Care play group, where he can hang out with dogs at his same playing level.

2. The Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behavior offers all sorts of dog training but focuses on dogs with issues, especially aggression and separation anxiety. Start the process with an evaluation of your dog's behavior and once that's been done you can know what steps need to be taken to help him out. The classes are often as much for the humans as for the dogs. Get your dog trained in obedience, agility, tracking, air scenting and rally events. Learn how to get your dog to co-exist with your new baby. You can even drop your dog off for special Doggie Day Tutoring lessons.

3. There are times when your dog just needs to take a break from the stress of protecting your home and get a little "me" time at a resort. If things have gotten to that point drive your baby out to the Romp 'N Run Ranch in Leander. This 9-acre facility offers day care and boarding, grooming, bathing, nail trimming and a nature walk and swim. You can even sign your furry friend up for basic, advanced, agility and therapeutic training.

4. Taurus Dog Training and Doggy Play Day has three locations in Austin. Get boarding and puppy consultations. Leave your dog at the facility for the day and he'll get six or seven outdoor play sessions, lasting thirty minutes to an hour each. Taurus offers private at-home training or two-week intensive board-and-train programs where your dog stays at a Taurus facility.

5. Bern Abplanalp of The Dog Park provides one-on-one private dog training. Schedule an appointment and he'll do a free, in-home evaluation of your dog's environment and issues. After that he can work with you and your dog at your home, office or in such public places as a park. Abplanalp stresses positive reinforcement and in getting the family actively involved in the training process. You can get your dog instructed in behavioral basics, obedience, manners or issues and behaviors specific to your dog.