dog-trainers-in-dublin

5 Best Dog Trainers in Dublin for Better-Behaved Pups 

| Last Updated: September 24, 2026
  • Force-free methods: We chose trainers who use positive reinforcement and science-backed techniques. No fear tactics, no heavy-handed corrections.
  • Trainer certifications: We checked credentials from groups like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland and the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers. Proper training matters when you’re trusting someone with your dog.
  • Curriculum and support: We looked for clear homework, practical coaching, and guidance beyond class. Good manners shouldn’t vanish the minute the lesson ends.
  • Local reputation: We reviewed feedback from Dublin dog owners and local vets. Consistent praise for real, lasting progress helped the best trainers stand out.

My dog gets his veterinarian check-ups like clockwork, but his manners could use the same level of attention. A calm waiting room visit can turn into a full-body workout once another dog appears.

Walks aren’t much easier when he decides every pigeon deserves a personal introduction. That’s what sent me looking for the best dog trainer in Dublin.

I focused on trainers with practical experience, kind methods, and support for everything from puppy basics to reactivity. These stood out for helping Dublin dogs become much easier company.

How much does dog training cost in Dublin?

Dog training in Dublin typically starts at around €90 for a private session. More involved behavioural packages can cost €700 or more.

Private home sessions usually run from €90 to €190 for 60 to 90 minutes. Group puppy or obedience courses generally cost €150 to €240 over four to six weeks.

Behavioural assessments usually fall between €130 and €250. Reactivity packages can range from €450 to €1,120, depending on the number of tailored sessions.

Contents show

1. DSPCA Dog Training

dspca-dog-training
  • Website
  • Address: First Building on the left, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham
  • Contact: 01 499 4790
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM | Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM

DSPCA Dog Training is a handy pick if you want reward-based training without the old-school heavy hand. Their Rathfarnham centre runs courses for puppies and adult dogs, with a strong focus on practical, everyday manners.

What stood out to us was the calm, structured way the instructors worked through each exercise. It felt more like useful coaching than trying to turn every dog into a four-legged valedictorian.

Their classes cover basics such as recall and loose-lead walking, which are exactly the skills many Dublin owners need most. 

The positive, force-free approach is also reassuring if your dog responds better to encouragement than correction.

The main drawback is the location. Mount Venus Road can be a fair trek if you’re coming from the Northside, especially for regular classes.

Pros

  • Positive, force-free training approach
  • Courses for puppies and adult dogs
  • Covers practical skills like recall and loose-lead walking
  • Calm, structured instruction

Cons

  • Rathfarnham location can be a fair trek from the Northside

Customer Reviews

Highly recommend

Just finished puppy training and it was wonderful. My puppy got lots of socialisation, and she learned loads in just four weeks. I never could have trained her that well that quickly. The classes were small – 4 puppies and there were always either 3 or 4 trainers, so it was essentially a 1-2-1 course. Lots of tips and helpful info via emails; I would highly recommend it for training your puppy in the correct way fast.

Money well spent

We are halfway through our 4-week dog training course, and I have nothing but amazing things to say about it. Jenny and Peter are so helpful, and the lessons are very hands-on, and the hour goes so quickly. The homework is fun to do, and Bailey loves the different challenges. Money well spent!!

2. Laura Jennings Dog Training

laura-jennings-dog-training
  • Website
  • Address: 87 Boroimhe Beech, Fosterstown North, Swords
  • Contact: [email protected] 
  • Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 8 AM–7:30 PM | Wednesday-Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM | Friday, 9 AM–1:30 PM

Laura Jennings is a strong pick if your dog treats every walk like a tug-of-war championship. With nearly 20 years of experience, she offers one-to-one training for puppies and adult dogs.

She can meet you at home or in a local park, which makes the coaching feel much more relevant to everyday life. Her sessions cover everything from recall and lead pulling to barking, jumping, and reactivity.

I also like that the training is tailored to your dog rather than squeezed into a one-size-fits-all routine. That can be especially handy when the problem only seems to appear in certain places or situations.

The catch is her location focus. She mainly works around North County Dublin and Fingal, so owners farther away should check travel coverage before booking.

Pros

  • Nearly 20 years of dog-training experience
  • One-to-one coaching at home or in local parks
  • Covers recall, pulling, barking, jumping, and reactivity
  • Tailored training based on the dog’s needs

Cons

  • Mainly serves North County Dublin and Fingal (owners farther away should confirm travel coverage before booking)

Customer Reviews

Absolute dog whisperer

Laura is an absolute dog whisperer! She can impart her wisdom so we can continue training our dog at home in an easy and manageable way. We have seen big changes for our dog since we started implementing her advice and techniques.

So far so good

Laura helped us with our 3-year-old doodle.

She is so knowledgeable when it comes to dog behaviour. Laura listened to all our issues and helped to come up with a training plan that would fit into our busy family life. So far so good with the training and I’ve no doubt we will be leaning on her again for tips.

3. Ian4Dogs Training

ian4dogs-training
  • Website
  • Address: 15 Leinster Square, Rathmines
  • Contact: +353 87 679 2406
  • Hours: Daily, 9 AM–5 PM

Ian4Dogs Training is worth a look if your dog’s reactions have gone well beyond a bit of pulling on the lead. 

Ian Moi focuses on behaviour issues such as reactivity and aggression, with structured programmes built around identifying triggers and improving responses.

I like that the training doesn’t stop when the session ends. Owners get practical exercises to work on at home, which makes the process feel more hands-on and consistent.

There’s also a clear emphasis on safer handling and better control during difficult situations. For dogs that need more than basic obedience, that extra structure can be reassuring.

The catch is the cancellation policy. Cancellations made within 48 hours aren’t refunded, so last-minute changes can leave you out of pocket.

Pros

  • Specialises in reactivity and aggression
  • Structured behaviour-modification programmes
  • Includes practical homework exercises
  • Strong focus on safer handling and control

Cons

  • Cancellations within 48 hours aren’t refunded

Customer Reviews

Highly recommend

Ian is a great professional and lovely man. Happy the dog first visited Ian for training shortly after we adopted him, to work on his excitement and control. The behavioural improvements were superb, and Happy loves Ian & Bjorn.

Would highly recommend Ian for any behavioural issues for your doggy

Definitely recommend

Ian has been brilliant in training our 2-year-old Golden Retriever. Very professional and we are already seeing really good results after 6 days of boarding. Main issues were pulling on the lead and barking looking for attention, etc. There were lots of updates on how she was getting on, which was great. She learned a lot from spending time with Bjorn, who has a very calm energy.

Would definitely recommend Ian for any dog owner in need of some help.

4. Sinead Hughes

sinead-hughes
  • Website
  • Area served: Dublin, Ireland
  • Contact: 085 730 7630
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM–8 PM

Sinead Hughes is a handy pick if your new puppy has mistaken the sitting room for a chew toy. Her one-to-one home sessions tackle common issues like nipping, indoor accidents, and pulling at clothes.

I like that she works with the dog right where those habits usually happen. Sessions last 75 minutes, giving owners plenty of time to practise without feeling rushed.

She also offers pre-puppy and new-baby consultations, which is useful if you want to get ahead of the chaos. A friend found her energetic spaniel settled noticeably after just one visit.

The main snag is payment. Her site lists cash or cheque at the first lesson, which may feel a bit old-school if you prefer paying digitally.

Pros

  • One-to-one training in your home
  • Tailored plans for each dog
  • 75-minute private sessions
  • Covers common puppy issues
  • Offers pre-puppy and new-baby consultations

Cons

  • Cash or cheque payment  only at the first lesson

Customer Reviews

Absolutely amazing dog trainer

Sinead is an absolutely amazing dog trainer and very friendly! I had a hard time getting my dog to let me put on her harness, and Sinead fixed this problem with us almost instantly. Definitely recommend Sinead to anyone needing some help with dog training or any dog issues. Thanks, Sinead; you made our lives so much easier now before walk times 😊

Great trainer

Sinead has been a fantastic service dog trainer for my wife and our young Shiba Inu. She’s helped her with her task training and, most importantly, with her public access behaviour and training. Sinead is a great trainer. Really tapping into dog psychology and using positive reinforcement. We’ve seen great progress and were able to achieve our goals in a short amount of time.

5. Dublin Dog Training

dublin-dog-training
  • Website
  • Address: Estuary Kennels, Swords
  • Contact: 086 730 1001
  • Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 10 AM–7 PM; Thursday, 2–7:30 PM; Friday to Sunday, 9–10 AM, 6–7:30 PM

Dublin Dog Training is a strong pick if your dog has energy to burn and you’d rather channel it somewhere useful. John Ward brings decades of experience, including competitive agility at international level.

The Swords-based classes focus on agility handling, equipment work, and course skills. I like that this gives active dogs a proper job to do instead of inventing one at home.

It’s also a good fit for owners who enjoy learning alongside their dog. The sessions are built around teamwork, control, and navigating increasingly tricky agility courses.

The catch is that agility isn’t open to every dog. Participants must be at least one year old, and unneutered males aren’t accepted into classes.

Pros

  • Decades of dog-training experience
  • Competitive agility background
  • Strong focus on handling and course skills
  • Good outlet for active dogs
  • Encourages teamwork between dog and owner

Cons

  • Dogs must be at least one year old for agility
  • Unneutered males aren’t accepted into agility classes

Customer Reviews

Highly recommend

John Ward changed the life of my very nervous Labrador x collie (Alex) by teaching her agility and obedience.

With John’s expertise and patience, Alex went on to have a very happy life and reached competition standard at both agility and obedience.

I’ve since brought all of my dogs to John for training.

John is super, and I highly recommend him.

One of the oldest and well-established of its kind around Dublin…

John and Dermo know their business like few others. This must be one of the oldest and well-established of its kind around Dublin, if not the country. Expert advice with plenty of banter to boot and all for a reasonable price. It’s also great to see a place run by people who care so much!!

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