As the second largest city in Arizona, Tucson has loads on offer for dog owners. Known for gorgeous desert landscapes, delectable cuisine, and the famed Saguaro cactus, it's on many must-visit bucket lists. It's also a fantastic location for those who love the outdoors as it has many incredible hiking trails perfectly suited for dog owners and their pups. In a recent study by Forbes, Tucson was also voted as one of the best cities for pets. It is said to have some of the lowest vet rates in the country when it comes to routine checkups, vaccinations, and sterilizations. Added to these perks, it also has an abundance of pet stores.
Dog owners living in Tucson have likely wondered about the best dog training options in the area. In this guide, we will explore several online and offline options when it comes to obedience training in Tucson as well as touch on the reasons why dog training is so important for dogs, emotional support animals (ESAs), and service dogs.
Why Online Dog Training?
Online dog training offers several advantages over in-person sessions. It provides flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Additionally, online resources offer a wide range of tutorials and tools, often at a lower cost. This makes online dog training a convenient and cost-effective option for many pet owners.
Overview of the Best Dog Training in Tucson, AZ
Online vs. In-Person Dog Training
Online and in-person training classes both have their merits and the choice between the two options is a hugely personal one. In-person classes are a great idea for dog owners wanting to socialize their dogs with other animals and people or those who need to deal with serious behavioral issues like aggression. However, they also come with a heftier price tag than online classes and don't offer the same levels of flexibility.
Online options have a few advantages from a cost and time perspective, these include:
- They allow dog owners to complete classes at their own pace all the while juggling work, family life, studies, and other stressors.
- They are more cost-effective than in-person classes.
- They offer greater levels of flexibility as dog owners can complete lessons at any time of day and from any location.
- They may be better than highly sensitive dogs who get overstimulated and over-excited in group or public settings.
Best Dog Trainers in Tucson For Your Needs
When it comes to finding the best dog training center in Tucson, there are a few options to consider:
Pettable Academy
If you are looking for affordable, high-value online classes from qualified behaviorists, Pettable Academy runs two comprehensive online programs. We equip dog owners with the necessary skills to enhance their confidence and grow their bond with their dogs. We have two options, namely traditional dog training which covers all the obedience basics, and psychiatric service dog training (PSD).
Dog Training
We run two video-based training programs for dog owners. The Puppy Kindergarten program runs over 13 classes and ensures that your puppy begins obedience training from the get-go. Topics covered include potty training, teething, and tips on puppy-proofing your home.
Next, our Focus Training series runs over 17 lessons and covers more focused training skills and commands. In this series, your pup will learn commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘leave it’, and ‘down’. They will also work on basic obedience and on improving their manners.
After completion of our courses, you will obtain a certificate.
PSD Training
Psychiatric service dogs (PSD) help owners through a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, phobias, ADHD, and more. A PSD certificate with a qualified trainer equips owners with the skills to train their dogs to best support their psychiatric conditions. These dogs enhance their quality of life and may be trained to perform a variety of tasks that mitigate the impact of mental health conditions, including deep pressure therapy, clearing rooms, retrieving objects, or alerting owners to an oncoming panic attack.
If you want to gain greater knowledge about PSD training, Pettable Academy is the ideal solution.
Karyn Garvin
If you are looking for in-person private lessons at home, Karyn Garvin is a great option. While in-person, at-home lessons will naturally cost a lot more than online or group classes (and can set you back about $250 per hour) they have great value if you are dealing with particularly difficult behaviors that you have been unable to resolve through online or group classes. Karyn Garvin also offers boarding for training options in her own home for a select number of dogs.
Dog Training Tucson AZ
If you want to train multiple dogs or do your training in real-life situations, Dog Training Tucson AZ is a good choice. Training multiple dogs at once is sometimes best done at a physical academy as you will have lots of behaviors to contend with at once. An in-person trainer is useful when it comes to handling numerous dogs and giving them (and you) the best training tools.
Bandana Dog Training
Bandana Dog Training is a great option if you are searching for a training facility that encompasses real-world situations or want training and boarding solutions. They offer various services, including private training at their facility and park training where you will encounter various real-life scenarios like new people and pups. They also have a special Explorers package where they will take your pup on different adventures to mix things up and visit some of Tucson’s dog-friendly trails.
Their train and board program runs for 10 days or 21 days. Your pup will board at their facility and learn basic obedience and manners. The longer course will also focus on recall and social interactions. Nonetheless, the premium package will set dog owners back $2,095 and is a costly training option.
The Takeaway
Choosing the best training academy for your pup is a hugely personal decision. If you want to focus on PSD training, it’s important to go with an academy that understands the importance of service dogs in alleviating mental health symptoms. When choosing between online or offline classes consider your budget, schedule, travel distances, and testimonials of your preferred training school. For more information on our online training programs and ESA letters, get in touch with our team.
