Tired of playing tug-of-war with your leash? Dreaming of peaceful walks without the constant pulling and barking? Well, we’re here to unleash the secrets of a well-behaved pup.

We’ll sniff out the best dog trainers in Montreal with the best reputations, the most effective techniques, and the happiest clients (both two-legged and four!).

Whether your furry friend is a rambunctious puppy or a stubborn senior, we’ll help you find the perfect match to bring out their inner “good boy” (or girl!).

How much do dog trainers charge in Montreal? On average, dog trainers in Montreal charge $112 per hour for private sessions. However, the final price may change depending on the trainer’s experience, your dog’s specific needs, and the length or intensity of the training program.

How we chose

1. Gaby Popper’s Dog Training School

Location: 5600 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, QC H3T 1Z1, Canada

Contact: +1 514-941-2178

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Website

What we really appreciate about Gaby Popper is his unwavering commitment to positive reinforcement in dog training. He’s known for creating a strong bond between dogs and their owners by focusing on trust and understanding and steering clear of physical punishment.

We’re especially fond of his private classes, perfect for those with busy schedules or dogs needing more individual attention. The sessions are held right at your home, making it super convenient. 

With 6 hours of instruction spread over four weeks, you get a thorough education on everything. This includes elementary canine health and care, as well as correcting common issues like housebreaking, barking, or even food stealing. 

Another thing we liked was that friends could join these private lessons at no extra charge (up to 2 dogs), and you could also attend any of Popper’s group lessons without paying extra. 

When we checked out his group classes, we found them to be a great option as well. Held at Saint Kevin’s Church, these four-week courses cost $200 and cover not just obedience training but also essential lessons on canine health and behaviour. 

Transforms your dog’s behaviour with a personalised approach

“I recently had the pleasure of entrusting my French Bulldog, Poncho, to Gaby Popper while we were on vacation, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. Gaby not only provided top-notch boarding services but also worked wonders with Poncho’s training. Before, Poncho had some behavioral issues that we struggled to address, but under Gaby’s expert care, he’s now more obedient, calm, and even enjoys following commands What impressed me the most was Gaby’s personalized approach. He really took the time to understand Poncho’s unique needs and temperament. It’s clear that Gaby has a deep understanding of dog behavior and the patience to guide them toward better habits. If you’re looking for a dog trainer in Montreal who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about the well-being of your pet, I highly recommend Gaby Popper. Poncho returned home a happier, more well-behaved dog, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience.”

Patricia Valarezo, Google Review

Guides you with expert advice and unwavering support

“Gaby is the most knowledgeable, kind trainer.  He will share his knowledge & give you the skills to train your dog. It’s then up to you to practice, practice, practice. Some dogs take longer to learn, but with patience and repetitions you will see that Gaby’s training skills absolutely work. I knew him many years ago as  my sis in law & friend hired him as a trainer. Now that I’m a senior with a recently adopted GSD adult dog, I know who to call. He truly is the dog whisperer of Montreal. I recommend him with no hesitation.”

Lorraine Bush, Google Review

2. Montreal Canine Training Inc.

Location: 7770 Boulevard Henri-Bourassa E, Montreal, Quebec H1E 1P2, Canada

Contact: +1 514-826-9558

Operating hours:

• Monday & Thursday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
• Tuesday – 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
• Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website

Nicolas Azzuolo has taken his 10+ years of experience and turned it into something truly meaningful through Montreal Canine Training Inc.

We were impressed right from the start with how they handled the initial evaluation. It’s a 75-minute session that really digs into any concerns you have. And at $100, it feels like a solid investment. 

It sets the tone for the whole experience, whether you’re looking at private classes, group sessions, or even diving into their apprenticeship program.

One of the things we love about their focus on real-world training is that they don’t confine the dogs to a training room. Instead, they take the dogs out into parks and public spaces. This makes a huge difference because your dog learns how to behave in the places you actually go.

Getting started is super easy too. You can book an evaluation through their website without any hassle. 

Just a quick note – if you need to cancel within 24 hours, there’s a $50 charge, so it’s something to keep in mind.

Enhances your understanding of handling stressful situations

“Owning a reactive dog is not easy but Nick has helped us create a better relationship with our dog, Winston, in addition to a better comprehension of how to handle stressful situations for both us and Winston. While training can sometimes be discouraging, we have loved every session and left every time with a more positive attitude towards training and our dogs progression!. I would recommend Nick to any and all of my friends who would like to start not only training their dog, but also those who wish to improve themselves as dog owners!”

Shayne Meadows, Google Review

Equips you with training tools to sustain progress at home

“Nick was highly recommended to us from a previous client of his. We needed help with our reactive mini dachshund and what a difference a few sessions have made! Nick was extremely patient, informative and gave us so many training tools to continue to sustain our private lessons at home. If you’re debating whether you should join their private sessions, I can confidently say that if you put in effort post training, you will definitely see results. Nick and his team are extremely dedicated to your dog’s success and are also available to answer any questions you have, or if you want to validate if you’re doing the right training techniques at home. We see such an improvement in our puppy’s confidence and we can now enjoy our walks! Looking forward to continuing training with Nick and his team.”

Suzie J, Google Review

3. Centre Brigade Canine Inc.

Location: 11889 Notre-Dame St. East, Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec H1B 2Y2, Canada

Contact: +1 514-645-2020

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Saturday – 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Website

What really won us over about Centre Brigade Canine Inc. is how they’ve been at it since 1970, yet they’re anything but stuck in their ways. 

Their nonviolent and personalised approach to dog training is like a breath of fresh air. They take the time to understand your dog’s personality and your specific goals, which makes the whole process feel much more tailored and effective.

One thing we really like is their in-depth assessment process. They start with a mandatory evaluation process so they can create a training program that’s just right for your pup’s age, character, and needs. 

From there, you can choose from the range of services they offer. Whether you’re looking for obedience training, help with behavioural issues or even grooming services, they’ve got your back. 

And with courses starting at just $85, it’s great to see quality training that doesn’t break the bank. Plus, if you suggest subscribing to their newsletter, you’ll even get 10% off!

Booking a class or a private lesson is super easy on their website. They also have a pretty solid product selection online and in-store for your pup.

Resolves barking issues and prevents further complaints

“I’ve been a client since 2013. Neighbours complained my dogs bark when I was at work. I was desperate. I came out the first visit (a free evaluation of my dogs behaviour) with hope & solutions & took many classes since. My dogs improved & I never got a ticket. I rescued my aunt’s old dog that she couldn’t care for anymore. He has anxiety issues so the adaptation was hard but I asked the school & got AMAZING advice & the 3 dogs now get along. Thank you so much to Nathalie, Frederic & their mom.”

Virginie Even, Google Review

Tailors the approach to ensure your dog’s success

“We just completed at the Brigade Canine a four month training with Lola, our seven year old miniature poodle. We are very pleased with the results. It was not easy as Lola was set in her ways. She was very barky and would pull on her leash whenever she saw another dog. But Frederic the maître chien and all his trainers didn’t not give up on Lola or me. Frédéric adjusted the training to what was needed for Lola to succeed. He is very experienced and knowledgeable. We had tried another school for Lola before and it didn’t work out. But with Frederic it was hard work but we succeeded. We highly recommend Brigade Canine. Frédéric, Nathalie and all the trainers are very professional and it was a pleasure for Lola and I to go to our training lessons.”

Christine Francoise, Google Review

4. Pour l’Amour des Chiens / For the Love of Dogs

Location: Mentana St, Montreal, Quebec H2L 3R3, Canada

Contact: +1 514-534-0469

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Website

We recently checked out Pour l’Amour des Chiens, and Riannon’s passion for positive reinforcement training really shines through. 

They offer classes for all sorts of pups – from energetic puppies just starting out to dogs with some serious behavioural challenges.

What we really appreciated was their focus on making training a success for both you and your dog. No harsh methods here, just science-backed techniques that build trust and confidence. 

Their packages, though, aren’t the cheapest around. They start at $250 for puppy classes and go up to $840 for more intensive programs. But considering the personalised attention and focus on positive training, we think it’s a worthwhile investment. 

Plus, they offer tons of flexibility with private consultations – you can do them at home, at their facility, or even online. They’re also pretty easy to book through their website.

Demonstrates a deep passion for dog training

“Riannon is amazing! A real dog whisperer.  She had so much valuable knowledge and tips to share. Riannon is passionate about dog training and has experience handling dogs with behavioural problems. She’s up-to-date in how she trains dogs and uses positive reinforcement training which I love. After our session, she sent us a detailed document with suggestions and reminders about exercises to practise and helpful training gear. I can’t recommend her enough.”

Samuelle Grande, Google Review

Delivers dramatic improvement in just a few sessions

“I can’t thank Riannon enough for her help! I have a very anxious italian greyhound who hated going out on walks because of her noise sensitivity. Riannon was very quick to diagnose my dog’s issue (noise sensitivity) and put together a plan to get her more confident outside. After just a few training sessions, her improvement has been dramatic and we are now able to go on largely stress-free walks in my neighbourhood. During the training, Riannon provided lots of useful advice that helped me to understand my dog better.”

Dave P, Google Review

5. Bonte Canine

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Contact: Contact them here

Website

Bonte Canine provided us with an exceptional dog training experience that was both effective and enjoyable. From the start, their trainers took the time to understand our dog’s unique needs and personality.

The training sessions were structured and clear, with practical techniques that were easy to implement. We noticed immediate improvements in our dog’s behavior, thanks to their patient and consistent approach.

What stood out was their ability to create a calm, positive learning environment for both us and our dog. The trainers’ deep knowledge and understanding of canine behavior made a significant difference.

Additionally, the team’s ongoing support and follow-up after sessions were incredibly helpful in maintaining progress. Their commitment to helping us build a stronger bond with our dog was evident throughout.

We highly recommend Bonte Canine to anyone seeking professional, reliable dog training. Their expertise and dedication to our pet’s well-being made the experience truly worthwhile.

6. Billy’s Best

Location: Montréal, QC, Canada

Contact: Contact them via their website

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Website

Billy’s Best provided us with an exceptional dog training experience that truly transformed our pet’s behavior. From the first session, Billy demonstrated patience, expertise, and a genuine connection with our dog.

The training methods were clear, effective, and tailored to meet our specific needs. We noticed significant improvements in our dog’s obedience and confidence within just a few sessions.

What impressed us most was Billy’s ability to teach us as owners how to reinforce positive behaviors at home. The training felt collaborative, empowering us to continue the progress long after the sessions ended.

The sessions were enjoyable and stress-free, making it easy for both us and our dog to stay engaged. Billy’s enthusiasm and encouragement created a positive learning environment every step of the way.

We highly recommend Billy’s Best to anyone looking for professional and compassionate dog training services. Their dedication and personalized approach make them stand out in the field.

7. JR Dog Training

Location: 605 Av. Marshall, Dorval, QC H9P 1E1, Canada

Contact: +1 514-631-7478

Website

With over 40 years in the business, JR Dog Training has helped many dogs and their owners. When we talked to some of the folks who’ve completed their programs, they raved about how interactive and informative the training sessions are. 

Sessions typically last about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to work through any concerns you might have. And to be honest, their hands-on approach makes a world of difference.

What we like most about them is their firm stance against shock collars and other harsh training methods. They focus on positive communication and building trust, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to create a happy and healthy relationship with your dog.

However, there are a couple of things we wish were different. First, we found the lack of transparency in their pricing a bit concerning.

Additionally, there’s no option to book sessions online, so you’ll need to call or email to schedule sessions. It’s a small inconvenience, but we think it’s worth noting in today’s digital world.

Builds strong bonds between you and your dog

“JR truly understands and loves dogs and that shines through his training. He trained the family dog many years ago and he is an excellent and effective dog trainer. I went back for my current dog because the training works and I love the results. I highly recommend JR to everyone who wants their dog to listen, bond and succeed.”

Krista P, Google Review

Manages anxiety-driven aggression successfully

“I would like to say that this is our third trainer, we own a  pure German sherperd that is aggressive  due to anxiety, and he made sure to provide a method that worked on our dog. We are finally able to have some guests in our house without the aggressiveness. I am satisfied with this trainer , he really impressed me and my family with the way he managed to calm my dog. I would recommend him!”

NOCOMPLY MTL, Google Review