Jose MartinezMy neighbor’s golden retriever used to treat every walk like an Olympic sprinting event, until she found the right trainer. Now, that same dog practically glides down the sidewalk like he’s auditioning for the next pup model.
The transformation was remarkable, and it got me thinking – El Paso is packed with talented dog trainers who work these kinds of miracles every day.
Whether you’ve got a stubborn puppy who thinks “sit” is merely a suggestion or a rescue dog learning to trust again, all they need is the right trainer.
So we’ve tracked down the best dog trainers in El Paso to let you and your four-legged friend live your best life together!
How much is the average cost of dog training services in El Paso?
Typical dog training rates in El Paso cost around $80 – $150 per private session and $320 – $600 for private training packages. Many trainers also offer group classes that cost roughly $130 – $250 for a multi-week course.
1. Always Faithful Dog Training
Address: Serves El Paso and nearby areas
Contact Details: 915-800-2841
Hours:
- Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
- Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm
Always Faithful Dog Training really stands out for its straightforward, no-nonsense approach. No treats, no clickers – just calm, confident leadership and clear communication between you and your furry companion.
Their programs range from a one-time puppy starter session to multi-lesson obedience packages. The best part is, Oscar (the lead trainer) tailors everything to how your dog behaves in real-life situations at home.
I’ve talked to a few pet owners who worked with them, and they all had similar stories. They shared that trainers arrived prepared, explained every step in plain language, and left them feeling more in control of their dog’s behavior than they ever expected.
Notably, they’ve been doing this for more than two decades. It’s good to know they’ve helped over 50,000 dogs, which shows in the confidence and consistency of their methods.
I’ve also noticed that they’re big on teaching owners as much as the dogs. This means you’re not just watching, you’re part of the process from the first lesson.
If there’s anything to watch out for, it’s that their method requires owners to be fully committed at home, which not everyone finds easy.
Grateful for the huge impact he has had on our day-to-day life
“Oscar helped us connect and communicate with our very large best friend. From our first visit, we were able to adopt the principles he shared. We looked forward to each training session and came away amazed at what a difference a small change could make. He brings such positive energy to each session, it really builds confidence. We went from exasperated to hopeful to peace. We highly recommend Oscar and are grateful for the huge impact he has had on our day to day life. From evaluation through all training sessions, Oscar communicated well, was punctual and highly effective.”
– AB Evans, Google Reviews
Everything I had hoped for in a dog trainer!
“Oscar is everything I had hoped for in a dog trainer. He was encouraging, mindful, and efficient. He always arrived on time to my house for our sessions, listened to my goals and concerns, and addressed them head on… Always Faithful Dog Training is worth every penny, and you receive so much more than what you pay for. Oscar travelled from Las Cruces to Alamogordo every week to do in-home training and modify behaviors that primarily occurred at home. I plan to utilize his knowledge and expertise with more advanced training soon, too! I can’t thank him enough for his help.”
– Misa Tran, Google Reviews
2. Paws Down Best Dog Training
Address: 5512 Westside Dr
Contact Details: 915-777-0540
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm
We first heard about Paws Down Best Dog Training because they advertise a unique “5 Love Languages” program. This means they train dogs using affection and communication, rather than treats, clickers, or other gimmicks.
It’s great to hear from local dog owners that the trainers make you and your dog feel like a team, not just a student.
An owner also mentioned that their normally anxious rescue started walking more confidently on leash and responded calmly during outings after just a few sessions.
This truly shows the effectiveness of their training methods. Thus, they truly are “paws down” one of the best dog trainers in El Paso.
What’s more, they offer a diverse range of services. They have basic puppy obedience, behavior rehabilitation, and service-dog and working-dog training. Even advanced board-and-train or intense 30-day packages for pups needing deep work are available.
Additionally, they offer specialty services such as rehoming assistance, adoption consulting, and drone searches for lost dogs. We love how holistic their services are beyond training.
On the downside, note that their sessions are mostly on weekdays, which may not be suitable for some dog owners.
Effective, passionate & professional – progress has been life-changing!
“I can’t say enough great things about Paws Down Best Dog Training! He did an incredible job training my daughter’s dog, Storm, in his service dog training. From the very beginning, he was extremely patient, knowledgeable, and dedicated, making sure Storm learned each skill with confidence… Storm’s progress has been life-changing for us, and we’re so grateful for everything he’s done. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for effective, compassionate, and professional dog training!”
– Vanessa Barrientos, Google Reviews
Incredibly gifted dog trainer!
“Hector is an incredibly gifted dog trainer, and I recommend his services wholeheartedly. He goes above and beyond to understand your dog’s unique needs, personality, and areas for improvement, and is very thoughtful in designing a customized plan *specific* to your pup. The level of transparency and communication that he offers for the board and train portion is far more than I’ve ever heard of a similar service doing, and I really appreciated the regular photos, videos, and calls to update me on my dog’s progress. The improvements in her confidence and public behavior have been tremendous, and Hector himself is fun and easy to work with. Thank you Hector!”
– Mark Spinosa, Google Reviews
3. A Dog’s Life Training & Education
Address: Serves El Paso County and nearby areas
Contact Details: 915-861-7545
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 7 pm
What really grabbed my attention about A Dog’s Life Training & Education is how they emphasize communication and building a bond, not just obedience.
Their pitch isn’t about shouting commands or relying on tricks. It’s about helping you and your best bud understand each other better, and truly become a team.
It’s great that they offer a mix of training formats. These include public group classes, private lessons, and home management guidance. Behavior modification and board-and-train are also available, if necessary.
I talked to one owner with a high-energy puppy who admitted they were on the brink of giving up. But after a few lessons, the pup started listening and calming down. Leash walks have also become manageable rather than chaotic.
Meanwhile, one client with a strong, stubborn breed said the trainer was kind but firm. He tailored the approach to what their dog needed and not what was easiest.
We appreciate this kind of approach. You know that they don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to dog training.
However, a few clients said communication could be slow, noting occasional long waits for returned calls.
So excited about the progress in such a short time
“We have been working with Laura at “A Dog’s Life” both one on one and having her board and train with our 9 month old German Shorthair and we are so excited about the progress she has made in such a short time. She has taken an out of control, crazy G.S. P. and taught him self-control and calmness as well as all the basic commands. She understands the working dog and how they are wired and what motivates them and she works with not against these things. She is kind and firm as well as just pleasant to be around and we are so excited to keep working with her and see what else our G.S.P. can do.”
– Cara Trier, Google Reviews
One of the best decisions we’ve made!
“Working with Jacqueline at a Dogs Life Training was one of the best decisions we made! My partner and I have 5 dogs all together and we needed someone to help us with basic training and help them coexist. Her teaching surpassed our expectations of what we thought they would soak in and learn. Thankfully they all learned all their basic needs like how to stay, go to bed, walk by our sides, not run out the door and more. And they were all very excited to work with her and show off what they have learned. I highly recommend A Dogs life training and Jacqueline!”
– Daniel Vasquez, Google Reviews
4. Good Dog Training
Address: Serves El Paso
Contact Details: 915-269-8184
Hours:
- Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
- Saturday, 8 am – 2 pm
If science-based positive reinforcement sounds good to you, then Good Dog Training in El Paso is an awesome choice for you and your fur babies. No prong collars or e-collars and no punishment, just clear communication and kindness to build strong bonds.
We love their variety of training offerings. These include a six-week puppy socialization class, trick-dog courses, and rally/obedience training. They also offer specialized behavior modification for reactive or anxious dogs.
It’s great to hear from many dog owners that their most high-energy dogs began to settle down and follow cues more reliably after a few sessions.
They also appreciate how patient the trainer, Eliza, is. Many loved that she really studies each dog’s behavior so the training feels personal and intuitive.
Another thing we love about them is the AKC Fit Dog Club, where you and your dog can exercise with other pups and owners. And the best part is, you can join for free!
Just one thing to note is that their class spots can fill up fast because they keep things small and owner-involved.
Truly outstanding, incredibly meticulous & informative
“Eliza was truly outstanding. She was incredibly meticulous and informative when it came to training my Doberman. We did the 6 week private lesson and I highly recommend it. We learned basic proper obedience, and the best and proper positive reinforcement. She was very patient, and understanding with us. I could see the difference in my puppy in our first session with Eliza. She truly opened our eyes to realize what us humans and our actions can do to animals. The simplest things can go a long way. So if you do take on a class, do not take these lessons lightly, having a dog is a 24/7 job. Even though we wrapped up our 6 week class, I still practice what I learned with Eliza everyday. My little pup is thriving and continuing to learn and train to be the best dog she can be.”
– Alex Galvez, Google Reviews
Genuinely wants us to be better owners. We have a happy dog & we are thrilled!
“Eliza is amazing! We HIGHLY recommend her!! She taught us how to create and establish good healthy boundaries for our mini golden doodle Apollo. Eliza gave us the tools we needed to correct and teach good behavior. She takes pride in her classes and truly wants to teach us skills to be better owners. We have a happy dog and we are thrilled. We will be recommending her to family and friends. Thank you Eliza!”
– Paula Duran, Google Reviews
5. Barkerhaus Kennels
Address: 7229 Barker Rd
Contact Details: 915-779-2486
Hours:
- Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm
- Saturday, 9 am – 12 pm
What makes Barkerhaus special is its history and scale. This is El Paso’s oldest kennel, established in 1935.
Their two-acre facility offers more than ample space. They have 52+ runs, a spacious training field, and a large exercise yard, which already feels reassuring even before any training begins.
They don’t just board dogs, as they offer a full suite of training and services. They provide basic and advanced obedience and “goal-oriented” programs. Even specialized service-dog training for mobility, seizure, or PTSD support is available.
Many dog owners shared that the difference in behavior was striking. Some say their pets now walk calmly on a loose leash, able to ignore distractions and greet politely rather than react.
Beyond standard obedience, they get respect for handling stronger or high-energy breeds as well.
Their boarding program also earns praise as many feel comfortable leaving their dogs because it’s clean, secure, climate-controlled, and staff are on-site 24/7. What’s more, their boarding service now welcomes cats, too.
As for drawbacks, since Barkerhaus is popular and handles many clients. Some people report that sessions fill up fast, and you may have to wait for an opening.
Our dog always returned better than when we left him
“We’ve boarded our dog here 3+ times, and each time has been a great experience. Our dog always returned better than when we left him- new obedience skills, calmer and easier to handle. They make their life about the dogs, and are extremely professional, personally involved, and it has been a positive experience to board our dog here. They also provide training that we will be investing in. All prices are more than reasonable. Great communication. Could not recommend enough.”
– Heather West, Google Reviews
Definitely recommend Barkerhaus for any level of training you need
“Took my GSD/Husky mix for basic training. We adopted him from a rescue I work with very closely. He is not a misbehaved dog by any means but we wanted to reinforce his manners and boundaries. We just completed our basic obedience training and we see the difference in reinforcing boundaries helps! Tiffany was patient and made the whole process easy and straightforward! She was always available and open to questions and willing to help with anything we were having trouble with or needed the extra help with. Definitely recommend Barkerhaus for any level of training you need. As long as you put in the work at home, the training is a piece of cake!”
– Alexandria Rodriguez, Google Reviews
