Free in-home evaluation for every dogCall or text (602) 780-0029
AZ Dog Boss
Welcome to the AZ Dog Boss Academy

We train dogs and teach owners to be the Boss of their pack.

Private, proven and reliable in-home obedience training for the West Valley and Metro Phoenix. Every dog starts with a free evaluation at your home.

  • 1-on-1 training
  • Guaranteed for life
  • AKC CGC Evaluator
Robert Velazquez of AZ Dog Boss sitting on a park bench with a brindle dog
Free training toolPick a slip leash or treat pouch when you sign up for any package
How it works

Six steps from first visit to graduation

  1. Free in-home evaluation

    Every dog starts with a free visit at your home so we can see temperament and current skill level.

  2. Introduction

    We walk through the options together and pick the package that fits you and your dog.

  3. Training

    Weekly, step-by-step training that is time tested and works for any breed and any age.

  4. Progress

    Your trainer tests your dog every week so you can see the program working.

  5. Assistance

    Your trainer is on call by text and email for questions between sessions.

  6. Graduation

    Once your dog proves every command on cue, they graduate from the AZ Dog Boss Training Academy with proof of completion.

Why AZ Dog Boss

Training that sticks, for the life of your dog

01

Positive reinforcement and balanced training for a happy, healthy, obedient dog.

02

We build a positive, lifelong relationship between you and your dog.

03

Training is guaranteed for the life of your dog. Call us and we will make a game plan fast.

04

AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator in good standing with the American Kennel Club.

AZ Dog Boss trainer kneeling on a path, rewarding a brindle dog lying in a down
Expert dog training and service animal skills

A professional 1-on-1 training company in the West Valley

We offer obedience training, behavior modification, and therapy and service animal training and certification, plus AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Urban Canine and Public Access testing.

We combine balanced training with positive reinforcement, methods that are proven, effective and humane. Every dog deserves respect and patience, and we keep every session a positive place to learn.

✓AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator★AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy✓American Kennel Club
Training programs

Pick the package that fits your dog

Every program starts with a free in-home evaluation, so we recommend the right fit before you commit.

Basic Obedience

$1,850
5 private 75-minute sessions

Commands learned

  • Sit, Down, Off, Quiet, Come, Place, Load-Up, Heel
  • Leash manners
  • Rules and boundaries
  • Build confidence
  • Calm anxiety
Start with a free evaluation
Includes AKC CGC

Next Level Obedience

$2,250
8 private 75-minute sessions

Everything in Basic, plus

  • Impulse control
  • Recall
  • Off-leash manners
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation and certification
  • ESA emotional support training
  • Therapy dog training
Start with a free evaluation

2 Week Board & Train

$2,699
10 days, Mon to Fri drop-off and pick-up

Everything in Basic and Next Level, plus

  • Daily training for basic obedience
  • 1-on-1 attention and training
  • Socialization and pack training with experienced K9s
Start with a free evaluation

Service Animal Board & Train

$3,699
For service dogs in training

Basic and Next Level obedience, plus

  • AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation and certification
  • Task training introduction
  • Public training
  • Public access preparation
  • 3 private sessions after the board and train
Start with a free evaluation

An electronic training collar and a Flexi leash are included with Basic Obedience, Next Level, 2 Week Board & Train and Service Animal Board & Train. Additional training options depend on your dog's abilities, and every service dog is evaluated before being accepted.

Robert Velazquez rewarding a dog during a training session
Meet your trainer

Robert Velazquez, head of the AZ Dog Boss pack

"I have always been passionate about serving people and loving animals. I have been raising, caring for and tending to German Shepherds, Shetland ponies and Arabian horses from a young age, and it has been an amazing journey. K9s have always been by my side."

Every AZ Dog Boss trainer goes through a full program covering both dog training and the customer experience, because a better experience for you means better results for your dog.

What clients say

We adopted Max as a stray. He looks like a lab, but little did we know he was also mixed with a Great Dane! We weren't prepared for the behaviors that came with his size. We noticed a change in Max after just one session with Robert. He took the time to understand the specific things Max was struggling with in our home, worked with Max and gave us the tools to shape his behavior for the better. Robert was so patient and caring, and his training worked wonders. We are so grateful to Robert and his program!

Shayla LockeVerrado, Buckeye
Questions

Frequently asked questions

How old does my dog need to be to start training?

It depends on the skill:

  • Drive building can start as young as 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Sit and Come can be trained from 8 to 10 weeks.
  • Flat collar and leash training can start at 10 weeks.
  • E-collar training can start between 16 and 24 weeks.
  • Scent training is best started very young, introducing scents at 2 to 4 weeks.
Do e-collars shock or hurt my dog?

No. The device works like the TENS unit used in physical therapy. We find the lowest level your dog responds to and work from that baseline. It is never used to injure or harshly correct your dog.

Can my dog be trained?

Yes. Every dog can learn good obedience and basic manners, and every dog deserves it. Training helps their mental and physical well-being too.

Can my dog be a service animal?

Your dog needs an evaluation by an experienced trainer first, to check trainability, temperament and more. Every service dog is evaluated before being accepted into the program.

How long does it take to train a dog?

It depends on the dog, the goals and consistency. That is why every AZ Dog Boss program is 1-on-1 and runs over several weeks, so your dog gets a fluent understanding of every command.

Which commands matter most?

Sit, Place and Recall. They help you control your dog's behavior and keep them safe, and they are included in every package.

Ready to be the Boss of your pack?