dog-trainers-in-malta

The 5 Best Dog Trainers in Malta for a Well-Behaved Pup

  • Force-Free Methods: I prioritised trainers who use modern, science-backed positive reinforcement. That ruled out any provider relying on shock, choke, or prong-based aversion tools.
  • Verified Credentials: Preference went to specialists holding formal veterinary, behavioural, or internationally recognised certifications. This filter helps confirm the handler truly understands animal psychology.
  • Range of Settings: I looked at each trainer's facilities and capacity. My list favours those offering balanced options, from private home sessions to controlled group socialisation classes.
  • Clear Pricing: I reviewed recent local feedback and programme structures to shortlist reliable schools. The ones that made it keep clear upfront pricing with no surprise lesson expiry or hidden venue fees.

Raising a dog in Malta comes with plenty of sweet moments, but it can get chaotic fast. Between stray cats in Sliema, busy café terraces, and noisy village streets, a calm companion makes daily life much easier.

That’s why finding the best dog trainer in Malta matters. The right guidance can help with puppy basics, leash manners, recall, and anxious rescue dogs.

To save you the guesswork, I tracked down standout experts who use kind, science-backed methods.

Before starting intensive private sessions, it’s worth speaking with a trusted vet in Malta to make sure your dog is physically ready for high-drive activities and more demanding handling exercises.

How much does it cost to hire a dog trainer in Malta?

Hiring a dog trainer in Malta typically costs between €25 and €35 per hour for in-home private sessions. Multi-week group programmes generally run €200 to €220, depending on the trainer and the type of programme.

Service TypeEstimated Cost
In-home private session (per hour)€25 – €35
Multi-week group programme€200 – €220
One-on-one behavioural rehabilitationFrom €35 per hour

1. Malta Dog Training Services – Robert Spiteri

malta-dog-training-services-robert-spiteri

Website: maltadogtraining.com

Address: Alley St Anna, 11 Triq Sant Anton Abbati, Mosta

Contact: +356 9944 2426 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Malta Dog Training Services is a strong choice if you want kind, force-free training. Lead trainer Robert Spiteri avoids physical coercion and works with the dog and handler as a team.

His approach focuses on trust, not just basic commands. My neighbour brought her leash-reactive rescue to him, and the change in their walks was easy to see.

His behavioural approach helped address the root of the problem instead of just managing the symptoms.

Plus, I like that he also has advanced international training in assistance dogs, including support for seizure alerts and autism-related needs.

The drawback is that his standardised handling curriculum has not launched yet.

His schedule also leans heavily toward evening slots, so availability may be limited.

Pros

  • Extensive experience with severe behavioural cases
  • Strictly force-free, no aversion tools
  • Qualified in specialised assistance dog work
  • Holistic focus on the dog and the handler together

Cons

  • Standardised programme not yet released
  • Limited weekly evening session slots

Customer Reviews

Expert Guidance for Better Dog Behaviour

He knows dog’s behavior and what they need from us. After only one session results were obvious. The dog enjoyed the sessions with a happy tail. Next day we did the exercises with the tips given and significant improvement was made. Additionally, he enjoys now training even more then before. We are so grateful to Robert Spiteri and we can’t wait to the next session.

– Ivana Kovac | Google Review

Helpful Advice for New Puppy Owners

I can’t thank Robert enough for all the amazing help and advice he gave me as a first-time puppy owner. His knowledge about dogs is truly impressive—he clearly understands not just general training techniques, but also the unique personalities and needs of each dog. He offered practical, easy-to-follow tips that made a huge difference, from house training to managing teething and everything in between.

– Terry C. | Google Review

2. Working Dogs Academy

working-dogs-academy

Website: wda.com.mt

Address: Soteria Buildings, Dawret Ħal Għaxaq, Għaxaq

Contact: +356 7949 4233 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Thursday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Working Dogs Academy is a good fit if Malta’s weather keeps interrupting your training routine. Their one-to-one lessons take place in a large indoor facility, so you can keep progressing even when it’s too hot, windy, or rainy outside.

What stood out to me is their focus on real-world confidence. They take dogs into busy places like shopping areas and seaports to build proper socialisation skills that hold up outside the training field.

The main drawback is that this is not a casual group-class setup. Their private, customised approach is designed for behavioural work and working-line dogs, so owners looking for a relaxed community class may find it too specialised. 

The premium one-to-one format can also be more expensive than standard obedience courses.

Pros

  • Large all-weather indoor facility
  • Highly individualised one-to-one lessons
  • Real-world socialisation in busy public spaces
  • Strong expertise in working with bloodlines

Cons

  • Few casual group socialisation classes
  • Premium pricing for budget-minded owners

3. The Pack Therapist

the-pack-therapist

Website: thepacktherapist.com

Areas Served: Malta (remote sessions)

Contact: +356 7903 9135 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, by appointment

The Pack Therapist is a strong choice if you want to understand your dog’s behaviour, not just teach commands. Eleonora Capobianco works more like a relationship coach, helping owners read body language and improve communication.

I sat in on a friend’s first advisory session with her, and the collaborative feel stood out. She worked through behaviour concerns while coordinating with veterinary professionals when needed.

Her shelter background also gives her useful insight into rescue dogs and dogs with more complex emotional needs.

The main drawback is that her consulting is fully remote, so you won’t get hands-on handling corrections at home. She also requires a preliminary assessment before training begins.

Pros

  • Deep expertise in canine rehabilitation
  • Strong shelter and rescue-dog background
  • Collaborative owner-and-dog coaching
  • Proactive early socialisation strategies

Cons

  • Remote, virtual sessions only
  • Preliminary assessment is required first

Customer Reviews

Professional and Highly Effective Puppy Training

Five stars! I contacted the Pack Therapist so that I could understand the world through my puppy’s eyes and to make sure I raise her well – the training surpassed all of my expectations. Eleonora is very professional, knowledgeable, kind and passionate about what she does. The training really helped me to become more confident in raising my puppy and taking her out and making sure she is well socialised with other dogs.

– Ana Carolina Sarmento | Google Review

4. Apple4Pets

apple4pets

Website: apple4pets.com

Address: No. 8, Hardrocks Business Park, Wied il-Ghasel, Naxxar

Contact: +356 9914 8654 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Apple4Pets is a good pick if you want support for both behaviour and overall pet wellness. Alongside their behavioural centre, they also run a pet grooming service in Malta, with spa facilities under one roof.

I like that they have an in-house veterinary nutritionist who can give more informed guidance on your pet’s diet. That can be useful if food, energy levels, and behaviour are all connected in your training goals.

They focus on raw, species-appropriate diets and carefully selected pet health products.

The main drawback is that short introductory consultations have limits. They don’t cover full custom long-term meal plans, so you’ll need a fuller package for that level of detail.

Pros

  • All-in-one behaviour, grooming, and health hub
  • In-house veterinary nutritionist on staff
  • Species-appropriate, carefully vetted diets
  • Free local delivery over €25

Cons

  • Intro consultations exclude custom menus

5. Dog Training & Behaviour Services

dog-training-behaviour-services

Website: robertbugejadogtraining.com

Address: 27 Il-Gjacinti, San Ġwann

Contact: +356 9986 9530 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Dog Training & Behaviour Services is for those who want structured training with recognised credentials behind it. 

Lead trainer Robert Bugeja holds ADTB credentials and also has a strong IGP sport focus, which suits owners interested in advanced tracking and protection work.

I like that the centre offers a ten-week group syllabus that builds from basic focus commands toward graduation. That structure can be reassuring for first-time owners.

The sessions are run from a spacious indoor facility in San Ġwann. The setup gives dogs a clean, low-distraction space for individual lessons.

The drawback is that group classes take place outdoors in a Ta’ Qali parking lot, not inside the main facility. They’re also limited to one Friday evening slot, which may not suit every schedule.

Pros

  • ADTB-credentialed lead trainer
  • Clean, distraction-free indoor venue
  • Structured ten-week group syllabus
  • Advanced tracking and protection sport focus

Cons

  • Group classes are held outdoors in all weather
  • Group courses limited to one Friday slot

Customer Reviews

Knowledgeable Trainer Who Understands Specific Needs

I can’t say enough good things about this trainer. From the very first session, it was clear how knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate he is about dogs. He took the time to understand my dog’s personality, behavior, and specific challenges, and created a training plan that actually worked for us.

– Sarah Magro | Google Review

Transformative Training Results for My Puppy

Without a doubt, Robert is one of the best, if not the best Dog Trainer in Malta. A few month back I found myself in the ownership of a Border Collie puppy, who I dearly love, but had made me cry at times. Barking at night, peeing indoors, leash pulling, you name it. After the first session Robert put everything into perspective and over a few weeks I saw quite a transformation with some minor changes from my end. Huge respect Robert, Thanks from me and Willow!

– David Borg | Google Review

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