How much does dog training cost in Toronto?

The Dogfather offers obedience from $1,750 CAD, Board & Train from $2,500, aggression rehabilitation at $3,500, and protection training at $7,500. A $50 behavioural evaluation is credited toward any program. Call 647-551-2633.

What is the best board and train program in Toronto?

The Dogfather's Board & Train is GTA's most results-driven program. Dogs live with the trainer for 2–6 weeks with daily real-environment proofing. Every program includes 3 in-home handover sessions — in your home, with your family and triggers.

Can you train an aggressive or reactive dog?

Yes. The Dogfather specializes in cases other trainers turn away — dog-on-dog aggression, human aggression, bite history, fear-based reactivity, and resource guarding. Call 647-551-2633 before considering rehoming or behavioural euthanasia.

Do you offer dog daycare in Scarborough or Toronto?

Yes. Structured trainer-led dog daycare in Scarborough with obedience reinforcement, structured play, enrichment, and rest — not a free-for-all. Limited spots. Serving Toronto and GTA.

Is dog boarding available near Toronto?

Yes. Premium dog boarding in Scarborough — trainer-supervised, home environment (no kennels), with daily photo and video updates for peace of mind. Serving Toronto, Scarborough, and the GTA.

Do you offer puppy training in the GTA?

Yes. Puppy obedience and foundational training for dogs 8 weeks and up. Builds from foundational obedience to real-world reliability. Book a $50 evaluation to get started: 647-551-2633.

Where is The Dogfather dog trainer located?

The Dogfather is based at 29 Edenmills Dr, Scarborough, Ontario M1E 4L1, and serves all of Ontario. Primary in-person service area: Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, Downtown Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, Hamilton, plus all of Durham, Peel, York, and Halton regions. Long-distance Board & Train pickup and virtual coaching available across Ontario.

PetSmart vs The Dogfather — Honest Comparison (2026)

The most direct price comparison Toronto dog owners run. Here's the bullet-point version, with no marketing fluff.

At a Glance

| Factor | PetSmart Group Class | The Dogfather Obedience | |---|---|---| | Price | $200 to $400 / 6 weeks | $1,750 / 4 to 6 weeks | | Format | Group class, 6 to 8 dogs | Senior trainer, 1-on-1 | | Trainer | Variable, often new | 15+ years GTA experience | | Curriculum | Sit, down, stay, basic | Heel, off-leash recall, place, full reliability | | Real-world proofing | None | Markham, Mississauga, Toronto, wherever you live | | Reactivity work | Refuses cases | Specialty | | Working-breed depth | Limited | Core specialty | | In-home handover | None | Included | | Written protocol | Generic handout | Custom to your dog | | Lifetime support | None | Available |

Where PetSmart Wins

Cheaper. By a lot.
Easier scheduling — drop in, take 6 weeks, done.
Fine for friendly family puppies with simple goals.
Decent socialisation environment for green puppies.

Where PetSmart Loses

Cannot handle reactive dogs.
Cannot handle bite history.
Cannot handle working-breed drive levels.
Cannot proof off-leash reliability.
Cannot install behaviours that hold in real Toronto environments.
Curriculum is designed for the median customer — your dog gets diluted attention.

When PetSmart Is Actually The Right Call

Friendly Goldendoodle puppy
Pet home with no behaviour problems
Owner who wants "sit/down/stay" and nothing more
Budget under $400

We say this honestly. We don't take cases that should go to PetSmart. The $50 evaluation is where we tell you which tier you actually need.

When The Dogfather Is The Right Call

Working breed (Shepherd, Malinois, Cane Corso, Pitbull, Husky, Doberman, Rottweiler)
Dog with reactivity, leash issues, or jumping
Off-leash reliability is the goal
Family with complex schedules where Board & Train makes sense
Aggression, bite history, or escalating behaviour
You've already tried PetSmart and it didn't hold

The Math

$200 PetSmart class + $1,750 Dogfather program later when the issues escalated = $1,950. $1,750 Dogfather program from the start = $1,750.

Most of our Aggression Rehab caseload started as PetSmart graduates. Group class didn't cause the problem; group class just couldn't fix it once the problem appeared.

Book the Evaluation

$50 evaluation, honest tier recommendation →. We'll tell you if PetSmart is enough — and we mean it.

Call (647) 551-2633.