The 5 Best Dog Trainers in Amsterdam to Help Raise a Well-Mannered Pup
Living in Amsterdam with a dog sounds great, until they start treating the streets like a giant obstacle course.
I tried patience, firmness, and way too many treats, but nothing really worked—and that’s when I realised that loving your dog isn’t always enough in a busy city like this.
What made it harder was figuring out who to trust. Every trainer claimed to be the best, and every dog owner had a different recommendation.
Instead of guessing, I started paying attention to the professionals who consistently delivered results. That’s how this list came together.
It’s built for dog owners who want real progress, not quick fixes. If you’re tired of daily struggles and public apologies, these are the dog trainers in Amsterdam worth checking out.
How much do dog trainers charge in Amsterdam?
Dog trainers in Amsterdam usually charge €75–€125 per hour for private sessions, while group classes start around €195 per course. Packages and specialty training may cost more.
1. Nero Dog Training
Address: Sloterweg 675, 1066 CA
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Nero Dog Training is the first English dog training service in the Netherlands, which makes it a great option for expats or anyone who feels more comfortable learning in English.
The founder, Harlie, blends proven behavioural science with practical, everyday solutions. Her company offers everything from one-on-one behaviour consults and puppy classes to group Life Skills sessions, scent-work, and workshops.
In all their programs, they also stick to positive reinforcement, which I really like, as no harsh techniques are being used.
From the owners I’ve talked to, the results are pretty consistent as well. People usually see real improvement, especially with recall and leash manners. A lot of them say Harlie’s calm, encouraging style helps nervous dogs settle down.
It’s also super easy to fit into your routine. You can train at their Sloterweg space, in your own home, or even online.
The only downside is that Nero’s classes fill up fast, so you might need a bit of patience to get a spot.
My dog is always having so much fun in Harlie’s classes
“I cannot even begin to explain how much Harlie has helped my dog since she’s been a puppy!! I highly recommend Nero Dog Training, as my dog is always having so much fun in Harlie’s classes. My dog has learned so so much, and as a reactive dog has improved immensely. There’s no one else I would go to for dog training, and not only is my dog learning at Nero Dog Training, but I have also learned a lottt on how to be a better dog handler.”
– Yxzaira Anthony, Google Review
Two of my dogs with different quirks respond so well to Harlie’s training
“Harlie is amazing! After signing our Labrador up for the small group training, we came back to Harlie for our little Chihuahua and she had a blast! It’s so great to see two breeds with completely different quirks respond so well to the her training. Definitely recommend her!”
– Seda Acarlar, Google Review
2. Ethical Dog Trainers
Address: Sluisstraat 58, 1075 TH
Contact Details: +31 61 489 8704
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
One thing I noticed right away about Ethical Dog Trainers is how qualified the staff are.
Several trainers are certified by respected organisations like the Dutch Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC).
Their lead trainer, a licensed kynological instructor, prioritises the well-being of your dog and sticks to reward-based methods, which many owners really appreciate.
The programs are thoughtfully designed, too. Private lessons are tailored to your dog’s individual needs, and they’ll even come to your home or neighbourhood if that’s what works best.
On the other hand, group classes take place on a fully fenced field, so dogs and their owners have a safe space to practice real-life situations together.
They also offer puppy programs focused on confidence, manners, and healthy routines from the very beginning.
I was also impressed by the training app that comes with every course. It’s packed with videos and exercises, and many people told me it helped them stay consistent between sessions, especially with all the practical tips
But if there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s the cost. High-quality, small-group training like this isn’t the cheapest option in town.
We’ve seen huge progress after 2 sessions with Camilia
“We’ve had an amazing experience w/ Camilia 🙂 Udon, our labradoodle, always has a blast on his walks on the beach. She’s also been a great trainer to work with as well. Udon has had recall issues and within 2 sessions with Camilia we’ve seen huge progress. We highly recommend Camilia and we trust her so much with our pup :)”
– Rita Lee, Google Review
A positive reinforcement trainer with a lot of love for dogs
“Camilia is a positive reinforcement trainer with a lot of love for dogs and other animals.
We’ve been doing a detection course with her and my senior dog is enjoying it a lot.”
– Karolina Joniec, Google Review
3. De Gabber Amsterdam
Address: Spaarndammerdijk 316c, 1014 AA
Contact Details: +31 62 521 6635
De Gabber Amsterdam is part of the Dutch Association for Dog Behaviour Therapists, so you get the sense they know what they’re doing.
What I liked most is how welcoming they are to every breed and age, and how clearly they stick to reward-based training. There’s no coercion or intimidation—just positive reinforcement.
One owner I spoke to even told me their shy rescue dog went from hiding behind them to actively participating in class, simply because the trainers took the time to build trust.
They don’t just cover the basics either. Along with group and private lessons, they run workshops on things like leash walking, recall, and even “Dog Dancing” for anyone looking for something a bit more fun and creative.
They’re also pretty flexible if you miss a class, and they offer “pluslessen” (extra lessons) if you want more practice or support, which is a nice reassurance for first-time owners.
But the Spaarndammerdijk field can be a bit tricky to reach without a car or good public transport.
Perfect school for dog training
“Perfect school for dog training. Close & convenient plus very knowledgeable trainers. Also not expensive at all. I started with the puppy training basics and have since also followed the “come-here” training as well. Our pupper is a much better listener by now and am looking forward to doing additional training at the gabber.”
– Bendert Katier, Google Review
Really nice trainers who all use positive reinforcement
“Really nice trainers who all use positive reinforcement and truly love dogs and have their best interest in mind. My rescue dog loves it so much he always gets really excited as soon as we only get close to it. Most (non-puppy) classes happen outside, as far as I know, so dress accordingly. Other than that it’s a great place to bond with your dog and learn about dogs as a human ;)”
– Juan Nguyen, Google Review
4. Kate’s Dog School
Contact Details: +31 61 508 2817
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Kate is fully insured, DTC-certified, and absolutely committed to ethical, positive training methods. She customises everything to fit your dog’s real life by meeting you wherever you and your pet feel most comfortable.
It’s worth noting early on that Kate doesn’t offer group classes. That focus on one-to-one work means you won’t get big, public puppy socialisation.
This personalised approach clearly makes a difference—and I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Other clients talk about how much calmer and more focused their dogs are without the distractions of a big group sitting.
For puppies, Kate creates a gentle foundation, building confidence and social skills, while also covering essentials like crate and toilet training.
From there, the training adapts as your dog grows—moving into recall, loose-lead walking, impulse control, and real-world behaviour challenges.
Rescue dogs, on the other hand, who are struggling with trust or anxiety, get extra care, which many owners have called a genuine breakthrough.
One detail people love (and I did too) is the free consultation. It’s a relaxed opportunity to talk openly about your dog and your goals before you commit to anything.
Helped me a lot with my puppy’s behavior and obedience
“Kate is awesome! She helped me a lot with my puppy’s behavior and obedience. You can tell she really knows dogs and loves what she does. My pup listens so much better now – total game changer. Super thankful for her help!”
– Estefania Madrid, Google Review
Wonderful trainer with lots of practical examples and tips
“We made so much progress with Kate. She is a wonderful trainer with lots of practical examples and tips and our dog absolutely loved her! Kate helped us not only to teach our dog new things but also understand his perspective which was really useful to stay motivated and consistent.”
– Evgenia, Google Review
5. Kennemer Hondenschool
Address: Kerkweg 19, 2064 KR Spaarndam
Contact Details: +31 62 298 2848
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Thursday and Sunday – Closed
Kennemer Hondenschool’s trainers are professionals, educated at top institutions like DogVision. Their expertise is reflected not just in the curriculum, but in the way each course is structured.
The Puppy Course is a great example, moving well beyond basic obedience. It covers how puppies think and learn and helps you read your dog’s body language.
This program includes socialisation sessions, a mini obstacle course, and useful care tips for new owners.
You can then progress to Basic 1 and 2 classes, which focus on practical skills like loose-lead walking and self-control—all taught with playful exercises.
One aspect I especially appreciate is their gentle approach: slip collars and harsh corrections are avoided in favour of encouragement, clicker training, and creating a fun, supportive environment for all ages.
However, I did hear from a few owners that sometimes lessons ended a bit sooner than promised, which is a bit disappointing when you’re looking forward to a full class.
The trainer was organised and would help with any questions we had
“Great experience at this place! 👌 Natasja was always welcoming from day one. She is very knowledgeable. She was well organised and would also help with any extra questions we had in the group. I definitely use alot of what I learned which helped me connect better with my dog but also help our dog become a part of our family too.”
– Nicola Verbrugge-Burgess, Google Review
Helped my dog to be less reactive and be able to be controlled on the leash
“The outdoor training helped my dog to be less reactive and be able to be controlled on the leash. The trainer Michael gave me very useful suggestions. I am looking forward to book my second training.”
– Mirko Gervasi, Google Review