Lucas BrennanBringing a new dog into your life is exciting, but it can also come with challenges. We’ve all been there, frustrated by leash pulling or embarrassed by a dog who won’t stop barking at the mail carrier.
New puppies need structure, while rebellious teen dogs need patience. The right trainer provides both to ensure a happy home.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog trainers in Indianapolis, focusing on professionals who can tackle tough behavioral issues and set you up for long-term success.
Get ready to transform your relationship with your beloved canine companion!
How much does dog training cost in Indianapolis?
The cost of hiring a dog trainer in Indianapolis really depends on how you want to learn. If you’re looking for personalized, one-on-one time with an expert, private, hourly sessions usually fall between $100 and $150. For new puppy owners who want to get started right, puppy classes are quite affordable, often ranging from $55 to $90 for the whole course. If you prefer a more social environment where your dog can practice with distractions, a typical group class course will cost around $150 to $250. Keep in mind that specialized programs, like a multi-week Board & Train, will naturally be a larger investment. It’s always smart to take advantage of free initial evaluations offered by some trainers to get a customized price for your specific situation.
1. Indy K-9
Website: https://indyk9training.com/
Address: 5940 N Ewing St, Indianapolis
Contact: +1 317-201-5573
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Indy K-9’s focused approach sets them apart and gives dog owners genuine hope for a calmer life. They specialize in issues like aggression, separation anxiety, and deep-rooted fear.
My friend Sarah struggled with her adopted shelter dog’s severe leash reactivity and anxiety, but Indy K-9’s 15+ years of experience made her feel confident her dog was in capable hands.
Their personalized, balanced training programs, which included an e-collar with follow-up lessons, made the transition home smooth.
The only drawback is that they exclusively offer Board & Train programs, so those seeking basic obedience or lower-cost options may need another provider.
Nevertheless, for dogs needing serious behavioral change, their comprehensive programs and strong post-training support are truly top-tier.
Customer Reviews
They are fantastic trainers. My puppy came back home much better behaved, and I now understand my part in helping my dog do the right things. He is much happier and I am far less frustrated.
- Armando Perez | Google Review
We brought our rescue dog here for obedience training and were very impressed with the results! Our dog has a ton of energy, but Jon and his team helped improve her demeanor and taught us how to effectively walk and train her with a pinch and ecollar. Highly recommend! We also appreciate the chance to board our dog here from time to time so she can see familiar faces.
- Stephen Hall | Google Review
2. Off-Leash K9 Training Indianapolis
Website: https://indydogtrainer.com/
Address: 3005 Meridian Meadows Rd, Greenwood
Contact: +1 833-349-6959
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
If your goal is a dog that’s truly reliable off-leash in any environment, Off-Leash K9 Training is one of Indianapolis’ top choices for achieving that level of freedom.
Their reputation for producing obedient, distraction-proof dogs is well earned.
I used Off-Leash K9 Training with my own dog, Charlie, because I wanted him to stay dependable during hikes and patio outings.
Their trainers draw on a nationally recognized system and backgrounds in military or police K9 work, creating exceptional reliability for active owners.
They work with any breed and offer packages for aggressive dogs, therapy dog development, and even in-home training.
The only drawback I encountered was that not every program has a dedicated physical location, so be sure to ask during your free consultation.
Overall, their consistent, guaranteed results and emphasis on performance in real-world distractions make them a standout choice.
Customer Reviews
Allison went above and beyond for our dog. We are so happy with Ryker’s results and all of the new things he has learned. We would recommend off leash K9 to everyone. We will definitely be coming back when we get another dog! We loved getting daily updates.
- Alyssa and Carter S | Google Review
Our rescue poodles were frightened of everything when we first adopted them. We took them to several trainers before meeting Dacia, and she was the first one to be able to adjust the curriculum to meet them where they were. Because of that, they were able to build confidence and flourish into the amazing family dogs they are today.
- Christiane Pugh | Google Review
3. Purpose Driven K9 Dog Training
Website: https://purposedrivenk9.com/
Address: 1621 E Thompson Rd, Indianapolis
Contact: +1 317-760-5100
Hours:
- Mon & Wed – Fri: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tue: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Purpose Driven K9 is well known thanks to its highly qualified owner, Margaret Bridges, whose extensive experience and ongoing professional education ensure expert guidance.
As a former instructor at the National K9 School, she brings a truly advanced skill set.
Their philosophy, “Train Your Dog, Then You,” focuses on building a confident, well-behaved dog first and then teaching owners effective communication, an ideal approach for those needing handler confidence.
They begin with a thorough behavioral evaluation and offer follow-up group classes to help owners practice skills in real-world settings.
Another unique perk is their graduate-only boarding, which includes daily refresher training to prevent regression.
The downside is that this service isn’t available to the general public.
Even so, they excel in addressing issues like aggression and separation anxiety, and their emphasis on long-term owner education is a major strength.
Customer Reviews
K9 dog training here is absolutely wonderful. The owner is so knowledgeable and helpful while making the dog training user friendly. Our mini golden doodle would use to bark at everything and be a handful while walking on a leash. We now receive compliments on how well behaved he is while out in the public. He is so much better in the home as well. Thank you very much for the quality training experience.
- Adam Sanford | Google Review
Margaret and Purpose Driven K-9 are phenomenal! I cannot speak highly enough about them and their stay and train program. It was worth every cent and knowing the outcome, I would pay it again in a second! Thank you for helping my Maisy and my family!♥️
- Stacy Nahmias | Google Review
4. Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis
Website: https://dogtrainingelite.com/indianapolis
Areas served: Indianapolis and nearby areas
Contact: +1 317-788-8000
Hours:
- Mon – Thu: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sat: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dog Training Elite is another amazing option, with its advanced offerings, including official Service Dog and Therapy Dog programs.
This makes them an excellent option for owners with specialized goals. With more than 40 years of company experience, their methods are backed by a strong, time-tested foundation.
They work with any breed or age and focus on preparing dogs to handle real-world challenges confidently.
A colleague who used their free assessment appreciated how clearly the trainers outlined a customized plan and how flexible the scheduling was.
Their combination of in-home and facility training provides helpful convenience in terms of a dog’s environment.
One limitation is the strict drop-off and pick-up windows for facility services, which can be difficult for owners with tight schedules.
Despite this, their weekly group classes offer great reinforcement in distracting settings and add strong value after your furry pal’s graduation.
Customer Reviews
We attended the first of the Saturday group sessions-I think Donato was the youngest pup not quite 6 months – the group session was ‘GREAT’ – Distractions with all the dogs-conducted by Elite trainers willing to help us- THANK YOU!
- Patricia SICA | Google Review
The team at Dog Training Elite did an amazing job training my sweet little girl, Olive! And providing me with the knowledge and tools to tame her rambunctious nature and calm her anxieties. A worthwhile investment in creating a happier and healthier dog!
- Thomas Korecki | Google Review
5. Kingdom Elite K9
Website: https://www.kingdomelitek9.com/
Address: 3755 Bartlett Ave, Indianapolis
Contact: +1 812-900-1849
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Kingdom Elite K9 sets itself apart with its commitment to tailored and balanced training paired with a strong focus on owner education. Their goal is to strengthen the bond between dog and owner while building confidence on both sides.
Their certified trainers take time to understand each dog’s motivations before creating a personalized, reward-based plan.
Many clients describe “night and day” improvements, even with severe issues like aggression or unruly behavior, which highlights the effectiveness of their methods.
Those who have tried their services often mention major progress with leash pulling and jumping, which are common frustrations for dog owners. Their emphasis on ensuring owners feel confident continuing the training at home supports long-term success.
The main drawback is that their services are limited to the Indianapolis area, so those living farther out may need another option.
They also offer specialized detection services in addition to obedience training, demonstrating their broad expertise.
Customer Reviews
I cannot express how amazing Samantha is! We did a 2 week board and train with our 18 week old German shepherd, Rogue. She now has a solid recall, is getting better at the leave it command, and overall just a happier, more obedient pup. Would recommend to everyone. Can’t wait to continue our training each month 😊
- Rachael Panizzi | Google Review
Samantha and Brian are absolutely fantastic. Registered Kylo for their 6 week program and amazed at the amount of things he’s learned and how nice it is to have a dog that’s a joy to walk and adventure with! Highly recommend and will be returning I’m sure for random tricks and tune ups. Thanks again!
- Nigel Peters | Google Review
