Our Story

Partners Dog School was founded in 1997, which means we have been training dogs in the Scottsdale and Cave Creek area for over 28 years. In that time we have trained more than 70,000 dogs across every breed, temperament, and behavior challenge you can imagine. What started as a single trainer with a passion for working with dogs other trainers wouldn't take has grown into Arizona's largest and highest-rated dog training operation with two state-of-the-art facilities. Our longevity speaks for itself — families trust us because we have the track record to back up every promise we make.

We are balanced trainers. That means we lean heavily on reward-based, positive reinforcement methods while also believing in clear, fair communication — including telling a dog 'no' when it matters. We do not subscribe to any single ideology; we subscribe to results. Every dog is different, and our trainers are skilled at reading the dog in front of them and adapting their approach accordingly. Our staff attend conferences, pursue certifications, and constantly refine their methods because the science of canine behavior is always evolving. If you'd like to learn more about our philosophy, schedule a call and we will walk you through it.

Yes. Our trainers pursue ongoing certifications and continuing education year-round. More importantly, every trainer at Partners has been mentored internally through thousands of real-world cases — from basic puppy manners to severe aggression. We believe that certifications matter, but hands-on experience under expert mentorship is what truly makes a great trainer. Our head trainers have each worked with thousands of dogs individually, and many of our team members have been with Partners for five or more years. You can meet our team to learn more about each trainer's background and specialties.

Absolutely. We work with every breed, size, and temperament — from eight-pound Chihuahuas to 150-pound Cane Corsos and everything in between. We also work with dogs of all ages, from puppies as young as six months to senior dogs who need a refresher or a behavior adjustment. At Partners, we factor in your dog's breed tendencies, personality, age, and history to develop a training plan tailored specifically to them. No two dogs get the same cookie-cutter approach because no two dogs are the same.

Three things set us apart: depth of experience, comprehensive follow-through, and genuine honesty. With over 70,000 dogs trained, there is virtually no behavioral scenario we have not seen and successfully addressed. But training your dog is only half the job — every program includes extensive owner education through private lessons and group classes so the results actually last when your dog goes home. And we will always be straight with you about what your dog needs, even if it means recommending a different program than the one you called about. We would rather match you with the right solution than sell you the wrong one. That integrity is why 50+ veterinary practices across the Phoenix metro area refer families to us.